FEATURED WOMEN ENTREPRENEURS

For Mariia Kharakhash, that distinction became the foundation of a business. Through Ukrainian Films USA, operated through her company Quants Stream LLC, Kharakhash has built a U.S.-based film distribution and cultural events project designed to bring Ukrainian cinema to American audiences—not simply as news about a country, but as stories about its people, history, humor, identity, creativity and resilience. The project began years ago, but its most significant growth has co

For Gina McDonald, wellness was never simply about creating a place where people could book a massage. After more than 25 years caring for clients through therapeutic massage, McDonald began building something broader: a space where people could step away from everyday pressure and experience different forms of relaxation and self-care under one roof. That vision became Massage Experience, a Fort Wayne, Indiana, business established in 2022 that now combines massage therapy w

For Gina McDonald, wellness was never simply about creating a place where people could book a massage. After more than 25 years caring for clients through therapeutic massage, McDonald began building something broader: a space where people could step away from everyday pressure and experience different forms of relaxation and self-care under one roof. That vision became Massage Experience, a Fort Wayne, Indiana, business established in 2022 that now combines massage therapy w

As owner and director of The Window Source of Morgantown, Luster has helped build a locally owned residential improvement company around a simple philosophy: homeowners should understand what they are buying and why it fits their home before they make the decision. Founded in 2017, the Morgantown business specializes in replacement windows, entry doors, patio doors and siding, serving communities across North Central West Virginia and Southwestern Pennsylvania.

They want to know what is wrong. They want to understand what needs to be fixed. And, perhaps most importantly, they want to feel confident that they are making the right decision. For Stephanie Engelbrecht, that understanding has become central to the way she helps lead C&S Automotive, an independently owned repair shop in Rathdrum, Idaho. Founded in 2017, the business has grown from a small local operation into an expanding automotive company serving Rathdrum and surroundi

Kristen Judd believes they should begin somewhere else: education. As Agency Director and Executive Vice President with Five Rings Financial, Judd leads Money Secrets, a financial-services business founded in 2013 in Westminster, Colorado. Her stated mission is to help individuals, families and business owners become more confident about financial decisions by making complex concepts easier to understand before a product or strategy enters the conversation. That philosophy ha

In 2017, while still developing her own professional career, Nielsen began working with a new business owner who was attempting to manage virtually every part of her company herself. Nielsen did not arrive with a perfect consulting playbook. She simply saw an entrepreneur who needed support and was willing to learn quickly. Nine years later, that first client remains her longest-standing client and has since launched two additional businesses. The experience gave Nielsen an i

There are contracts to review, funds to coordinate, title records to examine, deadlines to meet and multiple professionals involved in getting the deal across the finish line. For Joanna Alicea, the challenge is not simply to complete the paperwork. It is to make the experience feel manageable. That philosophy is at the centre of AC Title & Escrow, LLC, the family-owned Fort Myers, Florida, title company Alicea established in 2024. The company provides title insurance, escr

Amy Werling wants to move that education earlier. As the founder and lead educator of Policyholder Advocates, Werling has built a business focused on helping homeowners understand the property insurance process, organise documentation and prepare better claim files. Established in 2025, the Murray-based business describes its mission as empowering policyholders through claim documentation and education. Rather than simply entering the picture after a claim becomes difficult,

Selling a luxury home is rarely just about putting a property on the market. For the owner, it can involve a significant financial decision, months of preparation, negotiations, legal processes and the uncertainty of finding the right buyer. For an agent, meanwhile, the challenge is increasingly about finding that buyer wherever they may be. For Marie Johnstone, that observation became central to the way she built Wilson Property Group. Rather than trying to replicate the sc

Kshama Rangan is an engineer, social entrepreneur and inclusion advocate who is challenging the traditional way society approaches inclusion. Her conviction is simple but powerful: Inclusion is a right, not charity. From technology and women's livelihoods to disability inclusion and sport, Kshama is building ventures designed to change the systems that determine who gets to participate, earn, lead and belong.

Mary Ann Viloria, Founder and Managing Director of Creative Quest Corporation, has built her entrepreneurial journey around resilience, creativity, and the belief that circumstances do not have to determine a person's future. Based in the Philippines, Creative Quest is a full-service marketing and events agency that helps organizations create meaningful brand experiences and stronger connections with customers, partners, and communities.

Lorraine Nielsen, Founder and Director of Property Destinations, has built her career around a simple but powerful philosophy: strategy comes before property, and clarity before commitment. Founded in 2008, Property Destinations is a Brisbane-based property investment advisory that helps Australians build long-term wealth through strategic property investment, independent research, tax-effective planning, and portfolio development.

