Welcome to a celebration like no other – a tribute to our incredible members who form the heartbeat of our thriving community.
As we come together to celebrate our "Women We Admire Members Appreciation Day," we are privileged to showcase the collective achievements, milestones, and moments that define us as a community. This publication serves as a testament to the dedication, passion, and unwavering commitment of our members. From small victories to monumental triumphs, these stories illuminate the essence of our community—a place where dreams are nurtured, talents are honed, and friendships are forged. Join us as we commemorate our diverse journeys and stories.
LaNesha DeBardelaben
President & CEO, Northwest African American Museum
"Leadership's greatest responsibility is to expand the capacity of others. It is about serving, uplifting, and empowering others through our words, actions, and results."
Uzma Vakani
VP, GFT Technologies
"I am incredibly proud to have been promoted to VP at my organization in June 2023 after having my first child in December 2022. This required true resilience, as the promotion was purely performance based. In Feb 2022 I attended a round table where the majority of women shared experiences about their careers taking a major “backslide” after having a child, not due to their lack of efforts, but rather due to perceptions, lack of support, and bias. I insisted at the table that it doesn’t have to be this way, but to many, I seemed overly optimistic. At the same time, it was a big decision to have a child, and I wanted to make sure I am present, well bonded and the best parent I can be. I realized in the end that just like I rely on teams based on trust in the workplace, I needed to do the same at home. It takes a village , really, to achieve something big personally and professionally."
Marina MacDonald
Chief Marketing Officer, Red Roof
"Thanks, in part, to a program I founded in 2016 and continue to lead today, Red Roof is growing our population of women entrepreneurs and leaders. In 2022, despite the mounting challenges women in the hospitality industry faced during the pandemic, Red Roof reported 31% of its properties were owned or partially owned by women. Just one year later, that number grew to 35% and continues to grow. This year, we rebranded the program and launched SHE, inspired by Red Roof, a 360-degree program to continue to Support, Help and Elevate women. Our dedicated website, she-leads.com, is a platform for thought leadership, resources, best practices, and content designed for women in the hospitality industry and beyond."
Torine Creppy
President, Safe Kids Worldwide
"Safe Kids Worldwide recently unveiled its 3-year strategic plan focused on Equity in Child Safety. Since its inception 35 years ago, Safe Kids Worldwide and its partners have helped reduce the rate of unintentional injury death in children by 60 percent. But fatality data show that kids from communities that are marginalized and underserved have been left behind and are dying at higher rates. To protect every child, and to have the impact every parent deserves, we must prioritize our efforts on building equity into child safety. This initiative will help us identify and engage with communities where children are at greater risk for preventable injury and to work to change the systems and structures that have created these inequities."
Rita Elrod Pintavalle
Principal, Brazoswood High School
Founder, Lead Up consulting
"In July I was inducted into the Jostens Renaissance Hall of Fame for being a positive school leader who sets a foundation for building relationships and providing a rewarding campus culture that gets results. This honor is only bestowed on 3 educators a year across the entire Nation. I was also named one of teh top 10 Femail leaders to watch by World's Leaders Magazine."
Marie Jackson
CFO, QuickTake Health Co.
"Challenges and Obstacles are the reason we don't get bored with our work. Having a different mindset about the challenges we face will carry you through the toughest of days."
Ami Mendez
VP of Operations, Avista Senior Living
"Even if you're career route is not the traditional path, you can achieve your goals through determination and by having an excellent support network of fellow women leaders! The people who have mentored me over the last 32 years of my career have been critical to achieving new heights in Arizona healthcare. I hope to do the same for other bright lights that are wanting to serve in the senior care profession."
Jennifer Pryor
Graduate Program Director, Department of Gerontology, Virginia Commonwealth University
"One of my newest focus areas at work is creating opportunities for students, alumni, and community partners to establishing meaningful professional connections and relationships. Creating networking, co-learning, and mentorship opportunities has become increasingly important to me in my career because of my involvement in groups like WWA. I started this work before joining, but after having many positive experiences connecting and learning from other's experiences, I see the high value in formally establishing these methods into academic programs. I've been so encouraged in seeing the benefits that these relationships have made in students, alumni, and the wider community. Not only are students experiencing a jumpstart in their careers, but I see the value that goes back into the community through service and support."
Shinta Hernandez, Ph.D.
