Real Leaders has been recognizing the business leaders creating a positive social and environmental impact for over a decade. In celebration of Women’s History Month, we highlighted 100 women who are leading us towards a brighter future! This list is in alphabetical order.
Abigail Morris, Co-Founder and CEO, Compare Ethics
Abbie Morris and her partner James Omisakin founded Compare Ethics in 2018. Abbie, a sustainability and policy expert, had previously worked with the United Nations, World Economic Forum, and Confederation of British Industry (CBI). Abbie became concerned with global impact and the effects of investing in sustainability at scale. Finding that no objective sustainable verification platform existed to help shoppers and brands, Compare Ethics was born.
Aimee Koval, Co-Founder and President, Metis Consulting Group
Aimee Koval is the Co-Founder, President & COO of Metis Consulting Group, a software development and IT consulting company. Social and environmental consciousness, transparency, and accountability are just as important as the work the company does in consulting. She aims for Metis to be an ethical organization at every level.
Allie Burns, CEO, Village Capital
Inspired by the opportunity to reinvent the way we back new ideas and support entrepreneurs who are creating a more equitable and sustainable world, Allie joined Village Capital in 2016, and was named CEO in January of 2019. Village Capital is on a mission is to reinvent the system to back the entrepreneurs of the future. Their vision is a future where business builds equity and long-term prosperity. Allie’s passion for supporting entrepreneurs solving some of the world’s toughest challenges also goes beyond US borders. She worked in Nairobi to provide affordable and accessible sanitation in urban slums.
Alyson (Friedensohn) Watson, Founder and CEO, Modern Health
Alyson Watson is the founder and CEO of Modern Health, the mental wellness platform that combines well-being assessments based on WHO principles, personalized stress management support, an international network of certified coaches, and licensed therapists available in 35 languages to deliver wellness across a broad range of individual needs. Modern Health empowers employers to lead the charge in acknowledging that mental health is just as important as physical health, destigmatizing coaching and therapy, and increasing accessibility of mental health services for all.
Ana Eulate, CEO, Cuento de Luz
The award-winning author Ana Eulate has enjoyed writing and telling stories since she was a child. When she started Cuento De Luz in 2010, a Children’s Picture Book Publishing Company, she applied impact principles to the business from the very start. A strong engagement with NGOs together with the utilization of sustainable materials in the production books (especially the exclusive use of Stone Paper in all printing), led to a B Corp certification in 2015.
Angela McElwee, CEO, Gaia Herbs
As the CEO and President of Gaia Herbs, Angela McElwee has stewarded growth, strategy, and the building of a world-class team for North America’s top herbal supplement brand for over twelve years. She is an advocate for using business as a vehicle to promote positive change for people and the planet and to bring that same ethos to her work as a board member for other social impact and wellness organizations.
Anne Weaver, CEO, Elephants Deli
Anne Weaver is the CEO of Elephants Delicatessen, who has been providing a fun, friendly, energetic, sensory food experience combined with exceptional quality and service since 1979. Elephants Delicatessen’s mission has expanded to include a commitment to environmental stewardship through waste, resource, and emissions reductions, and help alleviate food insecurity in the greater Portland area.
Anthea Kelsick, Board of Directors, B Lab
Anthea Kelsick is on the Board of Directors and former CEO/CMO of B Lab, a global network that serves a movement of people using business as a force for good. She shares B Lab’s goal to accelerate this culture shift and make it meaningful and lasting. Our vision is of an inclusive, equitable, and regenerative economic system for all people and the planet.
Ba Minuzzi, CEO, UMANA
Bá Minuzzi is a self-made entrepreneur, humanitarian and fearless venture capitalist who cares about people, humanity, technology and purpose – not just profit. She is the CEO of UMANA, a multi-family office based in San Francisco that focuses on serving some of the world’s most powerful, influential, and misunderstood individuals. From Silicon Valley Tech Founders to Influencers, Conscious Athletes & Celebrities, Umana’s mission is to create and redefine wealth. Bá is the 1st Latina to be the founder and sole decision-maker of a venture capital firm in Silicon Valley.
Barb Stegemann, CEO, 7 Virtues Peace Perfume
Barb Stegemann’s entrepreneurial vision was formed after her best friend—a soldier—was severely wounded in Afghanistan. Understanding that supporting Afghanistan’s economy was key to building stability for its people, Stegemann created The 7 Virtues, a company that sources organic, fair trade essential oils from countries experiencing turmoil. Despite addressing complex global matters in her talks, Stegemann uses humor to explain how individuals can use business for good and effect change, both at home and worlds away.
Barbara Bush, Co-Founder, Global Health Corps
Barbara Bush is Co-Founder and Board Chair of Global Health Corps (GHC). Since 2009, Global Health Corps has supported over 1,000 young leaders to solve the world’s most pressing global health issues. Barbara served as GHC’s CEO for its first nine years. Barbara is a Skoll Foundation Social Entrepreneur, a Draper Richards Kaplan Social Entrepreneur, and a fellow of the Echoing Green Foundation. Barbara and her twin sister co-authored the #1 New York Times best-seller Sisters First, along with a children’s book under the same title.
