Something exciting is happening in the world of business right now. More women than ever are stepping forward, turning bold ideas into powerful brands, and changing the game in ways we have never seen before. These are the founders who are not just running companies. They are setting new standards, challenging old rules, and doing it all on their own terms. Whether they are creating cutting-edge technology, building eco-friendly businesses, or reshaping how we think about health, money, and leadership, these women are the ones to keep an eye on. The future of entrepreneurship is already unfolding, and these thirty women are leading the way.
Lacey Taylor
Lacey Taylor is a certified personal trainer whose path to fitness wasn’t planned, it was personal. After having her children, she battled postpartum depression and anxiety, feeling lost in her own body and mind. Struggling to stay afloat while caring for everyone else, she decided to invest in herself and hired a personal trainer. That decision changed everything. Through consistent training, accountability, and hard work, she didn’t just build physical strength, she found her mental and emotional footing again. Fitness became her outlet, her therapy, and her way back to herself.
Now, as a single mom of three, Lacey deeply understands what it’s like to feel stretched thin, overwhelmed, and invisible. She brings that empathy to every session, training real people with real lives and real challenges. Her approach is never about perfection, it’s about steady, powerful progress. With lived experience as her guide, she helps other women reconnect with their strength and confidence from the inside out. Her mission is simple: to show women they are stronger than they think, and that real transformation begins within.
Sarah Angel
Sarah Angel is a singer, pianist, and songwriter whose musical journey began at age three. With nearly two decades of classical training and a BA in vocal performance, she launched her career on stage, captivating audiences with her powerful voice and piano prowess. After gaining experience in dueling piano bars, she founded Posh Piano, her first entertainment company in Seattle.
Sarah’s talent has taken her across Europe, the Caribbean, Canada, and the U.S., performing on major cruise lines including Holland America, Norwegian, and Disney. In 2019, she was featured in Forbes for her work as a cruise ship entrepreneur.
She later performed in Las Vegas and Disney’s Florida piano bar before releasing a nine-song album in 2022. In 2023, she launched a boutique piano entertainment company, and by 2024, became the headlining act for Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas Dueling Piano Bar. She also founded Angel Agency to help emerging musicians break into the cruise industry.Having traveled to 102 countries, Sarah will release her debut book, The Entertainers Handbook, on June 1. With her dynamic talent and entrepreneurial spirit, she continues to inspire and entertain on stages around the globe.
Federica Grazia Bartolini
Federica Grazia Bartolini is a communication strategist, author, and speaker with over 15 years of experience leading international teams across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. After a successful corporate career, she chose to build a platform rooted in purpose, ethics, and storytelling while also navigating her personal transformation as a woman, a leader, and a mother.
Her book Communicating with AI – Leading Like a Human explores how trust, empathy, and authenticity remain essential in a world increasingly shaped by algorithms. One of her core beliefs: “AI doesn’t replace leadership — it amplifies it. Especially the gaps.”
She is the creator of the Golden Bridge™ method, a human-centered framework helping leaders and companies speak with meaning, not just with output.
Her mission: to close the growing gap between automation and intention, and to show that, in the end, the most powerful voice is the one that stays human. Her work is focused on helping leaders and organizations navigate the rise of generative AI without losing clarity, coherence, or the human touch.
Natalie Dunham
Natalie Dunham is a sculptor and installation artist whose work has been exhibited and collected both nationally and internationally. Known for her innovative approach to contemporary art, she explores material, form, and space with a distinct voice. Since earning her MFA in 2010, Dunham has also built a strong foundation in arts administration, holding leadership roles in galleries and studios. Her hands-on experience spans marketing, finance, logistics, and custom art handling, giving her a comprehensive view of the creative industry's inner workings.
In 2023, she made the pivotal decision to pursue her studio practice full-time, a move that has allowed her to fully immerse herself in making and experimentation. This transition marks a dynamic new phase in her career, as she continues to evolve her artistic language while integrating the entrepreneurial skills honed over more than a decade.
