The Entreprenista 100 | Women Founder Awards

Adrienne Burgos

Founder and CEO

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Adrienne Burgos is the founder and CEO of CEA Staffing, a nationwide experiential and event staffing agency based in Chicago. She launched the business at 24 years old with no outside funding and has grown it into a trusted partner for national brands, experiential producers, and marketing agencies. For more than fifteen years, Adrienne has created thousands of flexible paid work opportunities across the country, helping individuals supplement their income, gain experience, and enter the world of experiential marketing. She is passionate about creating access and opening doors for others. This year, she partnered with Dress for Success to lead a workshop introducing clients to gig and event-based roles, helping them build resumes and secure paid opportunities. Through a nationwide partnership with Strength in the City, she also provides free and discounted wellness experiences to her community. Adrienne co-produces Rebels for a Cause, a charity boxing gala that raises funds for local wellness-based nonprofits and will expand to an even larger event in 2026. Her entrepreneurial journey is rooted in resilience and reinvention, and she is committed to elevating the event staffing industry while using her platform to impact lives and empower women to succeed.

Alexandra Baron

Founder

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Alexandra A. Baron, Esq., CFLS, is recognized as one of California’s leading family law attorneys. She is known for strategic excellence in complex, high-asset divorces, customized prenuptial and postnuptial agreements, and sensitive custody matters. Alexandra holds the Certified Family Law Specialist credential from the State Bar of California and a Dispute Resolution Certificate from Pepperdine University’s Straus Institute. Her practice combines elite negotiation, trial advocacy, and advanced conflict resolution with a confidential approach that preserves reputations and family relationships. She partners with forensic accountants, valuation experts, wealth managers, psychologists, and other specialists to deliver tailored strategies that protect financial and personal goals. Her recognitions include two-time Gold Winner in 2025 in the Sacramento Bee’s Sacramento Favorites for Divorce Law and Family Law, a 2024 Gold for Best Divorce Law Firm, Business Elite 40 Under 40 in 2024, Sacramento Business Journal 40 Under 40 in 2023, Super Lawyers Rising Star from 2020 to 2023, NAWBO OWL Woman Innovator finalist in 2024, and Sacramento Magazine Top Lawyer in 2023. Her mission is clear: she protects clients’ wealth, legacy, and family interests with integrity, discretion, and exceptional skill, delivering outcomes that leave clients stronger, secure, and prepared for what comes next.

Alexis Carpenter

Founder

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Alexis M. Carpenter is the founder of Project REBUILD™️ and Raising Hope LLC, a motivational speaker, and the author of Changing the Reflection: The Faces We Wear and the Truths They Hide. Once an at-risk youth navigating foster care, addiction, and homelessness, Alexis went on to become a successful corporate executive before choosing to follow her calling: helping youth rebuild their lives with purpose, confidence, and a clear path forward.Through her company and signature program, Project REBUILD�, Alexis mentors at-risk and foster youth through a seven-phase certification and leadership experience focused on healing, life skills, and community impact. Her movement is designed to reach one million youth over the next decade, transforming how society supports, empowers, and invests in the next generation.Alexis has been featured on platforms including The Oprah Winfrey Podcast, Authority Magazine, the Vermont Womenpreneurs Summit, Bold Voyager, and Forward Female, among others.Beyond her professional work, Alexis is a proud mother of four, wife to her best friend Dan, and a graduate student pursuing her Master�s in Social Work. She is also a passionate coffee drinker, book lover, and believer in truth, transformation, and second chances.

Ameka Coleman

Founder and CEO

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Ameka Coleman is the Founder and CEO of Strands of Faith, a purpose-driven clean beauty brand redefining care for texture-diverse hair and whole-person wellness. With a background in clinical research and degrees in Biological Sciences, Microbiology, and Clinical Research Management, Ameka combines science, faith, and innovation to create products that nourish both hair and heart. What began as a personal search for clean, effective products has grown into a thriving multi-channel brand serving over 50,000 customers across 30+ countries and partnering with hospitals nationwide. Guided by faith and a deep passion for inclusivity, Ameka is on a mission to make clean, inclusive beauty accessible everywhere, from home shelves to hospital rooms. Under her leadership, Strands of Faith has been featured in People and ESSENCE magazines, secured major partnerships, and earned national recognition as the $200,000 Good Soil Pitch Competition winner, H&R Block Fund Her Future Grant recipient, and Mississippi Top CEO Award honoree. Beyond entrepreneurship, Ameka is a speaker and advocate for faith, wellness, and confidence. She believes leadership is about the growth of people, purpose, and impact, and continues to inspire others to believe that when care is inclusive, beauty becomes healing and purposeful.

Amy Upchurch

Founder and CEO

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Amy Suzanne Upchurch is the Founder and CEO of Pink Stork, a leading women’s wellness brand empowering women at every stage of life, mind, body, and spirit. What began as Amy’s personal journey overcoming serious illness has grown into a global movement supporting women’s health with clean, purposeful, and trusted wellness products. A mother of six, including a child with Down syndrome, Amy’s story exemplifies resilience, faith, and perseverance. She grew Pink Stork from a military base into a nationally recognized brand available at major retailers like Target, Amazon, and Walmart, and expanded internationally into markets including the UAE. Under her leadership, Pink Stork has launched dozens of innovative products that bridge science and compassion, offering holistic solutions for women at every stage, from fertility and pregnancy to postpartum, hormonal balance, and overall wellness. Amy’s mission extends beyond business. Through community initiatives and charitable partnerships, she gives back to organizations that support women in need, believing that true wellness is rooted in purpose and service. A passionate advocate for women’s empowerment, Amy embodies the belief that with faith, courage, and heart, women can achieve it all and do so with purpose.

Andrea Chaves

Founder

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Andrea Chaves is an award-winning educator, digital storytelling advocate, and the founder of Pineapple Women, a nonprofit empowering young women to understand the value of their stories and lead with confidence. She began her career as a Spanish teacher and later became a technology coordinator, merging creativity, identity, and STEM to help students see themselves as innovators. In 2016, Andrea was honored by the Obama Administration as a White House Champion of Change for Computer Science in Education and received the Empire State Excellence in Teaching Award, recognitions that affirmed her belief in education as a tool for equity and opportunity. Andrea launched Pineapple Women as a blog highlighting women role models. Within months, young women across the U.S. and Latin America reached out seeking mentorship and connection. Pineapple Women soon evolved into a virtual classroom and eventually a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. Today, Andrea leads Pineapple Women full-time, designing programs where young women build digital portfolios, connect directly with diverse mentors, and create Legacy Projects that reflect their identity and ambitions. She is committed to building spaces where young women see the value of their stories, feel supported, and are equipped to become the next generation of leaders, creators, and founders.

Ari Krzyzek

CEO & Head of Strategy

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Ari Krzyzek is the CEO and Head of Strategy at Chykalophia, a WBENC-certified, award-winning brand and web consultancy helping women-led B2B companies turn their digital presence into measurable growth engines. A designer turned strategist originally from Bali, Indonesia, Ari built her agency from the ground up in Chicago with a mission to empower founders who are often underestimated or unseen. Under her leadership, Chykalophia has supported more than 250 founders and teams through its proven process and methodology, integrating brand strategy, UX design, and technology into conversion-driven systems. The agency was recently recognized among America’s Top 100 Small Businesses by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. Beyond her business, Ari is a global mentor and community advocate. She serves as a Board Member for DePaul University’s Center for Entrepreneurship, an Advisory Board Member for WBENC Women of Color, and a mentor for SXSW, ADPList, Gold House Ventures, and 1871. She also co-hosts the Made to Sell: Million-Dollar Conversations podcast, spotlighting successful founders and innovators. Ari’s work blends creativity, technology, and inclusivity, proving that innovation and impact thrive when design empowers diverse voices.

Barbara Heil-Sonneck

Founder

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Barbara Heil-Sonneck is a visionary leader with over 20 years of global experience spanning Fortune 500 companies, boutique firms, and entrepreneurial ventures. Renowned for blending strategic insight with creative innovation, she empowers professionals and entrepreneurs to build wealth while honoring authenticity, freedom, and joy. Her thought leadership has earned her numerous accolades, including recognition as one of the 2025 Top 100 Most Influential People in Real Estate Staging, a 2025 IAHSP Superfecta for Industry Leadership, Client Care, Design & Staging Excellence, and Best in Home Staging, Real Estate, and Design, as well as inclusion in Best Self Magazine’s Over 40 & Fabulous Top 40 Leaders. Guided by her philosophy of frugal luxury, Barbara champions elegance through simplicity—investing in what truly matters and creating spaces that elevate daily living. As Chairwoman of GW3 Global Women Society, she advises organizations and inspires global audiences on heart-centered leadership, innovation, and legacy. An advocate for social impact, Barbara supports collaborative initiatives to end child sexual abuse and empower women worldwide. An accomplished author and speaker, her works include The Venus Approach to Real Estate Investing, Powerful Female Immigrants, and Real Women in Real Estate.

Barbara Jude Frerichs

Founder

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Barbara Jude Frerichs is a serial entrepreneur with over 30 years of experience starting and growing businesses across wholesale, retail, e-commerce, and service sectors. She is the founder of Relief Brands LLC and currently leads product development, brand strategy, and operations for Well Life, a plant-based line focused on environmental safety and everyday utility. Relief Brands LLC is an SBA-certified Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB). Barbara has built Well Life without outside funding—navigating trademarks, grant applications, and product launches independently. Her approach is lean, disciplined, and grounded in real-world use. Based in Sag Harbor, NY, Barbara’s work is shaped by the understanding that what goes down the drain affects groundwater and community health. Every product is designed to meet aquifer-safe standards and serve both consumer and commercial needs. Outside of work, Barbara supports local animal shelters and leads a free workshop for early-stage founders—especially those building without access to capital or formal networks. A native Manhattanite, she now lives in Sag Harbor with her two dogs, Teddy and Sheba.

Barbara Mighdoll

Co-founder and CEO

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Barbara Mighdoll is the Co-founder and CEO of MNT Studio, the first Wellness Social Club© for modern living. With a background that bridges wellness, entrepreneurship, and community building, she created MNT to redefine what it means to live in balance by designing spaces where movement, work, and connection come together. After years of navigating a demanding corporate tech career and motherhood, Barbara saw a need for a wellness model that fits the pace and realities of modern life. She founded MNT Studio to offer more than just Pilates classes. It is a holistic ecosystem where people can strengthen their bodies, reset their minds, and feel part of something bigger. Under her leadership, MNT has grown from a single studio to a multi-location brand with a thriving membership community and a team dedicated to making wellness more inclusive and accessible. Barbara’s mission is simple but powerful: to help people find their flow both in and out of the studio and to inspire a more intentional way of living.

Bridgitte Mallinson

Founder

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Bridgitte Mallinson is a functional medicine dietitian, business mentor, and the founder and CEO of GutPersonal, a supplement company empowering women to overcome gut issues through a personalized approach. After overcoming her own lifelong struggles with gut health, migraines, hypothyroidism, and ADHD, Bridgitte spent a decade studying functional medicine and nutrition at esteemed clinics, including Dr. Mark Hyman’s Ultra Wellness Center. During the pandemic, she applied her expertise and entrepreneurial drive to build and scale two seven-figure companies in under three years. Bridgitte launched GutPersonal to create meaningful change, helping women improve their health and achieve their broader life and business goals. The company is female-founded and primarily funded by women investors, reflecting her commitment to empowering women both in wellness and entrepreneurship. Through her work, Bridgitte inspires and motivates others to take control of their health, build thriving businesses, and create the life they envision.

Catherine Gray

Founder and CEO

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Catherine Gray is the Executive Producer of Show Her The Money, a venture capitalist, author, keynote speaker, and TEDx speaker, and the host of the Invest in Her podcast. She is also the Founder and CEO of She Angel Investors and the Co-founder of the She Angels Foundation. As CEO of She Angel Investors’ multi-media platform, Catherine connects founders and funders to resources and to each other. She is also the author of a book, Show Her The Money, which shares the riveting personal stories of the founders and funders behind the film and the movement.