Brandy Amidon, Co-President and CFO, Brains on Fire
As Co-President and CFO at Brains on Fire, Brandy Amidon leads teams towards individual and collective growth goals while leveraging her expertise in the financial sector to create stability and confidence for collective success. She manages human resources, while also overseeing the agency’s financial reporting, risk assessment, budgeting and implementation of company-wide goals. She also currently serves as the elected Mayor of Travelers Rest, South Carolina.
Brandy Hall, Founder and Managing Director, Shades of Green Permaculture
Brandy Hall founded Shades of Green in 2008. Since then, she has worked with hundreds of clients who are applying permaculture across contexts. She is passionate about leading a purpose-driven business that actively creates a healthier world for our children every single day. Hall loves seeing her daughter graze on the plants in our yard, knowing they are chemical-free and full of nutrients you can’t get at the store. Hall has nearly two decades of experience in building off-grid water systems, landscape construction, and integrated farming systems.
Carinne Chambers-Saini, CEO, Diva International
Established in 2003, Diva International Inc., founders Carinne Chambers-Saini and her mother Francine Chambers developed The DivaCup to offer women worldwide a reliable and more eco-friendly approach to feminine hygiene. The DivaCup provides the most convenient, clean and comfortable way to address period care while eliminating the need to buy disposables. Today The DivaCup serves millions of women around the world in over 21 Countries, forever changing the way women view period care and live their lives.
Carolyn Pistone, President, Clear Blue Commercial
Carolyn is the President and Managing Director at Clear Blue Commercial, committed to client service and applying a holistic and sustainable approach to all facets of the life of a property. She is dedicated to saving the planet using her real estate license. Carolyn is a proud Realtor, EcoBroker, and Certified Green Building Professional. These experiences have led her to work to build a supportive, innovative, and collaborative environment for clients, vendors, team members, and, yes, even the planet, to thrive.
Carrie Fox, CEO, Mission Partners
Carrie Fox is the founder and CEO of Mission Partners, a woman-owned strategic communications firm and Certified B Corporation that guides high-potential nonprofits, foundations, and socially responsible corporations in realizing their greatest social impact. Since launching her first firm in 2004, she has guided hundreds of organizations around the world to lead with purpose, fueling organizations and their missions forward in new and more impactful ways. Her signature approach to asset-based messaging—leading with a community’s strengths rather than its weaknesses—has been applied to dozens of social impact organizations, challenging stereotypes and breaking bias in the process.
Caryl Levine, Co-Founder of Lotus Foods
Caryl Levine is Co-Founder and Co-CEO of Lotus Foods, a certified B Corporation, focused on value-added products that address consumer interest in convenience with superior quality, innovation and nutritional value while growing the demand for more sustainably produced and more fairly procured rice. She leads marketing and sales and is primarily responsible for the image and positioning of the brand, the development of all packaging and merchandising materials, and new product development.
Catherine Berman, CEO, CNote
Catherine Berman is CEO and co-founder of CNote, a fintech platform that unlocks new investment opportunities for retail and institutional investors. Working with mission-aligned community lenders, CNote aims to close the wealth gap by allowing anyone to invest in small businesses, affordable housing and economic development in financially underserved communities, with a focus on lending to women and minorities.
Cathy Hayward-Hughes, Co-Owner and President, Crystal Creek Logistics
Cathy was born in Alaska and spent her early professional life in the fishing industry. Her first fulfillment successes were with traditional mail-order catalogers. She now leads the way in Internet-based, eCommerce fulfillment as the co-founder and president of Crystal Creek Logistics. Her demonstrated proficiencies include call center management, facilities management, packaging design and development, hiring, catalog development, turnaround management, and customer retention program development.
Cathy Zoi, CEO, EVgo
Cathy Zoi joined EVgo as CEO in 2017 and has led the company’s growth and its establishment as the preeminent public fast-charging network in the US. Zoi came to EVgo as a distinguished executive with decades of experience in the clean energy, investing, and policy communities. She has held numerous CEO and senior executive positions in the energy industry, government, academia and non-profit sectors. She served as Assistant Secretary and Acting Under Secretary at the Department of Energy, where she oversaw more than $30 billion in energy investments. Zoi was also the founding CEO of both the Alliance for Climate Protection and the Sustainable Energy Development Authority, a $50m fund to commercialize clean energy technologies in Australia.
Cheryl Contee, CEO, Do Big Things
Cheryl Contee is the award-winning Founder and Chair of Do Big Things, which brings together a diverse team that uses new narratives and new tech like blockchain, AI, bots and machine learning to make the world a better place for everyone. Do Big things is proud to partner with inspiring nonprofits, NGOs, foundations and political campaigns to achieve unprecedented breakthroughs. Cheryl is also the author of Mechanical Bull: How You Can Achieve Startup Success, a best-selling guide on how to navigate Silicon Valley and startup culture like a pro to ensure your startup’s success.
Christina Keller, President, Cascade Engineering
Christina Keller is President and CEO of the Cascade Engineering Family of Companies, a position she has held since September 2018. Cascade Engineering based in Grand Rapids, Michigan is a global manufacturing company with ten business units supporting a diversity of strategic markets, including transportation, environmental services, office seating, material handling, polymer compounding, and RFID technology.
Christine Bergeron, CEO, Vancity Community Investment Bank
As President and CEO of Vancity, Canada’s largest community credit union, Christine believes that banking plays a vital role in developing a healthy society—building the wellbeing of people and, at the same time, ensuring the long-term sustainability of the communities in which they live and work. Christine chairs the board of the Women’s Enterprise Centre, is a board member of Aviso Wealth, and is on the Board of Governors for the BC Business Council. Christine also represents North America on the United Nations Environment Programme Finance Initiative’s Banking Board.
