Alexandra Spitz

New Mom School

Alex founded New Mom School in 2012 as the missing link in perinatal care to educate and support mothers in the 4th trimester when they are left without any comprehensive care from their providers after delivering their babies. She partners with medical doctors and experts in the postnatal field to deliver a program that is high quality, highly organized, research-based and unmatched by any other offering out there. She is now expanding across the US as a franchise and has a long list of applicants hoping to own their own locations. She is endlessly passionate and dedicated to making the postpartum experience better for mothers so there are better outcomes for their newborns. The classes are organized by the babies’ birthdates so the moms are in the exact same phase in their journey to provide unparalleled understanding and support for each other.

Alicia Boateng

Alicia Boateng Designs

Alícia Boateng is a mother, wife, and an experienced entrepreneur who has successfully navigated the challenges of being a minority in a leadership position. Boateng’s journey began with her passion for entrepreneurship and desire to make a positive impact in her community. She started her own business, leveraging her skills and expertise to create innovative solutions for her clients. Representation matters and Boateng has made it her mission to inspire and empower other minorities to pursue impactful leadership positions. Boateng is testament to the power of perseverance and determination, a respected role model and a strong advocate for women.

Alicia Lyttle

AI InnoVision

Alicia Lyttle, known as “The Queen of AI,” is a distinguished entrepreneur, TEDx speaker, certified AI consultant, and digital marketing expert. With a rich background, including roles at The White House and The USEPA, she transitioned to digital entrepreneurship two decades ago. Alicia has shared her expertise globally, including appearances in Singapore, Malaysia, Australia, South Africa, and many more countries. Alicia founded the International Association of Artificial Intelligence Consultants and offers CPD-accredited training programs. Her achievements include the INC 5000 Fastest-growing Companies award and the Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award. Alicia dedicates herself to teaching businesses how to use AI strategically for enhanced efficiency and success.

Amalia Moreno-Damgaard

Amalia Latin Gourmet | Culture Through Cuisine

Amalia Moreno-Damgaard, is an award-winning author, speaker, and cultural ambassador from Guatemala based in Minnesota. A former international banker, she co-founded Women Entrepreneurs of Minnesota and served as the first Latina president of The National Association of Women Business Owners-MN Chapter in 2023. Passionate about community and philanthropy, Amalia’s culinary expertise goes beyond the kitchen, advocating for diversity and women’s equity through her writing and speaking. A prominent media figure, she hosts Telemundo-Minnesota cultural segments and contributes regularly to MPR, CBS, ABC, and Fox affiliates and The New York Times. Explore more at AmaliaLatinGourmet.com, where her impactful journey unfolds.

Amy Jackson

TaleSplash

Amy Jackson has spent her career building and shaping brands during times of rapid change. She helped potato farmers navigate low-carb diets and secured national media coverage for Silicon Valley’s tech darlings. Amy built TripIt’s high-performing PR program from scratch, and led brand strategy for Concur’s travel portfolio and SAP’s spend management business. Amy created TaleSplash to help emerging tech, health and lifestyle brands share their expertise about the world changing around us. With decades of experience as brand storytellers and strategists, clients think of TaleSplash as an extension of the team that can help in a multitude of ways.

Andrea Mac

Prequal, LLC

Andrea Mac is the founder and lead Growth Strategist of Prequal and a renowned presenter, thought leader, and creator in the fields of revenue generation and economic development. She has developed training programs, workshops, tools, and talks to empower women to become confident sellers and advocates in advancing female entrepreneurship as a systemic solution to systemic injustice. She has worked with experts, founders, executives, and businesses to make revenue generation a key solution to economic inclusion. She hopes that through the multiplier effect of sales skills and access to tools, women know they can increase their own autonomy and agency.

Aviva Skall Ron

MMG

As VP of MMG, Aviva has spent the past 16 years scaling the business to a multi-million dollar company including opening affiliate offices in LA & Canada and virtual offices for MMG South and MMG Southeast. In addition to managing a fully female staff, Aviva manages her personal roster of models & talent and is responsible for creating and maintaining relationships with industry professionals including casting directors, designers, mother agencies, showcase coordinators, pageant directors, photographers, stylists, etc. Aviva has been featured on agent/manager panels and hosted industry workshops. Outside of work, she is a mother of 2 and a fierce advocate for Israel.

Ayeshah Abuelhiga

Mason Dixie Foods

Ayeshah Abuelhiga is the founder and CEO of Mason Dixie Foods, the fastest-growing comfort food brand in the U.S., best known for its clean label biscuits, sandwiches and waffles. Following a successful career in tech leading projects for iconic brands like Audi and Toshiba, Ayeshah left the corporate world. As a first-generation American, Ayeshah proudly watched her Asian and Middle Eastern immigrant parents serve quality comfort food at their small carry-out restaurant and convenience store. She started Mason Dixie Foods in 2014 with the vision to change comfort food for the better, replicating the clean ingredients used in her family’s kitchen while growing up. Ayeshah has rapidly scaled Mason Dixie Foods from a small beloved pop-up restaurant to a multi-million dollar nationally distributed CPG brand. Today, Mason Dixie’s products are carried at over 6,000 stores across the US, including Target, Publix, Kroger, Costco and Whole Foods, and served at 3,000 Marriott Select Brand Hotels nationwide.

Bethany Saltman

BOOKish

Bethany Saltman’s critically acclaimed first book, Strange Situation: A Mother’s Journey Into the Science of Attachment (2020, Random House) was named one of the Top Science Books of 2020 by New Scientist, has been published in five countries, and is included in psychology syllabi around the world. As a bestselling book coach and co-host of the Bookbound podcast, Bethany is obsessed with the art of the non-fiction book proposal and with helping women claim their author-ity. She is also a Brown-University certified leadership coach, and lives in the Catskills of New York with her family and two standard poodles.

Bonnie Wan

The Life Brief

Bonnie Wan is an author, speaker, as well as partner and head of brand strategy at the world-renowned advertising agency, Goodby Silverstein & Partners. As creator of The Life Brief, Bonnie helps people live with greater clarity, creativity, and courage by teaching them how to write creative briefs for their lives. The Life Brief has evolved from an SHORT FORM BIOGRAPHY agency talk into a workbook, workshops, and speaking appearances at Gwyneth Paltrow’s Goop, Jane Goodall’s Activating Hope Summit, the 3% Conference, SXSW, Accenture, AirBnB, Apple, Google, Change.org, and more.

Brook Jay

All Terrain Collective

Over 25 years ago, I saw an opening in the marketing space for a consumer brand to show up in stride with a consumer and connect with them on a deeper level to achieve the brand’s marketing and sales goals. That is when I launched my career in experiential marketing – an industry that didn’t even exist then. Fast forward to today, I am the Founder of All Terrain, the first female-led full-service experiential marketing agency in the United States. Throughout my time in the industry, I have worked to reshape and reinvent marketing by building strategic brand experiences for some of the world’s leading brands, such as Ferrari, PepsiCo, Airbnb, and Nike. All Terrain quickly grew into a global company that designs breakthrough marketing campaigns that forge real and lasting connections between brands and consumers, earn great press, and build social media currency, all while driving measurable sales results. These experiences show that the often misunderstood ROI of experiential marketing is real and powerful and has resulted in award-winning brand campaigns that have helped our clients meet their goals. Part of developing creative ideas is understanding the realities of how people consume advertising and branded experiences. I am determined to make experiential a more significant focus for brands by continuing to disrupt traditional marketing and building activations that ultimately reshape the industry as we know it today.

