Top 30 Inspiring Women To Look Out For In 2023

As we head into 2023, it's important to recognize and celebrate the inspiring women who are leading the way and making a difference in our world. From entrepreneurs and activists to artists and athletes, these thirty women are paving the way and making positive changes. They are setting examples of resilience, strength, and courage that we can all learn from. Let's take a look at the top 30 inspiring women to keep an eye on in the coming year.

Dorothy K. Lawrence

The seven times Texas Super Lawyers Rising Star Dorothy K. Lawrence has a successful record when it comes to helping people come out of bankruptcy and other legal issues. Dorothy started her law firm, the Dorothy Butler Law Firm, 11 years ago, which now helps people in 34 states. Dorothy wanted to make a difference in the world by becoming an attorney. She has achieved many professional degrees, including but not limited to J.D., B.S., and LL.M. Now, she is a member of the Austin Young Lawyers Association, Austin Bar Association, Louisiana Bar Association, and Texas Bar Association.

A client who comes to the Dorothy Butler Law Firm can have all of their legal problems solved there, whether they are related to bankruptcy, business, employment, criminal defense, estate planning, estate distribution, real estate law, tax, and audits, or family and divorce-related problems. Dorothy’s expertise, however, resides in the area of financial law, which touches all other areas of law. Dorothy believes that hard work and perseverance are the only routes to success. “If you stay humble and work hard you can get anywhere you want.”

Steanie Naaji

Steanie Naaji proudly displays her sensitive side for fashion and art. Through modeling and writting she “empowers herself” to convey a message that can replicate globally. Naaji, known to her Instagram followers as officialsteanienaaji, highlights her sensitive eye for beauty and her appreciation for elegance in the social media world. With that potential she recognizes in herself, she connects with other women exploring their natural feminine energy. One of her natural gifts is being a good listener and being able to guide others through life's challenges through motivation and discipline.

She is originally from Massachusetts USA. Her sensitive streak for art began at the age of 8 when she used to write poems in French, and years later, steanie started her modeling and acting career. Steanie considers herself a faithful follower of Bahraini arts and Caribbean arts. Steanie Naaji has come a long way as a blogger to inspire and advise others. Her purpose has been that her knowledge and styles can be easily applied "I want to be that unspoken voice of Aquarius and have my artistic brand inspire others. My satisfaction is knowing that I was able to impact someone else's life," says Steanie Naaji.

Oxana Lovich

Oxana Lovich is a born seeker who has transformed her life through the study and implementation of various self-actualizing techniques, which she has then crafted into her own system and successfully imparts to her clients. Oxana’s mission is to elevate the positive consciousness of humanity. Oxana can help anyone bridge the gap betweenwhere they are and what they are capable of becoming. She recently finished writing a book 𝐀𝐛𝐮𝐧𝐃𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞, 𝒂 𝑭𝒖𝒍𝒇𝒊𝒍𝒍𝒆𝒅 𝑷𝒂𝒕𝒉 𝒕𝒐 𝑺𝒖𝒄𝒄𝒆𝒔𝒔. The book focuses on personal transformation through balanced living in all aspects of life. 

Oxana has certificates from Berkley University, Marisa Peer’s Rapid Transformational Therapy, The Silva Method Academy, Sussex Hypnotherapy Centre, and the Academy of Ancient Magic. In addition, she is a CBT and NLP practitioner and Reiki Master. She has also shared the stage as a motivational speaker alongside Russell Brand, Jack Canfield, John Gray, Gregg Braden, and others. Oxana has had the opportunity to interview Jillian Michaels, one of the best coaches in the fitness industry. She has also led guided meditations with William Close at Burning Man’s Biggest Virtual Event.

Lauren Taylor

Lauren Taylor is a Vancouver based artist who found her passion in art after a traumatic brain injury in 2016. Lauren blends various mediums to create unique art on birchwood panels to tell a story of a special moment in sports history that stirs up nostalgia for many generations of baseball fans. She is licensed by Major League Baseball, Major League Baseball Players Association and the Baseball Hall of Fame. Her ability to capture historic moments and fan favorites has contributed to her rapidly rising success. Lauren has been honest with her followers about her personal journey with anxiety and panic disorder and the role it has played in the development of her career as an artist. While she has a vast portfolio of baseball subject, including an exclusive baseball card set with Topps, she also created artwork of actors, singers, prominent landmarks and other sports figures.