Donna Carpenter, Board Chairman, Burton
Donna Carpenter is the Owner, Chair and former Co-CEO of Burton, the snowboarding gear and apparel giant she built with her late husband Jake Burton. Under Carpenter’s leadership, Burton became a certified B corporation in 2019, committing to balance its profits with purpose. Thanks to Donna’s leadership, Burton now has industry-leading women’s leadership and sustainability initiatives. Deemed a ‘Super Woman’ and ‘The Snowboard Ambassador’, Donna’s leadership is an inspiration to her company, her industry, and beyond.
Eileen Fisher, Founder of Eileen Fisher
Eileen Fisher is the Founder of women’s clothing brand Eileen FIsher. She believes that business can make a positive difference in the world. That’s why she has committed to sustainable fibers and working to close the loop on our manufacturing and taking clothes back and making them into entirely new designs through Renew and Waste No More.
Emma Rose Cohen, CEO, Final
Emma Rose Cohen is the CEO and founder of Final, creators of FinalStraw—the world’s first reusable, collapsible straw that raised nearly $2 million on Kickstarter. In the last decade, Emma’s passion for sustainability motivated her to help found a nonprofit, Save the Mermaids, with a mission to educate children about the harmful effects of single-use plastics. Emma has grown Final from a one product company to a company with an entire line of convenient, sustainable alternatives. In 2020, Final launched BiggieStraw, FinalSpork, and FinalFork. In Q1 of 2021, FinalWipe Home and FinalWipe Travel will make their debut. Waste is just a design flaw. Emma and the Final team are on a mission to change that.
Erika Karp, Chief Impact Officer, Pathstone
Erika Karp founded Cornerstone Capital Group to bring the disciplines of finance, economics and sustainability to bear in pursuit of a more regenerative and inclusive form of capitalism. Now, Erika will serve as Pathstone’s Chief Impact Officer and join Pathstone’s Executive and Investment Committees. Her leadership and expertise in sustainable and impact investing will enhance Pathstone’s existing efforts in this increasingly important approach to portfolio construction. Over the course of her 25-plus years on Wall Street, Erika developed a deep belief in environmental, social and governance analysis as a critical input to investment decision-making.
Esther Foreman, CEO, The Social Change Agency
Esther has spent over 15 years working in the not-for-profit, social enterprise and business sectors, running award-winning campaigns, supporting enterprise and building teams. She founded the Social Change Agency in 2013 with a desire to combine organizing, technology, comms and social enterprise to create a leading non-sector-specific agency to improve movement building across the world.
Geeta Aiyer, Founder and President, Boston Common Asset Management
Geeta Aiyer founded Boston Common in 2003 with colleagues who have worked together since the mid-1990s. Key members of the Investment team have worked with Boston Common for more than a decade. She serves endowments, foundations, mission-driven organizations, religious groups, family groups, and pension funds across the United States.
Hannah Davis, Founder and President, BANG Shoes
Hannah Davis is the Founder and President of BANGS Shoes. She founded BANGS to try and make the world a better place. BANGS Shoes are modeled after simple work boots worn by workers and farmers she discovered when teaching English in China, and are built to maintain this same classic feel while supporting you on your everyday adventures. Davis has helped invest in over 3,000 entrepreneurs across 70 countries.
Heidi Patel, Managing Partner, Rethink Impact
Heidi Patel is a Managing Partner at Rethink Impact, a venture capital firm investing in female leaders using technology to solve the world’s biggest problems. Heidi also teaches and co-created a course on impact investing at Stanford University and serves on the Investment Committee for the Stanford GSB Student Impact Fund.
Jane Chen, CEO, Embrace Innovations
Jane Chen is a globally recognized entrepreneur, inventor and speaker. She is the co-founder & CEO of Embrace Innovations, which developed a ground-breaking infant incubator. The Embrace incubator costs ~1% of a traditional incubator and has saved over 300,000 babies across 22 countries.
Jane Goodall, Founder, Jane Goodall Institute
Through nearly 60 years of groundbreaking work, Dr. Jane Goodall has not only shown us the urgent need to protect chimpanzees from extinction; she has also redefined species conservation to include the needs of local people and the environment. Today she travels the world, speaking about the threats facing chimpanzees and environmental crises, urging each of us to take action on behalf of all living things and the planet we share.
Jane Henderson, CEO, Virginia Community Capital
Jane Henderson is the CEO of Virginia Community Capital, a Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) with a mission to create jobs, energize places, and promote an enhanced quality of life for Virginians. Since its launch in 2006, Jane has led VCC and their leverage of a $15 million state-backed investment to nearly $800 million in public and private investment in Virginia.
Jasmine Crowe, Founder and CEO, Goodr
Jasmine Crowe founded Goodr, a tech-enabled sustainable food waste management company with a goal to eliminate hunger and reduce food waste. Through her years of work feeding vulnerable populations, she saw a great opportunity for technology to solve the hunger problem. Under Jasmine’s direction, Goodr has now diverted nearly two million pounds of food from landfills and serves clients including Atlanta’s Hartsfield Jackson Airport, SAP, NFL, The Georgia World Congress Center, Netflix and more. The mission of Goodr is simple, Feed More, Waste Less.