Lora Georgieva is the owner of Destination College, a college planning and financial aid consulting firm that has been helping students get into their dream colleges while saving families an average of $120,000+ through expert admissions guidance and extensive financial options through grants and scholarships. Founded in 2010 and based in Vernon Hills, Illinois, USA, Destination College provides comprehensive admission and financial aid assistance to families across the Unite

Jane Cesino is the owner of Star Maids Cleaning Solutions, a residential and commercial cleaning company serving Montgomery and Howard Counties, Maryland, USA. Founded in 2011, the company has helped busy families and businesses enjoy cleaner, healthier, and more peaceful spaces through reliable, high-quality cleaning services for more than 15 years. Jane's leadership journey began when she built a business from the ground up with a desire to support her family's income, crea

Sabreena Michel is the founder of Sabreena Frances Artistry + Aesthetics, a cosmetic tattoo, paramedical tattoo, fine-line tattoo, and aesthetics practice serving Starkville, Mississippi, and surrounding communities. Founded in 2015, the practice offers services including brows, lip blushing, eyeliner, scar and areola restoration, tiny tattoos, and advanced skin treatments focused on helping clients look and feel their best. Sabreena's philosophy is simple yet profound: "Wher

Kristina George is the co-owner of Next Step Insurance, a Wisconsin-based agency dedicated to helping individuals, families, and employers navigate health insurance with clarity, confidence, and compassion. Founded in 2013 and based in Plymouth, Wisconsin, USA, Next Step Insurance specializes in Medicare, health insurance, employee benefits, life insurance, and additional coverage options. Kristina has built her career around simplifying one of the most confusing and stressfu

Liza Nguyen is the founder and CEO of Wise Above Consulting, LLC, a full-service accounting firm providing bookkeeping, tax preparation, tax planning, financial planning, and life insurance protection services for individuals and small business owners. Founded in 2024 and based in Costa Mesa, California, USA, Wise Above Consulting is a family-owned, minority-owned, and woman-led business committed to helping clients understand their finances, stay compliant, reduce taxes, and

Tammy Cook is the founder of TLC Bookkeeping, a professional services firm offering tax preparation, tax resolution, and bookkeeping services to individuals, small businesses, medium businesses, and non-profit organizations. Founded in 2022 and based in Saint Petersburg, Florida, USA, TLC Bookkeeping is dedicated to providing professional, personalized service and guidance for clients' financial and business needs. With over 20 years of experience in accounting, bookkeeping,

Karina L. Borgia-Lacroix is the founder and owner of American Real Title and Borgia Consulting Corporation, a 100% woman and minority-owned business that has served the real estate industry for more than 17 years. With over 27 years of experience as a title, escrow, and closing agent, she has built her company around one simple philosophy: make one of life's most important transactions feel seamless, transparent, and stress-free. Based in Fort Myers, Florida, USA, Karina has

Barbara H. Gormley, Esquire, is the founder of Barbara H. Gormley, P.A. , a full-service personal injury law firm located in Sarasota, Florida, USA. Founded in 1999, the firm has proudly provided the highest quality of legal services both inside and out of the courtroom throughout the State of Florida for over 27 years. Barbara has been rated by her peers and judges as an AV Preeminent® attorney—the highest peer rating from Martindale-Hubbell®. This prestigious rating is give

Sonya Lea Skipp is the CEO of iFacts (Pty) Ltd, a South African-based background screening and verification company that provides comprehensive pre-employment vetting services to organisations across various industries. Founded in 2001 and based in Johannesburg, South Africa, iFacts offers services including identity verification, criminal record checks, qualification and employment verification, credit checks, reference checks, and other due diligence solutions.

Allison McNamara is the founder of MARA, an award-winning, algae-powered skincare brand founded on the belief that high-performance beauty can be both luxurious and sustainable. Founded in 2018 and based in Los Angeles, USA, MARA formulates clinically effective skincare using nutrient-dense marine ingredients sourced from around the world.

Megan Davies is the founder and owner of MD Pilates Pty Ltd, a boutique Pilates studio focused on helping people move better, feel stronger, and improve their overall quality of life through mindful movement. Founded in 2017 and based in Johannesburg, South Africa, MD Pilates offers personalised Pilates classes designed to support posture correction, pain management, rehabilitation, strength, flexibility, and emotional wellbeing. Clients range from beginners and busy prof

Rena Parikh is the founder of Encore Design Studio, a design-led practice focused on creating thoughtful, human-centric environments across workplaces, retail, hospitality, healthcare, and residential spaces. Founded in 2022 and based in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India, Encore Design Studio is built on a larger vision: shaping environments that influence behaviour, culture, well-being, and business performance in meaningful ways. At Encore, design is not merely about aesthetics or