Katya Karlova
Katya Karlova is a former corporate VP turned visionary author and resilience alchemist, model, creator, speaker, and endometriosis advocate. Her debut book, Invisible Pain, Unstoppable Power, launches in summer 2025. Originally from Moldova, Katya immigrated to the U.S. as a child, later graduating early twice and earning degrees from both UCLA and University College London.
Over a 15-year global career in talent management and leadership coaching, she earned accolades including UCLA’s Young Alumnus of the Year and recognition as one of the top 50 talent professionals in the United States. But her path took a powerful turn during the COVID pandemic, when isolation forced her to confront lifelong struggles with body dysmorphia, anxiety, and depression.
In a bold act of healing, Katya broke into modeling, reclaiming control over her self-image and embracing her curves and femininity. This transformation also gave her the confidence to advocate for herself in a healthcare system that had dismissed her chronic pain for nearly two decades, ultimately leading to a life-changing endometriosis diagnosis.Today, with over 500K followers across social media, Katya uses her platform to promote body positivity, feminine power, and self-love, while raising awareness for endometriosis and fighting for better treatment of women’s health issues. She’s been featured in Forbes, Grazia, and Cosmopolitan, named one of the Top 20 Empowering Women in the U.S. by Womenpreneur magazine, and partners with mission-driven brands aligned with her values.
Gena Griffin
Gena Griffin is the visionary founder of Sun Patch and the inventor of ReleaseTec™, a groundbreaking double-patented silicone technology that is disrupting both the skincare and medical industries. After years of dedicated research, Gena developed ReleaseTec™ to provide a solution for individuals seeking a durable, flexible, and reusable material that offers unparalleled sun protection by blocking 98% of UVA/UVB rays while also acting as a second skin to keep the skin hydrated. This advanced material stays securely in place yet removes gently, transforming the way we approach sun protection and anti-aging. It offers a sleek new solution for those with sun sensitivities or skin cancer, completely shielding extra UV-exposed areas that are typically difficult to keep covered. ReleaseTec™ has expanded beyond Sun Patch and is now used in scar therapy and medical applications, gaining trust from athletes, parents, and dermatologists alike. Gena’s relentless drive for innovation and commitment to enhancing skin health while growing her multi-million dollar brand make her a standout leader and a deserving honoree on NY Weekly’s “Top 30 Influential Women Entrepreneurs to Watch in 2025.”
Julia Mendak
Julia Mendak is a driven entrepreneur and investment professional known for her refined taste and passion for curating a lifestyle that blends business with beauty. Based between Connecticut and New York City, and soon making her way to Monaco, she continues to expand her global footprint both professionally and creatively. Recently returning from a trip to Cannes, Julia draws inspiration from the elegance and vibrancy of the French Riviera, weaving that influence into her content and personal style. As a seasoned traveler, fashion enthusiast, blogger, and art lover, she shares her experiences through a lens of sophistication and authenticity, offering a glimpse into a life shaped by ambition, culture, and aesthetics.
Shailaja Adhikary
In a nation where fashion was once a foreign concept and progressive education a distant dream, Shailaja Adhikary emerged as a trailblazer. Transitioning from a banker at Grindlays to founding Nepal's first fashion and interior design institution, IEC School, in 1997, and IEC College in 2009, she redefined the educational landscape. Her ventures expanded with EuroKids in 2007 and EuroSchool in 2008, introducing international curricula and holistic learning approaches to Nepalese students.
Under her leadership, the IEC Group now encompasses 12 institutions, nurturing over 800 graduates annually. Recognized globally, she has been honored as one of the "Great Women of the 21st Century" and received the "Educational Excellence Award" at IIT Delhi. Beyond accolades, Shailaja's commitment to societal growth is evident through her collaborations with NGOs and her role in shaping future leaders.
Her mantra, "Dream big… Achieve big," isn't just a saying—it's the legacy she's building for generations to come.