Juliette Espinasse Dubois

Founder of six brands including, July of St Barth and Couture, Juliette Espinasse Dubois is a passionate businesswoman with a strong creative streak. Dubois's roots come from her family of lavender producers and distillers, established in 1863. This sparked her love for perfume at an early age. In 2014, launched her own perfume brand, quickly gaining a loyal following among luxury fragrance fans.

For over 30 years, she has continued to create unique and luxurious scents, solidifying her brand's place in the perfume industry. It was only natural that she would eventually combine her two passions, fashion, and perfume, to create July of St Barth. In 2017, Juliette also launched the 'July St Barthelemy' collection where she shares her feelings and story through the range of these perfumes. Her brand, Couture, is also widely regarded for creating one-of-a-kind wedding dresses. Today, she has pinned 20 outlets around the world till now. Her Brand of Cosmetics July in Grasse, distributed at 100 000 Creams in the world, from biological agriculture and eco conscientious and July in Cannes specialized in Dresses and costumes for men.

Annie B. Mayfield

Annie Mayfield is a 24 year old 4x published author, 2x Amazon bestseller, youth leadership keynote speaker, host of the top ranked “Made to Shine” podcast, and global health entrepreneur. She was selected by the New York Journal as one of the “Top Female Leaders to Look for in 2022,” the “Global Icon for North America in 2022” by Passion Vista, and Change Cultivator’s “40 under 40, 2023 Change Leaders”. Jesus Christ and her family are the absolute lights of her life.

As a child, Annie was inspired by her mother who modeled that there’s no limit to what we can reach for in life should we have the faith to pursue it. Now as an adult, what breaks Annie's heart is to see female leadership potential unexpressed due to a lack of example. She uses her works to empower more young women in their leadership by strengthening their faith, health, and finances, so we may have more female role models stepping into every area of their God-given power.

Mari Cartagenova

Mari Cartagenova is a Psychic Medium, Animal Communicator, and best selling Author with clients from all over the globe. She specializes in heartfelt messages from both passed loved ones and living or passed animals. Mari also helps to find lost and missing pets with the help of Spirit and works frequently with uncovering clients' past lives.

Ever since she was a young child, Mari has been able to see and connect with Spirits and angels. Her goal throughout all of her work is to provide healing and comfort to her clients while offering proof that life continues beyond the veil. When you sit with Mari you can really feel the presence of your loved one or pets. Her connections offer specific detail and leave you feeling both at peace and uplifted at the same time. Mari has trained with many of the top mediums from all over the world including Tony Stockwell, John Holland, Lisa Williams, James Van Praagh, and Thomas John.

Patty Bueno

Patty Bueno is a Radical Living and Grieving Coach, a Certified Thanatologist Logotherapist and Dying Consciously Teacher, she studied Shamanism at the Four Winds Society founded by Alberto Villoldo Ph.D. and is currently in her second year training as a Somatic Experience®️ facilitator. Patty lives in Valle de Bravo, Mexico with her husband. Having accompanied three of her grandparents and later her mother through their dying process as a primary caregiver was a rite of passage which led to a powerful call to serve and assist others in her community to prepare for death and create AMORTE podcast on death education.

She offers online and in person workshops and individual coaching on Somatic Grieving which is the synthesis of 25 years of trainings, practicing and studying different therapeutic disciplines, physiological-energetic and spiritual well-being that have best served her through her own losses. She works with ceremonies and rituals to connect with our innate wisdom and somatic practices to learn to befriend our nervous system and create a safe container in our bodies, helping her clients transform grief into a safe place to navigate losses and make space for whatever they are going through.