Amy Meadows, Founder and CEO of SmartHER Ventures Inc, is redefining entrepreneurial education by transforming the traditional business accelerator model into a compelling reality show. Founded in 2025 and based in Richmond, USA, SmartHER Ventures takes a business accelerator and turns it into a 12-episode reality series, following five women-led companies through their entrepreneurial journey. Each episode is themed around a business topic—such as Legal, Finance, Design,

Ariadne Dulchinos is the co-founder and CTO of Avenir AI, an AI service company that is transforming the employee benefits industry by helping employers and brokers make smarter healthcare decisions—reducing costs while improving access to care for employees. Founded in 2025 and based in San Francisco, USA, Avenir AI operates in the $1T+ employee benefits market, serving CFOs, Heads of Total Rewards, and benefits brokers. The company acts as an "AI employee" that sits on top

Colleen Tsikira, Founder of Brand & Bloom Business Acquisitions, is reshaping business acquisitions by proving that buying a company can be about preserving its future—not dismantling its past. Founded in 2026, with operations across Calgary, Alberta, Canada, and London, United Kingdom, Brand & Bloom acquires established service-based businesses and grows them through operational excellence while protecting the legacy built by their founders.

Francesca Bilyard, Founder of Diamonds & DrillBits LLC, is proving that residential remodeling is about far more than construction—it is about trust, communication, and creating spaces that feel like home. Founded in Pemberton, New Jersey, USA, in 2022, her woman-owned remodeling company has built a reputation for fair pricing, high-quality craftsmanship, and an exceptional customer experience that goes beyond industry expectations.

Caroline Garnham, Founder and CEO of Caroline's Club, is redefining business development for professional services. Founded in London, United Kingdom, in 2021, Caroline's Club helps lawyers, accountants, financial advisers, consultants, and other professionals build trust, visibility, and long-term client relationships through an award-winning Client Mapping methodology.

People are the heart of every successful organisation. Yet many workplaces still struggle to create environments where employees feel genuinely supported, respected, and understood. Recognising this gap, Alison Allen founded Sparks HR Consultancy Ltd with a vision to transform workplace culture through practical HR expertise, compassionate leadership, and inclusive wellbeing initiatives. Rather than viewing HR as simply policies and procedures, Alison believes it is about cre

Modern lifestyles have transformed customer expectations. Today, convenience is no longer considered a luxury—it is an expectation. Recognizing this shift, Nikita Jhaveri founded Blush Now, a technology-driven beauty platform that delivers professional hair and makeup services directly to clients at their homes, hotels, offices, or event venues. What began as a side hustle has evolved into one of the fastest-growing on-location beauty service platforms, redefining how people

Many organizations do not struggle because they lack talent or passion—they struggle because their strategy, communication, and leadership operate in silos. Recognizing this challenge, Jess Koscher founded Write Connections | strategy + design to bridge those gaps and help organizations move from uncertainty to purposeful growth. Today, her Indiana-based consultancy partners with businesses, nonprofits, and leadership teams to build stronger organizations by aligning vision,

Every successful business is built on more than a great idea—it requires a strong legal foundation, sound governance, and regulatory compliance that supports sustainable growth. Recognizing that many startups struggle to navigate India's evolving legal and compliance landscape, Eesha Gupta founded Eesha G & Associates with a clear mission: to make corporate law simple, practical, and accessible for entrepreneurs. Today, through her Chandigarh-based advisory practice, she part

Successful investing is not about chasing market trends—it's about making informed decisions backed by research, discipline, and patience. For Shuchi Nahar, this philosophy has shaped both her career and her entrepreneurial journey. Starting her finance career at just 18 years old, she entered an industry where experience was often considered more valuable than youth. Instead of allowing doubts to discourage her, she focused on building expertise through continuous learnin

For thousands of years, India's Vedic sciences have guided people in making important life decisions—from career and relationships to health, business, and personal growth. Yet in today's digital age, where misinformation often overshadows authenticity, preserving the integrity of these ancient disciplines has become more important than ever. Driven by a deep commitment to authentic spiritual knowledge, Anita Baranwal founded Astro Devam Private Limited to bridge the gap betw

For generations, Indian households relied on traditional recipes to nourish women through every stage of life—from adolescence and motherhood to recovery and healthy aging. Yet, as lifestyles became increasingly modern and fast-paced, much of this invaluable nutritional wisdom gradually disappeared from daily life. Recognizing this gap, Amruta Kulkarni founded Stree Swasthya Nutricare Pvt. Ltd. with a simple yet powerful vision: to bring traditional nutrition back into modern

Expanding a business across international borders requires more than ambition—it requires strategy, cultural understanding, trusted partnerships, and global expertise. For Tonya McNeal-Weary, helping businesses achieve that success has become her life's mission. As the Founder of IBS Global Consulting, Inc., she has spent more than two decades helping entrepreneurs, governments, institutions, and small and medium-sized enterprises unlock opportunities in international mar