Cathy Csukas

Co-founder

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Cathy Csukas is a trailblazer in the audio industry, championing the power of audio for creators, audiences, and advertisers for nearly three decades. She co-founded AdLarge Media in 2011, a multi-platform audio network that helped launch some of the industry’s biggest names and top-ranking podcast brands. Her leadership has established AdLarge as an innovative force in media, demonstrating how diverse storytelling drives deeper engagement and business growth. In 2024, Cathy launched the fwd. network, an audio-first creator community elevating women’s voices and perspectives. Designed to help creators build strong audio brands and expand across platforms, the fwd. network also simplifies how advertisers reach women-led content at scale. Cathy’s vision is to build the largest supplier of women-targeted audiences in podcasting and shift the influence and ownership of storytelling toward the women shaping culture. Cathy’s influence extends beyond her companies. She serves on the Radio Hall of Fame nominating committee, the Alliance for Women in Media task force, and as a judge for The Podcast Academy’s Ambies and the Future is Female Awards at Advertising Week. She is driven by her belief that audio remains the most intimate and impactful medium for connection and change.

Chelle Neff

Founder and CEO

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Chelle Neff is the Founder and CEO of Urban Betty, a multi-million-dollar salon brand with three locations in the Austin area. She began her career as a hairstylist and, in 2005, opened her first salon with a vision to create a space where beauty professionals could build sustainable, thriving careers. Over the past two decades, Chelle has grown Urban Betty into one of the most recognized salon brands in Texas, celebrated for its strong culture, innovative leadership, and commitment to education and empowerment. Urban Betty has been honored as a Best Place to Work by the Austin Business Journal, featured multiple times in the Salon Today Top 200, and named a four-time Inc. 5000 honoree. Chelle’s leadership philosophy centers on investing in people, fostering creativity, and redefining success in the beauty industry. Her dedication to growth and innovation continues to shape Urban Betty as a modern salon company built on purpose, passion, and integrity.

Christie Garton

Founder and CEO

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Christie Garton is an award-winning social entrepreneur and the founder and CEO of 1,000 Dreams Fund (1DF), a national nonprofit dedicated to supporting talented young women through scholarships, mentorship, and career opportunities. Since launching in 2016, 1DF has granted over $1 million, provided more than 1,000 hours of mentorship, and empowered women across 41 states and 10 countries through its three pillars: fundHER, mentorHER, and hireHER. A lifelong advocate for women’s empowerment, Christie was inspired to start 1DF after recognizing that lack of funding often prevents women from pursuing opportunities that shape their careers. Prior to founding 1DF, she created UChic.com, an online magazine that evolved into the best-selling college guidebook UChic: College Girls’ Real Advice for Your First Year & Beyond! (Sourcebooks), which sold over 100,000 copies across five editions. She is also the co-author of six books, including the award-winning Marketing to Millennials (AMACOM). A recognized expert on social impact, Christie has appeared on NBC’s Today Show and Cheddar News, and her work has been featured in outlets including The Wall Street Journal. She holds degrees from the University of Kansas and a J.D. from the University of Pennsylvania Law School.

Christina Jean Durante

Founder and Creative Director

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Christina Jean Durante is the Founder and Creative Director of Femmes Sans Peur—French for “Fearless Women.” After a black-ice fall in traction-less heels resulted in hospitalization, she set out to build a brand that never makes women choose between beauty, stability, and comfort. Her collections pair sculptural, jewelry-like details, including Swarovski, with real engineering: memory-foam cushioning, balanced lasts, and slip-resistant soles, ensuring every step feels confident and glamorous. Since 2015, Femmes Sans Peur has been worn by icons including Lady Gaga and Lizzo and featured in leading fashion publications. Christina is New York–trained (FIT), a Footwear News Glass Slipper Award winner, and an Accessories Council Design Excellence Awards Footwear finalist. She is also a mom, wife, and founder committed to empowering women through sustainable luxury.

Christina Peoples

Founder and Executive Director

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Christina Peoples is the Founder and Executive Director of the Amelia Ann Adams Whole Life Center, a nonprofit dedicated to moving families from surviving to thriving through programs in health, education, social justice, and healing. Inspired by the legacy of her grandmother, Pastor Amelia Ann Adams, Christina founded the organization in 2016 to bring culturally responsive services directly to families in San Joaquin County. As a woman of color who began her nonprofit journey early in life, Christina embodies the belief that “your pain is your purpose.” She has transformed her lived experiences into fuel for building a trusted community hub that now serves hundreds of youth, women, and families each year. Her innovative leadership has expanded access to Black maternal health programs, youth justice initiatives, restorative justice circles, and family healing services that empower individuals to use their gifts and talents to strengthen their communities. In 2025, Christina launched Brave Impact Consulting to support nonprofit leaders in building strong, safe, and equitable workspaces. Specializing in dismantling harmful workplace practices and fostering cultures of healing, Brave Impact reflects Christina’s commitment to helping other leaders thrive. Through both ventures, she continues to inspire women to lead with courage, authenticity, and vision.

Dana Marlowe

Founder

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Dana Marlowe is a human rights advocate and social entrepreneur, and the founder of I Support the Girls, a global nonprofit organization that provides dignity to marginalized women and individuals through bras, new underwear, and menstrual hygiene products. Her work began with a simple question, “What can I do with my old bras?” and grew into a worldwide movement supporting those often overlooked in society. She is also the founder and principal partner of Accessibility Partners, an IT company dedicated to making technology accessible for people with disabilities. Outside of her advocacy work, Dana enjoys attending sports events with her sons, walking her Silver Labrador Retriever, and participating in early-morning dance raves.

Dana Roberts

Co-founder and Chief Impact Officer

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Dana Roberts is the Co-founder and Chief Impact Officer of Scarlet by RedDrop, a puberty care brand that has empowered over one million tweens and teens with age-appropriate period products and education. With over 15 years of experience in education, Roberts is passionate about giving back and destigmatizing period care. Throughout her career, Roberts has demonstrated a steadfast commitment to uplifting students through advocacy and community partnerships. She serves on the United Way of Greater Atlanta’s African American Partnership Cabinet, was appointed to GeorgiaCAN’s EPIC Parent Advocacy to advance student success, and participated in redefinED Atlanta’s A.R.I.S.E. Program, which ensures equitable access to K-12 education. Roberts earned her bachelor’s degree from Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University and her Master’s in Educational & Instructional Technology from American InterContinental University.

Danielle Moore

Co-founder and Vice President

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Dr. Danielle Moore is Vice President and a founding board member of The Assist, where she leads efforts to end sexual violence in sport and support those affected. As a survivor of Larry Nassar’s abuse, she brings lived experience to advocacy for safer policies, survivor services, and education on athlete safety. Dr. Moore teaches as an Adjunct Professor at The Chicago School in Criminology and Forensic Psychology. She holds a Doctorate in Clinical and Forensic Psychology, an M.A. in Clinical Psychology, an M.A. in Forensic Psychology, and a B.S. in Psychology and Exercise Science. Early in her career, she conducted forensic evaluations—including NGRI, competency, psychosexual, fitness-for-duty, and child custody assessments—and provided individual and group psychotherapy, diagnostic assessments, and trauma treatment. This experience informs her survivor-centered approach. Her impact has been recognized with the Foundation for Global Sports Development’s Humanitarian Award (2018), ESPN’s Arthur Ashe Award for Courage (2018), Glamour Women of the Year (2018), and the Entreprenista 100 Award (2022). Through The Assist, Dr. Moore works to change the culture of sport, advance policies that prioritize athlete safety, and ensure survivors are supported throughout healing and justice.

Dara Carpenter

Founder and CEO

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Dara Carpenter is the Founder and CEO of ELC Solutions, a pioneering leader redefining towing, storage, and logistics management for the insurance industry across North America. Guided by integrity, innovation, and purpose, Dara has transformed a complex and often overlooked sector into one defined by transparency, accountability, and trust. As the only insurance professional in Ontario Small Claims Court qualified as an expert in towing and storage, Dara has advised police agencies, municipal councils, and government task forces to advance fair and ethical practices across the industry. Her leadership continues to inspire collaboration between insurers, regulators, and communities to build a more equitable and transparent system. Beyond her professional work, Dara is deeply committed to giving back. She proudly supports PetSpace, GenSpace, and Breast Cancer Canada, and leads ELC’s community initiatives—most recently organizing her team to prepare and deliver meals to the homeless on Christmas Day. A visionary entrepreneur and reform advocate, Dara Carpenter embodies purpose-driven leadership. Her journey reflects resilience, compassion, and a relentless pursuit of progress, proving that meaningful change begins with courage, conviction, and heart.

Denise Alba

Founder and CEO

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Denise Alba is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, educator, and founder/CEO of BRAVE Wellness Studio, an award-nominated integrative wellness practice serving thousands of clients across San Diego since its founding. Over the past decade, Denise has built a multidisciplinary team offering psychotherapy, coaching, yoga, and community programs designed to address mental health through a whole-person lens. As Lead Faculty at the BRAVE School of Yoga, she has trained and mentored students in trauma-informed, inclusive, and culturally responsive wellness practices, equipping future leaders to bring compassion and integrity to their work. Her innovative approach, integrating evidence-based therapy with somatic and mindfulness modalities, has positioned BRAVE Wellness Studio as a model for sustainable, community-focused mental health care. Beyond her clinical and educational work, Denise is a sought-after speaker and advocate for women’s empowerment, small business leadership, and integrative wellness. Her impact has been recognized through numerous media features, including her 2025 San Diego Magazine nomination for “Fitness + Wellness Pioneer.”

Diann Valentine

Co-founder

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Diann Valentine is the visionary founder of SLAYYY Hair, the first non-toxic, itch-free synthetic hair brand for women who demand beauty without compromise. Frustrated by the lack of safe options for Black women, she transformed her own braid struggles into a revolution for scalp health, confidence, and clean beauty. After two years of in-depth research and development and collaboration with stylists and braiders nationwide, Diann launched SLAYYY Hair in 2023, making history as the first Black-owned synthetic braiding hair brand to launch in Target. With its signature Secret SLAYYY Sauce technology, SLAYYY delivers soft, silky, human-like texture without harsh chemicals—redefining protective styles for a new generation. Beyond SLAYYY, Diann is also the founder of Glow + Flow Beauty, a retail and community experience blending beauty, wellness, and empowerment in Inglewood and Hawthorne, California. Before conquering the beauty industry, Diann was a renowned celebrity wedding designer, TV host, two-time author, and international speaker, known for creating lavish celebrations across four continents and inspiring women to live beautifully and boldly. A creative powerhouse and advocate for women’s ownership, Diann Valentine doesn’t just lead in beauty—she leads a movement.

Dominique Broadway

Founder and CEO

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Dominique Broadway is an award-winning financial educator, 8-figure entrepreneur, and the Founder & CEO of Finances Demystified and Hint, an AI-powered fintech platform that helps people build wealth with confidence and clarity. A former financial planner turned globally recognized money expert, Dominique has guided over 600,000 students in investing, trading, and designing lives of financial freedom. Her mission is to close the wealth gap by making financial education simple, actionable, and accessible, particularly for women and mothers historically excluded from traditional wealth conversations. Through Finances Demystified’s programs, community membership, and Hint’s AI-driven investing insights, she empowers people to build daily income, long-term security, and generational wealth. Dominique’s work has been featured in Forbes, CNBC, TIME, and Business Insider for transforming financial literacy into a global movement. Beyond entrepreneurship, she is a devoted mother of two daughters and a passionate advocate for women balancing ambition and family. Her story demonstrates that resilience and innovation can coexist, showing that it’s possible to rebuild, rise, and guide a generation toward true financial freedom.