Cassie Rosenthal

Rosenthal & Rosenthal

Cassie Rosenthal is a third-generation stakeholder and the chief marketing officer of her family’s commercial finance firm, Rosenthal & Rosenthal—the largest privately held lending company in the nation. Before this, she co-owned and directed the New York City and Berlin outposts of Goff + Rosenthal art gallery. Her thought leadership has been featured in The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, WWD, Footwear News, BBC Radio, and CNBC. A native New Yorker, Rosenthal received her BA from Colgate University and holds a master’s degree in art history from Sotheby’s Institute of Art in London. When not traveling for work, Cassie splits her time between Manhattan and Sag Harbor with her husband Paul.

Cate Luzio

Luminary

Cate Luzio is the Founder and CEO of Luminary, a global membership-based professional education and networking platform created to uplift, upskill, and propel women and allies through all phases of their professional journey — from entrepreneurs to those navigating their career path, the Power Middle to the C-suite, those in transition, and everyone in between. In March 2018, Cate left her two-decade banking career, wrote a business plan, and 8 months later self-funded and launched Luminary with the mission to build an ecosystem of high-touch engagement for both individual and corporate members to address and impact the systemic challenges faced by women across all industries and sectors. Today, she continues to build a dynamic, gender-inclusive community focused on creating connection, conversation, collaboration, and change through expert-led programming and services, content, and culture. Cate has grown Luminary into a multimillion-dollar global B2C and B2B business with more than 15,000 members and over 80 corporate partners. She made her 2nd acquisition late in 2023, buying The Cru. 

Cheryl White

National Access Design, LLC

The founder and President of National Access Design, Cheryl White has global business experience. Cheryl has worked in Norway and Germany. She holds a BBA and an International Business Certificate. Cheryl grew up in a family owned and operated traffic door manufacturing environment. Her father’s company closed in 2011, at which time Cheryl started her business. Cheryl re-hired many of the employees from the previous business. Today NAD operates out of our facility in Cincinnati, Ohio, serving clients globally. Cheryl and her employees volunteer throughout the Cincinnati community with emphasis on giving back to students and senior citizens. 

Courtney A. Peterson

Edison Electric Institute

Courtney A. Peterson, SVP, Chief HR & Diversity Officer at EEI, leads DEI efforts in the electric power industry, advancing workforce development and supplier diversity. A certified leadership coach and professor at Georgetown University, she also champions the heart of EEI – its people and culture. Recognized internationally as a top influencer, Courtney serves on the board of directors of the SHRM Foundation and is a member of the Top Ladies of Distinction and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority. A mom to two teen daughters, she is a fierce advocate for mental health in the workplace and leadership development.

Davita Galloway

DUPP&SWAT

Davita Galloway is a Black Girl and founder/owner of DUPP&SWAT, a creative studio, that served/s as a platform and launching pad for herself and others. To be frank, it is because of Galloway’s authentic work and presence, at this studio and within Charlotte’s creative community, that has afforded many other opportunities. With that, Davita is a change agent, a creative, a host, speaker, costumer, a doer, disruptor and a creator of all things dope. She attended The University of North Carolina at Charlotte, where she received an MSPH, as well as Parsons The New School for Design in New York. Galloway is adamant about the need for genuine expression—further evident in her various ventures such as CrownKeepers, a nonprofit, and HUE HOUSE, a creative agency, where she serves as Executive Director and Chief Activations Officer, respectively. More, as a proponent and champion of building community, social equity, entrepreneurship and economic opportunity, Davita enjoys collaboration with impact on those outputs. Fun and hella dope fact, a portrait of Galloway is now a part of the permanent collection at the Harvey B Gantt Center for African American Arts + Culture.

Denise Smith

SEI

Denise Smith is a seasoned leader in consulting, with over two decades of experience in business operations and program delivery. Her expertise lies in strategic innovation and operational excellence, having held roles such as COO and CTO. Denise’s impact is evident in her work at EY and her dedication to family and community. She is committed to diversity and inclusion, nurturing young minds, and building lasting foundations for future generations. As Board President, she is a fervent advocate for change, ensuring her visionary leadership continues to inspire beyond her tenure.

Dionne Laslo-Baker

DeeBee’s Organics

Dionne dreamed of becoming a mom, and while pursuing her PhD in medical science, she had the pleasure of raising two wonderful children. When her youngest couldn’t enjoy the same snacks as other children, she was motivated to create a healthy snack that could bring joy to his life. Throughout her journey, she has instilled in her children the importance of building a purposeful business that has a positive impact on society. Her values of accountability, authenticity, and human connection form the foundation of her unique business strategy, which combines scientific rigor with a commitment to service.

Dorey Jacobs

Curator & Co.

Dorey Jacobs is the owner of Curator & Co, a women’s fashion and lifestyle company located in Houston, Texas. Dorey has gained recognition, using Curator’s one of a kind mobile boutique, as a brand that helps women curate the life they love. Curator & Co’s goal is to be the brand that brings women together, promote women owned businesses, mentor women on how to be successful in business, and create a network of empowerment. Dorey is a previous retail executive where she successfully led over 100 stores nationally, developing teams and leading them to over $100 million in sales.

Dr. Aditi Nerurkar

Dr. Aditi Media LLC

Dr. Aditi Nerurkar is a Harvard physician, speaker and author of The 5 Resets. Her work has been featured in the New York Times, the Wall Street Journal, the Washington Post and Oprah Magazine. She has been a speaker at the Forbes 30 Under 30 Summit and a keynote speaker on mental health, stress and burnout for Dell, Visa and other multinational corporations.

Dr. Anesha Fuller ED.d

NRUSF/Preeminence Professional Consulting Agency/The Signature Doc Notary & Professional Services/The Picture Doc

Dr. Anesha Fuller, Ed.D. is a HS educator, professor, three-time published author, and serial entrepreneur owning over three different businesses. Dr. Fuller is also the founder of the No Rest Until Success Foundation (NRUSF), a nonprofit servicing the inner city of NYC. Amongst Dr. Fuller’s other accolades, she is a active Mental Health Advocate receiving Schneps Media 2023 Health Care Hero Award for my pioneer work in the Mental Health Community. Dr. Fuller’s success story stems from the exposure to the power of education (formal and informal) and overcoming parental abandonment and mental health, social, emotional, and financial battles. She hopes to inspire people to a promising tomorrow.

