Helping Women Achieve Economic Independence

Erin Cole, LMSW, is the Chief Executive Officer of Women’s Employment Network (WEN), a Kansas City nonprofit that has been helping women achieve economic independence through employment for nearly 40 years.

Erin joined WEN in 2010 and has had the unique opportunity to grow alongside the organization, beginning her career there working directly with women seeking employment and eventually stepping into the CEO role in 2026. That experience continues to shape how she leads today: with a focus on practical solutions, strong relationships, and making sure innovation never comes at the expense of human connection.

She is especially passionate about the changing world of work and how tools like AI can create new opportunities when people are given the confidence and support to use them. Erin is a 2024 graduate of the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce Centurions Leadership Program and was named a 2026 Kansas City Business Journal NextGen Leader. She is proud to call the Kansas City community home.