Throughout history, women have faced immense challenges and barriers to success. From lack of educational opportunities to systemic discrimination, the odds have often been stacked against them. But with courage, determination and a refusal to accept the status quo, generations of women have slowly chipped away at the obstacles in their path. Their hard-fought progress has opened doors for the women who follow in their footsteps.
Today, women are achieving incredible things across all fields and industries. They are leading companies, making significant scientific discoveries, creating impactful art, and much more. The 16 remarkable women featured in this story exemplify the diversity of passions and talents among women. Coming from different backgrounds and working in a range of professions, what unites them is their drive to fulfill their potential and positively impact the world.
While there is still much more to be done to reach true gender equality, there is also much to celebrate in terms of how far women have come. The accomplishments of the women highlighted here build upon the legacy of those who came before them. In sharing their stories, the hope is to inspire the next generation of women and girls to dream big and know that with hard work and perseverance, those dreams are within reach.
Our story begins with Anam Raza, the co-founder and COO of The DUA Brand, a fragrance company. Anam's journey shows the vital behind-the-scenes work required to bring an entrepreneurial vision to life. In the early days, she did everything from designing packaging to packing orders herself, all while raising two young children. Her commitment and resourcefulness helped grow the company to the thriving seven-figure business it is today. Anam's dedication recently earned her the well-deserved title of Female Founder of the Year.
Like Anam, Kaci King is leading a company to new heights as the CEO of West Ohio Tool Co. Since taking over day-to-day operations in 2020 with her husband, Kaci has dramatically improved sales, expanded their customer base, and provided innovative solutions. She spearheaded new give-back programs like paid volunteer days for employees and meal donations for every product sold. Her impactful leadership led to her being named CEO of the Year.
Thought leadership is another area where women are making their mark. Andora Gandy Hinton, awarded Thought Leader of the Year, draws on 25 years of experience in sales, coaching and leadership development. With a focus on helping people navigate their learning journey, Andora guides organizations looking to center wellbeing and inclusivity. Her philosophy that we are what we repeatedly do informs her approach to helping clients build positive habits.
Some women are focused on fostering inner peace and spiritual growth. Joy Vanichkul, the Inner Peace Advocate of the Year, combines her background in meditation, hypnotherapy, yoga, and natural medicine. She spreads her message of finding balance through inner and outer beauty as the creator of the Intelligent Beauty Method. Named the Spiritual Teacher of the Year, Paula Theresa Wright also helps people manifest their dreams and live free. She shares the spiritual strategies that helped her overcome challenges in her own life.
Mental health is another vital aspect of overall wellbeing, and Dr. Charryse Johnson, the Mental Health Advocate of the Year, is ensuring it gets the attention it deserves. As a veteran psychotherapist, she takes a holistic approach that addresses the mind-body connection. Dr. Johnson also serves as an advocate and advisor, using her platform to promote emotional wellbeing.
When it comes to building a career, the guidance of those who have navigated that path can make all the difference. Stephanie Renk, the Career Coach of the Year, specializes in helping job seekers discover their passions and land their dream jobs. Leadership coaching is the focus for Dauwn Monique Parker, named Leadership Coach of the Year. She draws on two decades of tech industry experience to now develop effective, inclusive leaders as the founder of Precision Partners.
Effective communication is essential to success in any field, something Lisa Ackland Carriere, the Writing Coach of the Year, knows well. In her writing and editing business, The Writing Well, Lisa uses her background teaching English and developing curriculum to help clients share their stories and ideas. She is passionate about empowering people to find their voice.
Technology is an increasingly important aspect of communication, one that Rachel Brissenden has immersed herself in, particularly blockchain. Through educating herself and participating in Decentralized Autonomous Organizations, Rachel works to leverage tech for social good. She received the Social Impact Award for initiatives like fundraising for nonprofits and creating NFTs to support environmental causes.
Visual art is a powerful medium for driving change as well. Nikki Frelier Andrews, honored as the Arts Advocate of the Year, uses her talents as a painter and installation artist in her own exhibitions and to enrich public art spaces. She contributes her voice and vision to museums, galleries, and local initiatives, championing the value of art and artists.
The coaching industry is a space where women are delivering transformative results. Vicky Regan draws on firsthand experience as a woman leader in business and tech to empower her clients to thrive both professionally and personally. Dr. Chaneé Danielle Hawkins Ash takes an integrative approach as an executive wellness coach, helping people align their unique gifts and purpose. Her recent book Expired Mindsets hit #1 on the bestseller list.
With businesses expanding globally, Ilhiana Rojas Saldana's multicultural background is an asset in her work as a coach and strategist. She has coached and empowered thousands of leaders worldwide. Also globally minded, Ruth Sarah Pearce brings her coaching to groups facing transitions or challenges. Her book and courses reach people around the world.
Rounding out the top five coaches of the year is Jodee Gibson, who describes her approach as weaving together human development, neuroscience, psychology, NLP, consciousness, and vibration. With a compelling personal story of overcoming odds herself, Jodee now helps clients achieve sustainable transformation.
The impact of WomELLE, a multifaceted organization dedicated to uplifting women throughout their lives, is best exemplified by the stories of the 16 exceptional women who were honored as the winners of the Female Voice Awards. These extraordinary individuals embody the very best of what it means to be a woman in the modern age. WomELLE established the Female Voice Awards to celebrate and amplify the voices and achievements of outstanding women across various fields and industries.
The 16 award winners highlighted in this feature offer a powerful glimpse into what women are capable of when they have the opportunities and support to thrive. Each of their paths is unique, reflecting the diversity of women's experiences, challenges, and triumphs. But common threads emerge—as well as the determination to overcome obstacles, the drive to make a difference, and the desire to pay it forward by uplifting others.
A society still rife with gender inequities, the accomplishments of these women are all the more significant. They have not only achieved personal success but are also using their platforms and influence to chip away at the barriers that hold women back. Through thought leadership, advocacy, mentoring, and leading by example, they are working to create a world where every woman and girl can step into her power and potential.
The legacy of the women who came before—the suffragettes, the civil rights leaders, the early scientists and artists—flows through them. And their impact in turn will ripple out to the women who follow, building ever greater momentum toward gender equity. There is still much work to be done, but with women like this leading the charge, progress is unstoppable.
To every woman and girl reading this, know that you stand on the shoulders of giants but are also a giant in your own right. Your voice, your talents, and your perspective are needed. As these 16 remarkable women show, when women rise, we all rise. The future is bright, and it is female.
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