Dr. Chaniece J. Winfield ACS LPC LSATP RPT-S MAC CAADC HS-BCP

Innovative Counseling Solutions

Dr. Chaniece Winfield ACS, LPC, LSATP, CAADC RPT-S, MAC, CSAC HS-BCP CRP is an Assistant Professor of Human Services and Online Program Coordinator with Old Dominion University. She has 16+ years of experience in the behavioral health field and is the CEO of Innovative Counseling Solutions, an outpatient behavioral health practice providing SUD, mental health, and play therapy services. As an educator and researcher, she specializes in enhancing clinical practitioner competency in the substance use and addiction field. She has received national recognition for her teaching, service, and research contributions advancing human services and addiction treatment and recovery

Dr. Jen Welter

Grrridiron Girls

Dr. Jen Welter is a groundbreaking, barrier-busting force of nature. She is the NFL’s First Female Coach, the founder of Grrridiron Girls, the First Female Coach in Madden, The First Female Running Back in Men’s Pro Football, an author, and a speaker. She is a female trailblazer, a sports pioneer, PhD, passionate leader, world-renowned speaker, entrepreneur, and source of inspiration around the globe. Her relentless pursuit of individual excellence and success in challenging the status quo time and time again, fuels her current drive to help others achieve their best—in sports, health and wellness, professional pursuits, and in life.
Favorite Quote: “You can’t blaze a trail alone; otherwise, you’re gonna get stuck in the woods.” -Dr. Jen Welter

Dr. Nikki R. Lanier

Harper Slade

Dr. Nikki Lanier is the CEO and Founder of Harper Slade, an advisory firm that helps cultivate work environments where black and brown talent can thrive. Nikki is also the CEO and Founder of the RAARE Woman Collective, a program and coaching suite for white women who want to advance racial equity in every space they hold. Both in her advisory and coaching businesses, Nikki works with clients all over the world. An internationally recognized racial equity, strategist, Nikki views racial equity as the macroeconomic imperative of our lifetime and that posture, represents a unique lens in the “DEI” ecosystem. Nikki’s thoughts on the links among race, equity and economics have been featured on CNBC’s Closing Bell, Forbes, USA Today, PBS, Ebony Media and Essence Magazine. She began her career practicing labor and employment law in South Florida and then spent 18 years as a human resources executive, followed by seven years as a senior vice president of the Federal Reserve. All of these experiences inform her work.

Dr. Sidni L. Shorter

Utah Black Chamber of Commerce

Sidni L. Shorter, PsyD, is President and CEO of the Utah Black Chamber of Commerce and the Director of the Utah Minority Business Development Agency. Sidni acquired ExecuteNow!, a finance and accounting firm that prioritizes affordable services to non-profits and small to mid-sized organizations, addressing the access to affordable capital and investments for minority and women-led businesses. Sidni is a social entrepreneur who values relationship-building and genuine engagement with clients. Sidni holds a Doctorate in Biblical Psychology, a Master’s in Theology, two Bachelor’s degrees in General Studies (concentration in Behavioral Science) and Theology, and is a Licensed Christian Therapist.

Dr. Velma Trayham

Thinkzilla Consulting Group

Dr. Velma Trayham, celebrated for her profound impact in marketing and economic development, has been recognized by the Phoenix Business Journal and awarded a Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award. Her work spans banking, manufacturing, and real estate, lifting sectors with her insight. Emerging from poverty, Dr. Trayham has climbed to global C-suite recognition, significantly aiding over 8,000 minority-owned small businesses. Her advocacy for entrepreneurship as a means to combat poverty, especially in underserved areas, underscores her dedication to creating inclusive, sustainable business ecosystems. Dr. Trayham’s leadership continues to empower communities and drive collective prosperity.

Estefania Roa

L.B. Hall Enterprises

Estefania Roa is a visionary entrepreneur who has overcome barriers to achieve success that only 9% of Latino entrepreneurs in the United States achieve. Her construction company LB Hall in Chicago is one of the few at that level operated by women competing locally and nationally. Over ten years, she has led LB Hall to remarkable growth, defying the male-dominated market in which it operates. She is also the founder of the non-profit organization HOLA HAPPY,which is dedicated to providing educational resources and support to young single mothers pursuing their career aspirations.

Fran Hauser

Hauser Ventures & Bookbound

Fran Hauser is a leading career expert and vocal champion of women in the workplace. She has spoken at over 200 organizations and authored two books The Myth of the Nice Girl and Embrace the Work, Love Your Career that have been hailed as modern-day bibles for professional women. Fran’s own publishing journey proved so rewarding that she created Bookbound, a consultancy dedicated to launching female non-fiction authors. As a former Fortune 500 executive and active start-up investor – who has funded over 30 female-founded companies – Fran’s insights have appeared in media outlets including Fortune, CNBC, Fast Company, and Business Insider.

Georgina Diaz

Diaz Case Law

Gina Diaz has become one of the top immigration and real estate attorneys in Chicagoland. She opened Diaz Case Law to help immigrants find solutions to their difficulties. Her love for real estate investing added another dimension to her law practice as clients come to her for foreclosure defense, seeking ways to keep their homes, loan modifications, and short sales. Gina is known as the investor-approved #RightAttorney who assists other investors with difficult closings. She is also a founding member of We Win, LLC, an organization dedicated to introducing women to the world of real estate, and We Win, NFP.

Ginny Solis-Wright

The Wright Team

Ginny epitomizes community spirit while seamlessly navigating her real estate career. Her success is grounded in top-notch service and local insight. She leads a dynamic real estate team, supports women’s organizations, and serves on the board for Changed by Fire. She was the past President of Homeless Youth Connection and New Live Center. She has a servant’s heart and always gives of her time while fundraising and assisting with board development. She’s a sales-driven professional, who extends kindness and unwavering support to team members and clients, leaving an enduring impact on both the real estate industry and her cherished community.
Advice To Your Younger Self: Prioritize self-love; it forms the foundation for healthy relationships. Live in gratitude and always spread love and kindness wherever you go.

Geri Chaffee

Pedagogy. Diversity. Optimization.

Geri Chaffee, M. Ed. A daughter of Hispanic immigrants, Geri is a passionate education advocate working to secure a high-quality, free, and accessible education for every child. She is President of PDO.org, an education consultancy that works with non-profit organizations, school districts, and state DOEs. Geri founded Dreamers Academy, a Spanish-immersion “A”-rated charter school serving children of poverty in Sarasota, Florida. As host of Por Nuestros Niños—a national radio show and podcast—Geri and her guests empower Spanish-speaking families to support their children’s educational success. She is currently completing a doctorate in education leadership at Peabody College, Vanderbilt University.

Illana Raia

ÊTRE

Named one of the first 250 entrepreneurs on the Forbes Next 1000 List and recognized twice by Fast Company’s World Changing Ideas, Illana Raia is the founder and CEO of Être – a mentorship platform for girls. Believing that mentors matter early, Illana brings girls into companies to meet female leaders face to face. Illana is chair-elect of the International Space Station Education Subcommittee, serves on the National Girls’ Collaborative Project Champions Board and is the author of two best-selling books on mentorship. Prior to launching Être, Illana was an NYC corporate lawyer and guest lecturer at Columbia University.

Jacinda Jacobs

Flyty and Jacinda LLC

Jacinda Jacobs is a Media Guru with 20+ years in Radio, Television & hosting. She’s rocked the mic as an in-Arena Host for the NBA’s Charlotte Hornets since 2014. She’s a 3x NBA All-Star Host, appeared on the Own Network’s, “To Have Charlotte”, and hosts a radio show called, “The Flyty and Jacinda Show” on V1019-FM. The couple owns, Flyty and Jacinda LLC., a media company that facilitates online media courses and coaching. Jacinda is also the author of an Amazon #1 Best Seller called, Uniquely Qualified. She is the Executive Director for a nonprofit ministry called, Stolen Lunches, which means to Steal Away & Be Fed By God. Stolen Lunches runs a monthly outreach called, Give Blessings Bags where they serve the local community.

