In 2025, the world of entrepreneurship will seeing more women leading the way with innovative ideas and bold leadership. From tech and sustainable fashion to finance, healthcare, and social impact, female entrepreneurs are making a mark in every industry. This list highlights 20 inspiring women who are set to make a big difference this year. Whether they're growing startups, launching new products, or driving meaningful change, these women embody resilience, creativity, and determination.
Cho Hui Chin
Cho Hui Chin is an artist and entrepreneur celebrated for her unique approach to contemporary art and innovation. She graduated with First Class Honours from Slade, UCL in 2018 and earned an MA in Painting from the Royal College of Art in 2022. Her work has received recognition through awards like the UK Cass Art Prize (2018) and the Ljubljana Art Prize (2019), and can be found in notable collections such as the Deji Art Museum and Chelsea and Westminster Hospital.
Her art has been featured in publications like British Vogue, Forbes, and LA Weekly, showcasing her global presence. As the founder of the C.P. Faeliseri Group, Cho bridges art, investment, and education, creating platforms for artists to grow and fostering collaboration across disciplines.
Through her initiative, Taku Kiseri, Cho supports emerging artists with funding and mentorship. In 2024, she expanded her mentorship efforts into Asia, continuing her mission to nurture creative talent.
Looking ahead, Cho envisions building a contemporary art museum with a focus on education and interdisciplinary exploration, cementing her role as a forward-thinking leader in the art world.
Roxy Herring
Roxy Herring is a single mother of two who turned a personal struggle into a mission to empower women through fitness. During one of the hardest times in her life, she found strength in fitness as a way to manage her mental health and rebuild confidence. Starting with no resources or guidance, she transformed fitness from a coping tool into a life-changing journey that inspired her to help others.
Her experience led to the creation of Resolute Body and Mind, a wellness app designed to make fitness accessible for women at any stage. The app offers personalized workout plans, from strength training to yoga, along with nutrition guidance and an extensive recipe library.
Beyond physical fitness, Roxy emphasizes mental well-being, incorporating daily check-ins, guided meditations, and breathwork into the platform. A supportive community space ensures users feel encouraged and connected on their journey.
Resolute Body and Mind reflects Roxy’s belief that every woman deserves to feel empowered, strong, and confident. Her story is proof of the transformative power of fitness, both inside and out.
Maria Ilinca Browne
Maria Ilinca Browne is a multifaceted entrepreneur and creative force who redefines the boundaries of design and craftsmanship. As the founder of The MIB Project, she transforms interiors into immersive experiences, weaving empathy, essence, and timeless elegance into every space she touches. With a background spanning biomechanics, ergonomics, and FinTech, Maria brings analytical precision to her artistry, ensuring her projects harmonize functionality with emotion. Her signature approach balances organic materials, sustainable practices, and sculptural elements to create spaces that are both innovative and deeply personal.
Beyond design, Maria’s passion for connection and culture inspired her to establish Soul Café, a boutique coffee roasting company that marries her love for storytelling with her commitment to community. Each roast is a tribute to global traditions, serving as a sensory journey for her customers.
Whether she’s designing a serene rooftop retreat or crafting a coffee blend that sparks conversation, Maria’s work is defined by its attention to detail and transformative power. Rooted in authenticity and driven by a relentless pursuit of excellence, she continues to push boundaries in both her creative ventures, leaving a legacy of spaces and experiences that resonate on a profound level.
Azelene Williams
Azelene Williams is an accredited social worker, counselor, and keynote speaker with a commitment to empowering young people worldwide. As a specialist in trauma-driven addiction and mental health, Azelene leverages both her professional expertise and lived experience to provide trauma-informed, empathetic support. Surviving personal challenges—including dyslexia, severe bullying, a life-threatening abusive relationship, and a terrorist attack at age 15—Azelene has transformed her hardships into a mission of hope and resilience.
She is the author of BROKEN: Breaking the Silence, a memoir she shares freely, illustrating her journey and the strength required to overcome trauma. Since 2016, following her diagnosis with early-stage emphysema, Azelene has dedicated her voice to educating teens and parents on issues such as healthy relationships and substance use, delivering her impactful presentation, Vaping: Clearing the Air, in schools. She has reached over 130,000 students in Australia and extended her outreach globally. Azelene proudly holds a Bachelor of Social Work and defines herself as the counselor she wished she had as a teen, committed to guiding young people toward resilience, healthy choices, and self-compassion.
