In 2025, WBENC continues its legacy of honoring exceptional women business owners through the WBE Star Award. Each WBE Star has been hand-selected by one of the 14 Regional Partner Organizations, with a special focus this year on honoring those who embody the spirit of “ACCELERATE” by championing progress, growth, and advancement for themselves, their businesses, and the communities they serve. The WBE Star Award stands as a powerful acknowledgment of the profound impact these extraordinary women have made throughout their careers, shaping industries and inspiring lasting changes in their communities.
The 2025 WBE Stars are being celebrated throughout the year, with the culmination at the vibrant WBENC National Conference, held June 23-26, 2025, in New Orleans, Louisiana. This dynamic event served as a hub for business excellence, innovation, and networking. Thousands of attendees gathered to celebrate the strength and rich tapestry of the WBENC Network. It was a time to recognize the ongoing contributions of entrepreneurs and change makers, including the 14 exceptional WBE Stars ACCELERATING impact across the network.
Meet Theresa R. Proctor, CEO of Forward Movement Enterprises, with the Women’s Business Enterprise Council Greater DMV Regional Partner Organization. Theresa is gifted in delivering insightful content that continues to empower individuals within government agencies and corporations around the globe to perform with forward movement.
With more than 20 years of corporate leadership, Theresa’s unwavering commitment to adding value to others is the core of her company’s success. In her corporate career, she received several awards and recognitions for record-breaking results, sustainability, problem-solving, and change through influence. She has taken the lead in enhancing corporate cultures and self-directed teams to work collaboratively, resulting in an increase in operational efficiency. Theresa has traveled from state to state, training and inspiring employees of mid-size to large companies to establish peak performance and competency.
Get inspired by Theresa’s insights, and stay tuned for more wisdom from the other 2025 WBE Stars throughout the year!
Forward Movement Enterprises stands out in transforming team performance by supporting leaders and employees to shift from stagnant to strategic. Their clients receive high value from exceptional solutions in coaching and professional learning and development. Their virtual and in-person training inspires internal promotion, employee retention, and sustainability of organizations throughout the nation. Forward Movement Enterprises provides learning experiences that invite new thought value, high performance and sage decision-making.
Wisdom from WBE Star, Theresa R. Proctor
What does “ACCELERATE” mean to you in the context of the WBENC network?
The WBENC ecosystem is designed to support businesses to accelerate regarding the growth and scale of business. The opportunities to contribute, give back, and make a difference in the lives of other business owners are unparalleled. As a result, you cannot stop the harvest of opportunities overtaking your business, from unwavering support to education and fruitful connections.
For business owners and leaders who are looking to ACCELERATE their success, what key advice or actionable steps would you recommend for them to implement today?
For business owners and leaders looking to ACCELERATE their success, I would recommend CPR.
- Conveyance: messaging as a CEO, team, online presence – it’s a merge of effectiveness, communications, and clarity. This is significant to assess because clarity is supportive.
- Product and Service Innovation: Warren Buffet said ‘never stop thinking about how to delight your customer.’ Even if you are a service-based business, think about attaching a product – product innovation will support your company in disconnecting your revenue from time.
- Relational Equity: building strong relationships is not the alternative – it’s a requirement.
What strategies do you use to stay motivated and inspired as a leader?
What suggestions would you like to share with a newly certified WBE who is looking to get involved in the WBENC community?
Attend the ‘Now I’m Certified- What’s Next?’ session – make a short list of actions you desire to accomplish within your first 90 days. Connect with other WBEs for community and accountability. Meet with someone from your RPO to learn about opportunities to contribute. This is how you launch well within the WBENC community.
What legacy do you hope to leave in the business community?
The five leading areas Forward Movement Enterprises desires to leave a legacy within the business community are as follows:
- Empowered Leaders and Employees
- High-Performance and Successful Organizations
- Positive Social Evolution
- Economic Growth
- Memorable Social Impact