Jacquie Susie

Express

Jacquie is an accomplished merchandising executive with over 20 years of experience across a wide range of categories and demographics in specialty retail. She has been with Express for over 6 years, holding different leadership positions, her current being Vice President/GMM of Women’s. She is an impact leader with proven results in strategic planning, brand and product development, sales profit, coaching and talent development. Jacquie believes in leading with empathy and courage, is passionate about product and people, and is a strong supporter of female leadership. Outside of the office, she is a proud mom, wife, coach, and mentor to others.

Joanne Osborne

Osborne Jewelers

Joanne Osborne – wife, mother, entrepreneur and servant leader. As a 33 year award winning business owner of Osborne Jewelers, she focuses on customer service and quality. She believes in “being a leader in your industry, in your community, and in the areas that move your heart and soul.” She follows her own advice and served the public; on the Goodyear City Council and four years as an Arizona State Legislator. She serves her industry as a Board Member for the Independent Jewelers Organization and for over a decade has mentored teenagers, she founded the Arizona Teen Leadership Academy. Joanne serves as the President of the Maricopa County Board of Health, the Abrazo Hospital Board and many others.

Jordan Wilhelm

The Critical Mass

Jordan Wilhelm CEO of The Critical Mass where she works with a diverse, high-achieving team to tackle International Post Conflict Stabilization and Chemical Biological Nuclear and Radiological Hazard-Reduction challenges. Prior to creating The Critical Mass, Jordan conducted IED, UXO, CBR and Explosive Hazard clearance in post conflict environments worldwide. She is lucky to live and work in beautiful, Alexandria Virginia and travel worldwide to support innovative thinkers implementing security programs as a member of the US Army and The Critical Mass.

Julie Stevens

BeTini Spirits

Julie Stevens is a designer and entrepreneur. Her signature aesthetic balances beauty and function. Julie’s education has been a collective mix of graphic design, fashion design and business, which have all contributed to her creative projects. She has design and utility patents on various products including unique Stemless Martini Glasses, a 360 degree golf putting cup, and innovative packaging such as her most delicious creation, BeTini Spirits, an award-wining, ready-to-drink, luxury cocktail brand. In addition to managing BeTini, Julie is currently renovating a historical theater built in 1912, where she plans to install a state-of-the-art music venue and recording studio.

Kelly Ann Doherty

Mr. Cooper Group

With nearly 20 years of experience disrupting the communications and human resources industries, Kelly Ann Doherty has served as an expert in communications, executive coaching, employee experience, and organizational culture for leaders in finance, logistics, and politics. In her current role as Executive Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer at Mr. Cooper Group, she empowers people’s uniqueness and creativity from every vantage point as she oversees Human Resources, Communications, DEI, Marketing, and so much more. Unconventional in both personality and experience, Kelly Ann has risen in the ranks, unafraid to showcase what makes her a rare asset, all while clearing a path for others to do the same.

Kym Gold

dumae

Kym Gold is a visionary entrepreneur and established trailblazer in the world of design. Renowned as the co-founder of True Religion which defined modern fashion, Kym’s determination, innovative mindset and belief that one must embrace the beauty of life’s richness have laid the foundation for her success. In 2008, Kym founded Babakul, Inc., later selling it to focus on motherhood and pursue other creative endeavors. Upon discovering her love of pottery, she quickly learned her sense of aesthetic wasn’t limited to fashion, translating decades of business building, colorway collections and technical shaping into dumæ, formerly Style Union Home, in 2020.

Laurel Mintz

Elevate My Brand & Fabric VC

Laurel Mintz J.D., M.B.A. is the CEO and Founder of award-winning, Los Angeles-based marketing agency Elevate My Brand serving both startups and blue chip global brands like Facebook, Verizon Digital Media Group, PAW Patrol, and Zendesk. Using her experience working with more than 200 companies in the CPG and technology spaces, Laurel launched Fabric VC, in 2022, to weave together diverse founders with the funding they need and deserve.

Lauren Brooks

Bakery Bling

Lauren Brooks, the CEO of Bakery Bling™, is a momtrepreneur of three who successfully transitioned a line of cocktail products into an innovative baking enterprise. With the introduction of Glittery Sugar™, the first 100% edible glitter free of microplastics or “non-toxic” ingredients, Bakery Bling™ has expanded its offerings to include designer cookie kits, gingerbread houses, and edible decor. Operating out of a 100,000 sq. ft. facility in Oklahoma City, Bakery Bling™ handles the entire production process and distributes its products to retailers across North America.

Lilia Arroyo Flores

Dígame, LLC

Lilia is a bilingual business strategist passionate about transforming organizations to tangibly improve society. She has successfully marketed brands for Fortune 500 companies, including P&G and Coca-Cola. After two decades in advertising at top global agencies, culminating as CSO at Havas Chicago, Lilia embarked on entrepreneurship, founding her brand consultancy, Dígame. Dígame specializes in creating genuine connections with often-overlooked audiences, such as Latino, Veterans, LGBTQ, and others. Beyond her professional life, Lilia actively combats systemic inequities and champions social justice, serving on boards of The Hispanic Alliance for Career Enhancement and Impact for Equity.

Lindsey Williams

The Urban Wine Co.

Lindsey Williams is a lawyer turned winemaker who owns and operates The Urban Wine Co., the first urban winery in Davidson, North Carolina. After discovering a love for wine, she left her corporate law career to pursue her passion for bringing affordable, locally-made wines to the Davidson community. Lindsey is originally from Ohio and a proud Ohio State graduate. She enjoys spending time with her family, trying new workouts and traveling in her spare time.

Lisa Mayer

Boss Beauties

Lisa Mayer is an entrepreneur, philanthropist and Co-Founder & CEO of Boss Beauties, a media and entertainment brand that inspires & elevates the next generation of women & girls to be everything they want to be through impact programs, content, and consumer products. A social impact leader of international renown, Lisa’s 10+ years of mission to equip the next generation of women has seen her work impact thousands of high school and college-aged girls all over the world spanning across 15 countries and over 400 educational institutions. At Boss Beauties, Lisa has grown the brand to highlight & celebrate women through collaborations with household names such as Barbie, Rolling Stone, Marvel, Neiman Marcus, NASDAQ, the New York Stock Exchange, NARS Cosmetics, and the United Nations. She successfully drove the company to earn exclusive representation through iconic talent agency William Morris Endeavor to strategically scale the Boss Beauties brand across film, television, digital platforms, gaming, publishing, and more.  Lisa continues to fight to improve the lives of future generations of women through mentorship activations and collaborations.

Lori Harris

Harris Whitesell Consulting LLC and RYW Ventures LLC

Lori Harris, Managing Partner, Harris Whitesell Consulting, a women-owned, Human Resources Talent Management consulting firm, and Managing Partner, RYW Ventures™ LLC., a woman-owned Talent Development consulting firm for Remarkable Young Women™. Notable Memberships and Volunteer Work: Maximize Excellence!™ Podcast Host, Honor Foundation Leadership Transition Coach, HerCSuite® Member and Entrepreneur Mastermind Chair, Innovation Women™ Member, and KNOW Women™ Elite Member. Notable Awards: 2024 Enterprising Women Award Winner, KNOW Women 40 Over 40, New York Times President’s Award, Edison International Leadership Award, Jaycees Leader of the Year, Athena Leadership Award, YWCA Women of Achievement, and USA Women’s National Basketball Team Captain.