Jaya Chakrabarti, CEO and Director, Tiscreport
Jaya Chakrabarti is the CEO of Tiscreport, the world’s largest open data platform committed to ending corruption, supply chain labor abuses and modern slavery, joining up Transparency In Supply Chains reporting globally. Jaya is a passionate advocate for engaging business with the community through technology to improve people’s lives, and was honored with an MBE in the 2014 Queen’s birthday honors list ‘For services to the Creative Digital Industries and the community in Bristol/.
Jeni Britton, Founder, Jenni’s Splendid Ice Cream
Jeni Britton Bauer is an American ice cream maker and entrepreneur. Jeni founded Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams in 2002. As Founder and Chief Creative Officer, Jeni remains the beating heart of the company and is in charge of all creative output—from the ice cream itself to the supporting details that enhance the experience of eating it.
Jennifer Kenning, CEO, Align Impact
Jennifer Kenning co-founded Align Impact, an independent fiduciary and impact specialist that works alongside financial advisors, institutions, foundations and directly with individual clients and family offices, helping integrate impact strategies and investments into the broader wealth management strategy. Jennifer is a trailblazer, collaborator and change-maker who has quickly risen to become one of the most recognized voices in impact investing. A frequent speaker, moderator and guest lecturer, Jennifer is committed to building the impact investing ecosystem while leading Align.
Jenny Abramson, Founder and Managing Partner, Rethink Impact
Jenny Abramson is the Founder & Managing Partner of Rethink Impact, the largest, US-based impact venture firm with a gender lens that invests in female leaders using technology to solve the world’s biggest problems. She believes that the next generation of extraordinary companies will find success through their relentless pursuit of mission, for the benefit of all communities.
Jessica Alba, Founder, The Honest Company
Award-winning actress Jessica Alba founded The Honest Company because she believes you shouldn’t have to choose between what works and what’s good for you. She knows that everything you put on, in and around your body matters. That’s why the company holds itself to an Honest standard of safety and transparency. Since day one, Honest’s social initiatives and community partnerships have ensured that more people have access to safe, effective options when they need it the most.
Jessica Bailey, CEO, Greenworks Lending
Jessica Bailey is the CEO of Greenworks Lending, the nation’s largest provider of Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy (C-PACE) financing. She leads in the organization’s efforts to scale nationally by making clean and renewable energy a smart business decision for commercial property owners.
Jessica O. Matthews, Founder and CEO, Uncharted Power
Jessica O. Matthews is the founder and CEO of Uncharted Power, an award-winning, sustainable-infrastructure company that transforms the ground beneath us into an industrial Internet of Things platform for streamlined integration, deployment, and management of critical infrastructure like power lines, broadband, sidewalks, and water pipes. Jessica’s research and career center around the intersection of disruptive technology, renewable energy, human behavior, and the psychology of self-actualization.
Jodie Morgan, CEO, GreenMantra Technologies
Jodie Morgan is the CEO of GreenMantra Technologies, a leader in advanced recycling that transforms recycled plastics into specialty waxes and polymers for industrial applications. She has a record of outstanding results in developing and mature markets. She is a recognized leader and operator achieving business objectives by managing turbulence and capitalizing on market opportunities. Jodie has repeatedly demonstrated strength in identifying core issues, articulating the path forward, engendering commitment, and achieving positive change.
Judith Plant, President, New Society Publishers
Judith Plant is the President of New Society Publishers, an activist, solutions-oriented publisher focused on bringing you tools for a world of change. Judith cares deeply about both what they publish and how they do business. A certified B Corporation, we print on 100% post-consumer recycled paper, we are carbon neutral, and we print only in North America, never offshore.
Judy Ward, CEO, Advanced Enviro Systems
As CEO of Advanced Enviro Systems, Judy Ward focuses on equipment, solutions and innovations to reduce waste, solve problems, and enhance spaces. She helps create waste reduction strategies that make sense, are easily implemented, and produce measurable sustainable results.
Kat Nouri, Founder and CEO, Stasher
Kat Nouri, CEO and Founder of Stasher, the reusable, airtight silicone bag — that you can cook, store, and freeze — has disrupted the food storage industry and prevented millions of single-use plastics from piling up in landfills and polluting our oceans. As an immigrant, a woman, and a mother of three, Kat is committed to standing up for the rights and opportunities of other women, and to motivating people to protect our planet. Her drive and passion has turned an award-winning innovation into a global movement.
Kelly Dolan, Co-CEO, Ingage Partners
Kelly Dolan is the Co-CEO of Ingage Partners who deliver Management and Technology Consulting services to amaze our clients and to be a force for positive change. She challenges her team to find business solutions that provide a real and lasting impact on their clients’ business. Whether the change requires project leadership, identifying business needs and opportunities, or thought leadership – her team of consulting professionals provides the experience our clients need to succeed in today’s complex environment.
Kelly Vlahakis-Hanks, CEO, Earth Friendly Products
Kelly Vlahakis-Hanks is the President and CEO of Earth Friendly Products, maker of ECOS Laundry Detergent and over 200 other environmentally friendly products that are safer for people, pets and the planet. Made with plant-powered ingredients, ECOS cleaners are thoughtfully sourced, pH balanced, readily biodegradable, easily recyclable, and never tested on animals. Kelly has been recognized for her highly effective leadership and influential voice in the green movement and in corporate social responsibility. She is outspoken in her commitment to sustainability in her products, her facilities, and her employment practices.
