Celebrate resilience and innovation in our continued spotlight on 10 extraordinary female entrepreneurs, following National Entrepreneurship Month. Like the initial group, these additional 10 trailblazers exhibit determination and transformative leadership across diverse industries. Let’s explore their inspiring stories of defying conventions and making significant impacts.
Heather Holmes, a dedicated mom, entrepreneur, and CEO/Founder of Publicity For Good, played a vital role in curating this exceptional lineup. Heather collaborates with purpose-driven entrepreneurs, and Publicity For Good’s disruptive approach to publicity has left an indelible mark. Join us in celebrating the influential role of female entrepreneurship in driving meaningful change and fostering growth.
Tessa May Marr
Founder of Marr Media Group
Words for Entrepreneurs
You’ll never feel 100% ready, so just start.
Meet Tessa May Marr, the dynamic entrepreneur steering Marr Media Group, a virtual social media marketing agency. This 100% remote team, led by skilled Social Media Managers, specializes in tailoring strategies for both B2B and B2C brands. Marr Media Group excels in crafting unique social strategies, executing paid social advertising, implementing influencer marketing, and providing outsourced social media management. Tessa’s innovative leadership prioritizes work/life balance, empathy, and a holistic approach. The agency seamlessly integrates with clients’ teams, enhancing overall marketing efforts for effectiveness, increased connections, and desired outcomes. Focused on serving growth-oriented DTC businesses, Marr Media Group excels in leveraging social media and email to scale brands. Explore their offerings at Marr Media Group – https://www.marrmediagroup.com/.
Sejal Lakhani-Bhatt
CEO of TechWerxe
Words for Entrepreneurs
Every decision you make is the right decision at that time. As an entrepreneur, it can become very easy to get caught up in every single decision you make, but that won’t allow you to move forward. Feel confident making a decision that you feel will propel your company in the right direction and take the leap of faith.
Sejal Lakhani-Bhatt, CEO of TechWerxe and an influential EO New Jersey board member, leads a cutting-edge managed IT and cybersecurity company. Specializing in empowering SMBs, TechWerxe, under Sejal’s visionary leadership, prioritizes efficiency, cost reduction, and risk mitigation through personalized support and advanced technology. Unlike traditional approaches, TechWerxe proactively identifies and resolves issues. Sejal’s entrepreneurial journey began in 2012, rapidly transforming her husband’s IT company into a respected SMB-focused firm. At the helm, Sejal ensures data security and compliance, earning accolades like #1 Cybersecurity Company in NJ. Her innovation extended to CloudWerxe, garnering prestigious awards. With 12 years in financial firms, Sejal actively contributes to the entrepreneurial community, serving on EO and Connect 4 Business Exchange boards. Committed to philanthropy, she supports St. Jude’s and anti-trafficking organizations. Passionate about enhancing security, Sejal shares her expertise on stage. Explore more at https://techwerxe.com/.
Jacqui Byrne
Founder of FlexSchool
Words for Entrepreneurs
Starting a business is such an exciting, hopeful, and busy time. I found the difficult part came when the newness was over and I realized I had been naive in thinking “How hard can this be?” I would still do it over again but I have had to reach into depths of perseverance I did not dream of in the beginning. That has helped me grow in ways that I hadn’t wanted to at the time, but that I take comfort in now. I am capable of so much more than I thought I was. The excitement and hope do periodically reappear – hold onto them as long as you can when they do!
Jacqui Byrne, visionary founder of FlexSchool, leads a network of small schools uniquely designed for the creative and asynchronous minds of gifted and twice-exceptional (2e) students. An esteemed education expert, Jacqui is a sought-after speaker, sharing insights at various educational forums. She contributes to the Bridges Graduate School Advisory Council and The G Word documentary Advisory Board. With a B.A. from Yale and as a parent of 2e kids, Jacqui draws on rich experience. Before FlexSchool, she co-founded the respected Ivy Ed college preparation firm. Accredited with physical campuses in NY and NJ, FlexSchool caters to grades 5–12 and Post-Graduate, complemented by a 100% live virtual Cloud Campus for grades K–12 and Post-Graduate globally. Explore more at https://flexschool.education/.
