The world of entrepreneurship has never been more dynamic, and 2024 is set to be an exciting year for women leading the charge in innovation, business, and social change. From trailblazing tech founders to inspiring advocates for mental health and sustainability, these women are not just building businesses; they're reshaping industries, redefining leadership, and inspiring the next generation. Whether they're breaking barriers in traditionally male-dominated fields or carving out new spaces for creativity and impact, these 20 female entrepreneurs are the ones to watch. Their stories of resilience, vision, and tenacity reflect the growing influence of women in the global marketplace. As we step into the future, these leaders are lighting the path forward.
Tiger Rudge
Tiger Rudge has rapidly ascended to the top of the stunt industry, leading as a Stunt Coordinator and recently headhunted for 2nd Unit Director and Action Director roles on major film, TV, and commercial productions in 2023 and 2024. As the founder of Evolution Stunts, Tiger oversees a premier team delivering innovative action sequences that consistently push boundaries in creativity and execution. Her team is becoming the go-to choice for production companies and directors seeking elite stunt coordination and all things action.
Tiger’s entrepreneurial vision extends beyond production. Her rapidly growing Stunt Masterclass is training the next generation of stunt professionals, while her soon-to-launch Global Pro Stunt Directory will connect aspiring and established performers directly with industry decision-makers, bypassing traditional barriers and opening doors for global talent.
In recognition of her groundbreaking contributions, Tiger was honored with a 2024 Global Recognition Award for redefining the stunt industry and promoting diversity. Notably, she became the first female assistant stunt coordinator on Pakistan’s biggest action film, Legend of Maula Jatt, setting new benchmarks for inclusivity. With a focus on equality, innovation, and opportunity, Tiger Rudge is shaping a future where stunt professionals from all backgrounds can thrive on the global stage.
Rakel Cadavid
Rakel Cadavid is a multifaceted Colombian artist based in Mexico City, celebrated for her work as a singer-songwriter, painter, illustrator, designer, and writer. Her artistic journey has earned her accolades, including a Latin Grammy nomination in 2012. Growing up in Medellín during the turbulent 1980s instilled in Rakel a deep sense of resilience and a strong commitment to social change.
Her work is driven by the belief that art can transform lives, inspire creativity, and uncover the unique talents within each person. Beyond her music career, Rakel founded several impactful ventures, including the well-known fashion brand Styloïde and the non-profit organization Música para la Paz, both of which made a significant impact in Colombia. Though these ventures are no longer active under their original names, their legacy lives on in the lives they touched. Currently, Rakel is focused on creating new music, continuing her mission to inspire and uplift through her diverse artistic expressions.
Klaudia Zubik
Klaudia Zubik, founder of Klaudia Zubik Inc., is a trailblazer in the esoteric business world. Renowned as a tarot reader and mentor, she has empowered countless women, including Polish celebrities, to craft personal brands that thrive. With a deep-rooted passion for esotericism, Klaudia’s journey began at birth and has evolved into a global enterprise. After making her mark in Poland, she moved her business to New York, where her influence now spans Manhattan and Brooklyn. Klaudia has transformed her expertise into a thriving enterprise, earning nearly a million dollars in the process. Her company, a member of the International Association of Therapists since 2021, offers internationally accredited courses in esotericism and business, available online with English subtitles. Klaudia’s innovative approach and dedication to her craft continue to inspire and guide women in creating profitable and meaningful careers in the esoteric industry.
Jennifer Ifeoma Echenim
Jennifer Echenim is a visionary founder, blockchain strategist, community builder, and advocate for women in tech. She’s a trailblazer in the tech world, combining her passion for innovation with a deep commitment to fostering the next generation of leaders.
As the co-founder and CTO of Bloccpay, a revolutionary crypto payroll and invoicing platform, Jennifer is reshaping how freelancers and talents manage their finances and benefits in the digital age. She also plays a crucial role at Obscuro Labs, where she’s instrumental in developing Ten—a cutting-edge layer 2 encryption blockchain—serving as a Senior Frontend and Developer Relations Engineer.