Elle Levy
Elle Levy - Host of the Tacos and Shawarma Podcast
Elle Levy is a fearless entrepreneur and trailblazing podcast host who proves that taking risks can lead to extraordinary success. Born and raised in the fast-paced streets of New York City, Elle built her entrepreneurial spirit from a young age. At 26, she left her hometown for Los Angeles, seeking new opportunities and challenges.
Now a proud mother, Elle embarked on a bold new journey: podcasting. Despite being told it was a pipe dream and starting with no experience in the field, her determination and authenticity set her apart. Today, she is one of the most viral female podcasters on social media, captivating audiences with her dynamic storytelling and magnetic personality.
Through her podcast, Tacos and Shawarma, Elle has interviewed some of the biggest celebrities and rising stars, cementing her reputation as the next big name in the industry. Her story is a testament to resilience, passion, and the belief that with hard work, anything is possible.
Sandra Ali
Sandra Ali is an award-winning journalist who is now waking up Detroiters on CBS News Mornings weekday mornings starting at 5 AM. A native New Yorker, Sandra spent part of her childhood growing up in Egypt, where her family is from.
She graduated from Syracuse University’s prestigious S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications and earned her master’s degree from Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism.
Sandra began her career at WTAJ in Pennsylvania before moving to Detroit’s Fox 2 News, where she anchored top-rated broadcasts and won the Associated Press award for Best Hard News Reporter in 2002. Her career highlights include exclusive interviews with global leaders such as Colin Powell, Queen Rania of Jordan, and Ehud Barak. After anchoring at WLWT in Cincinnati, Sandra returned to Detroit, where she spent 13 years at WDIV-TV, covering major national stories like the Uvalde and Parkland school shootings.
Off-air, Sandra is a dedicated mom to four children, a fitness enthusiast, and an avid traveler. She’s completed multiple half marathons, including Detroit’s and New York City’s Shape Women’s Half. Sandra is always up for a fun challenge and is already looking ahead to setting some exciting fitness and personal goals for 2025! Her energy and drive continue to inspire her community.
Stefanee Clontz
Stefanee Clontz, Director of Operations for HydraPlus in Atlanta, Georgia brings nearly two decades of expertise to the anti-aging industry. With a comprehensive background encompassing medical weight loss, testosterone replacement, peptide therapy, and aesthetic enhancement, Stefanee is a seasoned professional dedicated to helping clients achieve optimal health and vitality.
As a visionary behind HydraPlus, Stefanee is committed to establishing each of the company’s locations as premier, one-stop shops for overall wellness. Her approach integrates cutting-edge treatments with personalized care, ensuring clients receive tailored solutions for their unique needs.
Stefanee earned her bachelor’s degree from Concordia University in St. Paul, Minnesota, and pursued postgraduate studies at Cornell University. Her humanitarian efforts include years of volunteer work/community service with Aprons for Change (Atlanta) and the Children’s Emergency Hostel (Nassau, Bahamas).
Stefanee’s dynamic blend of expertise, vision and personal drive underscores her mission to empower others to live healthier, more vibrant lives.
Look for Stefanee in the coming months in or on:
Spotify/YouTube—Host of HydraPlus’s, “Does This Podcast Make Me Sound Fat?”
The Atlantan magazine: Influential Women of 2025Best of Best Review: Best IV Hydration Clinic in Atlanta of 2024
Geovanna Nassar
Geovanna Nassar is a celebrated Colombian advertising executive, author, and sustainability advocate, recently recognized as one of the “Top 20 Women Leaders To Look Out For in 2025” by NY Weekly Magazine. With over two decades of experience, Nassar has led award-winning advertising campaigns, authored influential books such as “BTL Experiencias de Marca” and “Letters to My Teenage Daughter”, and was previously honored as a Woman to Watch by Ad Age.
Her career took a transformative turn with the creation of Swap, a curated second-hand clothing store that champions fashion sustainability. Through Swap, Nassar has become the first Colombian recognized internationally for advancing sustainable fashion practices, promoting circular economy principles, and reducing the environmental impact of fast fashion.
Now, as a global voice for eco-conscious fashion, Nassar is paving the way for a greener and more inclusive industry. Her work inspires communities to embrace purpose-driven style, redefining fashion as a tool for positive change.
