Stevie-winner Loanspark is transforming small business lending through its subscription-based, embedded Business Lending as a Service (BLaaS) platform. Founded in 2021 by Michael Barnett and Sasha Yablonovsky, the company enables organizations to become small business and real estate investor lenders to their customers in less than seven days. By combining technology, inclusivity, and expertise, Loanspark empowers small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) to access fair and flexible financing that supports growth and sustainability.

A Platform Built for SMB Growth
Loanspark's loan origination system offers real-time processing, underwriting, and funding capabilities, allowing companies to deliver customized lending solutions efficiently. Beyond conventional lending, Loanspark supports B2B service providers, accounting firms, and mortgage companies with tools that stabilize revenue streams, expand financing options, and enhance client services.

By providing embedded finance solutions, Loanspark enables businesses to access capital seamlessly within their existing platforms, creating a frictionless experience that supports sustainable growth and operational efficiency.

Expansion and Strategic Capabilities
In 2023-2024, Loanspark significantly expanded its reach and product offerings. The company earned Supplier Diversity Office certification, highlighting its status as a minority-owned business and its commitment to equitable economic opportunities.

The company’s commercial real estate marketplace expanded to include over 100 lenders, offering a diverse range of loan options for multifamily, retail, industrial, and other sectors. Additionally, the launch of the Loanspark Partner API provides seamless access to capital through embedded platforms, simplifying the lending process and increasing accessibility for small businesses.

Over the past year, Loanspark has further strengthened its leadership position. Securing the trademark for BLaaS™, launching an executive-led podcast, and forming strategic partnerships with national enterprise platforms have reinforced its industry influence. Conversion rates for qualified applicants now exceed 65% across all business loan product types, and 89% across all real estate loan products, more than 2.5 times the national benchmark, demonstrating both strong market demand and the effectiveness of its embedded lending model.

Loanspark continues to combine technology, thought leadership, and strategic partnerships to redefine business lending. By expanding access to capital, supporting diverse communities, and enabling SMBs and real estate investors to thrive, Loanspark demonstrates measurable impact across industries.

Loanspark won a Gold Stevie for Company of the Year – Financial Services (Small) and a Bronze Stevie Award for Achievement in Growth in The 2025 American Business Awards®.

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Stevie-winner HP Inc., headquartered in Palo Alto, California, is continuing its investment in channel partner success with the launch of the "HP Future Ready AI MasterClass." This new program builds on the company’s long-standing efforts to prepare partners for emerging opportunities through its HP Amplify partner framework.

Introduced in 2020, HP Amplify was designed as the first global partner program optimized for dynamic growth. Its goal is to provide consistent end-customer outcomes while helping partners expand into new markets and adapt to ongoing technological change. The program has continually evolved with additional benefits, reflecting HP’s commitment to giving partners the tools and knowledge needed to stay competitive.

HP has consistently invested in Amplify to match the pace of innovation in areas such as hybrid work, gaming, and 3D printing. Today, with artificial intelligence reshaping industries, the company has taken a significant step forward by offering a structured way for partners to build AI expertise.

Building AI Expertise with Role-Based Training
The Future Ready AI MasterClass, announced at the HP Amplify Partner Conference in March 2024, is the technology industry’s first role-based AI training and certification program. Delivered through HP University, it provides specific learning paths tailored to sales representatives, account managers, and technical consultants.

The first pathway, AI Fundamentals, gives participants a foundation in AI concepts, real-world use cases, HP’s AI solutions portfolio, and data analytics through HP Amplify Data Insights. Since its launch, over 16,000 users have enrolled in the program, surpassing HP’s initial expectations.

Expanding Learning Opportunities
Following the strong uptake of AI Fundamentals, HP introduced the AI Workstation Training pathway in June 2024, developed in collaboration with NVIDIA RTX-powered solutions. This addition enables partners to delve more deeply into AI’s technical applications and understand the value of high-performance AI workstations for meeting customer needs. HP is also actively incorporating partner feedback to design future learning pathways, ensuring the program evolves in line with market demand.

To support its global partner base, the MasterClass is now available in six languages—English, German, French, Italian, Spanish, and Korean—with more to be added.

Most businesses are using or planning to use AI to improve customer satisfaction and generate revenue growth. The Future Ready AI MasterClass positions partners to capitalize on this demand by giving them the skills and resources needed to deliver AI-enabled solutions effectively. With HP’s portfolio of over 100 AI-powered offerings, trained partners are equipped to advise customers and drive measurable results.

HP Inc. won a Silver Stevie® Award in the Sales Training or Coaching Program of the Year – Technology Industries in the 2025 Stevie® Awards for Sales & Customer Service.

