As we step into 2025, the world is being shaped by voices that are bold, creative, and full of purpose. Among those making a real impact are women who are changing the game across different fields. From business and technology to the arts and activism, these ten women are standing out for all the right reasons. They are not just leaders in what they do, but also sources of inspiration for others who are working toward something greater. Their journeys are powerful, their goals are clear, and their influence is only growing.
Erin Yoshi
Erin Yoshi is a social impact artist whose bold visual storytelling illuminates narratives of resilience, justice, and cultural memory. Her work spanning large-scale murals and multimedia projects bridges ancestral knowledge with today’s global ecological and social realities, activating public space as a catalyst for dialogue and transformation.
With over two decades of experience, Yoshi has led community-driven initiatives across murals, cultural gatherings, festivals, exhibitions, and participatory workshops. As Founding Director of Lunarsol Studios, an artist-led creative agency, she integrates art, education and strategy to design projects that engage and empower communities. Her leadership is informed by her background as a nonprofit arts executive and a lifelong commitment to equity and environmental justice.
Yoshi has painted over 100 murals globally and partnered with organizations such as National Geographic, Greenpeace, More Than Human (NYU), and Google. She is part of the muralist team for the Great Wall of Los Angeles under Judy Baca and SPARC, and serves on the Board of For Freedoms. A Quiet Fellow and SF Beautification Award honoree, she recently exhibited at the United Nations, advancing her mission to use art as a tool for systemic change on both local and international stages.
Wanda Knight
Wanda Knight is a dynamic force at the intersection of enterprise technology, lifestyle branding, and creative expression. As a seasoned leader at Dell Technologies with nearly three decades of experience, Wanda is known for her strategic mindset, people-first leadership style, and ability to drive innovation in high-performance environments. Originally a finance major, her unexpected pivot into tech during a market crash shaped a thriving career defined by resilience, adaptability, and consistent excellence.
Beyond the boardroom, Wanda is a global traveler, fashion enthusiast, and emerging influencer. She blends her corporate expertise with a deep passion for style, culture, and storytelling, making her a unique voice in both the tech and lifestyle spaces. Her creative pursuits include fashion analysis, content creation, and a growing presence in the luxury and beauty sectors.
Wanda is equally dedicated to advocacy, championing women in leadership, mentorship, arts education, and cancer research. Her legacy is one of bold action, integrity, and impact, both professionally and personally.
Lacie Blaire
Driven by passion and purpose, Lacie is a dynamic sales professional and a dedicated advocate for women empowerment in the workplace. She has consistently broken barriers and exceeded targets, all while championing diversity, equity, and inclusion.
As a leader in her field, Lacie not only drives revenue growth but also mentors emerging women professionals, encouraging them to step into leadership roles with confidence. Her approach blends strategic thinking with emotional intelligence, allowing her to build strong client relationships and cohesive, high-performing teams.
A firm believer in the power of representation, Lacie regularly speaks at industry events and contributes to initiatives aimed at empowering women in business. Whether closing complex deals or leading workshops on negotiation and self-advocacy, she brings energy, authenticity, and a commitment to progress.
Her mission is clear: to create a sales culture where women are seen, heard, and celebrated—not just for their results, but for the powerful perspectives they bring to the table. In her free time she enjoys to be on her yoga mat or with her 2 boys.
Diana LABuda
Diana LaBuda is a Montana-based creator, retired military leader, and accountant who blends a life of service, ranching, and style. After serving 24 years in the U.S. Air Force and Montana Air National Guard—including high-level roles in protocol, personnel, and veteran affairs—Diana transitioned to ranch life with her husband, raising two daughters in rural Montana. She later earned a Master’s in Accountancy and now works remotely in tax and financial services.
Beyond her professional path, Diana is passionate about fashion, particularly Western-inspired style for women over 40. Through her content, she shares affordable finds, everyday outfit ideas, and real-life inspiration straight from the ranch. Diana’s journey from Air Force bases to the wide-open plains reflects resilience, adaptability, and grace.
She aims to empower women to embrace their evolving identity with confidence, strength, and a great pair of boots.
Shay Mahoney
Shay Mahoney is an internationally published fine artist and native to the Space Coast of Florida. She is self-taught in her profession and specializes in realistic nature paintings using acrylics, primarily of Florida wildlife.
Since she was very young, her earliest memories are of dreaming and vocalizing her determination to become a professional artist in her career.
As a fourth-generation local to the area with an upbringing on the water and in nature- camping, surfing, and taking rides with her family on her Grandfather Hank’s airboat on the Indian River Lagoon, Shay has always had a passion for animals and wildlife.Shay has donated several original paintings and murals to organizations such as the National Kidney Foundation, Moffit Cancer Center, Brevard Public Schools, and Brevard Humane Society.
Taylor Sinopoli
Taylor Sinopoli is a certified Reiki Master, Hypnotherapist, and energy healer dedicated to helping others awaken inner harmony and spiritual well-being. She holds a Ph.D. in Parapsychology and Paranormal Sciences and an M.A. in Metaphysical Sciences from the University of Metaphysical Sciences. Ordained through Wisdom of the Heart Church, Taylor is also a proud member of the International Center for Reiki Training – Reiki Membership Association.