For years, the beauty industry has focused on correcting imperfections. Divita Kanoria chose a different path. Instead of creating products that simply mask skin concerns, she envisioned skincare that heals, restores, and nurtures. That vision became Tatha, the flagship brand of The Vedic Collection Pvt. Ltd., where science and nature work together to promote healthier skin and overall well-being. Today, Tatha is emerging as one of India's most innovative skincare brands, pi

For CA Priyanka Rushikesh Jaju, however, success is measured by something much bigger—the confidence businesses gain when they receive the right financial guidance and the opportunities created when women lead with excellence. As the founder of Jaju Momaya and Associates, Priyanka has built a firm that combines technical expertise with a progressive vision for leadership. In a profession traditionally dominated by men, she has demonstrated that competence, integrity, and cons

In an industry often driven by short-term market trends and product sales, Manju Mastakar, Founder and Managing Director of Armstrong Capital & Financial Services Pvt. Ltd., has built her organization on an entirely different philosophy—one centered on trust, research, disciplined planning, and long-term wealth creation. With nearly three decades of experience in India's financial markets, Manju has demonstrated that sustainable wealth is not created by chasing opportunities

Recognising this critical gap, Victoria Rowe founded SHIELD GBV Response & Safeguarding Consultancy, a purpose-driven organisation dedicated to strengthening how individuals, schools, businesses, and communities respond to safeguarding concerns and Gender-Based Violence (GBV). Her mission is simple yet deeply impactful: To ensure that no one faces abuse disclosures with uncertainty, and that every community is better equipped to respond with knowledge, compassion, and respons

For Yanara Tavares Viana, this challenge became a powerful opportunity to create meaningful change. Drawing on more than 15 years of international experience in project management, governance, infrastructure, procurement, and business performance across the mining and energy sectors, she founded the Vila Viana Sustainable Housing Initiative—a project designed to build not only homes, but stronger and more sustainable communities.

Fashion has the power to tell stories. It preserves culture, inspires confidence, and creates opportunities that extend far beyond clothing. For Neema Nkatha Kinoti, fashion became a platform to celebrate African identity while challenging stereotypes about who belongs in sports and aquatic spaces. As the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Ohana Family Wear Limited, Neema has transformed a personal idea into one of Africa's most recognized swimwear brands—one that proudly

For Siyamthanda Maya, energy is more than a commercial product—it is an essential driver of economic development, business growth, and community empowerment. As the Managing Director of ZAS Petroleum (PTY) Ltd, she has successfully built one of South Africa's leading Black women-owned petroleum trading companies, proving that visionary leadership, resilience, and strategic partnerships can create lasting impact in one of the world's most competitive industries.

For Eunice Maeshibe Marema, coffee represents something much bigger—hope, opportunity, dignity, and economic empowerment. As the Founder and CEO of Maeshibe Coffee, Eunice has built more than a beverage business. She has created a purpose-driven enterprise that uses coffee as a tool to create employment, develop skills, and inspire communities across Africa. Her entrepreneurial journey is deeply personal—one shaped by hardship, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to ensu

For Lindiwe Masuku, fleet management isn't simply about tracking vehicles—it's about helping businesses make smarter decisions through technology, data, and innovation. As the Chief Executive Officer of Frotcom Botswana (Pty) Ltd, she has transformed a startup into one of Botswana's growing fleet management solution providers, helping organizations reduce costs, improve operational efficiency, and gain greater control over their vehicle operations. Her entrepreneurial journey

For Anneline Lucinda Lopis, infrastructure is much more than engineering. It is about creating solutions that improve lives, strengthen economies, and build a sustainable future for generations to come. As the Chief Executive Officer of SHA South Africa Holdings, Anneline leads an organization delivering innovative solutions across mining, transport, geotechnical engineering, renewable energy, sinkhole prevention, and industrial development throughout Southern Africa.

For Jennifer Hensley, the answer wasn't another marketing tactic—it was creating a system. Most business owners had access to countless resources, but they lacked clarity on which strategy to use, when to use it, and how to execute it effectively. Jennifer realized they didn't need more information—they needed a practical playbook and a trusted partner who could help them turn ideas into measurable results. That insight became the foundation of Playmaker Coaching and Consulti

For Dr. Angie Holzer, this disconnect represented more than an academic problem—it represented a missed opportunity to improve lives. Driven by a vision of making research meaningful beyond university walls, she founded the Journal of Nonprofit Innovation (JoNI)—an international open-access journal designed to connect researchers, nonprofit practitioners, policymakers, and communities through knowledge that is practical, accessible, and action-oriented.