Jacqueline Morgan Van Montague
Jacqueline Morgan Van Montague, a London-born entrepreneur and visionary in beauty and wellness, has brought her transformative expertise to the Florida coast. As the owner of Palm Beach Body Sculpting and Skin, she has revolutionized body contouring with advanced laser technology—having personally shed 40 pounds using the same groundbreaking methods she now offers to her clients.
Jacqueline is passionately dedicated to empowering women through non-invasive treatments that help them achieve their ideal body goals. Her commitment to excellence and innovation has positioned her as a leading figure in the aesthetics industry.
A devoted mother, breast cancer survivor, and philanthropist, Jacqueline actively supports organizations that promote women’s health and empowerment. Looking ahead, her impact is set to grow even further, with plans to expand Palm Beach Body Sculpting and Skin to new locations in 2025, bringing her life-changing treatments to even more clients.
Rayna Marie Vasquez
Rayna Marie Dela Cruz, born in the beautiful islands of Hawaii, is deeply rooted in her love for family and community. Currently serving the world as a Senior Customer Service Agent at Alaska Airlines, she brings passion and excellence to her role, earning accolades like the prestigious Beyond Service Award. Her commitment to people extends beyond her profession; she is also a Certified Fitness Coach, Intercessor, Christian Model, and a devoted advocate for ministry and entrepreneurial ventures.
Rayna’s athletic background and business experience has shaped her resilience and discipline, all valuable qualities she has passed down to her three beautiful and talented children. Her unwavering dedication and leadership qualities have led her to achieve recognition as a Top 25 Recruiter and Rising Star with World Financial Group, reflecting her ability to inspire, uplift, and be a guiding light to others.
Known for her kind-hearted and giving nature, Rayna is extremely patient, inspiring, and steadfast in her faith. She envisions a bright future where she can combine her leadership skills and Christ-like faith to create meaningful change. One of her greatest aspirations is to establish a recovery center for individuals battling drug and alcohol addiction, grounded in faith-based principles and healing through God.
Rayna Marie's life is a true testament to the power of resilience, faith, and the unshakable belief in serving others with love and compassion.
Marisa Randall Kamall
Marisa Randall Kamall is a renowned leadership coach, keynote speaker, and founder of GAIA, a transformative women’s leadership network. With over two decades of senior executive experience across the Middle East, Latin America, Asia, and Europe, Marisa has led multimillion-dollar P&Ls, driven transformative change, and built high-performing teams as a former Managing Director at an FTSE 100 company.
Named a Top Voice in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in the MENA Region, Marisa is a champion of inclusive leadership. Through GAIA, she empowers senior women leaders by fostering peer support, delivering tailored leadership workshops, and building trusted networks. GAIA goes beyond traditional networking—it’s a movement for transformative growth and leadership excellence.
As a consultant, Marisa specializes in customer-centric strategies and cultural transformation. She partners with organizations to create inclusive workplaces, align business goals with customer needs, and implement strategies that inspire sustainable growth. Her expertise lies in helping leaders navigate complexity, engage their teams, and deliver lasting change.
Marisa also serves as a Trustee at MAMA Academy, a UK charity dedicated to promoting safer pregnancy outcomes, where she contributes to strategic initiatives and awareness campaigns.
Paola Sobal
Paola Sobal, a vibrant 35-year-old mom and entrepreneur, is the founder of Exotic Wellness, a West LA-based wellness brand dedicated to empowering women and individuals to become the best versions of themselves. With a heart of gold and a deep passion for helping others, Paola has channeled her personal journey into a mission of healing and self-discovery.
A successful physical therapist with over a decade of experience, Paola specializes in personal injury and holistic healing techniques. Her expertise includes cupping therapy, hot stone treatments, ultrasound, and custom therapies tailored to each client’s needs. Through her CBD product line, she combines her love for natural remedies with her professional skills to promote healing and overall wellness.
Paola’s dedication to her craft and unwavering commitment to helping others shine through in everything she does. Whether guiding clients toward recovery or inspiring them to uncover their true potential, Paola’s work is a testament to her passion for making a positive impact.
Staacy Cannon
Staacy Cannon is a transformative leader redefining midlife wellness for high-achieving women. As the founder of Laia Retreats, Staacy inspires women navigating life changes—like perimenopause, menopause, burnout, divorce, or career shifts—to create lives they love.
