The importance of women in the world of work as business owners or employees has become a significant phenomenon in recent decades throughout the developed world (Peris-Ortiz, Rueda-Armengot, & Benito Osorio, 2012). Aegis Electronic Group Inc. has been at the forefront of progressing women in business. Founded in the year 1989 by Elizabeth Carnes, Aegis started as one of the first women owned industrial imaging solution businesses. Fortunately, Elizabeth Carnes had the drive to break down seen and unseen barriers turning the business into a success by developing strong relationships with companies such as Sony. On her path Elizabeth hired a young woman named Carolynn Larson-Garcia. Carolynn eventually became the President of Aegis and continues to function as a highly successful operator in the imaging field. In turn Carolynn hired Sonja Walker who became the Vice President of Aegis Electronic Group Inc. These three women actively demonstrate the meaning of success and young women who mirror themselves after these three leaders are assured a successful path. Eventually, Aegis Electronic Group Inc. was recognized by the WBENC (Women's Business Enterprise National Council) and the WOSB certificate (Women Owned Small Business).
In 2011, Aegis Electronic Group, Inc. received national certification as a Women's Business Enterprise by the Women's Business Enterprise - West, a regional certifying partner of the Women's Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC) which also does the Women Owned Small Business (WOSB) certification.
The Women's Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC), founded in 1997, is the largest third-party certifier of businesses owned, controlled, and operated by women in the United States. WBENC, a national 501(c)(3) non-profit, partners with 14 Regional Partner Organizations to provide its world class standard of certification to women-owned businesses throughout the country.
WBENC's national standard of certification implemented by the Women's Business Enterprise - West is a meticulous process including an in-depth review of the business and site inspection. The certification process is designed to confirm the business is at least 51% owned, operated and controlled by a woman or women.