Jennifer’s mission goes beyond technology; she’s deeply passionate about empowering emerging talents and women in tech, particularly in the Web3 space. She’s a founding member of Web3Afrika and Web3Ladies, organisations that are dedicated to nurturing and uplifting the next generation of tech leaders. Her influence extends to her active involvement with Women in Tech Dubai and the Google Developer Group in Sharjah, UAE.
Her journey has seen her contribute to industry giants like Nestcoin, Liquality, and Tangerine Africa, giving her vast and versatile experience across multiple sectors including pensions, banking, insurance, and blockchain technology. Outside of her groundbreaking work in tech, Jennifer keeps herself grounded through an array of physical activities such as dancing, evening walks, morning runs, and aerial silks. Recently, she’s also embraced drawing and is learning to play the guitar, adding a creative touch to her dynamic lifestyle.
Mariken Jansen
Mariken Jansen van Vuuren is a trailblazing marketing strategist and co-founder of Quantumflux Digital, a forward-thinking agency dedicated to empowering companies to achieve and surpass their growth ambitions. With over 13 years of experience, Mariken has led groundbreaking initiatives that drive significant impact, seamlessly blending innovative digital strategies with a deep passion for brand storytelling.
As a visionary leader, Mariken is committed to creating meaningful connections between brands and their audiences, ensuring every campaign delivers real, measurable results. Her approach is rooted in collaboration, pushing her team and clients to challenge conventions and explore new possibilities. Leading the London office, Mariken is focused on making a lasting impact in the digital landscape, always staying ahead of the curve and shaping the future of marketing and innovation.
Brenda Ahearn
Brenda Ahearn, founder and visionary behind Moo LaLa, combines a passion for wellness and traditional wisdom with a commitment of crafting luxurious, all-natural skincare. Grounded in her belief that nature provides the best ingredients, she has built a brand that focuses on the healing power of organic grass-fed beef tallow, various carrier oils and essential oils. Her products, including balms, first to market tallow lotion candles, tallow soaps, tallow chap sticks and tallow sunblock, are designed to nourish and rejuvenate the skin while maintaining the highest standards of sustainability and purity. With a focus on transparency and ethical sourcing, Brenda strives to offer clean beauty solutions that enhance self-care routines and promote healthier, radiant skin. Her journey is rooted in helping people feel their best, naturally, with products made from the heart. As a driven entrepreneur, she continues to inspire with her innovative products and authentic connection to her growing community.
Sheila Wanite Bautz
Sheila Wanite Bautz, CEO of Aedipus Ink Empire, is a powerful personality and speaker. Her portfolio includes advocacy to the Supreme Court of Canada (2021). The International Authoress believes that blatant honesty and positive energy with high standards produce the best results, including the finest quality of literature.
Sheila’s Canadian-based company is dedicated to empowering people through speaking engagements and publishing Evergreen content. This year, Aedipus Ink published two highly popular books in the investigative true crime and epic fantasy genres. The latter, THE CODE OF THE BESTIA, is described by The Royal Collection as a ‘bestseller’ and ‘a masterpiece’. In 2025, historical fiction and horror genres will be added to Aedipus Ink’s book catalog. Sheila’s business ethics and code of conduct incorporate integrity, honesty, humour, and a sense of high moral obligation. A recognized leader, her expertise is diverse in various fields, making her a public speaking Power House, writer, and CEO.
Jennifer Brisby
Jennifer Brisby is an Interior Architect, Teacher of Eastern Arts, and Clairvoyant Healer. Jersey-born and Vermont-grown, she began her career in New York City, working with renowned architect David Mann while exploring diverse roles, including product development and brand marketing at Burton Snowboards. In 2018, seeking a life aligned with her values, Jennifer sold her Vermont home while in Indonesia and embarked on a transformative journey. This led her to Costa Rica, where she trained as an advanced Yoga teacher, building on her earlier studies in the East, learned Spanish, and navigated single motherhood during the pandemic.