Kimberly Bryant, Founder and CEO, Black Girls Code
Kimberly Bryant is the Founder and CEO of Black Girls CODE, a non-profit organization dedicated to changing the face of technology by introducing girls of color (ages 7-17) to the field of technology and computer science with a concentration on entrepreneurial concepts. She aims to train 1 million girls by 2040.
KoAnn Vikoren Skrzyniarz, Founder and CEO, Sustainable Brands
KoAnn is the Founder and CEO of Sustainable Brands Worldwide. Through Sustainable Brands, she and her team lead the global conversation about how brands can, and are delivering new business value through innovation for environmental and social purposes. In addition to overseeing direction and strategy at SB, she writes and speaks around the world on the shift in consumer demand and the opportunity for brands to respond by changing the way they think of and deliver against their role in society.
Kristin Carroll, President, Rescue Agency
Kristin Carroll is the CEO of Rescue Agency, a behavior change marketing agency that focuses exclusively on marketing to cause positive social change. We serve over 22 states as well as federal agencies, non-profits and health systems by developing health communication campaigns that address tobacco, nutrition, mental health and substance use issues in communities across North America.
Kristin Groos Richmond, CEO, Revolution Foods
Kristin Groos Richmond is the Co-Founder and CEO of Revolution Foods. Her mission is to empower children to make better, healthier choices by introducing nutritious school meals at a young age. Kristin is also on the Board of Directors for Generate Capital, a leading clean energy investment company and sustainable infrastructure operator.
Kristy Wallace, CEO, Ellevate Network
Kristy Wallace is the CEO of Ellevate Network, and is responsible for executing Ellevate Network’s mission of changing the culture of business from the inside out by providing professional women with a supportive community to lean on and learn from. She directs the Network’s staff, is responsible for business growth and strategy, and works closely with Ellevate’s Chapter Leaders, Business Partners, and Champions to further Ellevate’s impact.
Laura Hertz, CEO, Gifts for Good
Laura Hertz is the co-founder and CEO of Gifts for Good, an e-commerce site that curates and customizes premium gifts for companies and professionals that support charitable causes in 19 states and 65 countries around the globe. Making thoughtfulness and philanthropy easier for all.
Laura Huckabee-Jennings, Founder and CEO, Transcend
Laura Huckabee-Jennings is the Founder and CEO of Transcend, an award-winning management consulting firm that leverages evidence-based practices to create strong organizations with inclusive cultures, more rewarding work, and more joy. Her mission is to build stronger organizations where people thrive and contribute back to healthier communities.
Laura Wittig, CEO, Brightly
Laura Alexander Wittig is the founder and CEO of Brightly, a community-driven lifestyle brand empowering conscious consumers. We reach over 250,000 millennial and Gen Z women every day and inspire them to create change. She has spent her career building, designing, and writing for companies like Google, Amazon, Adobe, and more.
Lauren Bush Lauren, Founder, FEED
Lauren Bush Lauren founded FEED in 2007 after seeing the reality of childhood hunger firsthand while traveling with the World Food Programme. She created the first FEED Bag as a tangible way for her peers to get involved. To this day, every product the company makes has a number on it, representing the school meals donated with its purchase. Through the sale of our artisan-made products, FEED not only provides meals but also sustainable livelihoods for artisan partners and their families.
Lindsey McCoy, Co-Founder and CEO, Plaine Products
Lindsey McCoy is the CEO and CO-Founder of Plaine Products, a sustainable packaging company providing returnable, refillable reusable aluminum bottles full of all-natural, vegan, toxin-free shampoo, conditioner, body wash & lotion. Their mission is to help eliminate the need for single-use plastics in the world.
Lisa Curtis, CEO, Kuli Kuli
Lisa Curtis is the Founder and CEO of Kuli Kuli, America’s leading supplier of moringa. She began working on Kuli Kuli while in the Peace Corps in Niger, West Africa. As a volunteer in her village’s health center, she gained an understanding of the nutritional challenges faced in West African villages and how moringa can help address those challenges.
Lisa K Farrell, CEO, Lisa Home Mortgage
Lisa K. Farrell is the CEO of LISA HOME MORTGAGE, a BBB A-rated mortgage brokerage with a faith-based organizational culture, and is also a licensed Mortgage Loan Originator. The company’s slogan is “FAMILY. LIFESTYLE. LEGACY”, and holds a special mantra for first-time homebuyers “homeownership is closer than you think”. The company offers a boutique mortgage experience with competitive rates, several mortgage loan options, reduced fees, and a no-cost approach to provide credit-challenged applicants an Action Plan to get them pre-approved.
Lisa Lorimer, CEO, Mamasezz
Lisa Lorimer is the co-founder of MamaSezz, a whole-food, plant-based meal delivery company serving customers nationwide. She aims to put an end to the meal-prep madness and help busy folks do like their MamaSezz: eat their fruits and veggies. Lisa also co-authored the book Dealing with Tough Stuff: Practical Wisdom for Running a Values-Driven Business.