Dean of the Virtual Campus, Montgomery College
"My latest accomplishments this year include being appointed as President of the Community College Consortium for Open Educational Resources (CCCOER) Executive Council, as well as being elected on the Wonders Learning Board of Directors. Being on the boards of both of these reputable organizations is symbolic because of the increased diversity in leadership. It is important for society to see greater representation at the highest levels in order to achieve shared goals that will maximize impact in our communities."
Dr. LM Alaiyo Foster
President & CEO, The Black United Fund of Oregon
"I am excited to start by 5th year of service to BUF-OR Foundation. I look forward to the continued, extensive growth of the Foundation over our new fiscal year (started July 1)."
Christina Sanchez
Director of Development, Grants & Outreach, Community Health Services
"Working in the non-profit sector fills me with pride. Every single day, I have the privilege of collaborating with dedicated women who put their heart and soul into restoring and building our community."
Heidi J. Ellsworth
President / Owner, RoofersCoffeeShop
"I am new to WWA but want to say thank you for all you are doing to bring women together. In roofing we have been bringing women together through National Women in Roofing and it has changed my career in such an amazing way. I look forward to getting to know more WWA members to expand my circle of amazing women."
Michelle Beyo
CEO and Founder, FINAVATOR INC
"I am grateful to be a part of Women We Admire; a community of leaders who are not only forces for good within their organizations, but also across their industries and communities. As an entrepreneur, there have been many obstacles to overcome over the last four years including: navigating a global pandemic, building a company from the ground up, overcoming imposter syndrome, establishing a strong client base, working hard to create an incredible team, and gain recognition across the industry as a thought leader. Although these challenges were difficult, they have helped me to find my voice, purpose, and to start my own future of finance consultancy FINAVATOR INC. Today I am a CEO and Founder who has spoken on some of the largest and most notable stages across the world including: TEDx, Money20/20, Fintech Meet Up, and the United Nations WEDO event. I am an advisor to many Fintechs and have the privilege to have a board seat at a couple organizations including the Open Finance Network of Canada (OFNC) where I am also the acting President. I am honoured to have been selected as one of Women We Admire's Top 50 leaders in Toronto. I look forward to continue to help enable diversity by advocating for the inclusion of women as speakers at conferences and as board members across all industries. I hope that my work inspires more female leaders to follow their dreams."
Rebecca Nunez
Founder and CEO, The MRN Agency
"We had a very rewarding summer at The MRN Agency! From being certified as a Great Place To Work® to successfully executing five international activations simultaneously, our team is thriving more than ever. I was also honored to be recognized as an “Entrepreneur of the Year” and “CEO of the Year” by TITAN Women in Business, and named a part of the Class of 2023 Top 30 Rising Latinos by Latino Professionals. With exciting workshops, massive activations, and new clients like LinkedIn Nonprofit and the NBA on the horizon, we’re so excited for what’s next!"
Daniah Robertson
CFO Corporate Services and Energy US, Sodexo
"I recently read that "the currency of real networking is not greed but generosity" Keith Ferrazzi. The connectivity offered by communities like WWA is never to be taken for granted. Let's never miss an opportunity to lift as we rise. If we haven't yet connected, reach out if I can help you in your professional journey."
Mary Lou Lauria
Vice President Operations - Environment & Water, Advisian
"This year marks my 25th anniversary with Worley - a milestone I am very proud to share! The role of environmental consultant has changed so much over that time! It's a delight to be part of a community that bring diversity of thought and a focus on our collective future to continue to make positive change."
Alyssaa Delmars
Managing Partner, Aim Medical Imaging
"Being a part of WWA enriches the lives of many. The valuable connections and shared experiences are empowering. Grateful for the opportunities and growth it has provided, I cherish the sense of belonging and the chance to contribute to the advancement of women in entrepreneurship."
Cheryl Baldwin
VP of Sustainability Consulting and Marketing and Business Development, Pure Strategies, Inc.
"Pure Strategies is a sustainability consulting firm and we are celebrating the 25th year in business. This has been an important milestone for our firm and I was happy to have this year come with my WWA listing and membership. I have appreciated the information and community that the WWA membership has provided me."