Now settled in Central America, Jennifer speaks three languages and holds a Master's Degree from the New York School of Interior Design. She runs Creative Channel, a boutique studio that combines architecture, design, and wellness. Jennifer’s work reflects her deep commitment to holistic living, blending creativity, spirituality, and healing in her approach to life and her profession.
Maria Șoloman
Maria Șoloman has an impressive journey, bridging two seemingly opposite fields: art and business. After studying at the School of Visual Arts and completing a business master's at Harvard Business Online School, she returned to her home, in Romania and became the CEO of Kalapod Romania, an online footwear retailer. In just two years, she scaled the business and sold it to a Chinese investor.
Despite her business success, Maria remains deeply passionate about art, working as a digital illustrator while also pursuing new ventures in sales. She believes that business is an extension of the artistic field, requiring constant creativity and innovation.
Currently, she’s developing new business projects, assisting foundations with fundraising efforts, and creating illustrations for renowned magazines. Maria's ability to excel in both creative and business environments showcases her versatility and drive for continuous growth.
Kiona Giselle
Kiona Giselle known as the “Soft Girl CEO,” is a visionary leader, entrepreneur, and advocate for women in business. She’s a seasoned Business Strategist, Content Creator, and Spiritual Growth Mentor dedicated to helping women unlock their potential and lead with grace. Her brand seamlessly blends feminine energy with powerful business strategies, guiding ambitious women to create sustainable success without burnout.
Kiona is also the founder of The Cleansing Cure, a holistic feminine hygiene brand that ties spiritual cleansing with holistic ingredients. Her brand offers women a unique approach to personal care, emphasizing the importance of both physical and spiritual wellness.
With her unique approach, Kiona helps women transform their lives and businesses through her signature mentorship, focusing on holistic wealth, soulful growth, and manifestation mastery. She empowers her clients to align their businesses with their deepest values, fostering authentic connections with their audience and creating impact-driven brands. Kiona is transparent and supportive, known for her gentle yet effective coaching style. Her mission is to inspire women to embrace their inner power, step into their roles as CEOs, and manifest abundance in all areas of life.
Ali Hughes
Prior to the pandemic, running a film catering company fell outside the realm of probability for Australian vocalist Ali Hughes. But, as she points out, ‘necessity is the mother of
RE-invention!’ Ali’s experience in music touring and food service came into play when closed borders forced the recent UK arrival to stay put. Her move into location film catering felt like a short-term side-step. But 3 years in, Ali’s business sensibility saw an opportunity on the other side of the SAG-AFTRA strikes, and BITE ME FILM CATERING was born.
The fresh new face in the lineup of UK cast and crew film caterers, Ali’s well-seasoned team hoisted the BITE ME banner by nourishing A-list cast and crew during the completion of photography on soon-to-be-released, much anticipated WICKED movies. They offer catering and craft service solutions for cast and crew, in studio and on location.
Why take the leap? ‘Lineage. Ali is fortunate to have strong female role models in her life – boss ladies, family makers, and creatives who share these common traits: authenticity, and trust in their intuition. That’s a lineage she chose to be part of. To create, participate, and leave things a little better than she found tvhem.’
Kimberli Scott Still
Kimberli Scott Still is a versatile leader in manufacturing, philanthropy, and animal advocacy. A fourth-generation shareholder of Collum’s Lumber Products, LLC and Scott Woodlands, LLC, she has served as Director of Human Resources for over 12 years. Kimberli holds degrees in Finance, Retail Management & Merchandising, and Interior Design.
She is a board member of the U.S. Lumber Coalition, collaborating on national trade cases with NAFTA and the U.S. Department of Commerce, and the Softwood Lumber Board, appointed by the USDA and Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack.
As Director of Philanthropy for ELYSIAN Impact, Kimberli leads initiatives supporting women, children, animals, the environment, and service projects. She coordinates the “Catwalk Furbaby” fashion show, which won Best Fashion Documentary at the International Fashion Film Festival in NYC in 2023.