Dr. Antoria Gillon

Founder and CEO

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Antoria Gillon is the Founder and CEO of From Ordinary to Extraordinary (FOTE), an award-winning nonprofit organization recognized by the State of Texas that empowers women who have experienced domestic violence, childhood trauma, and teen pregnancy. Despite becoming a teen mother at 16, Antoria was the first in her family to attend college and earn a degree in Psychology. This personal journey gave her deep insight into the mindset shaped by trauma, enabling her to support individuals in overcoming mental, emotional, and financial barriers to achieve stability and self-sufficiency. In 2013, Antoria founded From Ordinary to Extraordinary, which has since served countless domestic violence survivors. By providing support to both mothers and children affected by trauma, abuse, and poverty, FOTE creates lasting hope and opportunity for entire families. Dr. Gillon is recognized as a subject matter expert in supporting survivors, having developed a proven model that guides individuals to heal, thrive, and surpass abuse.

Dr. Arleen Lamba

Founder

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Dr. Arleen K. Lamba is a physician, former anesthesiologist, and founder of GLO30, a rapidly growing skincare franchise revolutionizing the beauty and wellness industry. Recognizing the gap between medical-grade care and consumer accessibility, she pioneered one of the first membership models for skincare, bringing consistency, technology, and affordability to professional treatments. Bridging medicine and technology, Dr. Lamba developed SmartGLO, a facial that evolves monthly based on environmental and skin data, and GLOria, an AI-driven skin analyzer. She has positioned GLO30 at the forefront of data-backed beauty. Her mission is to make intelligent skincare a routine, not a luxury. Under her leadership, GLO30 has expanded nationally, with 100+ locations in development. Dr. Lamba continues to drive innovation at the intersection of medicine, technology, and design, building the future of accessible, performance-based skincare.

Dr. Melissa Wikoff

Founder and Clinical Director

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Dr. Melissa Wikoff is the founder and clinical director of Peachtree Hearing, a nationally recognized audiology practice in Marietta, Georgia. A leading expert in tinnitus and hearing healthcare, Dr. Wikoff has built her practice into one of the top independent audiology centers in the Southeast. Under her leadership, Peachtree Hearing became the first clinic in Georgia to offer Lenire neuromodulation therapy, a groundbreaking FDA-approved treatment for tinnitus. Dr. Wikoff has presented her research and clinical experience internationally and continues to mentor other audiologists seeking to grow patient-centered, innovation-driven practices. Beyond clinical excellence, Dr. Wikoff is deeply committed to community service. She has provided more than $120,000 in free hearing care to Holocaust survivors, advanced accessibility in the arts as Vice Chair of the City Springs Theatre Company, and organized fundraisers supporting tinnitus research. Her work reflects a simple philosophy: when you restore hearing, you restore connection, dignity, and joy.

Durana Elmi

Co-founder

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Durana Elmi is the Co-founder of Cymbiotika, a wellness brand redefining modern health through innovation, education, and empowerment. Founded in 2019 alongside her husband, Shahab Elmi, more than a supplement company, Cymbiotika represents a movement toward conscious living, longevity, and global impact. Under Durana’s leadership, Cymbiotika has sold over 100 million packets, surpassed $100 million in annual revenue, and expanded to a team of 100 employees across the U.S., U.K., U.A.E., and Canada. In October, the brand reached a major milestone with its launch in more than 1,900 Target stores nationwide. Cymbiotika has been recognized by Inc. as one of America’s Fastest-Growing Companies and by Fortune as a Best Place to Work in Retail—both honors earned for four consecutive years. Beyond business growth, Durana has made philanthropy a cornerstone of Cymbiotika’s identity. She has spearheaded global humanitarian initiatives, including the construction of three girls’ schools in Afghanistan, and led company-wide efforts to plant thousands of trees, provide meals to families in need, and protect marine life through sustainable sourcing and vegan DHA innovations. A steadfast advocate for gender equality, Durana has built a workplace where 67% of the team are women, making diversity and empowerment central to Cymbiotika’s culture.

Elena DiStefano

Founder

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Elena is the founder and inventor of the Cozy Clip®. Claw clips have always been her favorite hair accessory, but she could not ignore how painful they are, especially while driving. Realizing that soft, comfortable claw clips don’t exist, Elena invented the Cozy Clip® while in college. She prototyped the design herself on a 3D printer until she developed a version that looks like a regular claw clip but is far more comfortable and durable.

Emma Heming Willis and Helen Christoni

Co-founders

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Emma Heming Willis is the Co-founder and Chief Impact Officer of Make Time Wellness, a brand dedicated to supporting women’s brain health. A wife, mother of two, and stepmother of three, Emma is an author, care partner, and advocate for caregivers and those affected by frontotemporal dementia (FTD). She co-hosts the Make Time Podcast with Helen Christoni and leads the Make Time to Connect YouTube series, both committed to sharing vital information on cognitive wellness and dementia. Her first book, The Unexpected Journey, published in September 2025, became an instant New York Times bestseller. It is a deeply personal and practical guide to helping caregivers care for themselves while navigating the challenges of a loved one’s dementia. Helen Christoni is the co-creator of Make Time Wellness, a brand redefining women’s wellness by putting brain health at the center. After losing close family members to dementia and mental health struggles, Helen partnered with Emma to launch science-backed supplements in 2023. A veteran marketing leader and ultramarathoner, she brings two decades of experience in wellness brand growth. She co-hosts the Make Time Podcast with Emma Heming Willis and champions simple, daily tools for cognitive well-being. Together, Emma and Helen are transforming women’s wellness, providing education, resources, and actionable strategies to support brain health and empower caregivers worldwide.

Erika Sinner

Founder and CEO

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Erika Sinner is a multi–eight-figure founder, bestselling author, and sought-after speaker redefining what it means to lead with empathy and impact. She is the Founder and CEO of Directorie®, one of the world’s fastest-growing and award-winning biotech companies, recognized twice on the Inc. 5000 list of America’s fastest-growing private businesses. Under her leadership, Directorie has become a trusted strategic partner for life science organizations, blending operational excellence with a culture rooted in purpose, innovation, and humanity. As the Chief Empathy Officer of TinySuperheroes®, Erika channels her success toward social good, leading a global charitable organization that empowers chronically and terminally ill children to see themselves as strong, courageous, and capable. Through superhero-themed programs in hospitals and homes around the world, she is transforming the way children and families experience care. A bestselling author of Pets Are Family, Erika is also a respected voice on leadership, culture, and the power of empathy in business. Her work has been featured across major media and stages, inspiring audiences to redefine success. Erika Sinner is not only a visionary entrepreneur; she is a trailblazer demonstrating that anything is possible, no matter where you begin.

Erin Vandre

Founder and CEO

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Erin Vandre is the visionary founder and CEO of Bravory Bakehouse, a mission-driven brand redefining what it means to blend indulgence with impact. A mother of four, entrepreneur, community builder, and servant leader, Erin embodies the spirit of an Entreprenista, transforming courage, compassion, and creativity into meaningful change. Under Erin’s leadership, Bravory Bakehouse has grown from a home kitchen dream into a purpose-powered movement that honors and uplifts military spouses, the Homefront Heroes behind every Braveheart. Through handcrafted gourmet baked goods and coffee, Erin has built more than a bakery; she has built a platform that connects communities and fuels purpose nationwide. Erin’s passion for people shines through everything she does, from mentoring fellow women entrepreneurs to building nonprofits that make an impact and volunteering with her husband to uplift her local community. Her entrepreneurial vision extends beyond profit, focusing on empowerment, connection, and creating opportunity where it’s needed most. As a mother and leader, Erin demonstrates that grace and grit can coexist and that business can be both beautiful and brave. Through Bravory Bakehouse, she continues to inspire others to dream boldly, serve deeply, and believe that every small act of goodness can create ripples of change across communities and generations.

Erinn Askin

Founder and CEO

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Erinn Askin is the founder and CEO of OTEIM, a pediatric neuro-rehabilitation organization expanding access to neuroscience-driven care for neurodivergent children worldwide. A licensed occupational therapist and mother, she built OTEIM on the belief that every child deserves access to cutting-edge developmental support, regardless of geographic or financial privilege. Erinn pioneered the Neuroadaptive Therapy™ model, blending functional neurology, sensory-motor integration, reflex work, and neuromodulation to accelerate development. She transformed OTEIM from a single clinic in Southern California into a global movement, growing revenue from $1M to $2.2M while launching intensive programs and licensing partnerships across Europe and the Middle East. Her mission is to democratize neuroscience-based therapy through international training, provider certification, and parent-centered education. Inspired daily by her own children and the families she serves, Erinn is committed to reshaping the developmental care landscape while giving parents hope, empowering clinicians, and showing that neuroscience-grounded, compassionate care can and should be accessible to every child. She believes the future of pediatric therapy is global, integrative, and rooted in possibility.

Esme Hernandez

Founder and CEO

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Esmeralda “Esme” Hernandez is the founder and CEO of Beauty Creations Cosmetics, a Latina-owned brand redefining high-performance beauty with accessible prices. Born in Mexico and raised by a single mother, Esme began selling at swap meets at age 12 and was running her own beauty business by 15, experiences that shaped her hustle, inclusivity, and customer-first ethos. She launched Beauty Creations in 2016 with the mission to close the gap between quality and affordability. Today, the brand develops and manufactures much of its innovation in-house at a 92,000-sq-ft headquarters in Santa Fe Springs, CA, enabling speed, bold color stories, and consistent quality. Under Esme’s leadership, Beauty Creations is on track to reach $84M in 2025 and serves customers in 47 countries across the U.S., Mexico, Latin America, the Middle East, and beyond. Known for pro-level payoff, joyful packaging, and culture-driven collaborations, Beauty Creations continues to expand retail and global distribution while staying true to Esme’s mission of making exceptional, expressive beauty accessible to everyone.

Estefania Lacayo

Co-founder

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Estefanía is a Nicaraguan-born entrepreneur, changemaker, and thought leader shaping the future of the Latin American fashion industry. With over 22 years of experience across retail, editorial, consulting, and brand building, she has become a leading global voice championing visibility and opportunity for Latin American talent. She is the Co-founder of LAFS, the region’s leading platform for connection, education, and growth within the Latin American fashion ecosystem. Since its launch in 2018, LAFS has convened top designers, CEOs, investors, editors, and entrepreneurs—building bridges between Latin America and the global fashion industry while expanding access and visibility for a new generation of creative leaders. Beyond LAFS, Estefanía serves as an advisor and board member to organizations spanning fashion, entrepreneurship, education, and social impact. She has collaborated with globally renowned brands including Tiffany & Co., Gucci, and Balenciaga on initiatives that blend creativity with community. Her work has been featured in Vogue, Business of Fashion (BoF), WWD, and Forbes, and she regularly speaks at international conferences on leadership, diversity, innovation, and entrepreneurship. Deeply committed to purpose-driven work, Estefanía is actively involved in social initiatives across Latin America, including education access and the fight against human trafficking. She also mentors emerging designers and entrepreneurs, believing in the transformative power of access, collaboration, and community to create lasting change.

Esther Hallam

Founder and CEO

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Esther Hallam is the founder and CEO of Nara Organics, a company redefining standards in infant nutrition. With a product management career dating back to 2004, Esther has held key roles at Google, Travelocity, MarthaStewart.com, Joost.com, Gilt.com, Rockets of Awesome, Jetblack.com, and Tastemaker.com. Her experience in product management and passion for problem-solving led her to create Nara Organics after realizing the lack of clean, organic formula options for her own child. Esther’s journey reflects her commitment to high-quality products and her desire to make a meaningful impact on parents’ lives. Esther studied Sociology and Ethnic Studies at the University of California, Berkeley, and was part of Y Combinator’s Summer 2012 cohort. She lives in Woodstock, NY, with her husband, daughter Nara, and two dogs.

Faten Alshazly

Co-founder and Chief Creative Officer

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Faten Alshazly is the Co-founder and Chief Creative Officer of WeUsThem, an award-winning advertising agency known for its innovative campaigns with major clients such as Telus, Nestlé, and the Canadian Space Agency. Faten’s creative leadership has earned WeUsThem multiple prestigious accolades, including Webby Awards and MarCom Awards. In addition to her work at WeUsThem, Faten is the CEO of HealthEMe, a groundbreaking health-tech startup designed to improve access to healthcare, particularly for mental health and chronic conditions. Through HealthEMe, Faten is transforming the healthcare experience for patients across Canada, the U.S., and beyond. Faten is a passionate advocate for women’s leadership and diversity, serving as the first female immigrant Chair of the Halifax Chamber of Commerce. She has been recognized as one of Canada’s Top 100 Most Powerful Women for her contributions to business and social impact.

