As we mark International Women’s Day of 2024, we embark on a journey through the lives of 20 extraordinary women who epitomize empowerment and elegance. These women have overcome challenges, shattered stereotypes, and emerged as shining examples of resilience and achievement. In this article, we delve into the stories of these remarkable individuals, exploring how they have redefined notions of strength, grace, and success. From breaking barriers in their respective fields to advocating for important causes, these women inspire us with their courage and determination.
But beyond their individual accomplishments, what truly sets these women apart is their commitment to lifting others up as they climb. They serve as role models, mentors, and advocates, demonstrating that true empowerment comes from supporting and uplifting one another. As we celebrate the achievements of these 20 inspirational women, let us also reflect on the progress we have made towards gender equality and the work that still lies ahead. Together, let us continue to champion the rights and opportunities of women everywhere, ensuring that every woman has the chance to thrive and succeed.
Demee Koch
Demee Koch stands as a transformative figure in the world of cosmeceuticals, with her brainchild DE MOI reshaping the beauty landscape since its inception in 2018. Grounded in principles of compassion, integrity, and environmental consciousness, DE MOI has become synonymous with ethical beauty, garnering global recognition and setting new industry benchmarks. Hailing from the Philippines, Demee Koch’s journey as a migrant entrepreneur reflects her tenacity in overcoming barriers and advocating for ethical consumerism worldwide. Through DE MOI, she champions ethical choices and global betterment, establishing partnerships with prestigious retailers across the globe.
In addition to her entrepreneurial pursuits, Demee Koch is a vocal advocate for inclusivity, empowerment, and conscious entrepreneurship. Beyond her professional endeavors, Demee’s philanthropic efforts extend to combating gender-based violence, supported by her scholarship program aimed at empowering aspiring entrepreneurs from underprivileged backgrounds.
Her recent release, ‘Becoming Miss Right,’ co-authored with ‘FWN Disrupt 4.0,’ offers readers actionable advice and heartfelt support, enriching their journey towards personal growth and self-discovery. As she continues to redefine beauty standards and promote conscious consumerism, Demee Koch’s legacy resonates as a beacon of inspiration, driving positive change in the beauty industry and beyond.
Leanndra Yates
Leanndra Yates is a visionary leader in the field of education, dedicated to revolutionizing the support system for children and families with disabilities. With over a decade of experience, she’s become a staunch advocate, recognizing and addressing the shortcomings of our education system. Driven by a profound understanding of the challenges faced by parents and children, Leanndra founded Exclusive Insights in 2022. Through this consultancy, she empowers families, educators, and communities to navigate the complexities of special education.
Leanndra’s journey into advocacy was fueled by her deep connection with former students, whose experiences shaped her understanding of the system’s intricacies. Her approach emphasizes dispelling misconceptions and fostering empathy among educators and administrators. Her dedication and compassion have earned her recognition as a force for positive change. Leanndra’s work exemplifies how individual commitment can spark a revolution in education, paving the way for a future where all children, regardless of ability, are celebrated for their unique qualities.
Angela Zeng
Angela Zeng, the visionary behind Karviva Beverages, merges science and tradition to create soul-nourishing drinks. With a PhD in pathology from St. Louis University School of Medicine, Angela’s leap into entrepreneurship stemmed from a quest for healthier options after moving from China to St. Louis. Karviva blends ancient Chinese Medicine wisdom with modern nutritional expertise, crafting flavorful elixirs that uplift spirits and nurture bodies. Angela’s scientific finesse ensures each bottle is packed with antioxidants and prebiotics, preserving the goodness of whole plants.
Karviva isn’t just about drinks; it’s a vessel for passing down ancient wisdom, made accessible to everyone through Angela’s touch of compassion. With roots in 16 states and over 1,000 stores, including renowned retailers like Whole Foods and H-E-B, Karviva has earned accolades such as a MidAmerica Emmy and a World Beverage Innovation Award. Looking ahead, Angela envisions Karviva as a global ambassador of well-being, connecting cultures through health and taste. With a focus on accessibility and education, Karviva aims to empower those facing health challenges with its natural products and wisdom, believing that wellness is a right for everyone.