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Founded in 2009 during the global financial crisis, Business Hub began as a single serviced office in Seaton, South Australia. Its vision was to provide affordable, flexible workspaces for small businesses seeking alternatives to costly and restrictive leases. Over the past 15 years, that vision has evolved into Business Hub becoming South Australia’s largest privately owned serviced office provider—and one of the most innovative players in the industry.

Today, Business Hub operates 22 locations nationwide, with over 450 members utilizing its facilities to grow their businesses. Its headquarters in Glenelg, South Australia, is itself a testament to innovation: the world’s only revolving serviced office, offering members 360-degree views of Adelaide’s coastline and central business district. This landmark space also serves as a hub for events, workshops, and podcasts that strengthen the local business community.

Transformative Growth Through Licensing and Partnerships
Since July 2022, Business Hub has accelerated its growth through the introduction of a licensing platform—a first-of-its-kind approach in the serviced office industry for a private company. This framework allows partners to adopt Business Hub’s proven operational model and brand standards while tailoring their facilities to local needs. The strategy has enabled rapid national expansion, with Sydney and Canberra now part of the network, and plans to enter Asian markets are underway for 2025. The company has set an ambitious milestone: opening its 100th location by 2027.

Business Hub’s approach is not only focused on scale but also on community impact. Through partnerships with property owners, the company has transformed underutilized buildings into thriving business centers. One such project achieved over 90% occupancy within months of opening, simultaneously raising the property’s value, creating jobs, and stimulating the local economy. This partnership-driven philosophy reflects Business Hub’s belief that success is shared among landlords, license partners, members, and surrounding communities.

Pioneering Industry Shifts
When Business Hub launched, the concept of “coworking” was unfamiliar in Australia. Traditional lease agreements dominated the commercial property market. By replacing leases with flexible member agreements, Business Hub reshaped the landscape for both landlords and tenants: property owners filled vacant spaces, and entrepreneurs gained affordable, low-risk access to professional offices. This innovation proved particularly critical during the COVID-19 pandemic, when businesses turned to hybrid work models and sought more adaptable workspace solutions. Business Hub responded with packages that supported resilience and continuity for its members.

Continuing to Push Boundaries
Since winning a Stevie, Business Hub has made strides in advancing its mission to revolutionize the workplace. The company has successfully expanded its footprint across Australia and is preparing to launch its first international location in Southeast Asia. This growth allows it to serve a broader range of businesses, from high-growth startups to large enterprises seeking flexible and scalable workspace solutions.

The company has also rolled out AI-powered space management tools, expanded virtual office offerings, and enhanced community-building features, helping members collaborate seamlessly and scale efficiently. Unique innovations—such as its licensing model, acceptance of cryptocurrency as rent, and the conversion of a former revolving restaurant into the world’s only revolving coworking space—continue to set Business Hub apart.

This award recognition has validated the creativity and dedication of Business Hub’s team, motivating them to push the boundaries of what’s possible in flexible workspace design. Looking ahead, the company remains focused on delivering innovative, sustainable, and scalable solutions that empower businesses to grow and thrive in the modern era of work.

Business Hub won a Gold Stevie Award for Business Development Achievement of the Year - All Other Industries in the 2025 Stevie Awards for Sales & Customer Service.

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Smart Flats 24 has quickly emerged as one of the fastest-growing companies in the Czech Republic’s short-term rental sector. Founded by CEO Daniil Demchuk, the company focuses on offering modern, comfortable, and energy-efficient apartments designed to meet the needs of both business and leisure travelers. With over 200 fully equipped properties in prime locations, Smart Flats 24 aims for a combination of service quality, sustainability, and adaptability.

Sustainability as a Growth Strategy
From the start, Demchuk’s vision has been to go beyond traditional rental models by integrating eco-friendly practices into the company’s operations. These practices have reduced energy consumption across properties, contributing to lower utility costs and a smaller environmental footprint. At a time when many competitors emphasize rapid expansion alone, Smart Flats 24 has distinguished itself by aligning growth with responsibility.

This balance of sustainability and customer focus has been instrumental in driving higher occupancy rates. The company has seen marked gains through improved marketing strategies, stronger visibility on international booking platforms, and the rollout of a seamless digital booking management system. These initiatives not only boosted efficiency but also enhanced the overall customer experience, making the company a preferred option for travelers who value convenience and reliability.

Customer-Centric Leadership
Customer satisfaction has remained a priority throughout Smart Flats 24’s growth. By focusing on service consistency and modern amenities, the company has earned high ratings and repeat bookings. Its online systems also make the rental process faster and more flexible, helping the company remain responsive in a competitive marketplace.

Demchuk’s leadership extends beyond daily business operations. He has contributed articles and expertise to advance discussions in the rental and real estate industries, sharing insights on both sustainable practices and market trends. This involvement underscores his commitment to shaping not just his company’s success but also the direction of the broader sector.

