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Welcome to Smart, Amazing Conversations with Dr. Nancy, a podcast that explores the stories of life and leadership from extraordinary women – and men – who are making a difference and creating a better world. Each episode features powerful conversations filled with personal stories, insights, and actionable advice to inspire you to lead, learn, and make a difference.
Show Notes:
Dr. Nancy welcomes Nicki Parr, the dynamic CEO of Women’s Economic Ventures (WEV) and a steadfast advocate for women’s economic empowerment. Parr shares her inspiring story, from growing up between England and the U.S. to building a career that blends business experience with a passion for psychology and service to others.
Diving into WEV’s impactful work in supporting women entrepreneurs, including the Smart Entrepreneurial Training (SET) program, which has equipped thousands of women with the tools to launch and grow successful businesses, Parr elaborates on her commitment to addressing income disparities through programs that educate and empower single mothers and underserved communities, while fostering their confidence to achieve financial independence.
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About Nicki Parr:
Nicki Parr is the Chief Executive Officer at Women’s Economic Ventures (WEV), a social-profit championing women’s economic empowerment in California’s Santa Barbara and Ventura counties. Since joining WEV in 2018, Parr has spearheaded business recovery programs, introduced financial education as a core initiative, and led the organization’s first disaster grant program, distributing over $750,000 to small business owners. Appointed CEO in 2024, she skillfully guided WEV through a major restructuring and strategic realignment. A UK native, Parr is a Chartered Accountant with PricewaterhouseCoopers experience, holds a master’s in Somatic Psychology and serves on multiple boards.
Timestamp:
1:05 — Introducing Nicki Parr
Dr. Nancy introduces Nicki Parr, CEO of Women’s Economic Ventures (WEV), highlighting her work in empowering women entrepreneurs and promoting economic equity.
2:58 — Parr’s Personal Journey
Parr shares her unique path, from growing up in England and the U.S. to how attending boarding school fostered independence. She also discusses her career evolution from forensic accounting with her move to the U.S,
5:55 — Retraining and Transition to Nonprofit Work
Parr reflects on her shift from corporate life to pursuing purpose-driven initiatives in economic empowerment, blending psychology and business expertise to help women start their own businesses
8:13 — Combining Passion and Purpose
Dr. Nancy shares how passion and purpose blend with how we see ourselves in the world and the importance of women recognizing how their wealth can solve problems and achieve economic stability.
11:50 — Why Economic Empowerment Is Crucial for Women
Parr explains the concept of agency through financial independence and discusses how it creates confidence and opportunities for choice and stability.
14:34 — The Smart Entrepreneurial Training (SET) Program
Details about WEV’s recognition as a national women’s business center, their flagship SET program and its success in training thousands of women to launch and sustain businesses.
16:20 — Supporting Single Mothers and Addressing Income Disparities
Parr highlights her focus on education to empower single mothers and help them overcome barriers through social and peer support.
20:45 —Elevating Home-based Childcare Businesses in Santa Barbara County
Dr. Nancy and Parr discuss how cohorts of childcare businesses support other businesses, help solve the childcare crisis in Santa Barbara, increase their wealth, and create legacies for their families and communities.
23:25 — Building Community Among Women Entrepreneurs
Parr emphasizes the value of peer support networks to combat the isolation of entrepreneurship, especially for single mothers, and the importance of partnering with other organizations.
27:21 — Budget and Funding Resources
Parr reviews the uncertainty of federal funds, the supportive role of California for women’s business centers, and the importance of the League of Extraordinary Women, which provides a foundational level of support they rely on.
32:16 — Encouraging Grassroots Support
Dr. Nancy highlights the importance of community awareness and individual contributions to supporting WEV’s initiatives.
33:24 — Where to Learn More
Parr provides resources for getting involved with WEV, joining their donor network, and accessing their programs for women entrepreneurs.
35:00 — Closing Remarks
Dr. Nancy and Parr conclude with words of gratitude and encouragement, inspiring listeners to support economic empowerment efforts.