FEATURED WOMEN ENTREPRENEURS

Dr. Maria Rodriguez knows what it means to be separated from family, language, and familiarity — and to rebuild from that pain with purpose. As a young girl navigating life between the Dominican Republic and the United States, Maria’s early years were marked by dislocation, emotional upheaval, and resilience. Today, that lived experience forms the heartbeat of Care Counseling Center, the mental health sanctuary she founded in Somerville, USA, for immigrants, trauma survivors,

For many survivors, healing doesn’t end when the hospital doors close — that’s when the real journey begins. Kelly Dodds, founder of Ori Rehab Limited, understands that recovery from cancer and cardiac illness can be an isolating, often overlooked phase. So she built something different: a digital health platform that walks alongside patients every step of the way — not just during treatment, but long after.

The management guru Peter Drucker famously said, "Culture eats strategy for breakfast." For Leila Rao, founder of AgileXtended, that isn’t just wisdom — it’s her daily mission. While companies plaster values on walls, she saw firsthand that true culture is something you live, not just declare. With AgileXtended, Leila has built a consulting practice that moves businesses beyond buzzwords, helping them transform culture into their greatest strategic edge.

Some businesses are born out of opportunity. Others, like Jessie Dhaliwal’s Solidarity Therapy, are born out of necessity — and heart. Growing up as the eldest daughter of immigrants and identifying as a queer woman of colour, Jessie knew firsthand how hard it was to find spaces that truly felt safe. So, she built one. At Solidarity Therapy in Langley, British Columbia, Jessie and her team are doing more than offering therapy sessions. They are “dismantling oppressive syst

Not all success stories begin with perfect timing. Some, like Larysa Hale’s, begin when the world seems completely against you. Graduating into the 2008 financial collapse, moving countries during Brexit, and steering a business through a global pandemic, Larysa didn't just survive — she thrived. Today, Expert Circle stands as a testament to her resilience, helping professionals and businesses alike become “trusted, respected voices in their industries.”

When the world paused, Laura Meredith pressed "start." Amid the uncertainty of the COVID-19 lockdown, when businesses crumbled and remote work was a shaky experiment, Laura saw opportunity—not just for herself, but for others struggling to keep their businesses afloat. Today, her company Ryedaura is a trusted partner to small businesses, proving that “bookkeeping isn't just balancing numbers; it's unlocking growth.”

When your world shatters, what anchors you? For Maryna Mazan, it was the ocean. Displaced from her home in Ukraine by war, she found herself on the shores of Portugal, facing both despair and beauty. The waves became her refuge—and soon, the foundation for a purpose-driven business that would touch brands and communities worldwide. Today, through MyOceanOne Inc., Maryna helps companies blend sustainability with business goals, proving that “even the smallest voices can cre

Before Juliana VanLaanen became the founder of an award-winning toy company, she was simply a mom on a mission. She wasn't searching for mass-produced toys cluttering her home; she was seeking something deeper—imagination, nature, and meaningful connection. That small but powerful desire sparked 2MamaBees, a brand that's now redefining childhood play across America. In 2019, what began as a humble Etsy store quickly blossomed into a luxury toy company. But for Juliana, suc

When Caroline Garnham first started practicing law, she wasn’t chasing introductions—she was chasing understanding. Years later, that mindset would drive her to create something the professional world desperately needed: Caroline’s Club, a platform where connections are built not by job titles, but by shared client needs.

When Natalie MacLees wrote her first lines of code, she wasn’t dreaming of becoming a founder—she just wanted to build something useful. But over the years, her keyboard became a tool of advocacy. After seeing firsthand how inaccessible the internet was for people with disabilities, she knew she couldn’t just walk away. What began as a concern became a calling—and that calling became AAArdvark, a digital accessibility platform helping companies across the globe build inclusiv

