If you race, how did you get into it? Collegiate team (as a grad student)
Do you race against women exclusively? I do, yes, but there are some exceptions where women can enter men's races. Generally, you need to do a men's race that is one category lower or one age grade higher, and, sometimes, the men's race must be your only option (no women's field).
Do womens' races tend to be slower than mens'? Yes, for the same category.
What are average speeds to expect in entry level womens' races (hilly, flat, distance specific)? All of my races have been in the 19-21mph average, for category 4, regardless of terrain or type of race. But average speed isn't that important. What is important is your ability to hang on to surges (which are often over 30mph for my fields) and make good tactical decisions.
Do you make money from racing? Sometimes, I might win my entry fees back, but I never make a profit. Even a lot of pros need real jobs.
How many hours do you train (a week)? I dunno, not that many lately. I don't count hours. Sometimes, I count miles, but not this time of year.
Do you ride with clubs that are co-ed or only women? Co-ed. In fact, I wind up training mostly with the boys.
Do you have a personal trainer or are you on a team with a coach? No.
Do you work a job as well? Yes, work part time, go to school part time.
How far do you travel to race? The max so far has been about 6hrs of driving.
What level of racing are you at? Cat 4, but I'm working on my 3 upgrade.
How are the levels distinguished? Pro-1-2-3-4. Upgrade rules are on www.usacycling.org.
What are your long-term racing goals? Get faster.
Are there other tidbits of information you consider important for female cyclists to gain an understanding of the womens' racing scene? Join a racing club, preferably one with some other female racers, but it is more important for a newbie to join a club they enjoy riding with and that challenges them instead of going after a big women's squad. Numbers will help you eventually, but sometimes women's teams carry a lot of drama, and everyone is kind of racing for themselves in the lower categories anyway. It depends on what the women's racing scene is like in your area.