LuzElena Rivers

Amera Solutions

LuzElena is the President & CEO of Amera Solutions, which provides Uber-style safe transportation for post-anesthesia patients nationwide. A service that’s necessary for millions of Americans. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology and an MBA and is pursuing a Doctoral degree in Business. She is among the 3% of women-owned businesses earning over $1 million and is part of the exclusive 1% of women achieving this in the health tech industry as a Latina Entrepreneur.

Lynette Harrison Brubaker

LHB Group

Lynette Harrison Brubaker is the founder+ceo of LHB Group, a boutique marketing and communications firm whose sweet spot is leading founders and brands through their own reinventions. After spending 20+ years in the publishing industry and becoming the youngest publisher of two global media brands — WWD and InStyle — Lynette staged her own reinvention, launching her company in 2018. LHB Group has attracted a diverse portfolio of clients including makeup mogul Bobbi Brown and her brand, Jones Road; retail legend Mickey Drexler and his brand, Alex Mill; Michelin-star chef Missy Robbins and private finance firm Rosenthal & Rosenthal.

Mara Smith

Inspiro Tequila LLC

Mara Smith, the founder of Inspiro Tequila, is a former attorney, corporate strategist and stay-at-home mom. After attending Northwestern Law School, Mara practiced law at a large Chicago law firm before joining the corporate strategy team at a Fortune 500 Company. After her twins were born prematurely, Mara left her corporate career to stay home. Mara always envisioned running her own company and in 2020 she set out on her journey to create a new additive-free tequila brand. The goal was not only to craft impeccable tequilas, but it was also to bring more female perspectives to the spirits industry.

Marnie Bauer

Marnie C. Bauer, DMD & Associates

Born and raised in Clearwater, Florida, Dr. Bauer believes you cannot undermine the power of a beautiful smile. Her specialty is treating patients comprehensively, giving them the smile of their dreams. As a Nova Southeastern Dental School graduate, she earned her undergraduate degree from Clemson University. Marnie’s all-female dental practice is in South Tampa. She and her husband, Greg, are proud parents of Anne-Marie and Jack. You can find Marnie with her family, playing tennis, or traveling when not working. After two decades of growth, Dr. Bauer consistently gives back to the community and launched the first annual She-Smiles contest, where a selected woman will have her smile restored.

Melissa Pruett

MELT by Melissa

Melissa Pruett, the brow magician, skin-care geek, and lover of all things personal discovery, is the founder of MELT by Melissa self care studios and skin + brow care lines. With locations in Scottsdale, Phoenix, and Vegas, her team of Babes are best known for radiating the good vibes while serving up the best experiential aesthetics services in the sunny Southwest. From building a business from the ground up and growing a very melty team, to creating clean beauty products and an aesthetics training + coaching university, the vision remains the same: to elevate women everywhere in an authentic and tangible way.

Melissa Renee Parvis

Fresh Clean Threads

Melissa Parvis launched Fresh Clean Tees in the guest bedroom of her San Diego home alongside her business partner and husband, Matthew Parvis, in 2015. The couple initially began Fresh Clean Tees as a hobby in which they could marry her expertise in product development with Matthew’s background in content strategy and marketing. Today, as Fresh Clean Threads’ President, Melissa has launched their proprietary cotton-poly fabric blend, StratuSoft to guarantee Fresh Clean Tees’ shirts are unlike any other on the market. She is responsible for sourcing the highest quality fabrics and dyes, innovating new t-shirt fabrics and styles, and ensuring all partner factories are WRAP-certified and that the brand is actively working toward their sustainability initiatives. She also oversees Fresh Clean Threads’ recruiting efforts alongside her husband and CEO. A seasoned industry leader, Melissa served as Product Developer at several action sports brands, designed apparel and styled professional athletes with Elevee Custom Clothiers and was Hurley’s Technical Designer, before serving as an independent product developer, merchandising and creative direction consultant for six years, which led to the creation of Fresh Clean Threads, formerly known as Fresh Clean Tees. Prior to joining the apparel industry, she graduated with a Degree in Product Development from FIDM after receiving her bachelor’s degree in psychology from San Diego State University. 

Michelle M. Marks

Ideas On Purpose

Michelle founded Ideas On Purpose (IOP) 23 years ago. IOP is focused on communicating and amplifying the citizenship and sustainability efforts of clients, working at the intersection of business and society to create a fairer, healthier, sustainable world. IOP leads a bi-annual, pro bono initiative, Brand New Brand! where one nonprofit is rebranded at no cost. The program is running its 5th cycle now. Michelle has mentored many women throughout her years in business. As the Managing Partner of IOP she drives strategy. She is also a member of the Women’s Presidents Organization.

Miranda Bailey

Cold Iron Pictures; The Film Arcade; The CherryPicks

Miranda Bailey, CEO of Cold Iron Pictures, has produced over 20 films, including Independent Spirit Award-Winner DIARY OF A TEENAGE GIRL starring Kristen Wiig and Bel Powley, GOD’S COUNTRY starring Thandawe Newton, and SPLIT AT THE ROOT, distributed by Array. Bailey is a co-founder of the film distribution company, The Film Arcade, and The CherryPicks, a website dedicated to amplifying the voices of female/non-binary critics. She is an accomplished actress and director who has appeared opposite Richard Gere, Parker Posey, and Ben Stiller. On the directing side, her debut documentary, GREENLIT, premiered at SXSW in 2010, and her first narrative feature, BEING FRANK, starring Jim Gaffigan and Anna Gunn, premiered at SXSW in 2018.

Mollie Boutell Suarez G.G.

Westshore Diamond Co.

If you are looking for a concierge, private diamond experience, look no further than Westshore Diamond. President and owner, Mollie Boutell Suarez, G.G., and her team offer a one-on-one environment, creating diamond engagement rings and ready-to-wear fine jewelry using natural-mined or lab-grown diamonds at all price points. Mollie started in the jewelry industry in 1997, after having her first child at age 17. “I found my career so early because I needed a way to support myself and my daughter,” says Suarez. Gemology was the answer. “Enthusiasm for diamonds came naturally and working for incredible companies with supportive women gave me the courage to create Westshore Diamond in 2011.” With 26 years of experience, each client is getting an expert G.I.A. Graduate Gemologist, appraiser, and diamond broker when they work with Suarez. “I am an open book and unapologetically always fancy.” says Mollie. “I try to be an example to those around me. I want to inspire women to embrace their unique qualities that make each of us a gift to the world.” Mollie enjoys giving back to the local community weekly by mentoring high-school and 8th-grade girls at St. Timothy’s Catholic Church.

Morgan Arbez

GRIT Distribution

Meet Morgan Arbez, accomplished entrepreneur, wife, mother and a passionate fitness advocate. With an impressive track record of scaling and successfully exiting multiple businesses, Morgan’s business acumen is as rich as it is varied. Her strategic vision, combined with her commitment to operational excellence, has resulted in significant milestones for numerous ventures and successful business exits. As the CEO of GRIT Distribution, Morgan applies her exceptional ability to identify market opportunities and guide businesses to their full potential. Morgan Arbez is more than a CEO; she’s a strategic visionary, a fitness enthusiast, and a beacon of resilience and determination.