Tamarsha C. Alexander, BSDH, RDH

Tamarsha Alexander, graduate of Clayton State University is the founder and visionary behind Ausome Life Institute. Having her oldest son Diagnosed severely Autistic at three, everyday tasks of sleeping, eating, bathing, and social awareness became depressing and challenging due to non-verbal communication and aggressive behaviors from autism symptoms. Tamarsha determined to hear her baby say, “I Love You” and exist in his world, dedicated months of research and finally stepped out of her son’s shadow and connected to his world. This became the blueprint for Ausome Life Institute and started the advocacy journey of spreading awareness and knowledge to other overwhelmed parents. This drives our mission in helping families facing challenges with autism alleviate symptoms to have a better understanding and peaceful environment. Awarded Marquis Who’s Who in America 2022, Tamarsha’ s vision continues to empower an Alternative and Holistic approach to better accommodate families attain tangible lifestyle changes. Continuously building a rampant social media following her partnered “Detox your Child” Conference with Surviving Vegan and making an appearance on “The Blox” Commercial model Tamarsha is just starting. There’s so much in store for the Ausome Community that this Essential worker is putting into motion. Tamarsha takes pride in helping others truly Live an Ausome Life.

Whitley Nabintu Marshall 

Having survived multiple near-death experiences with two full-body recoveries, facing food insecurity, and a brief period of homelessness all before her 21st birthday, Whitley Nabintu Marshall turns passion into purpose as an award-winning artist, activist, entrepreneur, and reigning International Mrs. USA. Whitley aims to expand beauty standards as the Owner and Editor-in-Chief of Artlovelifestyle Magazine, hosting message-based photoshoots and cover contests focused on the markers of true beauty: compassion, strength, resilience, diversity, and authenticity while emphasizing inclusion of all shapes, sizes, shades, genders, ages, cultures, and backgrounds. As a part of her Mind•Body•Compassion Coaching, this year she will release her 90-Day-Transformation guided journal and Compassionate Leadership training.

Whitley co-founded organizations including Green Initiatives and World Roots Culture Exchange, spearheading the Compassionate Leadership Project, and serves as co-director the Barefoot Truth Dance Company together with Nova Dawn. She is a signed model with Couture La Rouge LLC, one of Model Society Magazine's "Top 22 Models of 2022," a VIP Model for Supermodels Unlimited and International Face Magazine, and was recognized in the NYC Journal's “Top 30 Women Leaders to Watch in 2022.” Through coaching, workshops, and leadership, she inspires people to embrace their unique beauty and work towards being the best versions of themselves, mentally, physically, and spiritually.

Joanne Sze

Joanne Sze is the founder and owner of Market Lane Optical | MLO Eye Care. As a successful entrepreneur, she recognized the Optical and Optometry industry in Ontario, Canada lacked unity. Majority of her competitors have strong attributes in one category but very few are solid in both. She found there was a desire for unique handmade eyewear with the combination of quality eyecare. She developed and effectively created a culture that represents both. Market Lane Optical | MLO Eye Care has established itself as a leader within the industry, through devoted vision care and curating exclusive eyewear collections for the niche market. This success is apparent, as MLO has won several distinguished achievements: the Top Choice Optical Centre in Vaughan, the Consumer Choice Award for Opticians and Optometrists in York Region, and the CBRB Rated Best Businesses in North America. Being an independent retailer of high-end, fashionable eyewear, Joanne and her company has successfully attracted clientele from all across North America.

Joanne Carey

Joanne Carey is host of the podcast Dance Talk® with Joanne Carey, "Where the Dance World Connects, the Conversations Inspire, and Where We Are Keeping Them Real”. A dancer herself, Joanne has spent more than 30 years in the dance world, 23 of which she owned a successful dance studio being named Best of the Best Children’s Dance Studio.

Hanging up her studio owner shoes in 2021, Joanne quickly turned her wealth of dance experience, great story telling and attention to detail into a unique conversation platform where dance artists come to share their journeys and dance stories with her. Guests come away feeling like they sat and talked with a good friend. Artists and listeners agree her background, knowledge, and enthusiasm along with her sense of humor make for a fun chat. Listeners agree because Season 2 is here! Joanne Carey isn’t just talk she’s the real deal!

Cassi Nicolaus Crowley

Cassi Nicolaus Crowley is a seventh-generation family farmer and founder of NicNut Farms. NicNut Farms is a climate-smart, pollinator-friendly, and woman-owned almond and walnut farm in Northern California. Seeking to connect the consumer directly to the farm heritage, NicNut Farms is pleased to offer not just almonds and walnuts, but a chance for the consumer to explore how the modern family farm is combatting the climate crisis.