Whitney Soule
Vice Provost, Dean of Admissions, University of Pennsylvania
"Since joining University of Pennsylvania as Vice Provost and Dean of Admissions in 2021, I have been laser-focused on building greater equity in admissions, including serving on a board at Common App, a non-profit membership organization (https://www.commonapp.org/members) representing more than 1,000 diverse institutions of higher education, focused entirely on this mission. Most recently, we worked closely with Heights Philadelphia to launch a free online course available to all students and families titled, “Applying to College 101.” (https://www.coursera.org/learn/applying-to-college-101) The course combines Penn’s admissions expertise with Heights’ college and career experience, and includes five modules that will guide students and families of all backgrounds through the college admissions process. This multi-channel approach prepares students for the college search, application and selection process. A Philadelphia Inquirer feature story (https://www.inquirer.com/news/heights-philadelphia-college-admissions-supreme-court-ruling-20230630.html?query=susan%25252520snyder) recently covered this offering, which has more than 4,200 students enrolled since it was launched less than two months ago. Additional examples of where we are influencing change in the higher education admissions space include: Mentoring Leaders in Higher Education – I enjoy mentoring several women in leadership positions in college admissions throughout the country. My focus on mentoring includes sitting on panels on the topic at higher education conferences. For instance, I am leading a panel at NACAC (National Association for College Admissions Counseling) this year on the topic, “Cultivating and Catalyzing Women Leaders in Higher Ed.” Deposit Fees Waived for All - A mainstay of the college-selection ritual is that students are asked to put down a few hundred dollars as a deposit that holds their spot if they choose to attend. Penn has, in the past, waived its $400 deposit for about a fifth of its students. Starting with the Class of 2027, instead of fronting a $400 deposit, students do not pay anything toward tuition until their first-term bill arrives. Students also do not pay housing deposits. The effort is intended to reduce barriers for low-income students. Applicant Fee Waiver Codes - In addition to the application fee waivers that Penn offers directly to students, Penn now sends application fee waiver codes directly to high school and community organization counselors who can share them with students who might find the cost of applying prohibitive. Modified Recommendation Requirements - Penn requires three recommendations, including one from the school counselor or college counseling office and one from a teacher. Now, the third recommendation can be from any adult they choose, someone who knows them well enough to comment on how they interact with others, or manage responsibility, or organize, or lead, or learn, or demonstrate whatever characteristics they think Admissions needs to know about the applicant (https://admissions.upenn.edu/blog/changes-our-recommendation-requirements-explained). They can choose another teacher for this third recommendation, or someone who supervises them in a job, or has coached them on a team, or has collaborated with them, or has often been with them when they've had to make decisions or serve as a leader in some way. This option provides every applicant the opportunity to choose recommenders who can describe them in detail, even if they are in a school where teachers may not get to know them well. Test-Optional – Penn has extended its test-optional policy through 2023-2024 for all first-year and transfer applicants. After Penn made the change initially during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, it saw a bump in applications from first-generation and international students, as well as from students of color. Penn sustained the boosted application numbers, and application diversity, through 2021-22 and 2022-23 application years. Gratitude Prompt - Working with other Penn luminaries such as Angela Duckworth, Adam Grant and Martin Seligman, we debuted a gratitude prompt on last year’s application cycle. The prompt asks applicants to write a thank you note to someone they have not yet thanked and would like to acknowledge. It also encouraged them to share this note with the intended recipient. My goal with this prompt was to build community. While this began as a prompt on the application, it has become a campus-wide, focused effort (https://almanac.upenn.edu/articles/welcome-back-from-the-president-expressing-gratitude), in which students had the opportunity to stop and write a thank-you note on Locust Walk as they moved among their classes. In a Philadelphia Inquirer feature story last fall (https://www.inquirer.com/news/penn-admissions-assignment-gratitude-thank-you-notes-20221001.html), I shared the fact that the act of taking time to consider and express thankfulness can rewire our brains to seek greater calm and joy. Taking time to be grateful can shift us toward better health and coping abilities, making us more happy and productive people. In the higher ed environment, one that continues to experience record levels of anxiety in its student base, we are taking a closer look at how academia can reinforce the simple yet mighty practice of gratitude to best center individuals, and the characteristics they demonstrate, now and in the future. We are considering the entire lifecycle of the student experience, from point of entry to exit, and the impact this focus could have, carrying into future workplaces and communities. For some more specifics around what I am doing to help highly aided and first-generation students, check out this article with American Talent Initiative (https://americantalentinitiative.org/changemaker-profile-whitney-soule-university-of-pennsylvania/)."