Her journey is one of resilience and reinvention. In her twenties, Staacy taught yoga and led retreats, immersing herself in mindfulness. Later, she thrived in the exhilarating startup world, founding a tech company that combined AI and computer vision, before transitioning into executive leadership roles. However, the relentless pace of success led to burnout, leaving her disconnected from herself.
A pivotal trip to Hawaii in 2019 reawakened her passion for wellness and transformation. Guided by a local healer, she healed years of exhaustion and embraced her core values of freedom, joy, and truth. This experience inspired her to leave the corporate world and establish Laia Retreats—a sanctuary on Oahu’s North Shore offering rest, play, and profound personal transformation.
Staacy is passionate about helping midlife women break free from overworking and perfectionism, reconnect with their inner selves, and rediscover joy. With Laia Retreats, she’s creating a movement—proving that by honoring their true essence, women can thrive in every area of life. Staacy Cannon is undeniably a leader to watch in 2025.
Precious Brown
Precious Brown is a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and a source of inspiration to many. With over 25 years in the hair industry, her passion for hair began at the age of 14, braiding to support her family as a young teen mom. This early drive fueled her journey, allowing her to provide for her children and set a foundation of resilience and dedication.
In 2017, Precious realized her dream of opening her own salon, where she continues to grow her business and legacy. Since 2022, she has specialized in serving hair loss clients, offering personalized solutions, including medical wigs and advanced hair extensions, making her services unique and transformative in her community.
Expanding her impact, she launched a professional uniform line tailored for beauticians, estheticians, massage therapists, hospitality workers, and medical staff. Beyond her entrepreneurial pursuits, she founded Take My Hand Foundation, a platform dedicated to empowering youth through health, wellness, education, and self-care.
With every step, Precious Brown strives to uplift her community and family, leaving a legacy of compassion, innovation, and unwavering determination.
Kiley Gifford
Kiley Gifford is a dedicated professional at Casa de Esperanza with years of experience supporting individuals with developmental disabilities. Over the years, she has worked as Direct Support Staff, Service Coordinator, and Trainer for the Developmental Disabilities Waiver (DD Waiver) program.
She believes in creating a positive and supportive environment where everyone feels valued and empowered. She focuses on helping individuals build skills for independence and live fulfilling lives.
Known for her warm and caring approach, Kelli is passionate about promoting balance and well-being in both her professional and personal life. Outside of work, she enjoys activities that spark creativity and personal growth, always bringing her positive energy to everything she does.
Kendra Lockhart
Kendra Lockhart is an award-winning jeweler who excels at creating wearable narratives by forging metals with jewels for her carefree clientele. Kendra believes that the right treasure, birthed from ideas and stories, holds life for yourself, a relationship, or another. Sometimes you say it better without words.
Having made 10,000 rings for people in love around the world, Kendra started her second act during Covid. She finished her roles as a designer, metalsmith, and creative director for 20 years. Kendra now has an educational podcast, her fact + folklore gem card deck, plus the upcoming art book about her favorite client collaborations through two decades.
Kendra holds an undergraduate degree in Art History and a graduate degree in Gemology. Since beginning her career, she has received 8 design accolades plus sponsorships to national competitions. In 2020, Kendra left an MBA program in Marketing Communications to build her media brand, known as Gilt Trips.
When she’s not intersecting art and business, Kendra can be found on the ballroom floor, running leadership courses, and spoiling her kitten.
Victoria Spencer Geurts
Transforming Lives Through Passion and Leadership
Victoria Geurts is dedicated to transforming the lives of vulnerable communities in Uganda. In 2020, driven by a deep commitment to social change, she founded Save Children of Mbale to address urgent needs in education, healthcare, and sustainability. She also serves as the International Director of the Mbale Child Care Foundation (MCCF), furthering her mission of empowerment and self-reliance.
Under her leadership, the organization has provided clean water to over 500 people, installed electricity at an orphanage, supported single mothers, and funded life-saving medical care. Upcoming projects include coffee cultivation to promote self-reliance and the construction of a new orphanage.
Victoria’s mission has recently expanded to include an orphanage in Kenya and initiatives promoting sustainable, plant-based living in Uganda. Known for her resilience and compassionate approach, Victoria empowers communities to achieve self-reliance and build brighter futures.
