By: Jasmine Blandford
In a city that thrives on ambition and ingenuity, a new initiative in women’s leadership and mentorship has made its long-anticipated entrance. On Thursday, April 24th, global nonprofit Mothers to Daughters (M2D) officially launched its U.S. presence with a successful event held at the Microsoft Experience Center in Midtown Manhattan. Nestled in the heart of 5th Avenue’s luxury corridor, the venue—a sleek, state-of-the-art space perched on the 7th floor at 677 Fifth Avenue—offered more than just sweeping views of the city. It served as a symbol for what the evening represented: vision, elevation, and potential.
Guests were welcomed with warmth and intention, not only to M2D’s signature programming but also to immersive tours of the Experience Center. These tours offered a hands-on look at Microsoft’s cutting-edge technology, placing attendees at the nexus of innovation and empowerment—a natural alignment with M2D’s mission to prepare women for leadership in an evolving world.
The evening brought together a diverse group of cross-generational women (and allies) for a conversation that spanned industries and age groups. Entrepreneurs in their 20s shared the stage with executives in their 60s, each recounting the personal and professional journeys that shaped their work and purpose. Francine Mbvoumbo, the founder of Mothers to Daughters, described the moment as “more than a launch—it was a representation of our mission in motion.”
(Mothers to Daughters Founder Francine Mbvoumbo)
“When women come together not just to network, but to support one another’s growth across generations, we see potential for change,” said Mbvoumbo. “New York is just the first step.”
Founded in Canada, M2D has spent the past five years building a model of intergenerational mentorship, with roots in Toronto and branches now reaching across borders. The New York event marked the nonprofit’s formal expansion into the United States and the unveiling of two cornerstone initiatives:
MEDAL (Men Empowering Daughters As Leaders): An inclusive program that invites men to participate in the mentorship, sponsorship, and advancement of women, rethinking traditional allyship.
Generations in Motion: A mentorship platform for women aged 18–39 who are developing ventures, transitioning careers, or navigating early entrepreneurship. These mentees are paired with industry leaders from fields like AI, sustainable agriculture, and the circular economy to build skills, forge connections, and stimulate growth.
The event wasn’t merely a presentation of ideas; it was an activation of energy and shared purpose. Attendees expressed interest in volunteering, mentorship, and strategic collaboration. “This didn’t feel like another networking event,” one guest remarked. “It felt like the beginning of something with potential.”
(Mothers to Daughters U.S. launch event at Microsoft’s Experience Center)
That “something bigger” is already in motion. M2D has launched a $250,000 capital campaign to fund program expansion, with several commitments emerging directly from the April gathering. The organization is actively cultivating strategic partnerships—with panelists, venture capitalists, and mission-aligned corporations to co-create mentorship experiences that integrate access to capital, investor-readiness programs, and high-impact workshops.
In a gesture that underscores M2D’s resonance across local and global communities, the organization was recently invited to participate in a Mother’s Day celebration hosted by Arete in collaboration with Jolana NYC, a mother-daughter brand founded by launch attendee Lara. The event, held at Arete’s Grand Street location, spotlighted biological mother-daughter duos and served as a meaningful connection to M2D’s upcoming mentorship program, which extends an invitation for families to engage in legacy-building together. This initiative aligns with M2D’s past work in Canada, where celebrating motherhood has been a core aspect of their programming.
Looking ahead, M2D remains focused on scaling its mission with new initiatives, including:
The Ball of Wisdom – A fundraiser honoring intergenerational excellence, legacy-building, and the transformative power of mentorship.
M2D Campus Series – Leadership development events designed to empower university-aged women as they navigate the school-to-career transition.
Global Mentoring Hubs – City-based centers that will localize M2D programming in regions such as Africa and the Middle East, delivering tailored support and building cross-cultural connections.
As M2D continues to expand its reach and deepen its roots, one guiding truth remains: when women lead, entire communities benefit. And when generations of women rise together, they don’t just break glass ceilings—they build skylines of potential.
Published by Jeremy S.