Kimberlin Butler
Senior Director, Foundation Engagement, Mathematica
Cerys Cook
Chief People Officer, Swift Medical
"Over the recent period, I have been actively involved in spearheading culture and organizational transformation efforts. Through strategic initiatives and collaborative leadership, I've played a pivotal role in reshaping our company's culture to foster innovation, inclusivity, and adaptability. By introducing new communication channels, employee engagement programs, and professional development opportunities, we have successfully cultivated a more dynamic and cohesive work environment. Our organizational transformation efforts have led to increased employee morale, optimized processes, and a heightened capacity to embrace change. These accomplishments reflect a deep commitment to driving positive cultural shifts and ensuring our organization remains resilient and future-ready."
Jennifer D'Angelo
Senior Vice President & General Manager, New Jersey Innovation Institute, Healthcare Division
"With NJII Healthcare Division’s recent successes in achieving HITRUST Risk-based 2-year and Center for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) certifications, I’ve had the pleasure of leading my team to continue its mission in increasing interoperability, reducing the cost of healthcare, and improving population health statewide. I am also grateful to be able to further amplify my influence through features such as CIO Views’ 2023 Iconic Businesses Women to Follow publication. Through such platforms, I aspire to connect with future female trailblazers in the industry and further expand on current HealthIT innovations and resources."
Hiba Anver
Partner, Erickson Immigration Group
"I am so proud to be a Woman We Admire member and to be in the company of so many women that I admire. As a partner in a law firm nationally recognized as a Best Law Firm for Women and Diversity, I know firsthand the value of representation, mentorship, and creating communities of female empowerment. I remain committed to promoting DEI initiatives and helping women overcome bias and advance in their careers."
Nancy E. Rawson, M.Sc., Ph.D., FCPP
Acting Director & President, Monell Chemical Senses Center
"I appreciate being recognized by WWA and being able to increase awareness of the importance of taste and smell and the work we are doing at Monell to improve food security and nutritional health both locally and globally."
Nancie Lataille
Partner, Heidrick & Struggles
"For me, it is about seeing the evolution of diversity over the past two decades, from a trickle to a constant flow. Boards have become far more diverse (still work to do though), thanks to the efforts of mentorship and sponsorship (etc). Through the work that I do, I feel that I/we help in this ongoing effort to make corporate Canada mirror the Canadian population."
Patty Williams Downs
Founder & CEO, BreakingBounds
"I’m grateful for the WWA community. They’re fostered amazing connection for my growth as an entrepreneur. They’ve also provided opportunities for me to use my talents on the platform, through public speaking and hosting a panel discussion. It’s been a an amazing journey and relationship thus far. I’m looking forward to our continued partnership."
Becky Consolvo
Founder and CEO, 9Box Consulting
"Incredibly honored to be surrounded by like-minded women looking to create a size-able impact in the workforce for future generations. To brainstorm, to collaborate, to life each other up - it's truly the hands supporting us that make us stronger so thankful to be a part of such a special group of women."
Grace Almendras Castillo
Founder and CEO, Self Care Catalysts
Marta Tellado
President and CEO, Consumer Reports
"I'm so proud of the achievements made by our Consumer Reports team, including working with parents to get Congress to pass a landmark law for furniture safety, which is going to help save children's lives. And I published my first book, Buyer Aware: Harnessing Our Consumer Power for a Safe, Fair, and Transparent Marketplace. It's a playbook for what we must do to uphold consumer rights, and how we can all work together to promote safety, sustainability and fairness for all consumers in the marketplace."
Susan Chambers
Partner, Director Business Development, ICP Insurance Solutions
"Focus, focus, focus. In a world of abundance it's a strategy for staying on track and getting results."
Olga Spivak
VP of People, YCharts
"I am incredible proud of our continuous efforts to strengthen our community, with the support of male allies ranging from our remarkable CEO to our board members and PE firm. Together, we are making a significant impact in the corporate environment where everyone can truly be themselves. The dedication and passion displayed by our women@YCharts team, led by an exceptional leader, fills me with immense pride. It is an honor to collaborate with our clients, as we work together towards creating a brighter future for all women. The unwavering support of strong allies behind us allows us to forge a path of progress and empowerment. Couldn't be more proud of our accomplishments thus far in 2023!"
