#USA #J.P. Morgan #Women Presidents Organization #Chicago, IL #Women Elevating Women

Celebrating Impactful Women Entrepreneurs in 2025

The Women Presidents Organization (WPO) and Women Elevating Women (W.E.W.) proudly announce the winners of the 2025 Entrepreneurial Women of Impact Awards at a ceremony in Chicago. Recognizing the achievements of twenty-four outstanding women business leaders, this event highlights the essential role women play in driving economic growth and community advancement across North America. Sponsored by J.P. Morgan Commercial Banking, the awards celebrate not just business success, but the vital contributions made towards fostering resilient communities.

The CEO of WPO, Camille Burns, expressed her admiration for this year's honorees, stating, "This year's honorees have built remarkable businesses while creating ripple effects in their local communities. It is a privilege to honor their vision and accomplishments. Their stories inspire us all to dream bigger and lead with purpose." Such sentiments underscore the significance of not just what these women have achieved, but how they integrate their businesses into the fabric of their communities.

The theme of collaboration and female empowerment was reiterated by Betty Hines, Founder and CEO of W.E.W. She remarked, "This partnership between WPO and W.E.W. reflects the power of intentional collaboration. These trailblazing women remind us that we must be our own capital—creating opportunity and economic impact from within our own ecosystems." This perspective elevates the discussion of women's entrepreneurship, emphasizing that success is greatly influenced by mutual support and networking among women.

The honored entrepreneurs hail from diverse sectors, showcasing innovations and leadership that span various markets. The award winners include:

• - Faten Alshazly, WeUsThem, Halifax, Nova Scotia
• - Susan Asiyanbi, The Olori Network, Chicago, IL
• - Lalitha Priya Chandrashekhar, PFG MedComm, LLC, Somerset, NJ
• - Rebecca Contreras, AvantGarde LLC, Austin, TX
• - Dannette Davis, Kay Davis Associates, Pearland, TX
• - Lisa Duarte, Point of Difference Strategies, Chicago, IL
• - Durana Elmi, Cymbiotika, San Diego, CA
• - Kathryn Freeland, A-TEK, Inc., McLean, VA
• - Jeanna Hondel, Ascension Construction Solutions, Columbus, OH
• - Binna Kim, Vested, Short Hills, NJ
• - Melva LaJoy Legrand, LaJoy Creative, Washington, D.C.
• - Katherine Lam, Bambuza Hospitality Group, Portland, OR
• - Nasutsa Mabwa, ServiceMaster Restoration, Chicago, IL
• - Danielle McLane, Diamond Beauty Cosmetics Academy, Philadelphia, PA
• - Claudia Meneses, Avanti Green Eco Cleaning, Las Vegas, NV
• - Caridad Murphy, Diaz-Murphy and Associates CES, Miami, FL
• - Erica M. Plybeah, MedHaul, Memphis, TN
• - Venus Quates, LaunchTech, Huntsville, AL
• - Shaina Rainford, Bask and Lather Co, Valhalla, NY
• - Markita Rogers, Kyma Labs, Bentonville, AR
• - Frances Smith, Zan Wesley Holmes, Jr. Community Outreach Center, Dallas, TX
• - Kristen C. Smith-Devine, Tre's Street Kitchen, Baton Rouge, LA
• - Kameale Terry, ChargerHelp, Los Angeles, CA
• - Darvincia Warren, CORE DMV, Washington D.C.

The remarks from Thelma Ferguson, Global Head of Diversity, Opportunity, Inclusion and Vice Chair at J.P. Morgan Chase, further emphasize the importance of women in leadership roles. She stated, “Purpose-driven business leaders are essential to unlocking opportunities, strengthening communities, and driving economic growth. We are honored to support WPO and W.E.W. in their mission to empower women entrepreneurs as they launch and grow their businesses.”

Both WPO and W.E.W. underscore that empowering women does not merely create successful businesses; it has the power to stimulate entire communities, ensuring that the benefits of entrepreneurship are felt far and wide. Their collaborative spirit and commitment to fostering a nurturing environment for female entrepreneurs truly exemplify the forward-thinking ideals that are vital in today’s economy.

Women Presidents Organization, as a non-profit membership organization, is committed to advancing the collective insights of dynamic women business leaders worldwide. Their model uniquely fosters peer advisory support, ensuring that women entrepreneurs can navigate the complexities of business growth effectively. With members achieving significant milestones, the organization continues to be a catalyst for inspiring others to follow suit. To learn more about WPO's initiatives and how they empower women entrepreneurs, visit women-presidents.com.

For further information on Women Elevating Women and its mission to facilitate business scaling for multicultural women leaders, check out wewcrew.com.

The 2025 Entrepreneurial Women of Impact Awards is not just a celebration; it is a clear message that women in business can lead with purpose, innovate with vision, and create meaningful impacts across their communities. Let us continue to support and uplift the women who are changing the landscape of entrepreneurship today.