The Power Shift: How Julie Castro Abrams is Redefining Leadership and Wealth for Women

In a world where women are driving transformative change across industries, Julie Castro Abrams stands at the forefront, leading a movement to amplify female voices and revolutionize wealth and leadership. As the powerhouse CEO of *How Women Lead* and Managing Director of *How Women Invest*, Julie has dedicated her career to propelling women to the top—whether it’s in boardrooms, startups, or venture capital. With an unwavering commitment to economic justice and a track record of empowering over 24,000 women, she’s proving that the future of leadership is undeniably female. From championing groundbreaking legislation like Senate Bill 826 to reshaping the venture capital landscape for BIPOC female founders, Julie is not just changing the narrative—she’s rewriting the rules.

How did your journey in social justice and women’s leadership begin, and what motivated you to focus on elevating women in leadership and entrepreneurship? 

My journey started with a drive to tackle the inequities I saw around me. Early on, I witnessed how women’s voices were often sidelined, especially in spaces where decisions were being made. I knew that for real change to happen, women needed to be at the table in significant numbers. I committed myself to this work because I believe that when we elevate women in leadership and entrepreneurship, we don’t just change their lives—we change entire communities, economies, and futures. Creating a world where women lead isn’t just my mission; it’s a responsibility I take very personally. It’s about building a legacy of impact and empowerment for generations to come. 

With the passing of Senate Bill 826, mandating female representation on public company boards, what changes have you observed in the corporate world, and what still needs to be done to ensure more equitable representation? 

Senate Bill 826 has been a transformative step forward. I’ve seen companies truly begin to understand the value that diverse voices bring to their boardrooms and their bottom lines. We’ve moved from conversations about “if” women belong on boards to “how many” women can we add to make this board stronger. But passing legislation is only the start. Now we need to focus on creating environments where women can thrive, be heard, and drive real strategic outcomes. We still need to push for greater representation for women of color and ensure that these boards aren’t just inclusive on paper but are genuinely inclusive spaces where all voices are respected. Equity is a journey, and we’re only at the beginning. 

How Women Lead has empowered thousands of women to achieve leadership roles. What are the key components of a successful leadership journey, especially for women navigating traditionally male-dominated fields? 

For any woman stepping into leadership, especially in male-dominated spaces, there are a few essential pillars: resilience, a strong community, and an unwavering commitment to your own values. At How Women Lead, we emphasize the power of sisterhood—having a network that supports you, mentors who open doors, and allies who champion your success. A successful leader knows her worth and stays true to her values, even when it’s challenging. We encourage women to embrace their strengths, stand firmly in their beliefs, and never be afraid to disrupt spaces that need it. Our Credo underscores everything we do: 1) Be Fierce Advocates for Each Other; 2) Say Yes to Helping One Another; 3) Reinforce Her Voice; 4) Be Unabashedly Visible. It’s through collective action and authentic leadership that we’re changing the culture, what leadership looks like—and who holds it.

What trends or changes have you seen recently in venture capital for women, especially BIPOC female founders, and how does How Women Invest support them in this evolving landscape? 

In recent years, there’s been a growing recognition of the need for diversity in venture capital, but the pace has been slow, especially for BIPOC female founders who are still fighting to access fair funding. The most promising trend I’ve seen is the rise of women-led funds and the commitment by a new wave of investors to actively back women of color. At How Women Invest, we take this commitment seriously by providing targeted resources and funding networks that prioritize BIPOC founders. 

How Women Invest’s Fund 3 is making waves by establishing a majority of Black and Brown women as fund advisors. This is a breakthrough initiative in venture capital as this move is unique and transformative in an industry where women, particularly women of color, are underrepresented at nearly every level of financial decision-making. 

We’re not just opening doors; we’re redefining the criteria of what makes a great investment, moving beyond traditional patterns that overlooked so many talented women. By building a supportive, inclusive investing ecosystem, we’re making sure that brilliant founders have the opportunity to thrive and lead in their industries. 

In your opinion, why is now the right time for more women to become venture investors, and what steps can women take to begin their investment journey confidently? 

This is a pivotal moment for women to step into venture investing because the future of business will be shaped by who has a stake in it. Women currently drive 70-80% of all consumer purchasing decisions in households, giving them immense influence over market dynamics. By stepping into venture investing, women can bring fresh perspectives and drive growth in companies that reflect their values and the world they want to build. 