Farah Naz
Farah Naz’s story epitomizes breaking societal norms within the South Asian/Indian fashion milieu, where traditional careers are often valued over creative pursuits like fashion design. Since age 5, Farah faced discouragement for her passion for designing clothes, a hobby deemed unworthy of a career by her community. Despite the skepticism, Farah’s talent became undeniable, and by 13, she was crafting outfits that garnered admiration. Her family’s traditional career expectations couldn’t dampen her spirits, and marriage introduced her to a similar environment of discouragement. Nevertheless, moving to the United States marked a turning point for Farah, where the value placed on designers spurred her to pursue studies at Parsons School of Design. Her perseverance and dedication culminated in launching Farah Naz New York at New York Fashion Week, a moment of triumph celebrated on International Women’s Day as a beacon of empowerment and success. Farah’s journey from a discouraged girl to a celebrated designer, now venturing into sustainable fashion, showcases the power of persistence and the importance of following one’s passion against all odds.
Vanessa Kahlon
Vanessa Kahlon, a seasoned entrepreneur with over two decades of expertise, founded Kahlon Family Services (KFS) in 2008. KFS offers behaviour consultations, social skills groups, school support, and parenting workshops, specializing in assisting families with children facing learning and behavioral challenges. Vanessa also created YEAS YOGA, a unique program addressing self-regulation for high-spirited children. Her 3R’s Method – Redo, Rewind, and Repair – promotes social-emotional learning effectively.
As the Executive Director of KFS School, Vanessa serves San Francisco and the Bay Area’s K-8 community. She hosts “Parenting with Vanessa Kahlon,” a radio show and podcast empowering parents with tools and strategies. Vanessa is also an accomplished author, with three books: “Shut Up & Parent,” “How To Do Parenting With Confidence,” and “Teaching With Heart.”
Her achievements include Woman of the Year by the National Association of Professional Women in 2014, Top 30 Influential Women Entrepreneurs by Entrepreneurs Herald in 2021 and 2022, New York Journal’s 50 under 50, and Forbes New York recognition for her invaluable work supporting families.
Schenika Quattlebaum
Schenika Quattlebaum is the founder and proprietor of the independent beauty brand, Natalia Me-gan Beauty. A determined domestic violence survivor and advocate, Schenika took her courage in hand and made a huge leap of faith when she started her company in August 2018.
To date, Mrs. Quattlebaum has been featured on ABC 7 (WJLA), NBC25 (WDVM-TV), the brand has been seen on Fox 29 Good Day Philly (Lifestyle Items from Black Owned Brands), in Essence Magazine (“Top Five Black Beauty Brands You Must Have In Your Cart”), In Touch (“Celebrity Summer Vibes”), Life & Style (“Mother’s Day Gift Guide”), BET.com (for National lipstick day as one of the top brands to shop with) and Stay Magazine (“Top 20 Beauty Must Have’s”).
In addition, the popular ImLovingMe.Net online entrepreneurial hub prominently profiled Mrs. Quattlebaum in 5 Ways I Made it in the Beauty Industry as a Minority! Her company is also taking great strides forward by proudly sponsoring such signature events as Baltimore Fashion Week, Black Media Honors, Lulu et GiGi for NYFW and LAFW and cinematic trendsetter Geechee One Films. In addition, Mrs. Quattlebaum recently served as a Beauty Panelist for the Black Women in Media Awards about SKIN CARE. On February 2, 2022, Schenika was a guest on JUST Eats with Chef JJ, which aired on the MyCleoTV/TVOne Network. This past March, Schenika was an award recipient of the She Is Awards presented by Radio One/Urban One, where she was given the “She Is Monumental” award.
Sherille Marquez
Sherille Marquez, a beacon of wisdom amidst the tumult of divorce, guides others through their journey of healing and transformation. Drawing from her own experience and a diverse array of disciplines including neuroscience, epigenetics, and metaphysics, she has crafted a unique approach that blends empirical science with spiritual insight.
Inspired by luminaries like Dr. Joe Dispenza and Bruce Lipton, Sherille has forged a path focused on the power of the mind to effect profound change. Central to her philosophy is the notion of breaking free from limiting beliefs and embracing imperfection as a catalyst for growth.
Sherille’s coaching is highly personalized, tailored to the individual needs of divorced women seeking to rewrite their life stories. Through a comprehensive framework encompassing psychological strategies and alternative healing modalities such as energy work and hypnosis, she helps her clients rewire neural pathways and reclaim their sense of self-worth.
