Empowering Women Entrepreneurs: Cleveland Celebrates International Women’s Day with Global Marketplace

CLEVELAND — In honor of International Women’s Day, over a hundred Ohioans gathered to support women-owned businesses showcasing their international heritage. The event, hosted by the Young Latino Network (YLN), highlighted the resilience and creativity of female entrepreneurs, particularly those from immigrant and minority backgrounds.

With March 8 marking a global celebration of women’s achievements, this bazaar served as a platform for women in business to share their cultural roots while addressing ongoing challenges like the gender pay gap and underrepresentation in entrepreneurship.

The Rise of Women-Owned Businesses in Cleveland

A Platform for Cultural Exchange

The International Women’s Bazaar featured 12 local vendors, each bringing a unique cultural perspective to Cleveland’s entrepreneurial scene. Among them was Mariel Bernarte, founder of Makihalo, a Filipino-inspired food business.

“The name ‘Makihalo’ translates to ‘mix it up’—my products blend Filipino flavors with familiar treats,” Bernarte explained.

Her offerings include a gluten-free pistachio polvorón yogurt topper and ube brownies, introducing Northeast Ohioans to traditional Filipino flavors.

Bernarte launched her business in 2018 after moving from California, seeking to combat cultural isolation while connecting with her community.

“This event shows organizers wanted to include different ethnicities, heritages, and women-owned small businesses,” she said.

Supporting Immigrant Women in Business

Lucia Gutierrez, owner of Echeri, specializes in indigenous Mexican crafts and spiritual rituals from the Purépecha community of Michoacán.

“We do ‘limpias’ (energetic cleansings) with herbs, but here, people aren’t as familiar with them. My kits help introduce these traditions,” Gutierrez shared.

Despite the growing number of women-of-color-owned businesses, Gutierrez emphasized the struggle for recognition:

“They put us in one box, but we have so much to offer.”

The Importance of International Women’s Day

A Legacy of Advocacy

International Women’s Day (IWD) traces its roots to the early 20th-century labor movement, advocating for gender equality and women’s rights. Today, it remains a crucial reminder of ongoing disparities:

• Women still earn 15% less than men (Pew Research).
• Female entrepreneurs face limited funding and mentorship.
• Immigrant women often struggle with visibility and market access.

How Nonprofits Are Making a Difference

YLN Operations Manager Michell Hernández Bello explained the bazaar’s mission:

“Supporting small businesses has a huge impact—especially for immigrant women breaking into new industries.”

By providing a physical marketplace, YLN helps these entrepreneurs gain exposure, network, and sustain their ventures.

Key Takeaways

• International Women’s Day highlights the achievements and challenges of women in business.
• Women-owned businesses, especially those led by immigrants, bring cultural diversity to local economies.
• The gender pay gap (15%) persists, emphasizing the need for continued advocacy.
• Nonprofits like Young Latino Network play a crucial role in empowering female entrepreneurs.

The International Women’s Bazaar in Cleveland was more than just a marketplace—it was a celebration of resilience, culture, and female entrepreneurship. As women continue to break barriers in business, events like these ensure their voices are heard and their contributions recognized.

For those looking to support women-owned businesses, seeking out local vendors and advocating for fair wages and funding can make a lasting impact.