One transformative initiative helping women make this leap is The New Table, which aims to address inequity and bias in venture capital by mobilizing 10,000 women to become venture investors. And the proof is in the pudding—The New Table has already led to real, measurable impact, empowering women to make strategic investments and supporting companies aligned with their values. Through this program, women gain access to tools like interactive asset calculators and a Values-Based Investing Tool, connecting them with VC firms that share their vision for a better future. 

For women ready to take the plunge, I’d say start by educating yourself—learn the basics, engage with experienced investors, and find a community, like How Women Invest, that’s committed to helping women build confidence and knowledge in this space. Start with small, thoughtful investments, get comfortable with the process, and never hesitate to ask questions. Every step forward makes us more powerful as a collective force in the investment world. 

You have a history of involvement with microfinance and microenterprises, especially through your leadership in the Women’s Initiative for Self-Employment. How has microfinance transformed the entrepreneurial landscape for women? 

Microfinance has been a game-changer for women entrepreneurs. It’s opened up pathways for women who might never have had access to traditional capital, allowing them to take the first step toward financial independence. Through the Women’s Initiative for Self-Employment, I witnessed the power of even modest loans in transforming lives—women were able to build businesses, support their families, and lift up entire communities. Microfinance doesn’t just give women access to capital; it empowers them to create a ripple effect of growth and opportunity that extends far beyond their own success. It’s a model of economic justice that continues to be crucial for entrepreneurs who are often overlooked by traditional finance. 

What challenges do you see BIPOC female founders facing today in securing capital, and how does How Women Invest work to address and overcome these obstacles? 

BIPOC female founders face significant barriers to capital, including biases and outdated practices within the venture capital world that continue to privilege certain backgrounds and networks. Many of these women have to jump through hoops just to be taken seriously, despite having innovative, high-growth potential ideas. Also, they often don’t have access to the same networks that investors traditionally tap into, which leaves many innovative businesses overlooked. At How Women Invest, we’re breaking down these barriers by providing intentional funding and direct access to a community of investors committed to diversity. We’re not only funding these founders but championing them—raising visibility, creating networking opportunities, and empowering them to build relationships within the venture space. We believe that the future of business is inclusive, and we’re actively paving the way for BIPOC women to be a driving force within it.

The Great Wealth Transfer represents a significant opportunity for women. How can women prepare themselves to leverage this wealth for impactful investments, and what strategies would you recommend? 

With the Great Wealth Transfer, we’re seeing an unprecedented opportunity for women to become powerful investors and catalysts for change. I encourage women to start by defining their values and vision for impact. What kind of world do you want to help create? From there, building a foundation of investment knowledge is key. This can mean working with advisors, joining investment groups, and connecting with organizations like How Women Invest that provide resources and support. Diversification is essential, as is looking into areas where your investments can align with your principles. It’s a moment for women to step boldly into their financial power, supporting causes and companies that matter deeply to them and generating returns that benefit their communities. 

You’ve received numerous awards for innovation and leadership. How has this recognition influenced your approach to driving change, and what new directions are you excited to pursue in your mission? 

Receiving awards has been an incredible honor, but more than that, it’s a reminder of the responsibility I hold. Each accolade motivates me to keep pushing for systemic change, to raise the bar, and to leverage these platforms to amplify the voices and ideas that have historically been silenced. It’s an affirmation that the work we’re doing matters and inspires me to pursue even bolder initiatives. Right now, I’m excited about expanding our reach and making it easier for women—no matter where they start—to become investors, founders, and leaders. I’m also energized by the potential to create more pathways for women to invest in sustainable, socially impactful ventures, further democratizing who gets to shape the future. 

Finally, what advice would you offer to women who might be hesitant about their potential as venture investors, especially those who may not see themselves as “traditional” investors? 

I would say to these women: venture investing isn’t just for a select few; it’s for anyone with the vision to make a difference. Traditional images of investors don’t have to define us, and in fact, breaking that mold is part of what makes us powerful. Start by learning the basics and find mentors or networks that can support you. Start small if you need to—every investment, every step, builds confidence and experience. You don’t have to be perfect or fit a specific mold; your unique perspective is a tremendous asset. Women are capable of remarkable things, and when we invest, we’re rewriting the narrative of who holds financial power and who drives innovation forward. Trust in your value and your potential to be a catalyst for change.