In Sherille’s safe space of vulnerability and authenticity, past wounds find healing and clients emerge not just survivors, but thrivers in their post-divorce lives. Her integrative methods, rooted in both science and spirituality, redefine the narrative of life after divorce, empowering women to design lives on their own terms with strength, resilience, and purpose.
Andrea Byers
Andrea Byers is a trailblazing force in holistic wellness and business leadership, known for founding multiple successful ventures including Chronic & Iconic Coaching, Iconically Holistic, The UP-side of Down Life Coaching, Invisible Apparel Co, and ICONIC Business Solutions. A decorated Air Force veteran, registered nurse, and published author, Andrea’s expertise bridges wellness and personal development. Her transformative journey, fueled by tenacity and compassion, was propelled by a life-altering cardiac arrest in March 2020. This event inspired her mission to empower women to prioritize well-being and vitality, leading her to curate empowering workshops, courses, and retreats. Recognized with numerous awards including the ACHI Magazine 2023 Mentor of the Year and the prestigious Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award, Andrea’s commitment to holistic wellness is underscored by her extensive certifications in health, wellness, and business strategies. Her relentless pursuit of positive change and advocacy for women’s well-being continues to inspire countless lives, setting a new standard for excellence in leadership and empowerment.
Valéssa L. Taylor
Meet Valéssa L. Taylor, a trailblazing Air Force veteran, corepreneur®, motivational speaker, and coach. Valéssa is dedicated to empowering women and women veterans, guiding them towards unlocking their core potential and achieving extraordinary success. As the visionary CEO and founder of Corelicious LLC, she leverages her extensive experience in personal development, business strategy, and mindfulness to offer transformative experiences tailored to individual needs and aspirations.
Valéssa has achieved remarkable milestones, breaking barriers as the first black woman to deliver a historic talk on TEDx Coatzacoalcos on Juneteenth 2021. Her story graced the cover of Womlead Magazine in 2024, showcasing her commitment to empowerment and resilience.
Behind her success lies a journey of personal transformation. Valéssa emerged from a dark period, shattered glass symbolizing her escape from the chaos and confusion that once consumed her. She overcame deep insecurities, transforming into a bright light from the actress she once played. With faith as her sword and shield, Valéssa embarked on an ancestral journey, discovering the power of her core and inspiring others through her holistic approach.
Kimberly Woods MA, LMHC
Kimberly Matthews is a seasoned mental health expert with a decade of experience. Specializing in trauma-focused therapy, marital counselling, leadership coaching, and family therapy, Kimberly’s passion lies in helping individuals, couples, and professionals develop self-awareness and understanding. Her approach to couples counselling aims to enhance communication, establish healthy boundaries, and interpret partners’ behavior. Kimberly also offers an Enneagram assessment and customized plan for individual self-understanding. Her career development services encompass upward mobility, transitions, and performance coaching. Additionally, she provides corporate wellness services tailored to specific business needs, including workplace psychology and performance coaching.
As Kimberly Matthews emphasizes, personal and professional growth is a continuous journey, not a destination. Leveraging strategies such as setting clear goals, adopting a growth mindset, lifelong learning, networking, and enhancing emotional intelligence can significantly transform your life. Remember, progress may be slow, but every step you take towards growth brings you closer to your ultimate potential. Start your journey towards a better you today.
Annabelle Merriman
Annabelle is a bestselling author and a Life Expansion Expert, specializing in helping conscious women leaders reclaim their feminine inner power. As the creator of FemIntuition and Annabelle’s Awakening Alchemy, she guides women to expand their possibilities and design life on their terms, free from doubt or second-guessing.
Her mission is to bring miracles into life and transform global anxiety about the future into unshakable trust and inner knowing. Annabelle believes that when women are empowered and guided by their intuition, the world becomes a place of connection, unity, and celebration.
Driven by a rebellious spirit and a pursuit of freedom, Annabelle relocated from France to Australia in 1994 to follow her heart and marry her soulmate. However, she found herself compromising her true self in an attempt to fit into her new life. As she embraced roles as a wife, mother, and homeopath, Annabelle lost sight of her passions and identity, until a breast cancer diagnosis prompted her to question her path.
Through her healing journey, Annabelle discovered her inner warrior of light, reconnecting with her spirit and embracing the magic of life. Now, she is fully expressed and alive, fearlessly shining her light and inspiring others to do the same. Annabelle’s mission is to transform global anxiety into unshakable trust, guiding women to make grounded, wise, and powerful choices guided by their intuition.