Gail Schorsch

Founder and Director

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Gail Schorsch is the founder and director of Bronx Eats, Inc., a community-based nonprofit dedicated to empowering Bronx families through increased access to nutritious food and interactive cooking education. Under her leadership, Bronx Eats has grown from local partnerships with community organizations and founding the Fordham Farmers Market to collaborating with Bronx public schools and becoming a DOE-approved vendor under the Food and Nutrition Grant. Gail is building sustainable systems that address food inequities while promoting health, wellness, and community connection. Through regular produce distributions and interactive cooking demonstrations led by professional chefs and nutrition educators, Bronx Eats is transforming how Bronx residents access, prepare, and think about healthy food. Passionate about supporting local culinary professionals and creating opportunities for meaningful community engagement, Gail has positioned Bronx Eats at the intersection of food justice, education, and public health. Her mission is clear: build a more equitable, nourishing, and healthy Bronx—one family, one meal, and one community partnership at a time.

Garima Shah

Co-founder and President

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Garima Shah is a fintech executive with over 18 years of experience driving revenue growth, forging strategic partnerships, and reshaping the payments industry. She is the President and Co-founder of Biller Genie, where she has scaled the company by expanding its subscriber base and building a high-performing culture. Previously, Garima guided Direct Connect through a management recapitalization and sale to Priority Payment Systems and held leadership roles at Century Payments and eMerchantPay. Her honors include NYC Fintech Women’s CEO of the Year, ETA’s 40 Under 40, Orlando Business Journal’s 40 Under 40, and Forbes Next 100. Garima is also the founder of Brown Girls on a Mission, an initiative empowering women of color in business and tech, and she is a sought-after speaker on fintech, leadership, and entrepreneurship. She holds a BS from Boston University and an MBA from Rollins College. A lifelong dancer, she continues to perform, including appearances at Orlando Magic halftime shows.

Gina Woods

Co-founder and Owner

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Gina Woods is a serial entrepreneur, investor, and business advisor, bringing extensive experience in cultivating successful beauty brands with a focus on community reinvestment. She is the Co-founder and Owner of Donna’s Recipe with Tabitha Brown, a renowned vegan beauty brand known for its premium ingredients and commitment to enhancing the hair and beauty care experience. Woods has introduced innovative concepts, including the Allure award-winning Sweet Potato Pie Collection. Donna’s Recipe is available at Target and Ulta Beauty locations nationwide and remains 100% self-funded. The brand’s retail success has earned it recognition as Ulta Beauty's Black-Owned Brand of the Year and an Allure Best of Beauty Award winner. In her role as a business mentor, Woods leads a mastermind program empowering founders to expand their enterprises, contributing to the growth of numerous multi-million-dollar ventures. She also serves as a business mentor for Ulta Beauty’s Accelerator Program, preparing brand founders to enter mass retail. Additionally, Woods founded the LA Kids Entrepreneur Camp, a hands-on educational platform enabling young individuals to engage with experienced entrepreneurs and explore the fundamentals of business.

Gwendolyn Young

Founder and CEO

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Gwendolyn Young is the Founder and CEO of Your Virtual Admin Expert (YVAE), a boutique executive support agency helping visionary CEOs and C-suite leaders reclaim their time, streamline operations, and scale sustainably. With over 25 years of experience supporting corporate and nonprofit executives, Gwendolyn has built YVAE into a multi–six-figure agency known for its excellence, integrity, and strategic partnership. After chronic health challenges ended her corporate career, Gwendolyn transformed adversity into purpose—launching YVAE to prove that operational excellence and personal well-being can coexist. Under her leadership, the agency has achieved record-breaking growth, maintained a 95% client retention rate, and empowered leaders across industries to thrive within their zones of genius. Recognized as a Daily Herald Business Ledger Most Influential Woman in Business and an Admin Awards Leadership Award nominee, Gwendolyn leads with faith, resilience, and a mission to help leaders build with excellence—and rest with confidence.

Heather Herr

Founder and CEO

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Heather Herr is the CEO and founder of Private Real Estate Collection and Team Herr, a multi-state boutique brokerage redefining modern luxury real estate across Ohio, Kentucky, and Florida. With over $125 million in projected 2025 sales volume and just five producing agents, Heather has built one of the most efficient and design-forward boutique teams in the country, proving that personalized service, storytelling, and culture outperform scale every time. Known for her signature blend of business acumen and authenticity, Heather has become a nationally recognized voice in real estate leadership. She has shared stages with some of the industry’s top thought leaders, speaking on boutique brokerage growth and female leadership in real estate. Heather is also the creator of Herrstory, a women’s empowerment and storytelling brand that hosts events like EmpowerHERR. Through Herrstory, she amplifies the voices of women redefining success, community, and balance both inside and outside the real estate industry. Operating with her signature philosophy that luxury is a lifestyle, not a price point, Heather continues to elevate the art of real estate through curated experiences, design-driven marketing, and a relentless focus on excellence.

Heidi Krupp

Founder

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Heidi Krupp, described as “passionate, energetic, and full of life,” thrives in the world of public relations. With over 30 years of experience, she is a recognized industry leader with an impressive roster of clients including Zarbees Naturals, The Shoah Foundation, and thought leaders such as Tony Robbins, Donna Karan, Jillian Michaels, David Bach, and Tamsen Fadal. Heidi has placed over 85 books on the New York Times bestseller lists, including #1 bestsellers like Money: Master the Game, The South Beach Diet, and The Shift. She launched Krupp in 1996 from her studio apartment in New Jersey, and the agency has since been recognized with awards for Excellence in Communicating Corporate Social Responsibility, Reputation, and Sustainability. Krupp has appeared twice on Inc. Magazine’s “Inc. 5000” list, and Heidi is a recipient of the Enterprising Women of the Year Award. She earned a bachelor’s degree in Communications from Ohio University and played an integral role at ABC News 20/20, earning production and publicity credits including Barbara Walters’ Most Fascinating People of the Year. Heidi resides in New York City with her husband, Darren, and son, Caden.

Jash Mehta

Co-founder and CEO

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Jash Mehta is the Co-founder and CEO of Pop & Bottle. Inspired by the farm-to-table culture of California cuisine and a belief in the power of plant-based eating, Jash and her friend Blair Hardy applied this ethos to their favorite daily ritual: the morning latte. As coffee lovers who prioritized health, the two friends couldn’t find any coffee drinks on grocery store shelves that met their standards, so they decided to create their own. In 2015, Pop & Bottle’s organic, dairy-free, date-sweetened lattes hit the market and immediately resonated with customers who shared their passion for wholesome, high-integrity products. Since then, Pop & Bottle has maintained its clean-label commitment while expanding into oat milk and tea lattes, coffee concentrates, and refrigerated cold brew. Their products are now available in retailers nationwide. Jash is a graduate of The London School of Economics. She is a proud mother of three young daughters and a Shih Tzu pup named Paddington.

Jasmine Bhatti

CEO

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Jasmine Bhatti is a registered nurse, visionary entrepreneur, and CEO of Navi Nurses, an innovative healthcare company recognized on the Inc. 5000 list and ranked 80th among the fastest-growing healthcare companies in the United States. Under her leadership, Navi Nurses has transformed the nursing landscape in Phoenix, Arizona, connecting qualified nursing professionals with the patients who need them most. Combining clinical expertise with hands-on business acumen, Bhatti built a company that expands access to care while providing nurses with flexible career opportunities. Bhatti is currently pursuing her PhD at Arizona State University, further advancing her expertise in healthcare leadership and innovation. Through her work, Bhatti exemplifies the intersection of clinical practice, entrepreneurship, and scholarship, contributing to the future of healthcare workforce solutions.

Jen Herrmann

Founder

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Jen Naye Herrmann has been building brands and side hustles since before she could spell ‘entrepreneur.’ Her first venture involved selling glasses of water with a slice of lemon to her mom’s tax clients, earning enough for garage sale treasures. After a decade leading multimillion-dollar brand campaigns at Dyson and MolsonCoors, Jen traded corporate structure for creative freedom, launching her own business to help founders, small teams, and purpose-driven brands grow with strategy and clarity. In 2020, she co-founded The Marketing Greenhouse with her longtime friend and business partner, Jessie, where they helped dozens of businesses sharpen their message and scale with intention. When the two started growing in different directions, Jen made the bold choice to start fresh, relaunching as The Strategy Studio, a consultancy focused on bridging the gap between big-picture vision and everyday execution. Today, Jen leads a small but powerful team helping clients turn chaos into clarity through smart strategy, systems, and storytelling. She is passionate about helping women-led businesses grow sustainably, find their flow, and build brands that genuinely reflect their vision and values.

Jen Szpigiel

Founder

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Jen is the Founder of Becoming Iconic and the Founder and Editor-in-Chief of Iconic Magazine, as well as a mother of four children. Jen has helped thousands of women worldwide build successful businesses, resulting in over $100 million in sales through her full-service brand, which incorporates mentorship and done-for-you creative services. Renowned for her innovative approach to business and her impeccable leadership, her consulting and mentorship consistently generate waitlists. In 2022, after losing her social media, Jen launched Iconic Magazine alongside her Top 100 podcast, the Iconic Podcast. This bold move transformed into a globally recognized media powerhouse. Often described as “Forbes meets Vogue,” the magazine has garnered over ten million impressions and reached 285+ countries. Now an established media company, Iconic Magazine provides a triple-threat PR opportunity for visionary women looking to be seen, heard, and remembered.

Jena Fine

President

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Jena Fine is an accomplished executive leader with over 20 years of strategic and tactical experience in the higher education and beauty sectors. Throughout her career, she has been recognized for her visionary leadership, entrepreneurial drive, and deep commitment to empowering others through education and career development. Before acquiring The Makeup Academy NYC, Jena served as Senior Vice President at the nation’s largest non-franchised cosmetology school system, where she supported over 10,000 graduates in securing employment and led staffing partnerships with more than 5,000 salons across the country. Her leadership was instrumental in building bridges between education and industry, creating meaningful career pipelines and long-term employment opportunities. Jena’s career focus spans career services, community partnerships, and engagement, where she has consistently developed programs that connect education to workforce success. Her work has centered on fostering partnerships that uplift local communities, create career pathways, and expand access to quality training in creative and technical fields. As the owner of The Makeup Academy NYC, Jena continues to champion innovation, inclusion, and artistry in education, redefining what it means to prepare the next generation of creative professionals for thriving, sustainable careers.

Jennie Bjorem

Founder and CEO

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Jennie Bjorem, M.A., CCC-SLP, is the founder and CEO of Bjorem Speech®, an internationally recognized publishing company creating inclusive, research-based speech, language, and literacy materials for children. With over 25 years of experience as a speech-language pathologist, Jennie has dedicated her career to making therapy more accessible, engaging, and effective for professionals and families worldwide. What began as a single product idea in her home pantry has grown into a multimillion-dollar company with over 95 products sold in more than 90 countries. Jennie’s visionary leadership has positioned Bjorem Speech® as a trusted brand in education, combining clinical expertise with beautiful design and innovation. In 2024, Jennie co-founded the Bjorem & Bolles Apraxia Education Initiative, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit with NFL player Garett Bolles, to provide global training for speech-language pathologists treating Childhood Apraxia of Speech (CAS). Passionate about education, advocacy, and community, Jennie continues to inspire SLPs and entrepreneurs alike to create meaningful impact through evidence-based work and fearless creativity.