Lyly Greca, Co-Founder and Creative Director, MIEI
Lyly Greca is the Co-Founder and Creative Director of Miei, Australia’s fastest-growing market-leading provider of fresh flowers, quality gifts and premium grocery delivery service. Also, the first Australian business of its kind to be certified as a B Corporation and a founding member of B Corporation in Australia. Miei was set up with one simple philosophy – to be the vehicle to combat poverty and homelessness in Australia.
Lynn Jurich, Co-Founder and CEO, Sunrun
Lynn Jurich is the Co-Founder and CEO of Sunrun, the nation’s leading home solar, battery storage, and energy services company. With Sunrun co-founder Ed Fenster, Lynn invented the business model “solar-as-a-service” that unlocked access to clean, affordable energy directly from residential rooftops. Today with more than $3 billion in installed solar systems across 22 states, Puerto Rico, and the District of Columbia, Sunrun is revolutionizing how consumers generate and store electricity using rechargeable home solar and batteries.
Marci Zaroff, Founder and CEO, ECOfashion
Marci Zaroff coined the term “ECOfashion” in 1995 and is an internationally recognized ECOlifestyle expert, educator, innovator, author and serial ecopreneur. Founder and CEO of ECOfashion Corp, a Greenhouse of Brands, including B2B turnkey sustainable fashion manufacturer MetaWear, regenerative in-conversion-to-organic cotton farm project RESET, QVC organic lifestyle brands Farm to Home and Seed to Style, and new D2C ECOfashion brand YES AND. Marci has been instrumental in driving authenticity, environmental leadership & social justice worldwide for nearly three decades.
Margret Trilli, CEO of ImpactAssets
Margret Trilli is the CEO and Chief Investment Officer of ImpactAssets, a non-profit impact investing firm that partners with entrepreneurs, VCs, family offices, foundations and corporations to invest for social, environmental and financial returns. After 20 years investing on Wall Street and leading multiple turnarounds and acquisitions, Margret turned back to impact investing which was the most fulfilling chapter of her career. Since making that decision 10 years ago, she has advised more than $30 billion in assets and overseen the execution of more than 500 impact investments. “While my passion sits at the intersection of climate and equity, I also really enjoy guiding our clients to fulfill their purpose by activating all of their investment assets to the forces of good, however they define that.”
Mari McClure, President and CEO, Green Mountain Power
Mari McClure is the President and CEO of Green Mountain Power, an energy transformation company providing power and innovative products and services to three-quarters of Vermont. Mari became CEO at the start of 2020 after spending the last decade leading transformational work at Green Mountain Power by building strong teams, balancing skills, and motivating employees to deliver the most cost-effective and reliable power while also ensuring great service for customers.
Mary Beth Laughton, CEO of Athleta
Mary Beth Laughton is the head of Athleta, a certified B Corporation and premium fitness and lifestyle brand that creates versatile, performance apparel to inspire a community of active, confident women and girls.
Masami Sato, CEO, B1G1
Masami Sato is the CEO of B1G1, a global giving movement that helps businesses give back easily in meaningful ways. Masami is the guiding light behind almost every project at B1G1, from product design to member events to our team culture. Having lived in and traveled to over 30 countries across 5 continents, Masami’s experiences have given her a unique perspective on life and giving.
Melanie Dulbecco, CEO, Torani
Melanie Dulbecco’s mantra is “Grow, baby, grow!” That’s what she’s done for over 20 years as Torani’s first outside CEO. Torani, the family-owned maker of café flavors and creative beverage products. Melanie loves that the company’s products help people to connect — in coffee cafes, restaurants, and homes around the globe. She believes creating drinks with Torani products gives the world a reason to share a moment of joy with family and friends. She is deeply committed to building an organization that creates value and positive impact for all stakeholders, including team members, partners, customers, shareholders, and the community.
Melissa Orozco, Founder and CEO, Yulu PR
Melissa is an award-winning social entrepreneur with a passion for adopting innovative PR solutions to campaigns that solve social and environmental issues. In 2011, Melissa founded Yulu Public Relations, a PR agency mandated to champion socially innovative organizations that are making a positive social and environmental impact. With the belief that stories have the power to drive behavior and social change, Melissa embarked on the development of a new industry – an evolution of public relations.
Michele Kessler, CEO of REBBL
Michele Kessler is Chief Executive Officer at REBBL Inc., an organic plant-based beverage company that is committed to ethical, impact sourcing practices, developing community, preventing worker exploitation and working to ensure their farmers receive fair wages, access to health care, water, nourishing food and education as well as protection of their rights.
Michelle Arevalo-Carpenter, CEO, IMPAQTO
Social entrepreneur and human rights lawyer, Michelle Arevalo-Carpenter is the Co-Founder and CEO of IMPAQTO, a business with a mission to help change agents in Latin American cities turn their ideas into impact- we strengthen the social entrepreneurship community, support the ecosystem, and catalyze collaboration.
Michelle Greenfield, CEO, Third Sun Solar
Michelle Greenfield is the CEO of Third Sun Solar, the premier full-service provider of clean energy systems in the Midwest. Michelle is passionate not only about her business, but in truly making a difference in her community, state and throughout the world. She aims to accelerate the shift to clean energy for a more sustainable future.
