Top 20 Inspiring Women CEOs 2023
In 2009, Harvard Business Review wrote that women accounted for about $20 trillion in annual consumer expenditure, making them a more substantial potential market expansion than both China and India put together. A decade later, women’s spending power is reportedly around $31 trillion. Additionally, Nielsen predicts that by 2028, women will own 75% of the discretionary spend. Yet, analysis suggests that only 35% of creative advertising directors in the United States are women. Considering the size and purchasing power of the female demographic, we can argue that women are in a prime position to capitalize on this market and provide significant consumer insight.
The future is female. Research shows that companies with more women on their boards outperform those without by a significant margin, and organizations with greater gender diversity among senior leaders are more profitable.
Cover Story
Jessica Johnsen| Yellow Brick Road Early Childhood Development Centers
Even though 2020 was a year of momentous change for child care centers, out-of-school (OST) programs, and other child care-focused organizations, the industry adapted to these circumstances with spirit and resolve. A challenging economy and an international pandemic shuttered many child care operations across the U.S., in some cases for months, to comply with government orders to reduce the spread of COVID-19.
Amanda Mocellin | Finxone
An adaptive visionary best describes Amanda Mocellin. As the CEO of Finxone, Amanda embodies several key qualities that make her a driving force behind the organization’s success. She possesses a clear and concise vision for the company’s future, effectively communicating this vision to all stakeholders and employees.
Brandi Martin | InstaFab
Brandi Martin, President & CEO, InstaFab, has always been fascinated by leadership and the idea of positively impacting the world. Even as a child, she found herself naturally drawn to organizing and leading groups of people toward a common goal. Whether it was planning a game with friends or working on a school project, Brandi was always eager to take on a leadership role and make a difference.
Janet Kane | the MetroTex Association of REALTORS®
As the Association’s first female CEO in its 100-year history, Janet Kane brought not only her 29 years of association management experience, but her belief that “we can always get betterand settling for mediocrity simply won’t cut it.” Janet’s experience and drive for excellence, combined with her ability to focus on the needs of members and staff, were invaluable tools when taking on the MetroTex CEO role in 2018.
Julie L. Butner | Tarrant Area Food Bank
Julie Butner, President & CEO of Tarrant Area Food Bank, takes a big-picture approach to finding meaningful ways to impact. She envisions ways for Tarrant Area Food Bank to address current issues facing the community while positioning innovative solutions to develop future solutions to address food insecurity. She encourages her team to approach challenges with a positive attitude and a “can-do” spirit that inspires creativity and results.
Kathryn Mason | Rice Search Partners
Being open and transparent is an essential and intrinsic part of Kathryn Mason, Co-Chief Executive Officer of Rice Search Partners’, leadership style. This has resulted in an ongoing focus on diversity and inclusion within the company. In 2013 Rice Search Partners was predominately white, male, and privately educated. The team is now over 70% diverse (as defined by gender, ethnicity, socioeconomics, and LGBTQ+ criteria) across the company and 66% across the management team.
Kathy Pang | PangTong Wellhead USA
Kathy Pang, CEO of PangTong Wellhead USA Inc has a keen eye for business opportunities. Kathy possesses the ultimate “can do” attitude while taking on new challenges with positive energy and a smile. She is generous with advice, encouragement and drives to employees and clients alike.
Lauren Eagan| Eagan Immigration
Lauren Eagan, CEO of Eagan Immigration, is a visionary leader, and fearlessness has been a massive element in the work she does with her team. What separates her from a run-of-the-mill CEO is her compassion for her clients’ experiences, as well as a commitment to her team’s mental and emotional health. “I genuinely love what I do and the people my team and I get to serve, which gives me incredible energy and enthusiasm for my clients and employees,” she says.
Marina Charriere | Star Drug Testing Services
Marina Charriere, CEO of Star Drug Testing Services, Star Drug Testing Services (Windsor Park), and First Defence Face Masks go hand in hand. Star is a drug and alcohol testing facility, and First D F M is a face mask company.
Paola Federico | Event Planet Group
A strong sense of belonging and a deep love for her country led Paola Federico to incorporate Event Planet in Italy. She knew the difficulties she had to face when establishing a business, yet she surged ahead with her determination and started the company from scratch.
Sharon Bloodworth, CFP® | White Oaks Wealth Advisors, Inc.
Sharon Bloodworth is more than an aficionado of shoes. She is a curator of history, a collector of footwear once donned by women who’ve etched their names in the annals of time. As the CEO of White Oaks Wealth Advisors, Sharon draws her resilience from contemplating the trials these women faced. “During moments of fatigue or wavering resolve, I harness the spirit of these women, gather my strength and carry on.
Sujuan Ba, Ph.D. | National Foundation for Cancer Research
The National Foundation for Cancer Research is a cancer-related charity co-founded by Albert Szent-Györgyi, who won the 1937 Nobel Prize in Medicine for his discovery of Vitamin C.
Venu Dhupa | Westway Trust
The Westway Trust is a 23-acre estate in trust for the benefit of the community. Venu Dhupa is the leader who has brought a different vision to running this dual enterprise. “Rather than thinking as a property company that deploys its resources for social goods, we are a social goods company that earns it’s income from property,” she explains. “