Kelsy Elle
is a leading voice in holistic anti-aging, emotional empowerment, and radiant, feminine leadership. With over 25 years of hands-on experience in dermatology, medical aesthetics, and emotional healing, Kelsy blends deep clinical insight with holistic rituals to help clients and patients radically transform—inside and out.
Through her signature “Glow Power” method, she’s guided over 8,000 women (and some men) to experience full-scope glow-ups—looking and feeling 10+ years younger, reversing wrinkles, shedding weight (even post-menopause), and reclaiming their vitality and magnetism. Her coaching has sparked marriages, career breakthroughs, and the confidence to conquer it all.
Her results-driven method and growing digital presence have made her a sought-after voice in wellness and beauty.
Today, she leads two transformative platforms—@derm_coach and @datingvisionary—where her intuitive, results-driven guidance empowers women to rise in beauty, love, and self-worth at any age.
Julieanne O’Connor
Julieanne O’Connor is a globally recognized Influence Coach, keynote speaker, and bestselling author revolutionizing the way high-achieving professionals lead, live, and thrive. As a driving force behind the Mindset Movement in dentistry, she is helping a generation of leaders heal happiness, master influence, and build sustainable success without sacrificing fulfillment.
A TEDx speaker, Super Bowl commercial actor, and trusted media voice featured in The Wall Street Journal, CNN, and USA Today, Julieanne brings a bold, authentic approach that sparks lasting transformation. She is a sought-after faculty member at leading dental training institutes and the co-host of Influential Dental, the acclaimed podcast sharing the real stories behind the industry’s top professionals.
Known for her dynamic, entertaining keynotes and her rare ability to elevate teams and individuals alike, Julieanne is redefining what it means to succeed in a fast-paced world. Her influence transcends industries, setting a new benchmark for leadership fueled by joy, resilience, and the unapologetic pursuit of a life well-lived.
Leslie Hood
Leslie Hood is a Georgia native and the creative force behind two thriving Charleston-based ventures: The Curated Collective, an online vintage and antique shop, and Must Love Dogs, Charleston, a private pet care service specializing in dog walking and house-sitting.
Her love for vintage began at 17 with a gifted antique sewing table and deepened while studying in the historic town of Milledgeville, GA. After college, she returned to Savannah, where her eye for Southern charm and timeless treasures flourished. In 2017, Leslie moved to Charleston, SC, where her passion expanded through estate sales, pop-ups, and styling for events like ECO Runway CHS and Charleston Black Pride.
Leslie opened a storefront on Church Street and now operates from a studio, offering curated finds through Chairish and private appointments. Alongside her vintage business, Leslie’s deep affection for animals led her to build Must Love Dogs, Charleston, now boasting over 50 clients and 100+ five-star reviews.
Balancing both businesses, Leslie has carved out a fulfilling life surrounded by what she loves—antiques, animals, and creativity. In her free time, she enjoys porch gardening, loving on her cats, and redesigning her own space.
Tammi Norman
Tammi Norman, widely known as Pretty Tammi the DJ, is a vibrant force in entertainment, an Educator, Radio Personality, Vocalist, Actress, and Influencer rooted in Atlanta by way of Cleveland, Ohio. With a humble heart and unstoppable drive, she brings passion, purpose, and professionalism to every stage she touches.
From corporate galas to historic political moments, Tammi has deejayed for President Joe Biden and ignited crowds at rallies for Vice President Kamala Harris, including her powerful “Closing Argument” speech before 75,000 people at the White House Ellipse.
A proud HBCU graduate of Kentucky State University and a Life Member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Tammi is a radiant example of resilience, creativity, and faith in motion. Her journey proves that with grace, grit, and humility, dreams are not just possible, they're inevitable. Whether on-air or on stage, Pretty Tammi is the movement and the moment.
“When Pretty Tammi the DJ shows up, the room shifts."
Sarah May Stevens
Founder of M.E | Co-Founder of Noirette & EmpowerMinds | Creator of H.O.M.E | Transformation Specialist. Building confidence. Breaking limits. Leading legacies.