Michelle Hirons, CEO, HigherRing
Michelle Hirons has over twenty years of experience in call center processes and developing back-end systems for big retailers and cloud-based SaaS enterprise companies. She has been involved with numerous start-ups and growth companies where she built dynamic contact teams and their systems from the ground up. As HigherRing’s CEO, Michelle focuses on establishing strategic client relationships, researching technological advances and customer service trends.
Miyoko Schinner, Founder and CEO, Miyoko’s
Miyoko Schinner is the tenacious, award-winning vegan chef behind Miyoko’s. Her passion for her craft and mission is unrivaled. The publication of her groundbreaking book, Artisan Vegan Cheese, kicked off the start of the vegan cheese revolution. Whether in the kitchen or the farm, Miyoko makes her mission of feeding the world with delicious, compassionate food the drive behind everything she does.
Moe Carrick, Founder and CEO, Moementum
Moe Carrick is the Founder and CEO of Moementum, Inc. which helps business people, nonprofit or corporate teams and leaders work better together. Using practical support, coaching, team-building facilitation and unique, personalized leadership experiences, they help organizations reach their full potential and succeed with purpose.
Monica Meldrum, Founder and CEO, Whole Kids
Monica Meldrum is the Founder and CEO of Whole Kids, Australia’s award-winning market-leading provider of organic snack foods for children. Whole Kids is the first Australian food business to be certified as a B Corp and one of the founding members of B Corporation Australia.
Nikki Reed, CEO, BaYou with Love
Nikki Reed is an actress, conservationist, musician, and designer. She is the founder of Bayou that was born from a love for design, creativity and all things sustainable. She leads with her heart, designing a beautiful eco-friendly line of accessories and products to match her lifestyle.
Nooshin Behroyan, CEO, Paxon Energy
Nooshin Behroyan is the Founder and CEO of Paxon Energy & Infrastructure Services. The company’s focus is on energy- innovative approaches that emphasize technologies for energy-efficient solutions, paving the way for clean and safe energy. Paxon has become a trendsetter and game-changer in the oil and gas industry. In under 3 years, Nooshin has grown the company into America’s #9 fastest growing and a leading Woman Owned consulting management firms heavily focused on improving critical infrastructures in the oil, gas, and utilities industries.
Nova Covington, CEO, Goddess Garden Organics
Nova Covington is the Founder and CEO of Goddess Garden, an organic skincare company based in Colorado. Goddess Garden is the leader in Natural Sunscreen for kids, adults and babies available at Whole Foods nationwide, Wegmans, Natural Grocers by Vitamin Cottage, Sprouts, HEB, The Vitamin Shoppe and natural grocery stores around the US and Canada.
Paola Santana, Founder and CEO, Social Glass
Paola Santana is a lawyer, public procurement expert and tech entrepreneur, creating the next breakthrough in government systems. She’s the founder and CEO of Social Glass, a software ecosystem using Artificial Intelligence to power high-performing governments. She’s best known for her ability to create things from scratch at the intersection of the public, private and regulatory domains, and for her track record of introducing cutting-edge technologies into highly-regulated markets.
Princess Sarah Culberson, Founder, Sierra Leone Rising
Sarah Culberson was born in Morgantown, West Virginia, to an African father and a white mother. As an infant, she was put into foster care, then adopted by a loving white family. She learned that she belonged to a royal family in Sierra Leone. Now, as co-founder of the non-profit Sierra Leone Rising, she and many others work to support Education, Public Health and Female Empowerment in Sierra Leone.
Rebecca Hamilton, CEO, WS Badger Company
Rebecca Hamilton is a second-generation owner and co-CEO (Collaborative Executive Officer) at Badger, a natural and organic personal care manufacturer known for its unique company philosophy, pioneering family-friendly benefits, and B Corp community engagement. In addition to her role as Co-CEO, Rebecca leads marketing and sustainability initiatives.
Rose Marcario, Board Member, Meati Foods and Rivian
Rose Marcario is the former CEO of Patagonia and current Board Member for Meat Foods, a company using proprietary, clean technologies to provide nutritious, fungi-based protein that everyone can enjoy and feel good about eating every day and Rivian, an automotive manufacturer building a team of adventurous individuals determined to make a positive impact on the world.
Samantha Richardson, CEO, Ethical Profit Agency
Samantha Richardson is the CEO of Ethical Profit Agency, a full-service accounting firm, providing bookkeeping, tax and HST filing and business advice for small businesses. She helps small businesses with a social or environmental mission to get a handle on their finances so they can better understand their cash flow and finances. With this information, they are able to make smarter business choices to help fuel their growth.
Sandra Moore, Chief Impact Officer, Advantage Capital
Sandra M. Moore is the Chief Impact Officer at Advantage Capital, who provides equity and debt financing to established and emerging companies located in communities underserved by conventional sources of capital. Sandra guides the investments and strategies to maximize community impact.
Sarah Kauss, Founder, S’well
In 2010, Sarah Kauss started S’well, a reusable bottle company with the goal to rid the world of single-use plastic bottles. Every day she is inspired to bring style, innovation and joy to sustainable living. That means doing good and being good to the planet through the power of design and ingenuity.