Learn more about her work and support her mission through GlobalGiving: Empower, Educate, Sustain Uganda's Rural Orphans, Empower, Educate, Sustain Uganda's Rural Orphans - GlobalGiving or follow her journey on Instagram @savechildrrenofmbale. Your support can make a lasting difference in these communities.
NOCCI
NOCCI, a Japanese spiritual leader, has gained global recognition as a “Quantum Jumping” artist and channeler for the Galactic Federation. Her journey began just four years ago from a modest life but transformed as she developed advanced psychic abilities and began shifting through dimensions. Now, she connects with extraterrestrial beings (ETs) to channel messages that guide humanity toward higher consciousness.
People who receive NOCCI’s energy work often experience visions behind closed eyelids and, as her work initiates physical and spiritual purification, may notice detox symptoms, such as persistent coughing or mild fevers. These shifts are signs of transformation from darkness to light, helping individuals realign spiritually. Her teachings inspire synchronicities, such as sightings of 369—a cosmic symbol—and empower individuals to unlock their spiritual potential.
Recently, a channeling session affirmed her mission as a “dimensional warrior” working to merge realms and transmute darkness with compassion. Through her multidimensional guidance, NOCCI encourages people to contribute to a more harmonious world, aiming to reduce global conflicts and foster collective awakening.
Essraa Nawar
Essraa Nawar is the Assistant Dean for Library DEI Initiatives and Development and a Full Librarian at Chapman University. A visionary in her field, Essraa created the university library’s first-ever Diversity Statement and Plan, earning the institution its inaugural Diversity Award. Her efforts have transformed the Leatherby Libraries into a space of inclusion and innovation, where she has curated over 100 diverse events and exhibitions and championed discussions on the futures of libraries in a rapidly changing world.
Essraa’s groundbreaking work extends into AI and cultural expression, where she explores the intersection of artificial intelligence, dress, and identity. As an interfaith advocate, she has worked tirelessly to bridge divides between communities, fostering dialogue and mutual understanding through her writing, public speaking, and programming. She is also the creator of the first-ever Muslim yoga magazine, a platform that integrates wellness, spirituality, and representation for Muslim women.
Essraa’s leadership has been widely recognized. She has raised over $10 million for library initiatives, earning five CASE awards and an ALA PR award. Her accolades include being named one of California’s Women of Influence (2022), Orange County’s Most Influential People (2022 and 2024), and one of the Top 40 Women of Egypt (2024). Recently, she was featured in a ForbesWomen campaign celebrating Arab American Heritage and the transformative inclusion of the MENA category in the 2030 U.S. Census—a testament to her advocacy for Middle Eastern representation and privilege as a tool for change.
As the co-host of Information Gone Wild and the host of Salon Essraa, she uses storytelling to amplify the voices of Egyptian expats and challenge cultural misconceptions. Essraa is also an accomplished writer, yoga practitioner, and the driving force behind the #ChangeTheNarrative campaign, which fosters understanding between Arabs, Muslims, and Americans.
Helena Rincon Toscano
Helena is a seasoned businesswoman with diverse experience, including in the destination wedding industry and business consulting. She advises the Mexican government on the romance sector and supports professionals across industries through educational programs and coaching.
Helena, a graduate of Universidad Iberoamericana, has also earned several certificates from Harvard Business School. She has orchestrated numerous successful events, leveraging her background as a romance travel expert. However, her passion for helping individuals achieve business goals and personal empowerment led her to become an international speaker and founder of the renowned Destination Wedding Specialist Association.
Combining expertise in business strategy, entrepreneurship, and public speaking, Helena guides businesswomen to success. She has been recognized by Forbes Mexico for her remarkable contributions and featured as a wedding expert by DWP Insider. Helena speaks at prestigious international events such as the BSPI Conference, Tianguis Turístico, and Bridal Summit. She is poised to inspire others to thrive in their careers and achieve their dreams
Final Thoughts
The success of female entrepreneurs in 2025 shows a clear shift towards inclusivity, innovation, and perseverance. Each woman on this list has shown exceptional talent, vision, and hard work, serving as an inspiration for future leaders. Their achievements go beyond personal success—they're influencing industries and paving the way for others. Keep an eye on these remarkable women as they continue to create impact and redefine success in the years ahead.