The DEC Network, in partnership with the Southern Methodist University’s (SMU) Cox School’s Spears Institute for Entrepreneurial Leadership and Mary Kay, hosted the Women of Innovation Summit on August 6, 2025, which took place with a “base camp” at SMU’s Cox School of Business.

With 47 Basecamp sessions, 4 summits, 21 Community Events, and over 300 Speakers, 2025 DFW Startup Week is the nation’s second largest and most diverse startup event. 

The free, weeklong celebration of startups united nearly ten thousand entrepreneurs, investors, corporate innovation leaders, and changemakers for a high-impact lineup of speakers from all walks of life and industries.

Virginie Naigeon-Malek, with Corporate Communications and CSR at Mary Kay, said, 

“For more than 60 years, Mary Kay has been empowering women to take control of their futures through entrepreneurship… The Women of Innovation Summit reflects that same spirit – providing a platform where women can connect, learn, and grow. When women succeed as entrepreneurs, they uplift their families, strengthen communities, and contribute to vibrant local and global economies.”

Presented by Mary Kay, the Women of Innovation Summit focused on women entrepreneurs, offering vital pathways for economic success and a platform for networking, learning, and engaging investors. 

Mary Kay featured its latest beauty tech innovation, the AI Foundation Finder, an intuitive technology designed to help consumers find their foundation match.

Click here to watch a recap video of the 2025 DFW Startup Week.