Sarah Schomber, Co-Founder, Buchi Kombucha
Sarah Schomber is the Co-Founder of Buchi, the first commercial kombucha brewery in the southeast. Buchi is quickly growing from a women-founded and worker-owned family business to a significant player in fermented beverages. She focuses on responsible sourcing and manufacturing, a culture of inclusiveness, and a willingness to address the critical needs of food and climate systems in our world
Shamini Dhana, CEO, Dhana Inc
Shamini Dhana is the Founder and CEO of Dhana Inc., a fashion tech company, at the innovation edge of circular fashion; leveraging global textile waste as the solution to creative commerce, co-creation and collaboration while transforming customer and business experience from zero-waste design to impact. Shamini Dhana brings to the fashion industry 28 years of experience in sustainable fashion, international strategy, global operations, venture capital, business development, and executive leadership in Corporate America.
Shannon Keith, CEO, Sudara
Shannon Keith created Sudara with a mission rooted in job creation and freedom-filled choice for women who want to escape sex slavery. Over the past fifteen years, Shannon has taken the organization far and wide. On its current trajectory, Shanon leads Sudara’s vision from the position of founder and chairwoman. Her responsibilities include analyzing systemic issues, evaluating and forming strategic partnerships, and positioning Sudara as a leader in the social innovation space.
Sharon Rowe, Founder of Eco-Bags
Sharon Rowe is the CEO and Founder of Eco-Bags Products, Inc. Eco-Bags is the original reusable bag brand, sold worldwide, recognized as “Best for The World” by B Corporation for social and environmental commitments and standards. Sharon is recognized as a thought leader in social innovation, sustainable and responsible production since 1989. She speaks regularly on building profitable, mission & value-aligned businesses, believing that business can be a force for good, a currency for ideas that shape culture.
Shelby Taylor, CEO, Chickapea
Shelby Taylor is an entrepreneur on a mission to create good for the world through nutritious, organic meal options. In 2016, she officially launched the organic pasta made from only chickpeas and lentils in the Canadian marketplace and then expanded into the US less than a year later. Shelby is committed to using her business as a force for good andis also passionate about helping other women bring their dreams to life.
Stephanie Nadi Olson, Founder and CEO, We Are Rosie
Stephanie Nadi Olson is an advertising executive who founded We Are Rosie in 2018 based on a genuine understanding of what it feels like to not belong. We Are Rosie is a manifestation of her soul’s calling to create a better way to do business by focusing on the people doing the work. Over the course of her career in advertising, Stephanie has worked closely with big brands and major tech companies. Using this experience, she has created a human-centered approach to marketing that celebrates diversity and facilitates happiness, while ensuring that We Are Rosie maintains integrity and authenticity every step of the way.
Seungah Jeong, President and CEO, MPOWERD
CEO of MPOWERD, Seungah Jeong has spent her career shaping global brands and driving them toward success. She’s a pro at managing teams, leading retail partnerships and building things from scratch, especially when it comes to small business. A company co-founder in her own right, Seungah has two decades of consumer goods experience, balancing a keen eye for design with a sharp business acumen. With a background in philosophy and environmental studies, she’s passionate about the potential companies have to create positive impact.
Susan Griffin-Black, Founder and CEO, EO Products
Susan Griffin-Black co-launched EO Products, a line of plant-based and organic personal care products, in the early days of the natural cosmetics and beauty revolution. The company is a group of 90 mostly passionate, capable, intelligent, kind and diverse people who believe in work as a source for the good of all.
Susan Leger Ferraro, Founder, Imajine That and G3 Consulting
A social entrepreneur and sought-after business innovator, Susan Leger Ferraro launched her first multi-million dollar business as a teenager. In 2005, Susan partnered with a group of investors to create Imajine That, an interactive children’s discovery museum. Through workshops, birthday parties, parent support groups, playgroups, and exploratory fun for children of all ages and stages, Imajine That offers the best sensory-integrated learning stations to stimulate learning for children and families.
Tamala Jones, President and CEO, Pearl Consulting Group
Tamala Jones is the President and CEO of Pearl Consulting Group, a purpose-driven, boutique consultancy focused on creating positive social impact. She is dedicated to helping organizations achieve a positive social impact. Tamala sees the company as a living bridge, facilitating the exchange of mutual benefits and constructive outcomes.
Wendy Strgar, CEO Good Clean Love
Wendy Strgar is an award-winning entrepreneur as the Founder and CEO of Good Clean Love. Starting in her kitchen back in 2003, Wendy founded Good Clean Love after hearing from many women about and experiencing for herself, the painful side effects of using petrochemical-based hygiene and intimacy products. Good Clean Love products are now sold internationally and endorsed by thousands of physicians for their safe and non-toxic ingredients.
Y. Elaine Rasmussen, CEO, Social Impact Strategies Group
Y. Elaine Rasmussen is the CEO of Social Impact Strategies Group (SISG). Driven by the mission to mainstream impact investing and democratizing access to capital by and for women and communities of color, SISG designs community-centered strategies for philanthropists, nonprofits, foundations, investors and social entrepreneurs for positive, sustainable social impact. Elaine has extensive experience in building cultural competency and facilitating transformational relationships in a wide range of sectors
Yasmine Mustafa, CEO, ROAR for Good
Yasmine Mustafa is a social entrepreneur and the CEO of ROAR For Good. Fueled by a passion to leverage technology for good, she leads the ROAR team in their mission to cultivate safer workplaces and empowered communities. Dedicated to fostering inclusive opportunities in business and education, Yasmine draws upon her own experiences as an immigrant and woman in tech to create a platform for conversation and igniting change.