As an avid studier and lover of people, that passion led Cassi to concentrate most of her professional pursuits in community-focused non-profits serving victims of violence and other vulnerable populations. After earning her Master of Social Work degree from Boston University and starting a family, her path led her back to the family orchards in Northern California. Her vision grew to include both people and soil, exploring the invaluable link between the two. The family farm has so much to give to the local community – sustenance, education, employment, security, and land conservation. NicNut Farms is fulfilling a dream to serve others while preserving our place amongst the soil that feeds and sustains us.

Dr. Amy Sarow

Dr. Amy Sarow is a Michigan-based audiologist, blogger, thought leader and Forbes Health Advisory Board member on a mission to improve hearing healthcare. She obtained her Docor of Audiology at the University of Iowa and spent her 4th-year residency at the Mayo Clinic School of Health Sciences. Her work has been featured on KevinMD, Health Hearing, Authority Magazine, and the nationally-syndicated Price of Business show. The pandemic reently highlighted the importance of hearing healthcare on overall health and well-being. Hearing shapes how we perceive the world, and mask-wearing presented a challenge for many with hearing loss. Dr. Sarow aims to help raise awareness about the 1 in 10 Americans who suffer from hearing loss and millions who suffer from tinnitus. Her course on tinnitus management supports tinnitus sufferers to improve quality of life through stress reduction, mindfulness, and lifestyle modification.

Abeer Buhelaiqa

Abeer Buhelaiqa is a Reservoir engineer with 11+ years of experience. Gained her bachelor’s degree from Texas A&M university in 2011 and a Master degree on Women, Society, and Development in 2020 from College of Humanities & Social Sciences. Abeer is the Founder and Vice Chairperson of Qatar Women Engineers Association (QWEA). Advisory Board member for College of Humanities & Social Sciences- HBKU. Advisory Board for the International Journal of Contemporary Management & Information Technology. Board member of Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE-Qatar section). Co-author technical paper ‘Petroleum Engineering and Geoscience Integration’ on International Petroleum Technology Conference, 2014. Presented and published Master thesis paper ‘Qatari Women's Leadership in Oil and Gas Industry ’ on The World Conference for Women Studies, 2020. Presented technical topics globally in University of Boumerdes, Algeria, and University Pertamina, Indonesia. In 2021 named the QatarEnergy Female in Engineering Champion. Received 2020 Engineer of the Year Award Texas A&M-Qatar university. Awarded twice for Al-Hasba (second level) and once for Al-Badla (third level) awards from QatarEnergy. Active volunteer, lately with Public Health against COVID-19 and with 2022 FIFA Qatar World Cup.

Dr. Calvina Ellerbe  

Dr. Calvina Ellerbe is an award-winning college Professor and the founder of Ellerbe Essentials. She has earned two Bachelor’s Degrees in Sociology and Psychology, her Master’s and Ph.D. degrees in Sociology and a Ph.D. minor in Counseling Psychology. While studying family academically, she recognized an overwhelming lack of support for families that she felt driven to fill. The desire to fill this need was the catalyst for Ellerbe Essentials. This business helps people develop and maintain their family relationships which are Essential to our peace in life. Dr. Ellerbe is a certified birth educator, postpartum doula and parenting coach as well as happily married mother of five exceptional children. She serves clients through courses and individual coaching services. Dr. Ellerbe's work to heal and preserve families is getting attention as she has a TEDx on parenting Feb. 2023. Ellerbe Essentials is excited to continue to serve families. Strong families are the key to healing individuals. 

Caitlyn Morton

All Buttered Up Beauty Bar & Med Spa gave Caitlyn her boss babe status, which rapidly became more than a distant dream. With a business plan and single room, which offered limited services her spa rapidly grew into a full-service med spa. Hard work and heart break developed where the business is now. Her plan promotes & build individuals to be their “own boss” while having a team to lean on. A niche she saw was untouched in the med spa industry.