Jenny Yue

Co-founder

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Jenny Yue is the Co-founder of OHME! Foods, a Vancouver-based snack company reimagining healthy snacking through freeze-dried fruits and its signature Yogurt Crunch, made with real Canadian Greek yogurt and fruit. A former professional in the Canadian healthcare IT sector, Jenny combined her background in systems thinking with her passion for wellness to create snacks that are both nutritious and joyful. Since launching, she has grown OHME! from her kitchen table into a brand now available in over 400 retail stores across North America, including London Drugs, Healthy Planet, and Urban Outfitters (U.S.). As a mother to a seven-year-old, Jenny’s journey reflects her belief that entrepreneurship can look different—built with heart, resilience, and purpose. Jenny is passionate about supporting women founders and first-generation entrepreneurs, often sharing her experiences through mentorship and community events. Her mission is to make mindful eating accessible while inspiring others to take bold risks, chase their dreams, and redefine what’s possible.

Jessica Eaves Mathews

Founder

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Jessica Eaves Mathews is a 30-year, award-winning trademark, copyright, and AI attorney, compliance expert, and recognized pioneer in legal innovation. She served as head of litigation and compliance for Microsoft Co-founder Paul Allen, managing complex legal and regulatory matters at the intersection of business, intellectual property, and technology. In 2008, Jessica launched one of the first fully virtual law firms in the United States, years before remote work became mainstream, earning multiple national awards for business innovation and leadership. Today, she leads Leverage Legal Group, an AI-enabled business, intellectual property, and technology law firm advising clients across the U.S., Canada, the U.K., and Europe. Her practice focuses on AI and digital compliance, trademarks, copyright, M&A, and cross-border transactions, helping businesses protect their innovations and navigate emerging technologies responsibly. Jessica holds an LL.M. in Global Business Law from Columbia Law School and certification in AI governance, reflecting her commitment to shaping the ethical future of AI. A sought-after speaker, educator, and mentor, she founded Foundergy and The Liberated Lawyer, two programs designed to help founders and attorneys harness AI to future-proof their businesses and careers. She is also the author of Wonder Women: How Western Women Will Save the World.

Johanna Suarez

Co-founder and CEO

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Johanna Suarez is the Co-founder and CEO of Reliable Restorations®, the first Latina-owned restoration and general contracting firm in Charlotte, North Carolina, and the founder of Snacket Foods, an innovative mobile catering company powered by electric vehicles. With over two decades of entrepreneurial and leadership experience, Johanna has grown Reliable Restorations into a multimillion-dollar, woman- and minority-certified firm specializing in commercial renovations, capital improvements, and disaster recovery for multifamily, senior living, and commercial properties. Her newest venture, Snacket Foods, brings sustainability and creativity to corporate events by sourcing local products and delivering elevated convenience through eco-friendly, electric-powered mobile carts. As Chairwoman of the Latin American Chamber of Commerce of Charlotte, Johanna mentors emerging professionals through the Cultivating Talent Program and advocates for entrepreneurship, inclusion, and community advancement. Recognized as Latina Entrepreneur of the Year and one of Charlotte’s Most Admired CEOs, Johanna embodies resilience, innovation, and purpose—building businesses that create impact, expand opportunity, and drive lasting change.

Josephine Bonsu

Founder and CEO

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Josephine Bonsu is the founder and CEO of Unami Skincare, a clean beauty brand inspired by her Ghanaian roots, dedicated to healing and empowering through nature. Born and raised in Ghana, Josephine grew up immersed in traditional skincare rituals that now form the foundation of her brand. In 2017, she moved to the United States on a full-ride scholarship to Rutgers University, later transferring to Arizona State University. She earned her master’s degree from Delaware State University and is currently pursuing her Ph.D., all before the age of 30. Driven by her passion for authenticity and representation, Josephine built Unami from the ground up after visiting northern Ghana and collaborating with the women who produce raw shea butter. What began as a small idea has evolved into a globally recognized brand celebrating culture, confidence, and community. Her work has earned recognition in major Ghanaian publications and awards such as Booth of the Year at Invest Fest. Josephine’s journey exemplifies resilience, education, and purpose, proving that when passion meets vision, meaningful impact follows.

Julia Hartz

Co-founder, CEO, and Executive Chair

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Julia Hartz is the Co-founder, CEO, and Executive Chair of Eventbrite, a global marketplace for live experiences that powers events in nearly 180 countries. Under her leadership, Eventbrite has grown from an innovative idea into one of the world’s largest platforms for shared experiences. In 2018, Julia led the company through its IPO, making her one of the few women to both co-found a company and take it public. Since its founding in 2006, Eventbrite has generated billions of dollars in gross ticket sales. Julia has received wide-ranging recognition for her leadership and impact, including Fortune’s 40 Under 40, Inc.’s 35 Under 35, Entrepreneur Magazine’s Women of Influence, Fortune’s Most Powerful Women Entrepreneurs, and San Francisco Business Times’ The Most Influential Women of Bay Area Business. She continues to be featured in leading publications around the world. At the heart of her work is a deeply held belief that real-life human experiences drive individual happiness and foster stronger global communities. This philosophy continues to inspire her vision for Eventbrite in today’s increasingly digital world.

Julia Taylor

Founder and CEO

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Julia Taylor is the award-winning founder, CEO, and community builder behind GeekPack, a global platform equipping women with the skills, strategies, and support to build profitable, resilient businesses in an ever-changing digital world. A self-taught developer and former intelligence officer, she founded GeekPack to provide a supportive community where women could thrive, gain confidence, and overcome barriers in digital entrepreneurship. Her work as an impact entrepreneur has been recognized by the Cartier Women’s Initiative and the Tory Burch Foundation, alongside speaking engagements for global enterprises and features in Nasdaq, FOX, CBS, NBC, and Forbes. Through GeekPack’s community-centered model and brand partnerships, Julia connects leading companies with women entrepreneurs who are shaping the future of small business. Whether helping a woman land her first client or shaping opportunities for brands to show up with authenticity and resonance, Julia believes entrepreneurship should feel less like spinning your wheels and more like building momentum that lasts.

Kadidja Dosso

Founder

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Kadidja Dosso is the founder of Dosso Beauty, a clinically tested, non-toxic, and hypoallergenic braiding hair and organic hair care line. After experiencing a severe allergic reaction to braids, she launched the brand to provide safe, high-quality alternatives. Dosso has sold hypoallergenic hair extensions and organic hair care products to over 200,000 customers, generating $3 million in sales revenue over the past seven years. Following the release of the Consumer Report exposing toxic chemicals in legacy braiding hair brands, Dosso Beauty grew its revenue by 800%. Prior to building Dosso Beauty, Kadidja was a management consultant at Accenture LLP for over six years in New York City. After winning Pharrell Williams’ Black Ambition HBCU Grand Prize of $250,000, along with $75,000 for her alma mater, Hampton University, she decided to pursue her business full time. Since Black Ambition, Kadidja has secured over $900,000 in non-dilutive funding to grow Dosso Beauty. Kadidja has been featured in numerous publications, including Forbes 30 Under 30, The Philadelphia Business Journal, NY Magazine, Black Enterprise, Hello Beautiful, Refinery29, REVOLT, The Daily Press, and Essence.

Katia Conte

Co-founder

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Katia Conte is the founder of the Daniela Conte Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting families affected by pediatric cancer and funding critical research. Her daughter, Daniela, was outgoing, joyful, and full of life. When Daniela was five, she was diagnosed with Rhabdomyosarcoma, a rare and aggressive pediatric cancer. Despite receiving extensive treatments and enduring four relapses, Daniela passed away at the age of eight. Inspired by her daughter’s courage, Katia founded the Daniela Conte Foundation. Since its inception, the organization has raised over $650,000 to assist families navigating pediatric cancer and support life-saving research. Through her work, Katia has turned profound loss into a movement of hope, providing resources, support, and advocacy for families battling childhood cancer.

Kaylee Lieffers

Co-founder and CEO

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Kaylee Lieffers is a founder and operator who has dedicated her career to making entrepreneurship more accessible. She is the Co-founder and CEO of Blanka, a platform that helps entrepreneurs, salons, and spas create their own beauty and wellness brands without the traditional barriers of cost, complexity, or access. Before Blanka, Kaylee was part of the founding team at MobSquad, a company that helped reshape how Canadian tech talent is supported and later became the subject of a Harvard Business School case study. She has spent the last decade building and scaling startups, raising venture capital, and learning firsthand what it takes to bring new ideas to life. Kaylee has been recognized as a Top 30 Under 30 and a Top Female Founder to Watch, but what matters most to her is the impact she can make for other entrepreneurs, especially women. At Blanka, more than 70% of the team are women, reflecting her commitment to building with intention and representation. Outside of her company, Kaylee serves on the Board of BC Tech, mentors young women through various programs, and regularly speaks about entrepreneurship, leadership, and navigating the realities of building a company.

Keisha Wagner

Founder and CEO

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Keisha Wagner is the founder and CEO of PeachFuzz Laser Studio and Fuzz Clinic Skincare, sister brands redefining hair removal and skincare for every skin tone. A licensed Nurse Practitioner with over 15 years of experience, Keisha launched PeachFuzz in Brooklyn during the pandemic to provide a safe and inclusive space for women seeking expert laser treatments. What began in a brownstone has grown into a multi-location brand recognized for clinical precision, cultural awareness, and community-centered care. PeachFuzz Laser was selected for the inaugural Target Accelerators class in 2021, and in 2023, Fuzz Clinic Skincare won the Maesa Magic Beauty Incubator, honoring its innovation in post-hair-removal and hyperpigmentation skincare. Through both brands, Keisha continues to champion confidence, education, and representation in the beauty and wellness industry. A first-generation American and mother of two, she is deeply committed to mentorship, employing local youth, funding staff training, and inspiring women of color to see themselves as leaders and innovators in health and beauty.

Kellie Pean and Alyssa Convertini-Lindquist

Co-founders

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Kellie Pean and Alyssa Convertini-Lindquist are the Co-founders of Brand New: A Collective, an award-winning, bi-coastal integrated marketing agency that crafts culture-led campaigns for global brands, including Proximo Spirits, Diageo, and Eco Style Haircare. With over 30 years of combined experience across strategy, brand marketing, entertainment, and production, their work bridges creativity, commerce, and cultural insight. Kellie oversees the agency’s experiential production and cultural strategy, drawing on nearly two decades of leadership across The Coca-Cola Company, Diageo, and Valence Media (now Penske). A graduate of Miami University and The University of Chicago Booth School of Business (MBA), she specializes in building brands from ideation through execution and currently leads Brand New’s East Coast operations from New York. Alyssa leads creative development, talent partnerships, and entertainment strategy, leveraging her extensive background in digital media, artist relations, and content production. She served as Executive Director of Branded Content and Music Strategy at Billboard, where she built award-winning campaigns across CPG, tech, beverage, and entertainment. A graduate of Ithaca College’s Park School of Communications, Alyssa now oversees the agency’s West Coast office in Los Angeles. Pean and Convertini-Lindquist fuse strategic precision with creative innovation, building an agency that architects culture-defining solutions for brands.

Kim Lawton

Co-founder and CEO

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Kim Lawton is the Co-founder and CEO of Enthuse Marketing, an education-led marketing agency that teaches the world to love brands. Unlike most agencies born from creative ambition, Enthuse was founded on the belief that understanding fuels advocacy and that the most powerful form of marketing is education. With nearly two decades of experience leading global programs across food, beverage, hospitality, and pharmaceuticals, Kim has built Enthuse into a 100% women-owned and women-led national agency serving some of the world’s most recognizable brands. Her leadership philosophy blends strategy, empathy, and purpose, helping brands grow through knowledge, not noise. Kim is also the Co-founder of the Enthuse Foundation, a nonprofit supporting women entrepreneurs in the food, beverage, and CPG industries. In 2025, the Foundation surpassed $1 million in direct financial support to women founders through grants, mentorship, and education.

Kristin Garcia

Executive Director

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Kristin Garcia is the Executive Director of The Verge OKC, Oklahoma City’s premier 501(c)(3) nonprofit entrepreneurship hub. She specializes in connecting diverse founders with the resources and networks needed to turn bold ideas into impactful businesses. Bringing over 20 years of experience in higher education and startup ecosystems across Oklahoma, Texas, and California, Kristin has played a key role in accelerating entrepreneurship. Her background includes creating a pre-accelerator program, managing the Code Lab at the OU Innovation Hub, and serving on the start team for Purepost, where she now advises on military skills translation. Holding a Master’s in Organizational Development and a professional coaching certification, Kristin actively contributes to the community as the Global Entrepreneurship Week State Coordinator for Oklahoma and as an Entrepreneur-in-Residence at the University of Oklahoma. She is dedicated to accelerating business and startup growth across the Oklahoma City metro area. Originally from San Antonio, Texas, Kristin is a proud Army Brat who has traveled extensively. She now lives in Norman, Oklahoma, with her husband, Chris Aguilar.