Sharon Barnes-Simmonds
Chief Financial Officer, Action Against Hunger Canada
"I just want to say thank you to Women We Admire for including me as one of the top 50 Women Leaders of Toronto for 2022. As I reflect on my journey leading to this recognition, I recall that I started out as a Finance Manager for the Kingston Container Terminal Ltd in Jamaica in 1996 and then migrated to Canada in 2003 where I started a bit lower than the previous job I left as I was hired as a Senior Accountant at Maersk Canada (Shipping). 2 years later in 2005, I went to the Region of Peel on a long-term contract as a Senior Financial Analyst, and 3 years later in 2008 I was then hired at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) as the Director of Financial Planning and Analysis, then later transferred to the Director of Accounting role. I spent 10 years with TIFF and then was recruited into the INGO Sector by Children Believe as their Director of Finance, where I spent 2.8 years and then got recruited by Action Against Hunger as a Chief Financial Officer. I am grateful for the opportunities I got to share, learn and grow at these amazing organizations I served with."
Kelly Lear Nordby
Managing Director, Ankura
"Thank you Women We Admire for including me in this dynamic and diverse community. I enjoy learning about other members' roles and accomplishments."
Kristalyn Mumaw
VP Marketing, Insight Sourcing
"The community resources, connections and leadership opportunities are great within WWA. I am currently focusing on tge activation and management of AI across the marketing organization as well as defining a healthy balance of digital lead gen versus traditional burture in the B2B space. If you share similar interests or are seeking experience, I invite you to reach out to me. I mentor other women in leadership and also am always interested in learning more from others."
Sara Guillermo
CEO, IGNITE
"It is an honor to be recognized as a top leader in San Francisco by Women We Admire. I believe that when women lead, it's our responsibility to hold the door open for the next generation of women, ensuring they have the opportunity to lead with confidence and impact. I see my role as CEO of IGNITE as doing the work of welcoming the next generation of women leaders in politics. I'm excited to be a part of Women We Admire's community so together we can continue to uplift women across all industries and spaces. Stay tuned for IGNITE's upcoming study on Gen Z women & politics!"
Hua Yu
Managing Partner, Level5 Strategy
"The most important skill I have learned over the years is strategic thinking. This skill empowers individuals to grasp the overarching picture and foresee forthcoming opportunities and challenges. It helps them make informed decisions aligned with the team's vision and goals and enables them to develop and execute effective strategies that drive growth and success. For women, acquiring this crucial skill can significantly set you apart. At Level5 Strategy, we have recently launched the Women In Strategy initiative. This initiative aims to highlight real stories and acknowledge accomplishments through meaningful engagement. Additionally, it seeks to facilitate authentic conversations that support, empower, and inspire fellow Women in Strategy. I strongly encourage more women to acquire this skill to enhance their careers."
Erin S. Gore
Senior Vice Chancellor, Finance and Administration, University of California San Francisco
"In the same way that Greta Gerwig’s Barbie has inspired us to be extraordinary, this community gives us the opportunity to do the same! I am so grateful. Three extraordinary “big rocks” I’m advancing at UCSF are climate change, belonging and a significant capital investment in the core of San Francisco. For climate, we are embarking on a study to eliminate the use of fossil fuels in our back-up power, on top of an aggressive focus on purchasing clean power and electrification of new buildings. To increase belonging and address racism, my teams are leading 17 action plans to work on a process or policy in their area that stands in the way of building a more inclusive and equitable culture, such as requiring a driver’s license for roles where driving isn’t necessary -- an impediment for communities. Finally, drawing on UCSF’s proud history of serving San Francisco for more than a century, we are embarking on a significant $4.5 billion capital investment in a new world-class hospital by 2030, a bold and transformative vision for long-term revitalization."
Jessica Diniz
President, JDRF Canada (Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation)
"I have recently been appointed President of JDRF Canada, after many years in the non-profit industry. I feel fortunate and grateful to be part of this incredible network of women leaders who are making significant impacts in their organizations and industries. I am a big believer in the power of mentorship and connection. As women leaders, we can help deepen leadership in the next generation of women leaders."
Kate Harris
President, CEO, and Chair, Stanley Consultants
"At Stanley Consultants, our leaders actively practice and promote our core values of integrity, social responsibility, excellence, mutual success, and membership. My successes would not be possible without their steadfast teamwork, innovation, and a deep commitment to delivering outstanding business and technical outcomes to complex problems."
Oksana Matviichuk
Founder, OM Strategic Forecasting
"The 'OM Strategy as a Service' Personal Brand Edition was developed in response to AI's influence on the leadership landscape, aiming to redefine leadership for contemporary leaders. This holistic approach provides leaders with a navigation tool to respond to the new challenges arising from AI integration into companies' operations and focuses on Authenticity directed by Systems of Self-awareness. It encompasses core components essential for personal brand building for all. It thoughtfully incorporates the distinct attributes of women's leadership."