Sarah E. Endline
Founder of Sazzy
Sarah Endline, Entrepreneur in Residence at Harvard Business School, focuses on Web 3, NFTs, consumer innovation, and social impact. As an executive fellow, she invests, speaks, and advises in these domains while incubating her next venture, Sazzy, from Harvard. Formerly CEO of SweetRiot, her journey gained recognition from major publications. With a background in launching products at Yahoo! and designing for Microsoft, Sarah’s impact reaches global Internet consumers. A speaker for the US State Department and advisor for the Zu Incubator in Montreal, she mentors programs like Tech Stars in Paris and Antler in Scandinavia. Based in Michigan, Sarah holds an MBA from Harvard and a Bachelor’s from The University of Michigan. Explore her work at https://www.sazzy.art/.
Liza Roeser
CEO of Fifty Flowers
Words for Entrepreneurs
Just keep doing and follow that shining star.
Liza Roeser, a pioneering entrepreneur, left an indelible mark on the global floral industry with the establishment of Farm Exports in 1998, later evolving into the groundbreaking FiftyFlowers in 2003. Motivated by early entrepreneurial ventures and a transformative Peace Corps experience in Latin America, Liza delved into Ecuador’s flower industry, introducing innovative distribution channels for farm-fresh flowers delivered directly to customers. Based in Boise, Idaho, FiftyFlowers boasts a dedicated team of over 50 employees seamlessly operating in the United States and Ecuador. Liza’s leadership, guided by the mantra “just keep doing” and “follow that shining star,” catapulted FiftyFlowers into a global floral leader, bringing beauty and meaning to countless lives. With a mission to provide a DIY flower experience through expertise, selection, quality, and support, FiftyFlowers has been an industry leader for over two decades, facilitating dream weddings with stunning farm-fresh flowers. Discover their offerings at https://www.fiftyflowers.com/.
Carmen Torres
CEO of My HR Specialist
Words for Entrepreneurs
Invest in an association or mastermind of business owners/entrepreneurs; a community of like-minded individuals is the best way to learn and grow, minimizing some time-consuming common pitfalls, and don’t underestimate the value of a Business Plan… Review it regularly and update it according to your upgraded goals.
Carmen Torres, CEO of My HR Specialist Inc., boasts two decades of expertise in fostering equitable, safe, and collaborative workplaces. As a trusted adviser, she plays a pivotal role in helping organizations establish robust HR departments. Carmen conducts a comprehensive 360° analysis, developing vital components like job descriptions, policy manuals, conflict resolution strategies, performance management systems, and more. Her profound understanding of human complexities aligns with regulatory frameworks, achieving business goals. Actively engaged in professional associations like PIHRA and SHRM, Carmen holds leadership roles at City Club Los Angeles and the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce. With a wealth of certifications, she provides expertise on HR essentials, sexual harassment prevention, employee classification, handbook benefits, and intern policies. Explore Carmen’s insights and free special reports at www.MyHRSpecialist.com.
Inna Korenzvit
Founder of KORE Bookkeeping Solutions
Words for Entrepreneurs
It’s better to have no business than bad business!
Inna Korenzvit, a York University School of Business graduate with 25+ years of accounting experience, founded KORE Accounting Solutions in 2008, aiming to empower business owners. Recognized among The Top 50 Women in Accounting, Inna leads her firm in providing law firms across the United States with cutting-edge, cloud-based management accounting services. As a Clio Certified Consultant and QuickBooks Elite ProAdvisor, the KORE Team specializes in assisting lawyers in meeting Client Trust Accounting obligations. From monthly bookkeeping to custom partner revenue reports, KORE tailors its services to align with clients’ unique needs. Inna, a Member of the Arizona Supreme Court’s Committee on Character & Fitness, emphasizes the importance of finding the right two-way fit with clients, prioritizing long-term success. Explore Inna’s forward-thinking solutions at www.koreaccountingsolutions.com.