As she prepares to return to her roots in France, Annabelle continues to empower women to shine their light to their fullest potential with ease, flow, and grace. When women are empowered and guided by their intuition, she believes, the world becomes a place of connection, unity, and celebration.
Amberly Lago
Amberly Lago is a Peak Performance Coach, TEDx Speaker, Podcaster, and a leading expert in the field of resilience and transformation. She is the best-selling author of “True Grit and Grace” and the founder of “UNSTOPPABLE Life Mastermind.” Through her book, coaching methods, and masterminds she has curated unique tools to teach others how to tap into their superpower of resilience and elevate their lives and businesses.
Amberly has most recently been featured on NBC’s The Today Show, The Doctors, Hallmark, and featured in magazines such as Shape, Fit Pregnancy, Yahoo, Forbes, USA Today, LA Style, Health Magazine, Keynote Speaker Magazine and Disability Magazine.
Lisa A. Romano
Lisa A. Romano is a leading Coach in the mental wellness industry and is best known for her work in the area of codependency and narcissistic abuse recovery. As a child, Lisa battled anxiety, depression, and low self-worth. When Lisa’s first marriage fell apart, she learned that she was suffering from codependency, as a result of being raised by two unrecovered adult children of alcoholics. At that time, Lisa committed her life to heal the subconscious programs responsible for her codependency, hoping to spare her children from the fate of repeating familial trauma.
Today, Lisa’s mission is to raise awareness of how childhood trauma affects the subconscious mind, all outside an adult’s conscious awareness. She believes that what is left unhealed in each of us, manifests in adulthood. In 2020, Lisa was voted the #1 Most Influential Person of the year, and in 2022, she has been voted the Global Leader in her industry. Today, she creates online courses, and personally mentors clients so they may learn to live above the veil of consciousness, shattering limiting conditioning caused by the invisible wounds of emotional neglect. Her tagline is, “It’s Not You — It’s Your Programming.
Auronda Scalera
Auronda plays a significant role in the contemporary art world. She is an art curator, art consultant, speaker and entrepreneur that lives between London, Dubai and the Metaverse. She combines her deep expertise in contemporary and digital art, to empower artists, institutions, collectors and women. In 2022 she has been appointed as co-Director of the Infinity Art Museum, the first ever-evolving museum of contemporary art on the metaverse, and for the next Venice Biennale 2023 she is the curator of the Decentral Art Pavilion
Because of her powerful knowledges, Plus TATE nominates Auronda to organise symposiums about NFTs and museums. She often participates at talks about art and Web3 at: NFT NY, IED, City A.M. Crypto award, Sotheby’s, Dcentral Miami and many others. She is working as special curator on SuperRare Space with Decentral Art Pavilion with artists like Ellen Sheidlin, Yulia Shur, Ninocence, and many others.
Business partners include plusTate, Venice Biennale, Sotheby’s, Manifesta, Mostyn Museum, Decentral Art Pavilion, Pablo Atchugarry Foundation, Les Rencontres d’Arles, The Royal Photographic Society, Paris Photo, World Press Photo, and many others. Auronda is part of Heritage Leaders Mastermind a selected group of 8 leaders in heritage, culture and arts and IKT-International Association of Curators of Contemporary art which members included prominent personalities such as Harald Szeemann.
Susana Campanella
Susana Campanella is a millennial, a Biologist, a Latina, a mom, a wife, an entrepreneur, and the CEO and owner of Gluteboost. Gluteboost is redirecting and redefining powerhouse herbal formulations for targeted-driven results. Their plant-derived formulations are a powerful, innovative approach that brings solutions to this sociocultural demand for bigger curves.
With a desire to impact the beauty and health industry with something completely innovative, this GB Babe is all about the science behind Gluteboost products. With an academic background concentration in Molecular Biology, Gluteboost has nicely coalesced with her business indulgence: beauty, fitness, and health. She not only loves GB products but is adamant about giving back to the GB community by making an impact in other women’s lives with resources and inspiration.
As someone that struggled with insecurities, Susana strongly believes women need to feel inspired to care for their bodies, improve their overall health, and feel empowered to transform their bodies and their mentality. Gluteboost is not only about the products and the results they cause but also about effecting change in women’s everyday lives.
Deniz Kayadelen
Stepping beyond one’s comfort zone and pushing the boundaries of personal limitations: Deniz Kayadelen is well-versed in this realm. Deniz is dedicated to support individuals and organizations in their transformation journey towards unleashing hidden potential. She wholeheartedly embodies the principles she advocates.