Nasutsa Mabwa

Nasutsa Mabwa

Nasutsa Mabwa is President of ServiceMaster By Simons, an emergency restoration services company. Nasutsa has an extensive background in real estate development focuses upon building the commercial and residential side of property restoration and construction business by developing key real estate industry relationships. Nasutsa holds a Master’s degree in Urban Planning and Policy from the University of Illinois-Chicago, and an MBA (real estate development concentration) from Roosevelt University. She serves on the Board of the Evanston Chamber of Commerce and is the co-author of the book, RESTORE, a guide to water and fire damage.

Neha Ruch

Mother Untitled

Neha Ruch, founder of Mother Untitled, a premier platform for career-driven women embracing family life, is a leading voice on parenting, work, and identity. With a decade of experience in digital and brand strategy, plus an MBA from Stanford, she launched Mother Untitled in 2017. The brand reshapes societal views on career pauses for caregiving, employing original research, social media influence, and community resources like job boards, coaching, and events. Neha’s forthcoming book, “The Power Pause,” slated for January 2025 release by Putnam/Penguin Random House, reflects her expertise. Based in New York City, she resides with her husband, two children, and dog, Coconut.

Nicole Middendorf

Prosperwell Financial

Nicole is a money maven, single Mom, a knowledge junkie, a born coach, written five books, a world traveler, philanthropist, and a public speaker. Nicole left Morgan Stanley in 2003 to start her own wealth management firm. As a Wealth Advisor and Certified Divorce Financial Analyst with Prosperwell Financial, her main focus is to help people find happiness. Nicole founded the Nicole Middendorf Foundation to help women from victims of domestic violence to survivors.

Nicole Wegman

Ring Concierge

Ring Concierge is the leading luxury jeweler committed to designing forever pieces that are both inspirational and attainable. In an industry that has been historically dominated by men, Ring Concierge was profitable from year one, has never taken outside funding, and has consistently scaled its growth year-over-year by strategically utilizing social media to successfully blur the lines between retailer and influencer. With two brick-and-mortar retail locations in NYC, the brand is continuing its explosive growth of bespoke bridal and ready to ship fine jewelry.

Nika Cagle

Nika Corporate Housing | Tampa Bay Fashion Experience

Dominique “Nika” Cagle launched her entrepreneurial journey in her early twenties with “Nika Corporate Housing” in 2003. With over 300 units, her company has become a regional leader in temporary lodging. Under Nika’s leadership, it consistently achieves profitability and was nominated as a semi-finalist for Small Business of the Year in Tampa. Nika also serves as Director of Retail at The Tampa Bay Fashion Experience, providing leadership to her team of 20 employees. She received the Tower of Excellence Award for Company of the Year in 2022 & 2023. Additionally, Nika co-owns Casa Genesis, a cloud-based SAAS management suite, and Body Works Fitness LLC. She’s an Enterprising Women of the Year Award recipient and an Apogee Award Finalist.

Nikki Balich-Cammarata

The Arizona Sports & Entertainment Commission

Nikki Balich, ASEC’s Executive Director, revolutionized Arizona’s sports, bringing the U.S.’s sole professional women’s volleyball league to Legacy Park and boosting the largest high school basketball tournament, Section 7 Girls. She introduced the Mountain West tennis championship and the Arizona Tip-Off, enriching the economy by $100 million post-pandemic. Balich managed significant events and navigated the pandemic, facilitating basketball courts and overseeing 10,000 COVID-19 tests. With deep Arizona roots, her leadership extends from the Fiesta Bowl to the National Football Foundation. Residing in Scottsdale with her family, Balich’s influence in sports and community is undeniable.

Nilou Henderson

Henderson Ventures, Stage of Designs, Ziba Luxury Salon

Meet Nilou, a 33-year-old Iranian American immigrant who defies convention. Beyond her role as a serial entrepreneur, Nilou is a devoted wife and proud mother of three. Her journey is driven by faith, rooted in commitment and hard work.   Nilou expertly balances family and business, embodying both nurturer and visionary. She passionately advocates for women’s empowerment, embracing her role as a true girl’s girl.   In her world, houses become homes, interior design tells timeless stories, and luxury salons become oases. Join Nilou on this extraordinary journey, a testament to the power of love, faith, and entrepreneurial spirit, where heart meets hustle.

Patty O’Leary

Children’s Cancer Center

Whether in the classroom, through support services, or in the non-profit sector, Patty O’Leary has dedicated her 30-year career to helping children and families succeed. Patty began her career as an elementary school teacher in Upstate New York. After may years in the classroom, she became the Executive Director for Huntington Learning Centers in Buffalo, New York; Seattle, Washington and Orlando, Florida. Patty served as the Regional Director for HLC in Orlando, opening two franchise operations. Her passion for education led Patty to open and operate her very own Huntington Learning Center in Tampa, Florida, where she served as the Executive Director and Vice President. After ten years, Patty combined her education degrees and business acumen to begin a career as the Executive Director of the Children’s Cancer Center. In 2015, she stepped into the role of Chief Executive Officer and has been strongly leading her team ever since. While Patty is incredibly passionate about the work she does, she is most proud of being a wife to her husband Jack for 25 years and being the mother of Regan and Jack, two successful young adults, and Cyrus Blue, the Children’s Cancer Center’s therapy dog.

Purba Majumder

Cybervation

Purba Majumder, CEO of Cybervation, is a visionary entrepreneur making strides in the technology industry. Her company excels in IT and healthcare staffing, connecting top professionals with facilities. Cybervation’s innovative product, BistroUX, empowers restaurants with a comprehensive online platform. Beyond business acumen, Purba is enthusiastic about social impact. Her non-profit, CoolTechGirls, fuels girls’ interest in STEM through hands-on learning and role models. A champion for diversity, she has been recognized for her leadership on lists like Women2Watch, WPO Fifty Fastest 2023 and the Inc. 5000, highlighting her impactful contributions.

Rachel Roff

Rachel Roff

Rachel Roff, a trailblazing entrepreneur, revolutionized skincare for melanin-rich skin and hyperpigmentation. Founding Urban Skin Solutions Medical Spa in 2006, she garnered a celebrity clientele, eventually selling the spa in 2019. She also created Urban Skin Rx®, an inclusive clinical skincare line now in over 10,000 retail doors, including Target, Ulta Beauty, and Walmart, with a significant funding round in 2019 boosting its valuation over $34 million. Roff, with expertise from product development to spa operations, stepped down as CEO in 2023 to focus on family and health, while remaining an influential investor and advisor. She continues to explore new ventures, inspiring many in the beauty industry.

Ranjini Poddar

Artech L.L.C.

CEO and Co-founder of Artech, America’s largest women-owned IT staffing company, Ranjini Poddar is used to rewriting the rules, not only on gender expectations in the IT sector, but on the innovation, delivery and business impact of the solutions and services provided by the IT staffing industry. Her three-decade journey with Artech has been marked by her unstoppable pursuit of excellence and focus on human intelligence as the key resource that powers the progress of organizations. With a stellar list of global clients and $925 million in revenue, she is steering Artech to its next milestone: the billion-dollar mark.