Kristin Revere

Founder

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Kristin Revere is the founder and owner of Gold Coast Doulas in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and an elite certified birth doula, postpartum doula, newborn care specialist, and childbirth educator. She is the co-author of Supported: Your Guide to Birth and Baby and co-host of the Ask the Doulas podcast. A proud wife, mother of two, and bonus mom to one, Kristin holds a Bachelor of Science in Journalism from Central Michigan University and a Master of Management in Marketing from Aquinas College. Her writing has been featured in both local and national publications. Kristin has been recognized for her leadership and impact, being named one of the 50 Most Influential Women in West Michigan by the Grand Rapids Business Journal in 2016 and 2022. In 2024, she was honored as a Notable Leader in Health Care by Crain’s Grand Rapids Business and named a Tory Burch Foundation Fellow.

Lalitha Priya Chandrashekhar

Founder

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Lalitha Priya Chandrashekhar, better known as Priya, is an award-winning visionary leader in healthcare with over 20 years of experience. Passionate about patient value and access, Priya founded PFG MedComm in 2013, with the vision of taking a different approach to market access strategy. As a minority and woman founder of a fully remote company, Priya champions inclusivity, supporting women, minorities, parents, and advocates. Beyond her work with PFG MedComm, she actively supports and promotes diverse founders in healthtech through startup advisory work, both independently and as a partner to various accelerators and incubators. She also enjoys mentoring students and early-career professionals. Outside of work, Priya can be found doing projects with her 10-year-old twins, Adithya and Divya, watching Marvel movies with her husband, Ashok, doing functional fitness workouts, or planning the next family trip.

Latrice Prater

Founder and CEO

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Latrice Prater is the Founder and CEO of The Digital Solutions Team (DST), a strategic operations agency that helps high-achieving, often neurodivergent women, particularly BIPOC neurodivergent CEOs, scale their businesses with clarity, structure, and sustainability. Drawing on her own experience navigating entrepreneurship with ADHD, Latrice transformed her lived experience into a mission-driven movement redefining success for women who lead differently. Under her leadership, DST has evolved into a force for inclusion, designing operations and automations that honor how each founder’s brain works. She is the creator of The ADHD CEO Bestie GPT, an AI companion that helps neurodivergent entrepreneurs plan, organize, and stay focused. Latrice is also the author of Chaos Queen: Embracing the Mess & Creating Success with ADHD and founder of The ADHD CEO Roundtable, a growing community providing strategy, sisterhood, and support for neurodivergent women of color. Her work embodies one mission: to make business structure human again, proving that neurodivergence does not need to be fixed, it just needs a system that fits.

Laura Taylor

Founder

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Laura Taylor is a devoted mother of two, a wife of over 25 years, and an energetic business leader who brings warmth and purpose to everything she does. After giving up alcohol in 2015, she realized that social experiences could still be lively and fun, but nonalcoholic options were uninspiring. Determined to change that, Laura crafted her own Cranberry Cosmo for a girls’ weekend, sparking the idea for Mingle Mocktails. Drawing from her successful career managing strategic partnerships at top tech companies like Tableau, IBM, and Accenture, Laura combined her business expertise with her passion for inclusive connection. What began as a personal solution evolved into a nationwide movement, proving that people crave flavorful, better-for-you alternatives to alcohol. Driven by her mission to bring an inclusive, festive beverage to every setting where alcohol is sold, Laura has already seen Mingle Mocktails placed in over 7,000 retail locations nationwide.

Lauren Kaplan

Founder and CEO

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Lauren Kaplan is the Founder and CEO of Growth Ops Advisory, a business consultancy that helps companies align their people strategy with business goals, driving performance. Her firm partners with founders to transform HR from an administrative function into a strategic growth engine that delivers clarity and results. Lauren built her expertise through years of leading teams, managing operations, and studying organizational behavior. This mix of experience gives her a unique perspective on how structure, communication, and leadership shape a company’s success. She advises both founder-led and investor-backed businesses across industries, helping them strengthen alignment and build the capacity to grow sustainably. In addition to running Growth Ops Advisory, Lauren serves as an Expert in Residence for H/L Ventures, advising portfolio companies on organizational design, leadership, and people strategy. Lauren holds an MBA from MIT Sloan and a BSBA from Washington University in St. Louis.

Lisa Hansen

Founder

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Lisa Hansen is a kitchen-dancing mom, world-traveled engineer, pastry chef, and a Confidence & Success Speaker and UNSTOPPABLE Coach. She lives what she teaches and focuses on methods that actually work. Through her exclusive approach, Lisa helps ambitious women eliminate stress, build unstoppable confidence, achieve audacious success, and thrive by knowing themselves—not changing themselves. She is the founder of the Thriving Women’s Conference, a high-energy, judgment-free community where powerful women gather for success, friendship, and fun—and it delivers on all three. Whether an entrepreneur or corporate leader, Lisa and her TWC community help women confidently thrive personally and professionally without overwhelm, burnout, guilt, or hustle-for-your-worth energy.

Liz Benditt

Founder, President, and CEO

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Liz Benditt is a six-time cancer survivor, entrepreneur, and relentless problem-solver. After earning her bachelor’s degree from Boston University and an MBA from the University of Southern California, she spent more than 20 years in corporate marketing before launching The Balm Box, a gifting company for cancer patients and their loved ones. As president and CEO, Liz combines grit, creativity, and a mission-driven mindset to turn personal challenges into meaningful impact. She also teaches undergraduate business marketing at the University of Kansas and serves on the board of The Mainstream Coalition. Liz lives in the Kansas City suburbs with her husband, two children, and one “terrible” dog who keeps her humble, laughing, and occasionally chasing her slippers. Through her work, she demonstrates that resilience, vision, and a touch of humor can transform adversity into action—making the world a little kinder, one thoughtfully curated care package at a time.

Lois Robbins

Founder

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Lois Robbins is the founder of WATSKIN, a chic, sun-protective clothing line created from a deeply personal health scare and a determination to live fully without compromise. In 2018, Lois received unexpected news from her dermatologist: a squamous cell carcinoma had been discovered above her lip, and she was advised to stay out of the sun. An active, outdoors-loving New Yorker, she searched for stylish, protective clothing but found the market lacking. Determined to fill the gap, she sourced UPF50+ fabric and partnered with a friend to design garments that offered both elegance and function, allowing her—and others—to live in the light safely.

Louisa Chiaramonte

Founder

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Louisa Chiaramonte is a marketing visionary with over 20 years of experience and the driving force behind AVI Media’s evolution. She led the company from its roots in recruitment marketing and print media—building a successful partnership with Indeed—into a full-service creative powerhouse. Today, under her leadership, AVI Media offers website design, e-commerce and branding services, programmatic ads, public relations, and corporate communications, delivering bold, measurable marketing that drives real impact. Louisa combines strategic vision with hands-on execution to ensure every project embodies creativity, clarity, and meaningful results. Her resilience and forward-thinking approach have fueled AVI Media’s sustained growth and earned the agency finalist status in the 2025 Stevie Awards for Women in Business across multiple categories. Passionate about championing women in business and fostering authentic client partnerships, Louisa continues to challenge the status quo and elevate what modern marketing agencies can achieve.

Lucy Solie-Vilker

Co-owner and CEO

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Lucy Solie-Vilker is the co-owner and CEO of Donor Nexus, a female-founded and female-led egg donation agency that makes family-building more accessible, ethical, and inclusive. Since launching Donor Nexus in 2012, she has built one of the industry’s most trusted and compassionate agencies, connecting intended parents and egg donors through a transparent, supportive, and human-centered approach. As a mother of two daughters, Lucy is deeply inspired by the strength and generosity of women who make family-building possible for others. She is passionate about helping all individuals on their path to parenthood and believes strongly in offering programs that provide people with real options. Education is at the heart of her mission, empowering individuals to make informed, confident decisions about their family-building journey. Her ability to combine entrepreneurial drive with strategic growth and ethical practices continues to guide Donor Nexus as it redefines what’s possible for families worldwide.

Madalina Defta

Co-founder and CEO

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Madalina Defta is the Co-founder and CEO of Kaizen, a self-funded startup redefining comfort food through high-protein, lower-carb pasta made from regenerative lupini beans. An immigrant to the U.S., she built Kaizen with her husband from the ground up through grit, discipline, and an unwavering belief that anything is possible with continuous improvement, a philosophy reflected in the brand’s name. Kaizen was born out of her husband’s health needs and their shared desire to find comforting, craveable foods with a more sustainable approach to nutrition. When the options didn’t exist, they set out to create them. Before launching Kaizen, Madalina spent more than 20 years in finance, operations, and strategy across Fortune 100 companies and the Bay Area startup ecosystem. Her expertise in cost structure, supply chain, and organizational execution became the backbone of Kaizen’s ability to scale profitably without outside capital. Under her leadership, Kaizen has grown into a category-defining brand with nationwide distribution, a deeply engaged community, and a predominantly women-led team that reflects her belief in opportunity, diversity, and empowerment. Madalina is passionate about building products and a company culture that help people feel stronger, more energized, and more confident every day.

Majda Baltic

Founder

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Majda Baltic is a refugee-turned-founder, award-winning entrepreneur, and the visionary behind The Majdas Touch™, an ecosystem of companies empowering women to build, automate, and protect their businesses. After fleeing the Yugoslavian genocide and rebuilding her life from nothing, Majda transformed adversity into innovation. She is the founder of Majdas Touch Insurance®, a fully virtual brokerage serving clients nationwide; Sour Insurance™, the first provider of Social Media & Influencer Protection®; ScaleMate VA, a virtual staffing company powering digital operations globally; SupHerHuman™, an AI and tech-support community for female founders; DIBS Toolbox®, an all-in-one CRM helping agencies Digitize Your Agency®; and Digitized Agency in a Box™, a revolutionary franchise model lowering insurance startup costs from $175K–$230K to just $36K. Majda’s journey, From War Zones to Boardrooms, is a story of resilience, reinvention, and disruption. Her mission is to help women design freedom-based businesses that serve their lives, not consume them, proving that even when you start with nothing, you can build everything. The Majdas Touch™ is about turning the unthinkable into the unbreakable.

Mandy Landaas

CEO

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Mandy Landaas is the CEO of Third Wave Psychotherapy, a leading mental health practice dedicated to human-centered, stigma-free, and evidence-based care. Originally founded by her husband, Bryan Landaas, Third Wave was inspired by Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and a vision to create an innovative alternative to traditional clinical spaces. When Bryan was diagnosed with a Grade 4 brain tumor (glioblastoma) and given 12 months to live, Mandy stepped into leadership, first as his caregiver and then as CEO, committed to preserving and expanding the mission they built together. With a doctorate in physical therapy and a background shaped by motherhood, resilience, and personal loss, Mandy has grown Third Wave into a thriving practice with over 30 clinicians, multiple locations, and a reputation for exceptional care. She leads with intentionality, creativity, authenticity, and generosity, creating environments where clients feel safe, supported, and empowered to grow. Mandy continues to honor Bryan’s legacy by expanding access to high-quality, evidence-based mental health care, all while raising their three children and demonstrating what is possible when purpose and courage intersect.

Mia Medina

Founder

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Mia Medina grew up in Mill Valley, California, where natural foods were a staple long before it became mainstream. She was drawn to natural products, fresh local foods, and exploring new flavors. Her passion for clean, healthy food has not only been a lifestyle but also the foundation of her career in the natural products industry. While spending the last 25 years as a wife and mother to five children, Mia has also grown with and navigated the CPG industry, focusing primarily on the natural channel. She has worked on the broker side of the business with Acosta/NS Sales, the manufacturer side with Coca-Cola/Odwalla, and the distribution side, where she and her husband expanded their local distribution company nationally, becoming Whole Foods Market’s #1 DSD distributor in eight of its 11 regions. Combining her early exposure to clean, healthy food, her personal connection to the natural products industry, and her passion for helping startup brands grow, Mia now helps women-owned brands and women entrepreneurs succeed in this male-dominated space.