Morgan Denton Katz
CEO of Ticketnology
Morgan Denton Katz, a seasoned live events specialist with over 17 years of experience, shines as a strategic thinker, resourceful problem-solver, and detail-oriented professional. As the CEO of Ticketnology, Morgan leverages her leadership and expertise to drive the development and delivery of technology solutions and live event ticket marketing services, emphasizing exceptional client services. Her track record of success is marked by a consistent ability to deliver positive customer experiences, forging outstanding partnerships and product opportunities throughout her career. At Ticketnology, Morgan envisions revolutionizing the business engagement landscape with sports and entertainment, aiming to transform ticket management into a seamless, productive operation for corporate ticket buyers through innovative technology. Join in redefining the ticket management experience at www.ticketnology.com, where every ticket becomes an opportunity.
Leslie Shields Botvidson
Owner of The Shields Agency
Words for Entrepreneurs
Embrace the power of thinking outside the box when hiring. Look beyond traditional qualifications and seek diverse perspectives. Innovation flourishes when you bring together a team with varied skills and backgrounds. Invest in developing leaders within your organization. Nurture talent from within, identifying and cultivating the potential in your existing team. A culture of leadership development not only boosts morale but also ensures a sustainable and adaptive future for your company.
Leslie Shields Botvidson, owner of The Shields Agency, leads a female-driven insurance agency offering comprehensive solutions for individuals, families, and businesses. With a consultative approach, the agency covers a spectrum of insurance needs, including commercial, health, auto, home, liability, life, Medicare, and supplemental options. A Texas native and Texas A&M University alumna, Leslie launched her independent agency in 2019 and strategically expanded in 2023, adding property and casualty insurance. The Shields Agency, actively contributing to the community, has experienced significant growth, welcoming six agents and support staff. Leslie, an active member of Entrepreneur’s Organization, contributes to her community by serving on the Fort Worth Library Advisory Board and as a neighborhood board president. Committed to supporting women in business and animal rescues, Leslie also enjoys camping and traveling with her family. Learn more at https://www.theshieldsagency.com/.
Heather DeSantis Holmes
Founder and CEO of Publicity For Good
Words for Entrepreneurs
As an entrepreneur, I’ve learned that purpose-driven businesses can change the world. Embrace your vision, surround yourself with a community that inspires you, and don’t be afraid to challenge the status quo. Every step forward is an opportunity to create a positive impact. So, fellow entrepreneurs, let your purpose guide you, stay resilient, and remember, the journey is just as rewarding as the destination.
Heather DeSantis, CEO and Founder of Publicity For Good (PFG), epitomizes purpose-driven entrepreneurship. Established in 2016, PFG is a mission-focused communications firm excelling in disruptive publicity and social media services for purpose-driven brands. Former Miss Ohio International and acclaimed PR professional, Heather leads a team dedicated to partnering with individuals and companies committed to positive change. Her journey includes Forbes 30 Under 30 nominations, PRNEWS Top Women in PR 2021 Entrepreneurs Award, and a finalist for the Platinum PR Awards CEO of the Year in 2021. PFG, recognized as the leading PR agency for socially impactful consumer packaged goods (CPG) brands, reflects Heather’s commitment to excellence and social good. As a mom, homesteader, and entrepreneur, Heather emphasizes community, continually spotlighting purpose-driven entrepreneurs and fostering shared knowledge and mutual growth. Explore Publicity For Good and Heather’s journey at Publicity For Good.
We celebrate a new group of innovative and resilient women entrepreneurs for honoring National Entrepreneurship Month. Diverse in industries and backgrounds, they share determination, vision, and transformative leadership. From disrupting norms to forging new paths, each brings a unique perspective.
Join us in applauding these remarkable women, highlighting the power of female entrepreneurship in driving change and fostering growth. Their stories inspire aspiring entrepreneurs, illustrating limitless possibilities when passion meets perseverance. As we conclude, let their experiences be a lasting source of motivation, reinforcing the belief that entrepreneurship knows no bounds. Cheers to the continued success of these trailblazers, risk-takers, and change-makers who redefine possibilities.