A world champion in ice swimming and a holder of records, Deniz has bravely confronted pain and fear in the face of extreme conditions, swimming in freezing temperatures as well as among toxic jellyfish and sharks. Beyond her aquatic triumphs, Deniz is leading the talent management consulting practice in Switzerland EY. As a business psychologist, change manager, and transformational coach, she is also a bestselling author and the visionary behind “Out of Comfort Zone.”. She is a Tedx and Forbes speaker and inspires people worldwide. While Deniz’s accomplishments are undeniably remarkable, her storytelling approach remains remarkably relatable, characterized by vulnerability and authenticity.
Christina Hawatmeh
Christina Hawatmeh is the Founder and CEO of Scopio which stands for “Scope it out” and is empowering artists to share and monetize their images and art, offering businesses access to a diverse pool of valuable images to use, and talented artists to hire from 190 countries. Christina is breaking down the barriers between talented visual storytellers and those looking to tell stories. She is an influential voice in the creator economy for the past decade, speaking globally on why “underdogs” need access, and the creative revolution that is changing everything as we know it.
She is named Top Entrepreneurs to Follow by NY Finance and has been recognized by leading publications such as CNN, Entrepreneur, and Forbes 30 Under 30. She is the author of “The Year Time Stopped: The Global Pandemic in Photos,” featured at the Grammys and winner of “the mind award” available in all major retailers. Christina is currently working on her second book titled “If Women,” featuring art and photography contributed by artists from all around the world, reimagining a world re-designed by women.
Julia Borelli
Julia is the visionary CEO and founder of ALLAY, a functional non-alcoholic wine brand that went to market in early 2023 with a premium product made with 100% organic ingredients.
With a commitment to redefining the art of rituals and wellness, Julia has emerged as a leading force in the world of alcohol-free alternatives. Her passion for health and wellness and her degree in human nutrition are evident in ALLAY’s offerings that seamlessly blend the sophistication of wine with the benefits of wellness-focused ingredients.
Julia has fearlessly navigated a traditionally male-dominated industry, leveraging her years of experience in retail and ecommerce to introduce a refreshing perspective. Her holistic approach to business extends beyond product development, as she relentlessly advocates for destigmatizing non-alcoholic choices and empowering individuals to make mindful decisions.
Laura Clark
Laura Clark is a wife, mother and respected CEO in the pageant and entertainment industry. As the owner of Liv & Rock Productions, Laura manages the Miss Earth USA organization, the official national preliminary pageant leading to MISS EARTH based in the Philippines. Laura has been recognized as Best Director by Pageant Planet, Art & Beauty Magazine and Prestige Pageantry Awards. After dedicating 15 years as a performer and choreographer in collegiate and professional sports, Laura earned the title of Ms. United States 2011, which launched her career in the pageant industry. Under Laura’s leadership, USA ranked 2nd Runner Up Miss World and winner of Miss Earth 2020. Laura holds a Bachelor of Arts from William Jewell College in public communication with a minor in political science and recently enjoyed three years positioned as a diplomat to the United Nations in Switzerland. Laura, her husband and two children are based in Chicago.
Melanie Ramirez
Melanie Ramirez, CMO of WBE Network and Valor Coutures. Mentors and helps women create success from any platform of influence. Prime mover of The Vision Board Workshop & Goal Setting Extensive is where strategic goal setting and God-given vision are initiated into the new year. Her tangible thought leadership makes an impact through her pray-teaching, master class “Get Your Foot in The Door,” and her testimony. Her mission is to launch this generation out of the mediocre and set quality of life in motion. She has gained a high capacity to lead from training received from Pastors Don and Susan Nordin of CT Church Houston. Certified in Second Mile Leadership and SOZO, she continues to invest in herself and shares her knowledge in innovative ways. Each day she is walking out her purpose, bringing God Glory as he directs her steps.
Final Thoughts
And that’s a wrap on our journey celebrating empowered elegance! But guess what? The stories of these phenomenal women will continue to inspire us long after this celebration ends. So let’s keep their spirit alive! Let’s embrace our own strengths, face life’s hurdles with grace, and redefine success in our own unique ways. Together, let’s continue to champion gender equality and uplift the voices of women everywhere. Here’s to empowerment, elegance, and the incredible women who embody them all!