Sarah May Stevens is the powerhouse founder behind M.E (Mia Elle Group)—a near-decade movement that has helped over 100,000 women transform their confidence through luxury photography, themed social events, and bold self-expression. With a thriving digital community, M.E has become a safe, empowering space where adults reconnect, grow, and form lasting friendships.
From transformational photoshoots to a signature pageant, she has built more than a brand—she’s ignited a cultural shift in how confidence is lived, felt, and led.
After authoring her first book and creating life-changing courses, Sarah has expanded her impact by co-founding Noirette, a sensual wellness and beauty range, and EmpowerMind, a corporate training company reshaping workplace culture in male-dominated industries.
She is also the founder of H.O.M.E, a nonprofit supporting GBV survivors and food projects.
Across every venture, Sarah leads with power, purpose, and heart. Breaking societal norms without looking back.
Laura Raczka
Laura Raczka is a Los Angeles-based makeup artist, hairstylist, and special effects expert with over 18 years of experience spanning film, fashion, and commercial work. Known for her sharp eye and transformative artistry, Laura brings bold, creative visions to life with precision and flair.
Her diverse portfolio features everything from high-profile red carpet appearances to collaborations with global powerhouses like Nike, Barbie, Star Wars, and Amazon Blink. Her editorial work has graced the pages of Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, and other top publications, while her film credits include standout projects such as Hard Miles and I Spit on Your Grave: Déjà Vu. A licensed cosmetologist since 2008 and a certified wig maker since 2020, Laura continuously evolves her craft, blending technical expertise with a fearless artistic approach to deliver striking looks that captivate on any platform.
Safyra Bakshani
Safyra Bakshani is a Clairvoyant and Somatic Healer. She comes from a lineage of intuitives and discovered her gifts in her teenage years. At the age of 23, she went on to study at the Psychic Horizons Clairvoyant Institute, which left her with the title of Reverend, and she has since taken on the title of Priestess.
Her work evolved to reach across the globe as she taught retreats in the Caribbean, Bali, Thailand, and Latin America. In more recent years, she has worked with several Royal families in the Middle East. Her greatest joy in working in the Middle East has been in giving women permission to explore their spiritual power within.
Safyra’s company works with the embodiment of the spiritual into the physical. She teaches practices such as yoga, qigong, light therapy, energy healing, and hypnosis, creating a program that is a unique offering in today’s wellness world.
The practices that comprise the Embodiment Method support you in first getting connected to your physical body and then, secondly, in developing your energy field to move up to a higher energetic frequency. The Embodiment Method is a step-by-step guide in how to move up on that frequency chart and create your individual spiritual connection.
Mia Zabelka
Mia Zabelka is an acclaimed Austrian violinist, vocalist, and composer, recognized internationally as a pioneer in electroacoustic music. Known for her boundary-pushing sonic explorations, she blends extended violin techniques, voice, electronics, and unconventional objects to create immersive, experimental soundscapes. Her signature method, Sonic Body Impulses, transforms her body and violin into a dynamic interface—an intuitive body-sound-machine.
Over the course of her career, Mia has collaborated with influential artists such as John Zorn, Pauline Oliveros, Fred Frith, and Zeitkratzer. Her work bridges music, science, and technology, giving rise to what she calls Multiversal Music—a genre-defying fusion of noise, automation, and sonic gesture.
As founder of Klanghaus in Southern Styria and artistic director of phonofemme Vienna, Mia actively supports interdisciplinary and women-led sound art. She has received numerous prestigious awards, including the Austrian Art Prize (2021), three Prix Ars Electronica honors, and the Luigi Russolo Prize.
Mia Zabelka currently serves as Vice President of the Austrian Composers Association and is an Honorary Member of the MUK – Music and Arts University of Vienna.