Her Bachelor degrees in Business Management, Marketing & Nursing, still proved that opening and building a business isn’t for the faint of heart. However, the mantra Caitlyn lives by since an almost fatal accident 11 years ago is “everything happens for a reason.” With the support of her husband and family she never looked back and now has 7 employees and one of the top med spas in North Peoria. 

Marina Watt

Marina Watt is the co-founder of Brandstorm Communications and the creator of A Little Something By Marina Watt, an online community supporting parents and educators. As an entrepreneur and a doctoral student in education, she found a need for philanthropic communications as corporates have an increasingly heightened awareness of their environmental, social, and governance (ESG) responsibilities.

Since 2019, Marina, along with Brian Yeung, has established a communications consultancy brand that specialises in arts and culture, philanthropy, D&I and education. Despite the disruption of the pandemic, Brandstorm Communications builds a clientele that includes blue-chip companies, private foundations, government agencies and international organisations. In her volunteering capacity, she offered free online classes for kids during her home city’s semi-lockdown and she is planning to organise TEDxKids@PokFuLam, the first TEDx event of its kind in Hong Kong. With a strong belief in lifelong learning, she hopes kids from all backgrounds enjoy knowledge sharing.

Jennifer Dudziec 

Jennifer Dudziec, is the founder of Inspire U fitness and Mental Performance Training by Jennifer. Certified as a mental performance coach, personal fitness trainer, and life coach counselor, she has worked with hundreds of athletes on the mental and physical aspects of their sport. Growing up playing sports and being a mother of two college athletes, she’s noticed the great need for mental performance training, which led her to this field today. Since earning her certification in early 2019, her 8-session workshop program has given many athletes a safe environment to express their struggles and learn tools and strategies to overcome those mental obstacles.  

Today, Jennifer inspires her students by teaching them ways to handle adversities during competition, while giving them a 'mental advantage' over their opponents. This puts them back in control of their sport. Her program has enabled and inspired hundreds of athletes, giving them the confidence they need to compete and control their emotions.

Stacia Angela Solomon aka Angela Solomon

Innovator, creator and ambitious leader are just a few ways to describe Angela Solomon, who is dedicated to her craft and family. SAMs as she frequently refers to her three (3) beautiful daughters, bring out the best in her. As an Entrepreneur, coupled with being a full-time Senior College Laboratory Technician, Graduate Studies Student, an International Network Marketer and Philanthropist, she stays busy. Nine (9) years ago, Angela started her entrepreneurial advancement by making specialty candles, aiding to her love for scents. This was just a hobby she managed to develop owing to her science education and background.

Soon after developing this craft Angela founded Sunshine Creation LLC in 2019 then added a plethora of other products including but not limited to soaps, body butter, body oils, yoni care, occasion favors and fabric printing to name a few. From quality, natural, organic skincare to health technology, Angela continues to expand her empire through Sunshine Creation and network marketing both in the United States of America (USA) and Globally establishing business clients, and developing partnerships that are resounding. Angela remains committed and dedicated to her family, science exploration and building communities of wealth among individuals with whom she connects.

Nic Rodriguez

In the heart of New York City is Brooklyn, the home to thousands of artists and entrepreneurs just getting their start, attempting to make a name for themselves and their brands. Behind the scenes, a pivotal figure and major player is venturing to make that journey incredibly streamlined, purposeful, and affordable for the many independent artists and founders in the concrete jungle— meet Nic Rodriguez.

Nic works in tandem with non-profit, Summatime Foundations, to provide creative spaces, business plans, marketing plans, merchandising, and necessary content for aspiring artist and entrepreneur communities in NYC. Her work has contributed to the growth and achievements of over 20 different entities since 2020, especially during the pandemic where several industries were at a stand-still due to restrictions and shutdowns. Nic has been able to effectively circumnavigate hurdles and achieve major feats for her clients. To learn more about Nic and what she does, be sure to visit www.summatimefoundations.com

Beth L. Hoel

Beth Hoel is the founder of BHG Consulting Group, a consulting firm where she offers services to individuals in the criminal justice system for a sex offense, survivors of sexual abuse and their families. Prior to starting BHG, Beth spent nearly 25 years in community corrections where she managed thousands of complex cases, expertly navigating the complexities of each. Beth has developed several trainings related to sex offender topics regarding supervision and treatment in collaboration with treatment providers.  Beth retired from her career in corrections to start BHG Consulting Group where her passion is to create solutions to difficult subject matters, and she believes in taking a holistic approach to the management of each case. Beth provides consultation to attorneys, clients and their families regarding the justice system specific to sexual offenses. Her mission is to create healthier families and communities by empowering, problem-solving, coaching and educating.