When the world paused to watch startups scale overnight, Bhumika Vagrecha quietly built two. Not from privilege. Not from a tech pedigree. But from conviction—and the kind of grit that doesn’t show up on pitch decks. At just 30, she holds dual titles that would intimidate most seasoned founders: Founder of FinMind Corporation, a Delaware-based fintech AI firm transforming credit risk analysis, and Evoltec Solutions, a Bahrain-based tech startup bringing smart ERP systems t

In 2020, when millions faced uncertainty, Lori faced reinvention. After losing her corporate job, she was left with a question many women ask in silence: “What now?” Instead of chasing stability, she brewed something far more powerful— Black•ology Coffee Company, a brand rooted in identity, inclusion, and inspiration. From her living room, Lori launched more than a business. She crafted a movement—a company that pours passion, purpose, and representation into every bag of

In 2010, from Belleville, Ontario, Tanya launched Cloud Business Services Inc. not just as another accounting shop, but as a lifeline for small and medium-sized businesses struggling to keep up with messy books and manual processes. Her mission? Simplify small business finance using technology, empathy, and strategy. What began as a traditional bookkeeping service quickly evolved into a tech-forward, cloud-first powerhouse, offering:

Freedom From PCOS takes a holistic, root-cause approach — combining mindset transformation, emotional well-being, stress management, and whole foods nutrition to balance hormones naturally. Workshops, private coaching, community support, and powerful tracking tools are built into the program — ensuring women not only heal but also celebrate their progress.

Divya’s entrepreneurial journey began not in boardrooms, but on the stage. A passionate theatre artist and filmmaker, she launched Balancing Act in 2003 as a theatre production house with a social heartbeat — producing award-winning plays like A Personal War – Stories of the Mumbai Terror Attacks, a globally recognized work that raised funds for the Mumbai Police.

Sometimes, the best ideas don’t chase trends — they honor tradition.For Ragini Mishra Roy, founder of Varanga under Keshvi Fashion LLP, it was never about simply starting another clothing label. It was about creating ethnic wear that feels timeless yet effortless for the modern Indian woman. In a nation where fashion is deeply emotional, Ragini saw a critical gap — contemporary Indian women craved outfits that respected heritage without sacrificing comfort.Rather than foll

Some companies are born from opportunity. Others are born from purpose. For Sonal Singh, founder of Rian Placements in Hyderabad, it was always about purpose — to change lives one career at a time. In a world where the right job can transform a life, and the right hire can transform a company, Sonal saw recruitment not as a transaction, but as a mission. What began as a boutique recruitment firm has evolved into a trusted manpower consultancy, offering end-to-end solutions

Priyanka Rupani didn’t chase fame when she launched Social Beam in Hyderabad. She built it on a powerful fusion: data-driven strategy mixed with authentic creativity. Her mission was simple yet profound — to help brands move beyond vanity metrics and build real, lasting connections in an ever-scrolling digital world. Today, Social Beam stands as a full-service digital marketing powerhouse, helping businesses of all sizes find and amplify their true voice online.

At 44, while most around her were settling into routines, Bindhu Vinosh chose to begin again. Armed with a newly earned IT degree and a relentless spirit, she founded Webscicle Technology Solutions Pvt Ltd in Thrissur, Kerala. In a few short years, she transformed her fledgling company into a rising force in IT and digital marketing, proving that grit, life experience, and a thirst for learning can turn any dream into reality — no matter when you start.

HiWiPay: Solving Real Problems for Real Students While advancing her career, Geeta identified a glaring gap — international money transfers for education were cumbersome, costly, and stacked against middle-class families. Thus, HiWiPay was born. HiWiPay simplifies overseas education payments through a digital-first platform and mobile app, offering streamlined transactions, secure KYC storage in India, wholesale FX rates, and zero hidden fees. Students can complete trans

Some journeys begin with a plan. Snigdha Singh’s journey began with a question: Can technology tell better stories instead of just making more noise? Years ago, while brands battled for shrinking attention spans and digital spaces became increasingly crowded, Snigdha saw an overlooked truth. People didn’t want more ads. They wanted stories that moved them.Armed with equal parts technological expertise and artistic instinct, she founded IIC Interactive Labs (Ink In Caps) —

Preeti Sharma, founder of Pragati Software Pvt. Ltd., understood early that in tech, success isn’t just about systems—it’s about people who never stop learning. More than thirty years ago, when IT training was a niche concept in India, Sharma envisioned a company that would empower not just skills, but careers. Today, Pragati Software stands among India's most trusted IT training providers, built on a foundation of tenacity, innovation, and unwavering relevance.

