Founder Blog: Transitioning Doyenne Into Its Next Chapter
After nearly 14 years of leading Doyenne, Heather is preparing to step aside and help usher in the organization’s next phase. Read her reflections and learn how you can be part of the journey.
Read Time: 5 minutes
By: Heather Wentler
In April 2012, my husband, Chris, asked me to join him at Startup Weekend because, as he said, “there will be good food, not crappy pizza” (Thanks Lorin). Chris was one of the event co-organizers and wanted me to meet another co-organizer, Amy Gannon.
Amy had been talking with Chris about how there were only ten women in a room of 130 participants at the event. Both Amy and I were becoming more involved in Madison’s entrepreneurial scene, and we kept noticing the same thing. No matter the size of the event, only about ten percent of attendees identified as women.
As Amy and I talked that weekend, the idea for Doyenne began to take shape and we formally launched at Forward Fest in 2012. And as they say, the rest is history.
The Journey
It has been a long and wild ride over the past almost 14 years of establishing, building, growing, pivoting, and leading Doyenne. I am not going to tell you it has been all sunshine and rainbows because if you know me at all, you know that would not be the real me.
There have been countless bright spots and reasons to celebrate almost every day. But there have also been dark, discouraging, and emotionally draining days. The kind that make you sigh and say, “I can’t believe we are having this conversation again.”
Through it all, you have shown up for me, and I have been honored to show up for you.
What I Love About Doyenne
I have always said I love 80 percent of my job at Doyenne, and that remains true every single day.
When I walk into the Doyenne office, I look to my right and see a huge bulletin board filled with faces, artwork, and messages from the amazing people we have had the privilege to work with. Each piece reminds me how much we have accomplished together, not just in supporting individual entrepreneurs, but in driving ecosystem-level change.
Two smaller boards next to my desk hold cards and photos from people who have made lasting imprints on my life. These visual reminders reflect less than one percent of the people Doyenne has worked with to date, but they represent so much heart, courage, and community.
A Time to Step Aside
During Doyenne’s first eight years, until Amy’s untimely passing in 2019, she and I often reminded each other:
“Doyenne is not our pre-retirement job.”
“The best leaders know when it is time to step aside and make space for new ideas and strategies.”
It is my time to do that.
Searching for a New Executive Director
We are excited to announce that Doyenne is beginning the search for a new Executive Director. This visionary leader will guide the organization into its next phase and continue supporting underestimated entrepreneurs as they launch and scale their businesses.
Our goal is to welcome the new leader in January 2026, and we encourage you to apply or share the opportunity with those in your networks who may be a great fit. Please note: applicants will need to log in through Google to access the form, as it includes document upload options.
Gratitude and Reflection
As Doyenne’s co-founder and Executive Director for nearly 14 years, it has been an honor to lead this organization and collaborate with so many of you across Wisconsin and around the world.
I am thrilled about what is next for me, which I will share more about soon, and equally excited for what is next for Doyenne. I know the organization will continue to grow, evolve, and push boundaries in ways that advance equity and opportunity for entrepreneurs everywhere.
It feels fitting to share this news in November, a month centered around gratitude and reflection.
You are what makes Doyenne thrive. You are what keeps the organization challenging systems, driving change, and building community. You are Doyenne.
Thank you for being part of my journey. Your support, encouragement, and accountability have made me a better leader and person.
I continue to believe that most of us are doing the best we can in service of others while also juggling our own lives. You are doing great. And if you ever need someone to stand with you, in business or in life, Doyenne and I will continue to be here.