Julia Chuquis
Julia Chuquis is an abstract expressionist artist and women’s rights advocate. Committed to bringing positive change to the world through her art, she donates part of each sale to UN Women Australia, through empowered gifts, in the name of the purchaser.
She has had her work exhibited in galleries and media both nationally and internationally. Her artwork has featured on TV, including the series Dream Home, with also showcased her work on the silver screen in a Hollywood movie.
Julia’s creations evoke deep emotions and offer a profound connection to the natural world. She paints with delicate layers and bold brush strokes. With a steadfast commitment to exploring her artistic potential, Julia’s philosophy on art and life is both profound and heartfelt.
She believes that we are all one, sharing the same energy that flows through us, nature, flowers, and birds. She reflects, “We are all connected.”
Describing herself as passionate, creative, and grateful, Julia views her artistic journey as one of self-discovery. She shares, “I feel I’ve only scratched the surface of what I can do.” Julia’s journey continues to evolve, promising more enchanting creations to come.
Katherine Maria Dollison
Katherine M. Dollison is a powerhouse voice actor, data strategist, and founder of KatVoix Academy—a training ground for creative professionals looking to build sustainable, fulfilling careers in voiceover and audio production. With more than 100 audiobooks narrated and years of experience in data analytics and branding, Katherine empowers students to step confidently into their talents. A SAG member and co-host of The Majority Mindset Show, she merges artistry with business acumen, offering mentorship, mindset coaching, and hands-on training through her academy. Her work is a call to action: take up space, own your voice, and build the life you deserve.
Mercy A. Quaye
Mercy A. Quaye is an award-winning public relations entrepreneur, anti-racist storyteller, and culture and politics commentator with nearly two decades of experience in journalism, communications, and mission-driven advocacy. After a successful career covering education and justice as a journalist, she founded The Narrative Project in 2015 as Connecticut’s first anti-racist PR agency, creating the groundbreaking RAISED Model of Anti-Racist Public Relations.
Rooted in a legacy that spans Ghanaian diplomacy and the American Great Migration, Mercy brings a global lens and deeply personal understanding to her work. Her mission is clear: to drive lasting social change through collaboration, bold storytelling, and unapologetic equity.
She teaches at Southern Connecticut State University and Quinnipiac University and serves on the boards of the Connecticut Society of Professional Journalists and PRSA-Connecticut. Mercy has been recognized with multiple honors, including Connecticut Magazine’s 40 Under 40 and the 2024 Excellence in Advocacy Award from the Quinnipiac Chamber of Commerce.
A lifelong learner and changemaker, she holds degrees in Journalism and Public Relations from Quinnipiac University, where her passion for truth-telling and justice first took root.
Lauren-Ashleigh Whitaker
Lauren-Ashleigh “L.A.” Whitaker is not just a therapist and mindset coach—she’s a trailblazer in transformation, guiding high achievers with a balance of grit and grace, with an unwavering belief in faith over fear. As a licensed therapist, certified Brené Brown performance coach, and yoga instructor with over 15 years of experience, she empowers high performers such as athletes, CEOs, and entrepreneurs to break free from perfectionism, connect with their core values, and cultivate confidence and clarity.
Her approach blends neuroscience and deep mindset work to help clients regulate, reset, and realign. Known for her grounded, heart-centered style, L.A. creates space for people to embrace both their fire and their softness—because true empowerment integrates resilience with vulnerability.
Her clients don’t just seek success; they seek wholeness, growth, and deep self-discovery. And L.A. is here to help them rise—fully, fiercely, and unapologetically
Rika Maja Duevel
Rika Maja Duevel is a painter and mixed media artist from Stavanger, Norway, living in Amsterdam, the Netherlands. Her artwork manifests from her daily experiences, the idea of capturing the moment through an introverted lens. A focus on her own female experience and the journey, capturing the individual moments before they disappear, and deeper research into the concept of the Introverted Artist, the unseen soul. An award-winning artist and graduate from Wheaton College, SACI, and Lesley University, she has exhibited in Amsterdam, Rome, Venice, Florence, Milan, Barcelona, Granada, and Paris. An Artist in Residence in Granada, Barcelona, France, and Amsterdam. Guest Artist Lecturer at the University of Amsterdam’s Business School (UVA), and published in the “50 Artists to Watch 2023” and “50 Artists to Discover 2025” by the Florence Contemporary Gallery.
