Women's Cohort
*Not Currently Accepting Applications*
Attend the Pitch Competition June 6th

Get a Free ticket here

About this program

In partnership with the Women’s Entrepreneurship Day Organization and Loreen Arbus Foundation, 2Gether-international created a three-month accelerator program to support women entrepreneurs with disabilities.

Throughout the program, participants are given tools and guidance to develop and strengthen their pitch with the program ultimately culminating in a pitch competition where entrepreneurs can earn funding for their business. This opportunity takes a strengths-based approach to helping participants significantly improve their pitch and business model, as well as help them to perceive their own disability as a competitive advantage rather than a weakness. Throughout the duration of the program 12-15 disabled women will be competing for $5K seed funding in addition to having access to the following services:

What can selected startups expect?

  • A series of startup workshops tailored to the unique experiences of people with disabilities.
  • Access to custom one-on-one coaching from accredited leadership coaches.
  • Peer-to-peer founder discussion and networking groups.
  • World-class speakers and mentors in the entrepreneurship and/or disability sector.
  • Connections to investors and support fundraising both during and post-program.

*Since launched in 2020, graduates of other 2GI Accelerator cohorts have collectively raised over one million dollars in funding and revenue.

What are we looking for?

  • The startup must be led by at least one woman with a disability. See how we define disability here.
  • Must be working on a high-growth business.
  • Must have a product that's in the market - an MVP is okay.
  • Must have availability to meet and attend: classes, peer-to-peer sessions, speaker series, and coaching sessions (tentative schedule below).
  • *Note that startups do not need to be working on accessibility technology to apply.

Want to get involved or join the program?

Meet the Facilitators

We are here for your success! We are a small team of passionate individuals ready to help you become the best you can be! We've been there before, moving from teen years to young adults is difficult. We want to make it easy.

Diego Mariscal

Diego Mariscal

Founder & CEO
Annie Eser

Annie Eser

Head of Programs
Kara Aramini

Kara Aramini

Operations Manager
Santiago Garcia Mendez

Santiago Garcia Mendez

LATAM Program Manager

Program Sponsors

Diego Mariscal

Diego Mariscal

Founder & CEO

Disabled and proud, Diego seeks to navigate the relationship between disability advocacy, entrepreneurism, and sustainable impact. Since founding 2Gether-International in 2012 Diego has collaborated with multinational organizations, been recognized internationally for his work with the disability community, and attended global summits to advocate for entrepreneurs with disabilities.

Annie Eser

Annie Eser

Head of Programs

Annie brings the unique perspective that comes with 14 years of start-up experience. Her career is a patchwork quilt of industries including law, food service, fashion, music production, education, lifestyles, technology, and energy. She has been called a branding maven, a strategy superstar, and an operations sensei.

Kara Aramini

Kara Aramini

Operations Manager

Kara has dedicated over five years to championing the rights and inclusion of individuals within the disability community. As someone who is partially blind, Kara is a passionate advocate, not only for herself but for countless others, striving to create a more equitable and inclusive society. Her lived experience and unwavering commitment fuel her advocacy, making her a powerful voice for change.

Santiago Garcia Mendez

Santiago Garcia Mendez

LATAM Program Manager

Santiago is a two-time founder with extensive experience in building and scaling startups. He is passionate about operational excellence, innovation, and community development. In his previous ventures, he led strategic growth and stakeholder engagement. Santiago is dedicated to empowering entrepreneurs and fostering inclusive ecosystems.