Dr Zara Celik

Founder of Amara Wellness Centre, Dr Zara Celik is an integrative health and nutrition practitioner, wellness expert and high-performance mindset coach who is dedicated to intuitively transforming lives and empowering people. Her work commits to educating, supporting and guiding people to connect with their inner-self, understand, and expand their knowledge, and awareness and gain wisdom about their mental, emotional, physical and spiritual well-being.

Since she was 4, she had a clear vision of helping people as an intuitive holistic healer and her goal was to study and learn everything related to the human body, brain, psychology and behaviour. Dr Zara's unique approach combines the latest scientific research with traditional knowledge to create bespoke plans that are tailored to each individual's needs. By working with the body's natural healing mechanisms, she is able to help her coachees achieve long-term sustainable health outcomes. She believes that an individual thrives on a diet that is specific to their microbiome. Thanks to her immense practice and experience, today she is the only practitioner who specialises in the “Microbiome Diet” globally.

Rachel Elizabeth Schaf

Rachel Schaf is a Sales Engineer of comprehensive enterprise software solutions and B2B technology deployed in 50 countries around the world. Her 17-year career has fostered her one-of-a-kind understanding of complex business systems, confident critical problem solving and people skills. Escaping personal hardship in her late twenties, recovering sense of self, and raising four children on her own was a tough balancing act to master mentally, physically, emotionally, and financially. A great labor of love that has extended into a blended family of eight. A shared authentic Legacy to preserve.

Entrepreneur and Co-Founder of Poor Valley Creek Vineyard, est. January 3, 2022, Rachel and her husband produce a variety of wine in small quantities, hand crafted from grape to bottle, while working to ready their 73-acre farm for commercial business. Combined small techniques, creative process and purpose make a huge difference to their final product. Along with a secret ingredient!

Alivia K Barrett

Alivia K Barrett is an entrepreneur with a teaching degree who has a heart for helping others. After college, she worked as a mentor in a school system for a few years but found herself wanting a new adventure. Alivia was drawn to business and started running businesses back-to-back for 20 years. In 2020, when the world became virtual, Alivia found herself drawn to return to teaching and started creating minicourses online (ltkradio.com/minicourses) that blended her worlds of faith, teaching and business together. Alivia says "What a joy to discover I can include so much of myself into these minicourses. It's a joy to teach others how to hear God's voice."

Her unique approach blends these worlds together in favored harmony that offers a great learning experience. Alivia has passion for connecting with others and helping them grow. It's evident in everything she does. Alivia has been transforming lives through teaching these minicourses for a few years. The virtual platform is an ever increasing place of influence. And Alivia K Barrett is there to fan this mission into flames.
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Rina Tan

Rina Tan lives for beautiful living-spaces. In that passion, she founded Blk56 (read “Block 56”) – a Co-living and property investment company. Her Co-Living spaces are a mix of modern-chic and homeliness. The company manages 50 fully-furnished condominium accommodations in Singapore. For eighteen years, Rina ran an award-winning advertising agency, where she developed an eye for practical aesthetics. She believes that beautiful spaces allow for better creativity and interpersonal collaboration. She plans to expand into Co-Working spaces, with the increasing demands from solo-entrepreneurs and aspiring startups for a more conducive working environment.

Rina is also a professional Realtor, specializing in residential buying and selling, and emphasizes consulting for investing. Rina’s core philosophy is that creating something of value begins first with integrity, which then creates a solid foundation for collaboration. She feels blessed to be working with clients and tenants with whom she went on to become friends. These friendships form a large part of her extended network in her real estate and Co-living business. Off work, Rina enjoys cruising around town in her Red Porsche 911. She also serves as the Treasurer for P9 Porsche Club, a local Porsche Club in Singapore.