Michelle Ray

Founder and CEO

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Michelle Ray is the CEO and Founder of Blackwell HR Solutions, a results-driven HR executive and strategic business partner with a passion for building high-performing, people-first organizations. With a career spanning both private and publicly traded companies, Michelle has led transformative change through a dynamic blend of operational expertise and organizational development. She is known for cultivating collaborative cultures, driving innovation, and delivering measurable impact across teams and industries. Under her leadership, Blackwell HR has grown rapidly while maintaining an unwavering focus on client service, employee engagement, and HR excellence. Michelle holds a Master’s degree in Organizational Development and Human Resources from George Washington University and is a proud Virginia Tech graduate. She is a member of the Entreprenista League, the Forbes Human Resources Council, and an alumna of the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses program. Based in Wilmington, Delaware, Michelle lives with her husband and four teenagers. She is an avid runner, reader, and passionate disability advocate. She serves as a certified RRCA Coach for charity race teams supporting the National Down Syndrome Society.

Mila Clarke

Founder

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Mila Clarke is a nutritionist, board-certified health and wellness coach, and the founder of Glucose Guide, a nonprofit digital platform making diabetes care more accessible and less overwhelming. After being diagnosed with latent autoimmune diabetes in adults (LADA), Mila turned her personal experience into a mission to help others find calm and confidence in their care. Through Glucose Guide, Mila provides evidence-based nutrition tools, coaching programs, and community support that reach thousands of people each month. Her approachable, empowering voice has made her a trusted advocate in the diabetes community, encouraging people to manage their condition in ways that work for them. Mila is also the creator of Hangry Woman, an award-winning blog and social platform that has reached millions worldwide with practical advice, recipes, and candid stories about life with diabetes. In 2025, she became a HealthCentral columnist and was recognized by Circle in Times Square for her impact in digital health. Her work continues to focus on equity, inclusion, and innovation—bridging the gap between science and everyday life to ensure everyone has access to the support they need to thrive with diabetes.

Mina Haque

Founder and CEO

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Mohaimina “Mina” Haque is the CEO of Tony Roma’s, where she leads a strategic transformation to revitalize the iconic 53-year-old restaurant chain. Her leadership is focused on restructuring operations, driving growth, and positioning Tony Roma’s for long-term success domestically and internationally. Mina also runs a successful law firm specializing in immigration and corporate law, including mergers and acquisitions. She shares her expertise as an Adjunct Professor at American University Washington College of Law, teaching law practice management to the next generation of legal professionals. Mina has been recognized as one of Women We Admire’s Top Women Leaders of DC in 2024 and as Top Attorney of the Year by the International Association of Top Professionals (IAOTP) in 2023. Washingtonian Magazine highlighted her as one of the Outstanding Women in the Washington, DC Metropolitan area in 2021, further underscoring her influence as both a legal and business leader. She is also a member of Chief, the premier network for senior women leaders.

Molly Blakeley

Founder

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Molly B is the innovative founder of Molly Bz Cookies, who turned a humble beginning into a national phenomenon. As a single mother starting with just $150, Molly’s determination and faith fueled her journey. Today, Molly Bz Cookies is celebrated for its bold flavors and inventive approach, now available in thousands of locations across the nation and expanding globally. Beyond business, Molly is deeply committed to giving back. She supports ministries, food banks, and local charities, and mentors over 100 women in business, believing in the power of community and collaboration. Molly B’s journey is a testament to resilience, innovation, and the impact of giving back.

Rachel Fidino

Founder

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Dr. Rachel Fidino is an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse, double board-certified with national credentials in Women’s Health and Advanced Genetics. She has over thirteen years of clinical expertise and a deep commitment to advancing women’s health. In February 2020, Dr. Fidino founded New U Women’s Clinic and Aesthetics, a holistic center serving women of all ages. Her clinic has been recognized as the Best Women’s Clinic, Weight Loss Center, and Med Spa in the Tri-Cities for three consecutive years from 2022 to 2025. Dr. Fidino is also the founder of the Healing Hands Project, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit focused on enhancing menstrual health, improving access to feminine hygiene products, and supporting low-income women, homeless women, and young women escaping sex trafficking. In September 2022, she launched LA CANNEBERGE, a skincare line featuring the natural benefits of cranberry seed oil, offering a unique blend of luxury and affordability. In recognition of her leadership and impact, Dr. Fidino was named one of the Tri-Cities Journal of Business’s Young Professionals in Business under 40 in 2021 and received the prestigious ATHENA Young Professional Leadership Award in 2022.

Rachel Harrison

Founder

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Rachel is a trainer, speaker, and founder dedicated to advancing education on trauma treatment, EMDR, and entrepreneurship. She is the Founder of Trauma Specialists of Maryland, Delaware, and Pennsylvania and the owner of The Trauma Specialists Training Institute. Rachel is a Certified EMDR Therapist, an Approved Consultant for EMDR Therapy, and a national trainer offering EMDRIA-approved EMDR trainings. With 26 years of experience as a therapist, Rachel is passionate about using EMDR to heal individuals and strengthen communities. She is also committed to innovations in mental wellness, which led her to create The Mental Health Entrepreneur Podcast. Beyond her professional work, Rachel is a devoted mother who channels her dedication and passion into everything she does.

Rachel Lipson

Founder

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Rachel Lipson is an entrepreneur, points and miles expert, avid family traveler, songwriter, and educator. She is the founder of Brooklyn Family Travelers, a platform dedicated to helping families travel meaningfully and affordably, focusing mostly on points, with kids in tow, and Blue Balloon Songwriting for Small People, a creative music school founded in 2010 in New York City. Rachel has been featured dozens of times in publications including The New York Times, New York Magazine, The New York Post, Time Out, Forbes, Success, Inc. Magazine, and more. She has appeared on numerous podcasts and panels as the founder of multiple successful businesses in the fields of music, entrepreneurship, travel, and education. She lives in Park Slope, Brooklyn, with her husband, two kids, and a pup, and while she loves traveling the world, there is no place like home.

Ruchi Pinniger

Founder and CEO

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Ruchi Pinniger is a former Wall Street hedge fund CFO turned international speaker, venture capital investor, and Founder and CEO of Watch Her Prosper®, a financial mentorship and consulting firm empowering women-led service-based businesses. With nearly two decades of corporate finance experience, Ruchi blends practical strategy with a holistic approach, offering financial guidance, bookkeeping, tax-time readiness, and prosperity-mindset coaching to help women achieve true financial freedom. Under her leadership, Watch Her Prosper® has transformed the financial well-being of thousands of entrepreneurs by helping them uncover deeply held beliefs about money, release guilt or shame surrounding wealth, and align personal and business goals for lasting growth. Recognized as one of the Women Leading the Finance Industry, Ruchi has become a sought-after voice on financial leadership, spirituality in business, and conscious wealth creation. She has spoken at Princeton University, NYU, and Luminary, and serves as the Official Money Expert for Carla Hall’s Sweet Heritage Magazine. Ruchi also serves on the boards of Savvy Ladies and Beyond Bedtime and was honored with the 2024 Entrepreneur Champions Award. She lives in New York City with her husband and teenage son and enjoys travel, food, and time at their lake house.

Samantha Bolet

Co-founder and COO

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Samantha Bolet is a Forbes 30 Under 30 and Hispanic Executive 30 Under 30 honoree, and a global security leader at TikTok, where she leads initiatives at the intersection of cybersecurity, privacy, and awareness education. She holds a master’s in Technology Management and Information Systems from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and a Certificate in Data Privacy and Technology from Harvard. She is the Co-founder and Chief Operating Officer of Latinas in Cyber (LAIC), a nonprofit organization addressing the underrepresentation of Latinas in cybersecurity, where less than 4% of the U.S. workforce identifies as Latina. Through LAIC’s foundational pillars of Community, Curriculum, and Careers, the organization has launched national programs with Google, Palo Alto Networks, and Fortinet, providing over 1,000 certification scholarships and global mentorship opportunities that have reached thousands of women across the U.S. and Latin America. Samantha is also the founder of Secured Skills, a cybersecurity education platform helping professionals enter high-demand non-technical security careers, and Secured I.T. Girl, a digital lifestyle brand that makes cybersecurity approachable and culturally relevant through editorial storytelling.

Samantha Gold

Founder and CEO

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Samantha Gold is a multi-passionate entrepreneur and the Founder and CEO of Atlas Row, a growth consultancy that bridges the gap between strategy and execution for female-founded product and service-based businesses. Atlas Row helps founders scale through clear go-to-market and sales strategies, visibility, and offshore execution, offering the expertise of an agency with the flexibility and heart of a partner. Before founding Atlas Row, Samantha spent a decade leading sales teams in tech, including at Salesforce, and later became the CEO of Elizabeth James The Label, an eight-figure women’s clothing company where she successfully doubled direct-to-consumer sales. Drawing on her background in sales, leadership, and brand growth, she built Atlas Row to provide women entrepreneurs with access to high-level strategy and reliable execution at an attainable price point. Through Atlas Row, Samantha also employs and mentors a team of talented women in the Philippines, many of them mothers, providing flexible, well-paying work and building a global culture of empowerment and collaboration. Samantha’s mission is simple: to help women grow thriving, profitable businesses while creating meaningful opportunities for other women around the world.

Sasha DiGiulian

Founder

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Sasha DiGiulian is the founder of SEND Bars, a brand born from her passion for climbing, nutrition, and recovery. Before founding SEND Bars in 2022, she spent over a decade making her own protein bars to fuel remote climbing expeditions, where finding wholesome, on-the-go options with greens was often a challenge. After undergoing double hip reconstruction surgery, she deepened her focus on the connection between food and recovery, inspiring the creation of SEND Bars. As one of the world’s most accomplished female climbers, Sasha has earned three U.S. National Champion titles, achieved eight major First Free Ascents, and completed over 30 First Female Ascents across more than 50 countries. Most recently, she and her climbing partner, Marianna Ordóñez, completed the first female free ascent of Madagascar’s 2,000-foot granite wall, Tsaranoro Kely, marking another milestone in pushing boundaries for women in climbing. Beyond the wall, Sasha shares her story to inspire others to lead with resilience and purpose. In 2023, she released her memoir, Take the Lead: Hanging On, Letting Go, and Conquering Life’s Hardest Climbs, and was featured in Red Bull and HBO’s Here to Climb, continuing her mission to redefine strength, fuel ambition, and empower others to reach their own summits.

Shafonne Myers

Founder and CEO

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Shafonne Myers is the Founder and CEO of Aisle Society, a collective of leading wedding media brands redefining inclusive luxury. A trailblazer in the wedding industry, Shafonne built the first and only major platform for plus-size brides in the world, Pretty Pear Bride, and has since grown Aisle Society into a multi-publication network that reaches millions worldwide. As a visibility, PR, and sales strategist, Shafonne helps female founders, wedding professionals, and creatives transform press into profit, scale their visibility, and build confident, sustainable brands through frameworks like Feature to Profit™ and Luxe Visibility Membership. Her work bridges storytelling and strategy, turning authenticity into a business advantage. A recognized thought leader, Shafonne is a Los Angeles Times Bridal Contributor, a New York Times featured inclusivity expert, and a sought-after global speaker. Her mission is to make visibility accessible, inclusivity profitable, and authenticity powerful—proving that when women lead with heart and innovation, entire industries transform. Through Aisle Society and her personal brand, Shafonne is not only reshaping the wedding world; she is mentoring a new generation of women to show up boldly, build wealth unapologetically, and lead with purpose.