With extensive training across multiple modalities, Taylor is certified in Rapid Hypnosis and is a Master in Karuna Reiki, Holy Fire, Usui, Kundalini, Gold, Violet Flame, Angel, Zodiac, Celtic, and Rising Star Reiki. She is also a Chi Ball Master, Energy Purification Specialist, and a Level 2 practitioner in both Animal and Tibetan Reiki.Through her practice, Taylor Moon Reiki, Taylor offers deeply personalized Reiki sessions, energy purification, and spiritual guidance designed to support healing on all levels—mind, body, and soul. Her mission is simple yet profound: to help you heal, grow, and thrive.
Xia XiAnne Freeman
XIANNE-XI is a multidisciplinary artist, music producer, and the visionary founder of YOUNGWEALTHDC—a creative enterprise dedicated to empowering emerging voices through art, sound, and storytelling. Born in Tacoma and rooted in ancestral strength, XIANNE-XI blends soulful lyricism, experimental beats, and cultural memory into a sound that defies genre. With a deep commitment to authenticity and wellness, she transforms personal narratives into community healing. As the head of YOUNGWEALTHDC, she curates spaces for Black and Indigenous artists to thrive through performance, mentorship, and innovation. Her debut trilogy of EPs explores transformation through grief, love, and rebirth, laying the foundation for a movement where creativity is currency and healing is the goal. Whether on stage or behind the scenes, XIANNE-XI leads with intention, reshaping what it means to build wealth from within and for the future.
Elena Kotenko
Elena Kotenko is a visionary AI artist and art-house filmmaker, weaving raw emotion into hauntingly beautiful, machine-generated dreams. Born in Ukraine and based in New York, she creates at the fragile intersection of artificial intelligence and the human soul — exploring memory, identity, and the quiet violence of suppressed feeling. Her deeply conceptual AI films and visual series have been exhibited internationally, including a recent contemporary AI art showcase in London. This summer, her new collection will be unveiled at an AI art exhibition in New York. Elena’s work has been praised for its poetic force, emotional depth, and fearless originality. With a PhD in law and a bold departure from academia, she forges new pathways where art, technology, and vulnerability meet. Through cinematic language and AI collaboration, she crafts visual experiences that do not merely tell stories — they awaken something ancient and trembling within us.
Jelena Sokic
With over 25 years of experience, Jelena Sokic has combined deep industry knowledge, evidence-based strategies, and market insights to help CEOs and business owners achieve outstanding results. This journey has shaped her into a highly sought-after team member, whether serving as a mentor, coach, consultant, or CEO, bringing with her a consistent record of success.
At just 21 years old, she became the executive representative for some of the world’s most recognized furniture and office furniture brands. As a young entrepreneur, she entered the world of big business early, facing both exciting opportunities and the pressure to deliver results. Her performance quickly gained attention, and throughout her career, she has been recognized by numerous companies for her effectiveness, efficiency, and distinctive problem-solving skills. At one point, she represented more than 300 companies—a reflection of both her expertise and professional reputation.
Her ability to spot opportunities, develop innovative solutions, and execute powerful strategies has consistently drawn the attention of targeted markets and audiences. These strengths have positioned her as a leading expert in strategic thinking and enabled her to develop her own methods for successful leadership.
Kristy Kita
Kristy Kita, a.k.a. the “Jewelry Tech Princess,” is an innovator and visionary in the jewelry industry. Kristy invented, founded, and owns Hearcuff Jewelry, the world's first utility-patented Bluetooth Enabled Jewelry precious metal ear cuff earrings for people who are ahead of the curve.
Hearcuff is handmade in the U.S.A. and enables the wearer to interchange earring designs while being compatible to be worn with Bluetooth earbuds. Hearcuff secures the earbud from falling off while increasing style and comfort, no ear piercings required. Kristy bootstrapped her venture while working in a full-time corporate role and building her company.
Kristy’s passion is also her mission: to make the world more stylish, one earbud at a time, by creating and providing exquisite jewelry designed to be universally compatible with Bluetooth earbuds and inspiring others to pursue their passions in life.
Kristy also enjoys modeling and welcomes opportunities for collaboration, contact her at Hearcuff.jewelry@outlook.com. Discover our collection of unisex jewelry. Each piece is intentionally different, offering a unique blend of boldness and elegance that speaks to both men and women. Our jewelry is deliberately exquisite, ensuring every detail enhances your style and makes a statement, order at Hearcuff Jewelry.
Final Thoughts
These women are more than just successful. They are thoughtful, driven, and deeply committed to making a difference. Watching their stories unfold is both inspiring and energizing. As 2025 continues, these ten individuals are worth following closely. Their ideas, their work, and their presence in the world remind us that real influence comes from staying true to your purpose and lifting others along the way. This is only the beginning of what they are capable of.