Kimberli serves on boards including the Original Six Foundation and the American Red Cross (Tiffany Circle). A passionate advocate for animal rescue, she supports programs providing care for abandoned animals. In 2014, she was named South Carolina Ambassador for Economic Development and has received numerous awards for her community involvement.
Daniela Vasconcellos
Daniela Vasconcellos is a trailblazing tattoo artist, entrepreneur, and multi-talented individual who is passionate about improving the world through her art and actions. A natural-born artist, Daniela began drawing at age two, and by 13, she was already tattooing. At 18, she opened her first tattoo shop in Brazil, and since then, her career has flourished, working in Brazil’s top tattoo studios and earning invitations to tattoo internationally in Europe, the USA, and Australia.
Now based in Sydney, Australia, Daniela runs a private tattoo studio in Randwick, where she creates customized designs, ensuring each client feels unique and special. Empowering people and breaking taboos, Daniela also donates her time and talent to breast cancer survivors, transforming scars into meaningful works of art.
Beyond tattooing, Daniela is an amateur boxing champion, personal trainer, and boxing coach. She is also a book illustrator, writer, and certified Skipper, captaining charters in Australia. Recognized as a Distinguished Talent by the Australian government in 2019, she became the first tattoo artist to receive this honor. Daniela’s fearless spirit and motto, “If it is hard, I do. If it is impossible, give me five minutes,” embody her relentless drive and creativity.
Lola Oladapo
Lola Oladapo, alongside her twin sister Taiye, co-founded Urbanity Lush LLC, an award-winning Philadelphia-based travel and hospitality brand.. Urbanity Lush, launched in 2020, is a curated hospitality. Their brand merges hospitality with social change, offering curated Airbnb stays, travel guides, and immersive experiences fostering cultural exploration and understanding.
Lola, the principal operator of Urbanity Lush, is establishing herself as a thought leader in the Travel and Hospitality industry. Her brand focuses on the intersection of hospitality and social change. Lola believes that travel and hospitality can break down racial and cultural biases, promoting kindness, empathy, and understanding of others. Urbanity Lush, an award-winning social enterprise, started as a side hustle hosting Airbnb guests for seven years and has now earned Supar Host status in 2022, hosting notable guests worldwide.
Along the journey, Lola has won a string of accolades and awards. Starting with the prestigious B-Smart 10,000 dollar Best Business Plan award by Drexel University in 2019 and going on to be selected as hosts and facilitators of a curated Stop Asian Hate Cookie Experience with cookie chef, activist, and author Ms. Jasmine Cho at Philadelphia’s premier festival for creatives, B.Phl Fest 2021.
Kelly Frechette
Kelly Frechette is not just an entrepreneur; she’s a visionary transforming the housing and marketing sectors. Co-owner of Board Boss Drywall and Frechette Inc, her expertise spans residential drywall services to savvy real estate investments. Her latest triumph, a digital marketing agency, revolutionizes B2B brand strategies, especially for those in construction and real estate. Recognized among the top 40 under 40 by Business Link Niagara in 2023 and a finalist in the GNCC Women in Business, Kelly’s influence is unmistakable. Her commitment to the community shines through her board role at the Council of Ontario Construction Associations and her judging at the CHBA’s National Awards. Kelly Frechette is a name to watch in 2024, embodying innovation, leadership, and social responsibility.
Vanuska Sylvester
Driven by the need for justice, Nuska delved into intensive research, immersing herself in discrimination cases, anti-discrimination laws, labor regulations, sick leave policies, and family leave rights at federal, state, and city levels. This newfound knowledge ignited a fire within her to advocate for change and equality.
In November 2023, Nuska and her dedicated team birthed “The Breaking Bias Channel,” a YouTube platform dedicated to raising awareness about workplace rights, shedding light on discrimination cases, lawsuits, settlements, and fostering discussions on inclusivity and diversity.
However, Nuska’s vision extended beyond mere awareness; she yearned to uplift and motivate women on a broader scale. Hence, alongside her team, she launched @laughingladiesempower. Laughing Ladies Empower serves as a beacon of support and resources for women to flourish in both their personal and professional lives. With her dual platforms, Nuska is committed to breaking stereotypes, promoting inclusivity, and empowering individuals to strive for a brighter, fairer future.