Shanyah Rumph

Founder and CEO

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Shanyah Griffith-Rumph is an entrepreneur and the founder of Buttermee Pancakes, a fast-casual brunch concept celebrated for its joyful, bite-sized mini pancakes and feel-good experience. While pursuing her master's degree in Clinical Mental Health and Rehabilitation Counseling, Shanyah took a leap into entrepreneurship, transforming a simple idea into a thriving brand that embodies warmth, creativity, and community. What began as a small concept has grown into a beloved destination, reflecting Shanyah's belief that food should spark joy and foster connection. Shanyah's journey from student to CEO reflects resilience, vision, and purpose. She balances her background in mental health with her passion for entrepreneurship, proving that success is measured not only by what you build, but by the joy and inspiration you create along the way.

Sheri Crawley

Co-founder and CEO

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Sheri Crawley is a social entrepreneur, author, and speaker who helps high-achieving women find fulfillment, faith, and freedom through purpose-driven work. A proud Detroit native shaped by her business-minded father and faith-fueled mother, Sheri carries forward a legacy of healing, service, and impact. As the Founder and CEO of Pretty Brown Girl, Sheri leads a global movement that has empowered more than 100,000 girls through a thriving social enterprise, innovative school partnerships, and over 650 community and collegiate chapters nationwide. Her work centers on building confidence, leadership, and self-love among girls while inspiring women to align their purpose with their calling. A graduate of Florida A&M University's School of Business and Industry and a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, Sheri's mission and message have been featured in Essence, Black Enterprise, CNN, and New York Magazine. Her upcoming book, Get in Alignment with Your Assignment: Stop Overthinking, Surrender, and Succeed, expands her mission to help women move from striving to surrender and live lives that reflect who they truly are and what they are here to build.

Stacey Kalsi

Founder

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Stacey Kalsi is the founder of Sunday Littles, a Canadian sleepwear brand redefining comfort and connection for modern families. A full-time dentist and mother of two, she launched the company just two days after giving birth to her second child, building the brand during nap times while balancing newborn life and entrepreneurship. Determined to create sleepwear that truly makes a difference, Stacey traveled to China and tested over 1,000 fabric samples before developing her signature CloudLuxe™ bamboo blend. The turning point came when she saw a visible improvement in her own daughter’s sleep, energy, and developmental milestones, which proved that softness and breathability can positively affect wellbeing. From that moment, bringing that solution to other families became non-negotiable. In under a year, Sunday Littles has earned 126 five-star reviews, been featured in Vita Magazine and The Vancouver Sun, and gained the trust of over 1,000 mothers within its first six months. The brand also has an upcoming collaboration with Alex Centomo (1M+ followers), with several more high-profile influencer partnerships in the works. For Stacey, Sunday Littles is more than sleepwear; it is a safe community space for mothers, built to offer comfort not just in fabric, but in companionship.

Sunaina Ramisetty

Founder and CEO

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Sunaina Ramisetty is the CEO and Founder of Tarinika and Paksha, premium jewelry brands serving over 200,000 customers across the South Asian diaspora. What began as a $500 investment during graduate school has grown into a $2.5 million bootstrapped business bridging cultural heritage with modern e-commerce innovation.A first-generation immigrant from India, Sunaina initially pursued nanotechnology at Florida Tech. When her family faced financial hardship, she pivoted launching Tarinika while completing her master's degree. She built the business through 30+ jewelry shows annually. After three years of hands-on market research, Sunaina transitioned Tarinika online in 2017, achieving 300% month-over-month growth. In 2021, she launched Paksha, a fine silver jewelry brand addressing the gap in affordable luxury as gold prices soared. Currently raising her first funding round, Sunaina is expanding into retail partnerships while maintaining her commitment to quality, authenticity, and creating meaningful cultural connections.

Tamara Kaakani

Founder and CEO

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Tamara Kaakani is the founder and CEO of Bellabu Bear, an award-winning bamboo sleepwear brand trusted by families across the country. She launched the company five years ago after struggling to find pajamas that were cute, functional, and gentle on her daughter Bella’s eczema-prone skin. Determined to create a better solution for her child and other parents, Tamara developed Bellabu Bear’s signature hypoallergenic bamboo fabric and the brand’s patent-pending Convertible Footie, now a customer favorite. Under her leadership, Bellabu Bear has grown 1,177% since 2020 and earned consecutive placements on the Inc. 5000 list of America’s Fastest-Growing Private Companies. The brand is carried by major retailers, including Nordstrom, Saks Fifth Avenue, and Bloomingdale’s, and collaborates with top studios such as Warner Bros., Paramount, NBCUniversal, and Minecraft. Tamara is committed to creating products that are safe, sustainable, and thoughtfully designed for sensitive skin, with all fabrics OEKO-TEX® certified and all packaging fully plastic-free. She mentors fellow women founders, donates pajamas to families in need, and champions moms building businesses while raising young children. At her core, Tamara is a mom on a mission to help families sleep better, feel better, and enjoy comfort without compromise.

Tanya Wilson

Founder and CEO

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Tanya Wilson is the founder and CEO of HomeField East Valley, a woman-owned septic and wastewater company serving Arizona’s East Valley. She is also the only female Co-founder of HomeField Onsite Environmental, the nation’s first septic franchise model, leading the charge to modernize and professionalize an often-overlooked industry. Recognized as a Titan 100 CEO in the Phoenix market for three consecutive years, Tanya has built multiple businesses from the ground up, turning adversity into opportunity. Beyond HomeField, she is the creator and host of the Ladies Kickin’ Ass Podcast, where she provides women in the trades a platform to share their stories, grow their confidence, and build thriving businesses. In 2025, Tanya launched Septic Strong, the first-ever community for women in the wastewater industry, dedicated to education, empowerment, and connection. A proud working mother and fierce advocate for women in blue-collar industries, Tanya’s mission is to show others what’s possible through resilience and grit. Having overcome divorce, single motherhood, and starting over from scratch, she embodies the belief that success isn’t about never falling—it’s about rising stronger every time.

Tara Clark

Founder

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Tara Clark is an author, speaker, content creator, podcaster, mental health advocate, and the founder of Modern Mom Probs. After becoming a mother and recognizing a gap in resources for moms to connect authentically, she launched her Instagram account in 2016. She has since built a valued community and established herself as a trusted and humorous voice in the parenting space. Tara has been recognized as a Mental Health Champion by the Mental Health Coalition and featured in prominent media outlets, including The Washington Post, ABC News, NBC News, Today, Motherly, Parents.com, Scary Mommy, and Yahoo Life. She is the author of Modern Mom Probs: A Survival Guide for 21st Century Mothers and the host of the Modern Mom Probs podcast, where she interviews medical experts, therapists, content creators, and best-selling authors to provide solutions for modern parenting challenges.

Tazin Khan

Founder

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Tazin Khan is a cybersecurity strategist, researcher, and founder of Cyber Collective, a nonprofit reframing digital security as a matter of human dignity. Her work bridges the gap between policy and people, helping communities, educators, and institutions understand how technology impacts their lives emotionally, culturally, and socially.Through her Digital Resilience Framework (DRF) and RISE model (Resilience, Inclusion, Safety, Empowerment), Tazin has developed the first consumer-focused risk assessment model in cybersecurity. Her approach complements traditional technical security by centering care over compliance, clarity over jargon, and community over control. Under her leadership, Cyber Collective has reached millions through digital literacy campaigns and educational programs, earning partnerships with organizations such as Safe Online, BNY Mellon, Mozilla Foundation, and Barnard College. Tazin's work has been recognized globally, including the Anthem Award, Responsible Tech Youth Power Fund Award, and Who's Who in Tech NYC.A storyteller at heart, she believes empathy is the most powerful tool in cybersecurity. Through her writing, workshops, and advocacy, Tazin continues to build a world where digital safety is not just a technical goal, but an act of collective care.

Terri Braun

Founder and CEO

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Terri Braun is a visionary entrepreneur, third-degree black belt in Shotokan karate, and the founder and CEO of Kidokinetics, a groundbreaking children's fitness franchise transforming the way physical education is delivered nationwide. Originally from South Africa, Terri moved to the United States with four suitcases, no money, and a dream to change the future of children's health through the power of movement. What began in 1997 as a single class she personally taught in preschools has grown into a nationally recognized franchise operating in more than 25 states and serving tens of thousands of children every week. Under Terri's leadership, Kidokinetics has become a pioneer in early childhood physical literacy, partnering with schools, national childcare providers, municipalities, and community organizations to deliver inclusive, multi-sport programs for children of all abilities, including those with developmental and physical challenges. Terri is celebrated for her mission-driven leadership, resilience, and unwavering commitment to making movement accessible to all children. Her journey from teaching classes out of the trunk of her car to building a thriving national franchise is a testament to grit, innovation, and purpose in action. A proud wife and mother of three grown children, Terri is passionate about empowering the next generation.

Victoria Thain Gioia

Co-founder and CEO

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Victoria Thain Gioia is the Co-founder and CEO of Perelel, the first OB/GYN-founded vitamin company offering clinically backed, targeted nutrition designed to meet the unique needs of women at various stages of their hormonal journey. Victoria began her career in investment banking and private equity before transitioning into finance and operating roles at early-stage startups The Honest Company, Olive & June, and Carbon38. While pregnant with her second child in 2018, Victoria learned that her daughter would be born with a cleft lip, likely due to nutritional deficiencies, even though she had taken what was widely considered to be the necessary vitamins and minerals to support a healthy pregnancy. She partnered with Dr. Banafsheh Bayati, a top OB/GYN, to dive into the world of vitamins, supplements, and prenatal nutrition. Together with Co-founder Alex Taylor, they launched Perelel in 2020 to create change in women`s health.

Yanghee Paik

Co-founder and CEO

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Yanghee Paik is the Co-founder and CEO of Rael, a clean feminine care and skincare brand based in Los Angeles, known for its holistic cycle care approach. Before launching Rael, Yanghee was an executive at Walt Disney Studios, focused on movie distribution strategy and sales. There, she met her Co-founders, who were inspired to create safer, more transparent period care after experiencing irritation from mainstream products. Drawing from their Korean roots and knowledge of Korea’s advanced feminine care technology, they launched Rael’s first organic cotton pads in 2017—quickly becoming the #1 best-selling pad on Amazon. Under Yanghee’s leadership, Rael has evolved into a holistic wellness brand, offering intimate care, skincare, and supplements—all formulated with clean, effective ingredients that support women’s well-being throughout their hormonal cycle. In 2019, she established Rael’s Korea office and built a local product development team to bring cutting-edge Korean innovation to the U.S. more quickly. She also transformed Rael into a true omnichannel business across the U.S. and Korea, securing placement in over 45,000 retail doors, including Target, Walmart, and Ulta. Yanghee previously held a role as a management consultant at BCG, earned her MBA from Harvard Business School, and received a B.A. from Seoul National University.

Yarith Fernandez

Founder and CEO

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Yarith Fernandez is the founder and CEO of Y&A Cleaning, a Texas-based commercial cleaning company specializing in construction cleaning, janitorial services, window washing, and pressure washing. What began as a small operation has grown into a multimillion-dollar enterprise serving top general contractors, property managers, and facility owners across the state.A proud Latina entrepreneur in a male-dominated industry, Yarith built her company on the values of excellence, accountability, and integrity. Under her leadership, Y&A Cleaning employs more than 100 people, creating opportunities that empower families and strengthen communities. Beyond her business, Yarith serves as a board member of the National Association of Minority Contractors and founded the Women in Construction Committee, where she advocates for greater inclusion and opportunity for women- and minority-owned businesses.Her mission is to raise the standard of cleaning while opening doors for others to rise alongside her. Yarith's story is one of resilience, vision, and purpose, proving that with hard work, faith, and determination, women can build lasting legacies in industries where they have long been told they do not belong.

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Congratulations to the Entreprenista 100 of 2025!

Meet our 2025 Winners

Top Honors

Supported By

Meet the speakers and presenters joining us to honor this year’s Entreprenista 100 Award winners…

The Celebration Continues in Palm Beach….

Meet our esteemed judges

Hear first-hand from our past award winners

Meet Our Past Winners

Supported By

Interested in becoming a sponsor?

Entreprenista 100 FAQs

The Celebration Continues
in Palm Beach….