What’s trending. What’s changing. What’s worth talking about.
There’s always something worth putting in the spotlight. Every other week, we shine a light on an inspiring woman, smart idea, useful resource, seasonal moment, helpful tool, or an organization doing something worth knowing about.
She Built A Fashion Empire. Then She Built a Door For Other Women to Walk Through
This Week’s Spotlight: The Tory Burch Foundation
We know Tory Burch for the fashion.
But this week, Gossip Girl is looking beyond the runway.
Through the Tory Burch Foundation, the designer and entrepreneur has spent years helping women build something of their own—providing access to business education, coaching, capital resources and a community of women founders.
And there’s a reason we’re talking about it right now.
The Fellows Program Opens September 22
The Tory Burch Foundation Fellows Program is designed for women entrepreneurs who are ready to grow and scale their businesses.
Selected Fellows gain access to:
Business coaching and expert advisors
Guidance from people who understand the challenges of building and scaling a company.
A powerful founder network
More than 500 women entrepreneurs are already part of the Fellows community.
Business education and resources
Tools covering everything from raising capital and attracting customers to leadership, operations and building an online presence.
A community that understands the assignment
Because sometimes one of the most valuable resources a woman entrepreneur can have is another woman who has already navigated the road ahead.
Who Can Apply?
Among the program requirements, applicants must be women entrepreneurs who own the largest—or equally largest—stake in a qualifying U.S. business and play a significant role in managing it.
The business must be at least 51% women-owned and controlled and currently generate at least $75,000 in annual revenue.
Applications for the next Fellows class open September 22, 2026 and close November 11, 2026.
Why We’re Shining a Light On It
Starting a business gets plenty of attention.
Growing one is another story.
Finding capital. Building the right network. Knowing when to scale. Hiring. Marketing. Making decisions when there isn't anyone else in the room to ask.
Those are the moments when access matters.
And that is what makes programs like this worth knowing about.
Tory Burch didn't simply build a successful company and talk about empowering women. She created an organization designed to help more women build companies of their own.
According to the Foundation, its Fellows community now includes more than 500 entrepreneurs across 45+ states and 20+ industries.
That's not just inspiration.
That's infrastructure.
THE GOSSIP GIRL TAKE
Sometimes the best thing you can share with another woman isn't advice.
It's access.
A program.
A contact.
A funding opportunity.
A seat at a table she didn't know existed.
So if there's a woman entrepreneur in your circle who's ready for her next level, send her this story.
She just might be exactly who they're looking for.
Applications open September 22.
— Gossip Girl
Trending Now!
Some conversations are bigger than a trend. They reflect what women are carrying, questioning, changing—and finally saying out loud.
Here Are 5 Conversations on Our Radar.
Are Women Being Left Behind in the AI Boom?
Why Now: Women accounted for only 26% of U.S. AI hires in 2025 even though these positions are among the fastest-growing and higher-paying opportunities.
Would You Know If an Algorithm Rejected You?
Why Now: Automated hiring systems are facing growing questions and litigation around bias, transparency and how applicants are evaluated.
How Much Workplace Monitoring Is Too Much?
Why Now: Workplace monitoring can include productivity, communications and device activity, raising increasingly important privacy questions for employees.
What If Your Next Career Move Isn’t Up—but Somewhere New?
Why Now: More women are questioning the traditional idea that career success always means climbing higher. Changing priorities, new industries, flexible work, entrepreneurship, and a desire for greater purpose are making the career pivot a powerful option—not a step backward.
Are More Women Redefining Security Through Entrepreneurship?
Why Now: For many women, security is no longer defined by one employer or a traditional career path. Building a business, creating multiple income streams, and turning expertise into something they own are becoming increasingly important ways women are thinking about independence, flexibility, and long-term opportunity.
IN THE CONVERSATION
“Real women. Real opinions. Join the discussion.”
Let Us Know What You Think, is Social Media Helping Women Connect—or Compare?
Selected responses may be featured in upcoming Gossip Girl Roundup