Samantha Cruz

Samantha Cruz is the founder and creator of S.A.M.’s Business Solutions. As a successful small business owner with a Masters’s degree in Business Marketing, she found a need for business coaching in the minority small female entrepreneur industry. After some research, she realized what void she could fill. Sam will help guide and give action plans to help entrepreneurs ensure their businesses grow especially during these trying times.

Samantha has built not one, but four multi-six-figure businesses for herself and her husband. Making her a business coach with experience to help her clients reach their own true potential. Sam is focused on helping women build the life they want while reducing their fear of failure. Statistics show businesses that fail usually do so in the first five years. Sam wanted to be part of the change to reduce those statistics and help more women succeed.

She knows that, female entrepreneurs cannot always find the support they need, so Sam is here with the tools, resources, and community they need. Samantha realizes the importance of building real relationships with customers. Having a brand that provides a one-on-one experience, Sam is focused on networking and having real conversations with real women.

Patty McDonough Kennedy

“Two years ago, a group of middle school students wandered into a makeshift classroom and changed the trajectory of my life,” said Patty Kennedy, Founder, SpeakWell.

Kennedy, a mom and successful 2x entrepreneur, has lived and worked in five countries, started her first business with just $300 in her pocket, and grew it to service clients across the world. In 2019, she founded SpeakWell – youth leadership and public speaking program that helps students build confidence, self-esteem, resilience, find their voice & use their strengths. In addition to the after-school programs, SpeakWell includes high-profile role models – retired NBA player John Wallace and ‘Homeland’ actress, Amy Hargreaves, who teach students high-level basketball and acting skills, and underscore the program’s messages of character, work ethic, self-confidence, communication, and community.

SpeakWell students were the first in the country from a K-8 school to deliver TEDx talks, publish national articles, and speak at international companies including UBS and BT. Demanded by parents and educators alike, the organization quickly grew from nine students to a projected 1,000 students this year, and also provides scholarships for schools in need. Nominated for a Reimagine Education Award by The Wharton School, the program has appeared in Forbes, Fox, and Entrepreneur and has quickly made its mark in the $1.96 trillion education industry.

Veronica Crisafulli

Veronica is a creative mind that focuses on innovation in the digital space and financial inclusion. She took her first step into her entrepreneurial path in 2016 when co-founding MO Technologies, a fintech that developed a patented proprietary credit scoring technology and a digital lending platform based on machine learning, artificial intelligence, and all cloud-based.

Her dream has always been to make credit more accessible to people all around the world. On top of MO, in 2020, she co-founded KEO World: a fintech in the pure lending space. Today, she is CEO and Chairman of the Board of MO Technologies and Board Advisor at KEO.

In the last 2 years, she has been known by renowned sources as one of the most influential businesswomen to watch, make a difference, and positively impact. As a public speaker, she seeks to become a spokesperson for women and young entrepreneurs in the fintech space. Veronica is proud to lead a company of top talents, always trying to achieve the next level.

Brittaney Young

Brittaney Young hails from Alabama and she is the CEO and Founder of BCY Solutions and CEO and Co-Founder of Launch Llama. Paralegal turned Entrepreneur, Brittaney brings over a decade of experience in process implementation and two degrees worth of education in project management to every table. And she takes great pride in transforming each table from frenzied to functional!

Offering proven insight into both public and private sectors, Brit is the go-to girl for promoting positive business growth, creating efficient organization, and reducing negative financial impact. This allows her BCY Solutions, clients, to save time and run smoothly! With her new brand, Launch Llama, Brit, and her team offer an all-in-one website launch service! Their objective is to improve the website creation experience through skilled project management, talented design, and delightful customer support. Brit can currently be found in sunny Florida living the glamorous life of a proud military wife and mother.

Final Thoughts

As we reflect on the inspiring women who have impacted the world in 2020 and 2021, it’s clear that female leaders are changing the game. As we look ahead to 2023, the potential for even more inspiring women to make waves in their respective industries is incredibly exciting. From scientists to entrepreneurs to artists, the future of women's leadership looks incredibly promising.