In a world where students are often measured by marks rather than potential, Anita Katyal Rane dared to ask a different question: What if we helped students find careers they could thrive in, not just colleges they could attend? That question led to the founding of Proventus Education in 2013—a Mumbai-based career counseling and education advisory firm committed to helping students discover their true calling.

Her influence doesn’t stop there. As the editor of IBB Chronicles, a public relations house and news portal, she showcases inspiring stories

Brandy’s journey began as a photographer, where she honed the skill of visual storytelling. Her lens not only froze moments in time but also

Founded in 2012, H.E.L.P. arose from the stark realities of Dawn’s life. Her experiences provided her with an acute awareness of the myriad

Perenne offers an array of products such as cleansers, moisturizers, serums, and facial masks, all dermatologically tested and optimized for

At the core of FeRRUM's mission lies the mantra: "Building Better Humans." Andrea emphasizes purposeful movement, ensuring that every exerci

The inception of Graze Craze stemmed from an eagerness to explore a new avenue of service. When the idea of a specialty charcuterie shop too

In 2022, María founded Plennio, a transformative company dedicated to redefining elder care and empowering work-life balance for families. T

Tanya finds immense satisfaction in helping clients grow their businesses successfully. By embracing the challenges of financial management

What truly sets The Sandra Rathe Team apart is their comprehensive and personalized approach to real estate. The team, comprised of over 20

Black•ology Coffee Company specializes in bold, low-acidity blends that cater to discerning coffee enthusiasts. With sustainability at its c

Sara Ager began her career as a lawyer, amassing over two decades of experience in the financial services sector. Her legal expertise provid

At the helm of this innovative company is Bobbie Jo Stoldt, a seasoned professional with over 18 years in the real estate and title services

As wedding expert Christina Maddox notes, “Destination weddings are not just an event; they are a journey, a story that unfolds.” This persp

Jessica prioritizes a supportive team culture, fostering an environment where caregivers feel valued and motivated, ultimately leading to be

Armstrong Capital’s holistic, goal-based financial planning model distinguishes it in a crowded market. Manju’s commitment to understanding

Michelle Marks, the founder of Ideas On Purpose, launched her creative agency in 2000 with a clear mission: to work at the intersection of b

Founded in 2018, Openfield Canada was created to address the modern challenges faced by organizations and communities. Sandra Daniel’s visio

Ridhima Dua, founder of Iflame Consulting, has won the 2024 International Women Entrepreneur Award for her exceptional contributions to coac

In 2022, Jasmine McFerson embarked on a mission to provide compassionate and personalized home care services with the founding of Triumph Se

Heather Herr, CEO and Founder of Private Real Estate Collection and Team Herr Real Estate, recently earned the 2024 Great Companies Internat

Julie Schoerke, the founder of Books Forward and JKS Communications, is making waves in the publishing world and has earned the 2024 Great C

Barbara van Druten and Niki Koutouras, the dynamic duo behind ARTvertisements, have taken the world of advertising by storm. Based in Leiden

Lori A. Jones is not just a name but a symbol of perseverance and innovation in the coffee industry. As the founder of Black•ology Coffee Co

Sonia Figueredo Jovani is a trailblazer in the world of sustainable tourism. With a passion for protecting the environment and preserving lo

Jane is One of Ireland’s most well-known career coaches and the author of The Career Book – Help for the Restless Realist. Jane Downes, a d

Jillian Godsil's life took a dramatic turn during the financial crash. She lost her husband, her home and her business. This personal crisis

Meenakshi Dubey is a Co-founder of Yes!poho is a high-performing platform which connects artisans, designers and customers. The passion for