Five female entrepreneurs gathered to speak on a panel in the General Assembly Boston workplace, where young professionals lounged on red sofas, talking code and design and working on laptops. Groups of college students traveled to GA to hear what the five women had to share.

A quaint wooden walkway led to the entrance of the book fair, adorned with an eye-catching pink t-shirt promoting feminine empowerment. Tables were set up for local artists to showcase and sell their...