Lisa Elliot-Rosas
Lisa Elliot-Rosas is a seasoned fashion industry expert with a rich background in brand building, PR, and sales. She’s collaborated with iconic names like Saks Fifth Avenue, Barneys, and People’s Revolution, and in 2001, founded eM Productions, representing designers such as Mara Hoffman, Iro, Zadig & Voltaire, Heidi Merrick, Cotton Citizen, and others.
In 2019, she launched Lit Up Brand, a consulting platform that helps creatives and entrepreneurs build purpose-driven brands rooted in values, vision, and integrity. From fashion, food, to health, Lisa guides businesses through foundational strategy, scaling, and aligning with their authentic mission.
She has taught entrepreneurship at USC and Covenant House and contributed to HuffPost. She also founded Ap MastFlow, a wellness initiative, and is the author of the How to Build a Brand series (Volumes I–III), available on Amazon.
Lisa’s latest venture is her course, Creating a Purposeful Brand, featuring nine video modules and a 70+ page interactive workbook. Her mission is to empower entrepreneurs to avoid costly trial and error, and instead build sustainable, impactful brands that truly light them up.
Heather Kellie Freeman
Heather Kellie Freeman is a creative entrepreneur, surface designer, and founder of H.macdo Paper Co.—a stationery and lifestyle brand inspired by coastal charm, garden beauty, and the everyday poetry of life. Blending handmade art with personalized options, she built a creative business that helps clients create custom pieces they’re truly excited to gift
Merging hand illustration with modern tools, including AI for managing systems, Heather has scaled her business across e-commerce, wholesale, and licensing platforms, collaborating with brands like Papyrus, Natural Roots Fabrics, and Sow True Seeds.
As a mother of two, she is passionate about building a business that supports family life and community. Heather encourages artists to embrace technology as a tool for freedom and sustainability, and through her journey, she hopes to empower other women and moms to turn their passions into profitable, purpose-driven brands rooted in authenticity, creativity, and heart.
Sara Davis
Sara Davis is the CEO and Head Designer of Artful Conceptions LLC, an elite boutique interior design firm that specializes in working directly with each client to make sure that their home tells their unique story. She has been on multiple TV shows, including HGTV's 100 Day Dream Home, along with international design publications, and is consistently nominated/awarded as a top designer. Sara uses her creativity, ability to listen, and service-oriented mindset to create warm and inviting designs. Her homes give you a hug when you walk through the door! Sara believes that the secret to a great life starts with a perfectly designed home. If you begin each day in a state of peace, you can conquer anything!
Dyanna Menezes
Dyanna Menezes is a Global Operations Manager in a Multinational Company, an entrepreneur, and a lovely mommy of a 4 years old girl. She is also vibrant, friendly, focused, and loves every activity that embraces nature.
She has been playing an important role on Instagram, motivating leaders, especially women, on how to grow in business without burning out their teams. Also, discusses communication skills, life balance, and how you make your dreams come true. The most common questions she receives from her followers and students are:
- Why have you decided to create an education company if you already have an important role in this Multinational Company?
- How can you do so many things without burning out?
Dyanna answers that she is so motivated about helping and developing people that her energy just increases when she is working on it. “It´s about legacy and impact on people´s lives!”
Dana Hatch
Dana Hatcht, founder of Dana Hatch Coaching and Consulting, is a powerhouse in the worlds of neuroscience-based coaching and strategic business consulting. With 20+ years in the medical aesthetics and wellness industries, Dana helps high-achieving entrepreneurs rewire their mindset, elevate leadership, and scale purpose-driven businesses with clarity and confidence.