Sally Mueller

Womaness

Sally Mueller is the Co-Founder and CEO of Womaness, the brand changing the conversation around aging and menopause. A consummate business builder specializing in retail and brand innovation, Sally’s trend-forecasting Midas touch has benefited companies such as Target, Who What Wear and VERSED skincare, among others. Sally’s own health journey paved the way for Womaness, when she found a lack of modern products and resources for women past a certain age (with few even recognizing the subtle signs of menopause). Alongside co-founder Michelle Jacobs, she’s created more than just a brand with expert- and doctor-created solutions; it’s a movement where every woman feels empowered and inspired to celebrate life after 40. Sally spent over two decades of her career at Target Corporation, first in Apparel Merchandising and then in Marketing. Recognized as an industry leader, Sally is renowned for her business acumen in the fashion, beauty and lifestyle sectors.

Sharareh (Sherri) Kermanshachi

Penn State University- Harrisburg

Dr. Sharareh (Sherri) Kermanshachi is Associate Vice Chancellor for Research, Associate Dean of Research and Professor of Civil Engineering at Penn State University – Harrisburg. In these roles, she oversees several units including Office of Research and Outreach, Research Institutes/Centers, Continuing Education (CE), economic development activities, and Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (CIE). Prior to joining Penn State, Dr. Kermanshachi served as the Director of Research Initiatives in the College of Engineering, Technology Transfer Director of the Center for Transportation, Equity, Decisions and Dollars, Director of the Resilient Infrastructures and Sustainable Environment (RISE) Lab, and Professor of civil Engineering at the University of Texas at Arlington.

Sharon Hulce

Employment Resource Group

Sharon Hulce, CEO of Employment Resource Group, revolutionized executive search with her firm in Appleton, Wisconsin. With over 27 years in the industry, she focuses on meaningful placements, not just resumes, embedding thought leadership into her business ethos. Hulce, also a Forbes author and esteemed speaker, emphasizes the value of people in business, aiming to match individuals with roles that fulfill their purpose. She has received numerous accolades, including the Women in Construction Award and Wisconsin Titan CEO 100 Honoree. Beyond her professional achievements, Hulce actively contributes to various boards, shaping leadership and community service.

Sheri West

LiveGirl

Sheri West is a Founder & CEO, career-readiness expert, podcast host, speaker, and champion for equity and inclusion. She is a former management executive turned social entrepreneur with over 25 years of corporate and leadership development experience. A decade ago, she founded the nonprofit LiveGirl, dedicated to equipping the next generation of diverse female leaders, impacting over 17,500 girls. Sheri regularly speaks on a wide range of topics relating to women’s leadership and co-hosts the award-winning Confident Podcast. Committed to progress, she serves on various boards and advocates loudly for policies that advance opportunities for women and girls.

Stacy Berns

Berns Communications Group

Stacy Berns is Founder & President of Berns Communications Group, a strategic communications firm advising leaders from the retail, technology and consumer sectors. She founded the Retail Influencer Network, The DealmakeHers and The Z Suite to connect a diverse group of industry leaders and Gen Z founders to drive social and economic progress across these industries. Berns serves on the board of directors of Delivering Good and the Save the Children Annual Mother’s Day Council bringing her expertise to their mission supporting underserved women and youth. She is an alumni of The Harvard Business School’s Executive Education program and Northeastern and a 2023 Inc 5000 Honoree.

Stacy Francis

Francis Financial, Inc.

Stacy is the President & CEO of Francis Financial, a fee-only boutique wealth management and financial planning firm dedicated to providing comprehensive advice for individuals, couples, and women in transition such as divorce or widowhood. She is a Certified Financial Planner™ (CFP®), Certified Divorce Financial Analyst® (CDFA®), and Certified Estate & Trust Specialist (CES™) with 20+ years in the financial industry. Stacy is the founder of the non-profit, Savvy Ladies™, host of the Financially Ever After podcast, and author of the white paper, Unveiling the Unspoken Truth: The Financial Challenges Women Face in Divorce, and Financial Help for Widows Guide.

Stacy Pingree

Radiant Financial Group

Stacy Pingree, a leader in the mortgage industry and founder of Radiant Financial Group, has dedicated her career to empowering individuals, especially women, in wealth building through real estate. With a keen understanding of the market’s nuances, Stacy has become a trusted advisor, guiding clients towards financial independence and securing their future legacies. Her innovative approaches to financing and personalized strategies are tailored to help clients leverage real estate as a cornerstone for wealth accumulation. Stacy’s commitment to education, community service, and fostering lasting relationships exemplifies her belief in real estate not just as a transaction, but as a pathway to creating enduring legacies for women across America.

Starr Edwards

Bitchin’ Sauce

Starr Edwards is the co-founder, CEO, Chairwoman, and culinary originator behind Bitchin’ Sauce. Starr has maintained an active, visionary leadership over the now 70+ employee company, overseeing growth from local Farmer’s Markets through a rapid retail market emergence & continued propulsion across major retail banners. Bitchin’ Sauce is now solidified as a flagship pioneer product within the growing nut-based dip segment. The company continues to set its sights high, achieving international distribution in 2024 and upholding an ambitious rollout of product innovation.

Stef Tschida

Tschida Communications

Communications, where she and her team focus on helping mid-sized companies grow and transform by clearly communicating to those who matter most to their success.  As a recognized communications expert, Stef is a published author, co-host of the Worthy Words podcast, and professional speaker for organizations like John Deere, Home Depot, AT&T, Caterpillar, and the RSA Conference. Stef also leads MN College Essay Coach, where she and her team help high school students stand out in the highly competitive college admissions process. Stef holds a Master’s in Strategic Communication from the University of Minnesota – Twin Cities.

Stephanie Kaplan Lewis

Her Campus Media

Stephanie is co-founder & CEO of Her Campus Media, the leading community-powered Gen Z media & marketing portfolio driving relevancy for the world’s leading brands, which she founded 15 years ago as a Harvard undergrad. Unlocking opportunities for the next generation is at the core of all of HCM’s work. Stephanie has been named an EY Entrepreneur Of The Year and to Forbes & Inc. 30 Under 30, and HCM has been named to Fast Company’s World’s Most Innovative Companies and received Adweek’s ‘Campaign of the Year’ Award. She is also an EiR at Harvard Innovation Labs and sits on the boards of Jewish Women International and Jewish on Campus.

Swathi Nelabhatla

SHE JOBS

Swathi Nelabhatla, the Founder of SheJobs (www.she-jobs.com), leads a Diversity-focused organization and job portal dedicated to supporting women and underrepresented minorities in the USA and India. With a strong commitment to sustainable gender equality, SheJobs assists women with career gaps in re-entering the workforce while aiding organizations in advancing their diversity and inclusion efforts. Notably, SheJobs spearheads returnship programs within companies and provides specialized support to mothers of children with disabilities. The company’s impactful initiatives led to its recognition as the 2022 Impact Company of the Year by DotCom Magazine. Swathi Nelabhatla’s leadership was further acknowledged when she was named one of the 20 most inspiring women leaders by Women’s Leaders magazine in 2021. Swathi’s global influence was highlighted as she was honored as a Global Inspirational Leader in a joint initiative by the House of Lords Parliament and White Page International in London, UK. Additionally, she received the esteemed Tech Titans 2023 “Community Hero” award and was a finalist for the Tech Titans 2023 “Startup CEO” award. SheJobs also garnered acclaim, being recognized as the Best Digital Job Platform by Silicon India.com among numerous other accolades in both the USA and India. Swathi Nelabhatla’s impact extends beyond her entrepreneurial endeavors as she shares her insights as a TEDx speaker.