Kaliyah Harden
Kaliyah Harden’s passion for empowering young adult minority women through her nonprofit, Lifing Life, fuels her every step. Lifing Life isn’t just a mission for her; it’s a commitment to uplifting the community that raised her. Hosting events and fundraisers, she strives to provide mentorship, vision, and funding to help young women flourish in their emotions, careers, education, finances, and mentality.
Every interaction, every fundraiser, is a step towards making a tangible impact on the lives of those around her. Through Lifing Life, Kaliyah aims to bring resources directly back into the community, nurturing a cycle of empowerment and growth. She carries with her the hopes and aspirations of those she seeks to uplift, knowing that together, they can create lasting change. For Kaliyah, it’s about creating a platform for mentorship, vision, and tangible support. Their mission is clear: to advance young women in their emotions, careers, education, finances, and mentality.
Karen Groom
As the founder and CEO of Groom & Associates, one of Canada’s leading staffing firms, Karen Groom’s success as an entrepreneur has been widely recognized. Founded in 1996, female-led Groom & Associates has grown from a small business to a national agency. The recruitment firm has served hundreds of Canadian companies in the STEM sectors, and works with local and national partners.
For Karen, being adaptable and forward-thinking is critical for being a successful leader. She attributes the growth of the company to their commitment to understanding evolving workplace trends in order to best serve clients. With over 30 years of experience in human resources and recruiting, Karen will tell you that staying up-to-date with current trends is essential. Karen also acts as a mentor for other female entrepreneurs. She was a President of Community Shares, and today, is a member of the Capital Campaign the for Teresa Dellar Palliative Care Residence.
Laura Clark
Laura Clark is a wife, mother, and respected CEO in the pageant and entertainment industry. As the owner of Liv & Rock Productions, Laura manages the Miss Earth USA organization, the official national preliminary pageant leading to MISS EARTH based in the Philippines. Laura has been recognized as Best Director by Pageant Planet, Art & Beauty Magazine, and Prestige Pageantry Awards. After dedicating 15 years as a performer and choreographer in collegiate and professional sports, Laura earned the title of Ms. United States in 2011, which launched her career in the pageant industry. Under Laura’s leadership, the USA ranked 2nd Runner Up Miss World and winner of Miss Earth 2020. Laura holds a Bachelor of Arts from William Jewell College in public communication with a minor in political science and recently enjoyed three years as a diplomat to the United Nations in Switzerland. Laura, her husband, and two children are based in Chicago.
Lee Richter
Award-winning CEO, Marketing Expert, Innovator, and Global Leader, Lee Richter, is recognized for many years as one of San Francisco’s Top 100 Women Business Leaders, and Top 100 Fastest Growing Businesses; in 2022, she was named one of the Top 100 Innovators in the San Francisco Bay Area by the San Francisco Business Times.
Expanding on her successful entrepreneurial journey, Lee utilizes her superpower in public relations to connect the business world with the future of business and marketing. She inspires entrepreneurs and business owners to realize the importance of NFTs and blockchain and empowers them to develop and implement a strategy in their company. Lee teaches leaders globally to incorporate NFTs in their business as a tactic to achieve financial and professional success in the current marketplace. In addition, she is a best-selling co-author of “Blockchain Life” and is exploring and identifying ways the blockchain is changing how we conduct business in the future.
Final Thoughts
As the landscape of entrepreneurship continues to evolve, the influence of these remarkable women is undeniable. Their success stories remind us that innovation knows no bounds and that diversity in leadership brings fresh perspectives to old challenges. Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur, an established business owner, or simply looking for inspiration, the journeys of these 20 female entrepreneurs offer invaluable lessons in courage, adaptability, and perseverance. With 2024 just beginning, it's clear that these women will be at the forefront of driving meaningful change across industries. Keep your eyes on them, because the best is yet to come.