Known for her ability to blend brain science with business sense, Dana guides clients through transformational shifts—overcoming imposter syndrome, realigning identity, and building systems that support sustainable growth. Her consulting work spans from boutique practices to national franchises, with a focus on operational efficiency, team alignment, and elevated client experience.
Dana’s approach is deeply intuitive, results-driven, and rooted in the belief that mental resilience is a business strategy. Her work is designed for those ready to lead boldly, think differently, and create lasting impact.
Strategic. Transformational. Unapologetically Empowered.
Helen Oakley
A visionary leader at the forefront of cybersecurity and AI, Helen Oakley is the Co-founder and CEO of Aetheris AI and a Founding Partner of the AI Integrity and Safe Use Foundation (AISUF). Internationally recognized for her impact, she is also the co-founder of Leading Cyber Ladies, a global network empowering women in cybersecurity. Helen is renowned for driving innovation at the intersection of AI and cyber, shaping the future of digital trust through groundbreaking initiatives. A distinguished expert, she has authored influential publications, delivered keynote speeches at top industry events, and advised on global standards for AI security. With a track record of setting new benchmarks for transparency, safety, and governance in emerging technologies, Helen is not just leading today’s conversations—she is defining tomorrow’s. In 2025, Helen stands as one of the most influential entrepreneurs to watch, inspiring a new era of secure, responsible, and transformative innovation.
Mhairi Blyth
Mhairi Blyth is a Writer, Carer, Endometriosis Warrior, and Infertility Survivor, and is now paving the way to empower women who have come through fertility struggles, multiple miscarriages, and domestic/childhood abuse.
Her first published book, a memoir titled ‘Ascent of a Woman’, describes her past struggles using raw emotion, leaving nothing out, and gives hope and inspiration to women all over. She hopes to use the book as a platform to help women through their infertility struggles, dealing with past abuse, and encouraging hope and resilience.
She’s straight-talking and believes in being honest and upfront with people. Having dealt with top lawyers on behalf of her Father and multiple consultants regarding her own health, she's no stranger to fighting for what’s right. Now, she wants to concentrate on women’s empowerment by bringing awareness and understanding to the issues she raises in ‘Ascent of a Woman’.
Delana Pruitt
Delana Pruitt is the proud owner of Double D’s Burger, a family-run restaurant built on love and community. From a young age, she dreamed of owning a place with her name on a wine glass, and in 2021, a health scare motivated her to leave her franchise job to pursue that dream. By May 2023, she brought her vision to life.
Double D’s Burger, named after Delana and her husband Daniel, is a gathering place where families connect. Inspired by their children, each signature menu item tells a part of their family story.
Delana’s dedication extends beyond the kitchen. She serves on the Make-A-Wish council board and organizes benefits for local families, leading Double D’s to earn three “Best of Baldwin 2025” awards in its first year. As a wife, mom, and boss, Delana proves it’s never too late to chase your dreams with love and purpose.
Iryna Lazar
Iryna Lazar is the visionary founder of JeuDerm Yuversity, a leading educational academy specializing in aesthetic medicine. With an extensive background as a Master in Aesthetic Medicine, Pharmaceutical Specialist, and Dermocosmetologist, Iryna is a distinguished expert in Korean aesthetics and innovative beauty therapies. Originally from Ukraine and now based in Spain, she has dedicated her career to advancing the field of non-invasive aesthetic treatments, particularly focusing on cutting-edge Korean techniques. Through JeuDerm Yuversity, Iryna empowers professionals worldwide by offering specialized training programs and certifications, helping them master advanced techniques and establish successful careers in the aesthetic industry.
Final Thoughts
These women are not just making headlines. They are making history. Each one on this list brings something fresh, fearless, and deeply inspiring to the table. They remind us that success does not follow a single path and that the most powerful ideas often come from those who are brave enough to do things differently. As the year 2025 unfolds, their journeys will be worth following not only for what they create but for how they are changing the story of what is possible in business.