Tabitha St. Bernard-Jacobs

Tabii Just Strategies

Tabitha is an organizer, writer, and antiracist parenting educator. She writes the column Raising Anti-racist Kids and also pens work for Parents, Good Housekeeping and others. Her book projects include Little Activists, and book chapters for 100 Diverse Voices on Parenthood and A Year of Black Joy. For her work at the intersection of activism and culture change, Tabitha was named one of Glamour Magazine’s Women of The Year in 2017 and was named one of the 200 Women Who Will Change The Way You See The World.

Taliah Waajid

Taliah Waajid Brands

Taliah Waajid is the President and Founder of the Taliah Waajid Brand. In 1995, Taliah offered the first, complete line of natural, chemical-free hair care products to the general market. The products were formulated for consumers who chose to refrain from using chemicals on their hair. Today, the Taliah Waajid Brand offers several collections of healthy hair product lines that range from natural hair care, curly hair care, protective styling, men’s grooming and children’s hair care. With her strong urge to give back to the community, Taliah founded the first, the largest, and the best beauty industry trade show, The World Natural Hair & Healthy Lifestyle Event which is now in its 24th year.  For years, this event has been a place providing education and fun experiences to consumers while supporting businesses large and small in the beauty, hair, and healthy living spaces. Taliah is a dedicated, hard-working, and passionate leader, mentor, mother, and friend. She strives to be a positive inspiration to the next generation and those around her. Taliah knows that success requires a team and that no one is successful on their own. Taliah is inspired by her family members, customers, and staff every day. She believes that given the right opportunity and tools, anyone that wants to achieve success, can and will do so.

Tahira White

19th & Park

In just over 15 years, Tahira White’s journey has propelled her to the position of Co-Founder and Executive, commanding two enterprises: 19th & Park, a trailblazing creative marketing and production powerhouse, and Wercflow, an AI-driven SaaS solution for developing and managing productions. Starting her career at Hearst Magazine, Tahira harnessed her entrepreneurial acumen, embarking on a freelancing venture that earned her collaborations with industry giants like Samsung and the visionary artist, Frank Ocean. Today, as a driving force behind 19th & Park and 1Park9, she masterminds creative marketing and production, catering to clientele including Nike, L’Oreal, Meta, Apple, Ulta Beauty, and many more.

Tana Greene

MyWorkChoice

Since co-founding Greene Group in 1988, a national staffing company that grew to operate in more than 20 states, Tana Greene has been on a mission to help people. With over 30-plus years driving worker optimization, Tana saw first-hand the changing needs of the hourly workforce model. In 2017 she guided the company’s transformation to become MyWorkChoice—the first-to-market solution that bridges the gap between technology, human resource management, and hourly staffing. She’s known among clients as the “go to” resource to make yourself the most desirable hourly employer in town. Tana is the author of Creating a World of Difference, and she frequently speaks to audiences not only about her approach to business, but also her own life story and experience with domestic violence.

Theresa Depasquale

Capture Social Group

Theresa began her career as a entrepreneurial fitness expert. In 2012, She started her Instagram page and used her business acumen and marketing skills to quickly dominate social media by successfully building multiple large, revenue-generating brand pages on Instagram. In 2018 she started Capture Social Group and quickly became the go-to for 7 fig + brands looking to scale by leveraging social media. With over 12 years of social media marketing experience, she now helps companies grow by providing consulting and full service management programs to help them build their brands on social media, and grow their reach, credibility and profits.

Vernisha Crawford

Trauma Informed Institute

Vernisha Crawford, CEO of the Trauma Informed Institute, is a globally recognized wellness speaker, author, and advocate for trauma-informed approaches. With a Bachelor’s in Sociology from UNC Charlotte and a Master’s in Leadership from Grand Canyon University, she holds certifications in health coaching and resilience education. Currently pursuing a Ph.D. in General Psychology, Vernisha’s expertise extends to systems change work through the BYE Foundation, promoting trauma-informed funding and community resilience. She’s also the visionary behind @DanceHerSize, merging movement with holistic wellness. Vernisha’s impactful contributions include a TEDxUNCCharlotte talk on workplace wellness and the publication of her children’s book, ‘Nahla and Amy-G,’ educating children on stress responses and coping strategies.

Veronica “VeetheNP” Southerland FNP-BC, APRN, MSN

VeetheNP Enterprises

A tenured healthcare entrepreneur, Veronica Smith Southerland, also known as Vee The NP, has dedicated her career to raising up the next generation of healthcare entrepreneurs. She has watched businesses grow, fail, and grow again. Vee creates space and opportunities for minorities in healthcare. It’s with this vision, she can serve both the healthcare provider and patient. Vee The NP opens minds to the seemingly impossible and teaches how to make the opportunity you want possible, profitable, and powerful. Healthcare goes beyond the States and into the global world for Vee. Through her relationships throughout the world, her work has impacted millions. Yet, her personal passion has always been for nurses. Vee The NP is driven by a desire to create opportunities through enlightenment, education, and empowerment. Her passion and drive mixed with Veronica’s swagger and knowledge enable her to be a healthcare entrepreneur star. It’s this star power that has led Vee to be a CEO, speaker, mentor, and author ready and available to impact the next generation of millionaire nurses.

Victoria T. Kajo

Lewis Brisbois Bisgaard & Smith LLP

Victoria T. Kajo is a partner with the Law firm of Lewis BrisBois. She has extensive experience handling professional liability litigation defending other lawyers, design and real estate professionals against claims of alleged negligent acts and omissions in the performance of their professional services. Ms. Kajo has also broad experience with Immigration law; including consular processing, asylum, U visas, battered spouse petitions, waivers, family-based and work-based adjustment of status petitions and Immigration appeals. She is admitted to the California Bar, the United State District Court, Central District of California, and the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit.

Windsor Western

Her Campus Media

As President and Co-Founder of Her Campus Media, Windsor is in charge of overall business growth and revenue strategy. Under her watch, Her Campus Media has created state-of-the-art college marketing programs for blue-chip clients including L’Oreal, Unilever, CVS, Microsoft, and has rolled out tentpole programs including Her Conference, I’m Still Graduating (AdWeek Campaign of the Year winner), and Creators Loft. Windsor is an honors graduate of Harvard College and a 2023 winner of EY Entrepreneur of the Year. She has been named to Forbes 30 Under 30, BusinessWeek’s 25 Under 25 Best Young Entrepreneurs, and more.

Woodson Bradley

Woodson Bradley

Woodson is a fierce women’s advocate and family protector who has survived domestic violence and assault. She is also a business owner, mom, and champion for defining policies that amplify women and equal rights. Woodson has built a big life with small-town charm, a big smile, and lots of hard work and grit. She shares her stories of how she created a variety of businesses. All the while, she will keep asking what matters to YOU and what she could do to help you get where you want to be. Her next stop is policy change, legislation, and helping people and families of all sizes, shapes, and cultures find their voice and place in this world. She wants to leave a legacy of showing folks they can overcome adversity, violence, and scarcity and find joy, success, and happiness in small things that will lead to a RICH life. Rich in experiences, adventures, and community.
Favorite Quote: “She overcame everything that was meant to destroy her.”