Demchuk’s leadership continues to be central to Smart Flats 24’s success. His forward-looking strategies, from implementing sustainable practices to expanding the company’s digital capabilities, have shaped the company into a trusted provider in the short-term rental market. By focusing equally on growth and responsibility, he has created a model that balances customer satisfaction with operational efficiency.

Beyond business strategy, Demchuk is an active contributor to the industry through his writing and thought leadership. His articles and expert commentary reflect a commitment to advancing standards across the sector, particularly in areas of sustainability and innovation. With this combination of entrepreneurial drive and industry engagement, Demchuk has established himself as a leading figure in the evolving short-term rental landscape.

Daniil Demchuk won a Bronze Stevie Award for Business Development Professional of the Year in the 2025 Stevie Awards for Sales & Customer Service. 

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Rpharmy, an Austin-based healthcare technology company, was founded with a clear mission: to prevent medication errors and protect healthcare workers from hazardous drug exposure. Its cloud-based solutions—Formweb, a formulary management system, and Rhazdrugs, a hazardous drug safety platform—are used by healthcare organizations nationwide to improve safety and compliance.

At the 2025 Stevie® Awards for Sales & Customer Service, two of Rpharmy’s team members were recognized for their outstanding contributions to this mission. Caroline McBreen, Director of Business Development, earned a Bronze Stevie Award for Business Development Professional of the Year, and Sherlene Christen, Customer Experience Specialist, received a Silver Stevie Award for Front-Line Customer Service Professional of the Year – Other Service Industries.

A Mission-Driven Approach to Growth
Rpharmy was founded following a personal tragedy caused by a medication error, and that mission continues to guide the company today. Caroline McBreen shares a deep personal connection to this cause. After starting her career in finance and accounting, Caroline transitioned to healthcare technology to help prevent the types of errors her family had worked for years to address.

Since joining Rpharmy full-time in 2023, Caroline has driven a 34% increase in revenue and expanded the company’s reach through a personalized, relationship-based approach. Rather than relying on automated sales funnels, she focused on creating meaningful engagement with healthcare leaders. Caroline organized Rpharmy’s participation in 13 regional and national healthcare meetings, where she hosted hospitality suites, delivered presentations, and facilitated over 450 live product demonstrations for more than 1,200 prospects.

Her efforts also secured major visibility for Rpharmy when Premier, a leading healthcare improvement company, recognized Rhazdrugs as one of the top 10 innovative healthcare technologies of 2024. This achievement gave Rpharmy access to Premier’s alliance of 4,100 hospitals and health systems, a significant milestone for a family-run business in a competitive industry dominated by large corporations.

Caroline also introduced initiatives that strengthened Rpharmy’s market presence, including the Rpharmy Rounds blog series, educational webinars, and customized demonstrations for nursing teams—an audience often overlooked in pharmacy-centric solutions. Her work in obtaining Texas HUB woman-owned business certification positioned Rpharmy as a leader in promoting diversity in the healthcare technology space.

Delivering Hands-On Customer Service
While Caroline focuses on expanding Rpharmy’s reach, Sherlene Christen ensures customers receive the expert support needed to successfully implement the company’s solutions. With more than 30 years of pharmacy experience at Duke Raleigh Hospital, Sherlene brings an exceptional depth of knowledge to her role as Customer Experience Specialist. For the past four years, she has guided healthcare organizations through the complex processes of formulary consolidation and hazardous drug safety compliance.

Sherlene leads implementation projects for both Formweb and Rhazdrugs, ensuring that systems meet regulatory standards. Her expertise was particularly critical when the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) released an updated list of hazardous drugs in December 2024. Sherlene proactively analyzed and documented necessary changes for each client, saving them significant time and resources.

Her approach combines technical proficiency with a deep understanding of customer needs, resulting in a level of service rarely seen in the healthcare software industry. Clients benefit from her direct communication, tailored support, and practical solutions, which have earned consistent praise from healthcare organizations nationwide.

A Shared Commitment to Innovation and Safety
Both Caroline and Sherlene’s accomplishments reflect Rpharmy’s commitment to innovation, safety, and exceptional service. Their work demonstrates how a company built on personal experience and driven by mission can compete successfully with larger corporations while setting new standards for customer engagement and industry leadership.

Sherlene Christen won a Silver Stevie Award for Front-Line Customer Service Professional of the Year - Other Service Industries, and Caroline McBreen won a Bronze Stevie for Business Development Professional of the Year in the 2025 Stevie Awards for Sales & Customer Service.

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Stevie-winner Procore Technologies, a leading construction management software platform headquartered in the United States, is publicly traded under the ticker PCOR and serves construction companies globally.

The platform provides a central collaboration space for project stakeholders, including owners, general contractors, and specialty contractors, streamlining project management and improving communication across complex construction projects. Known for its innovative approach to construction technology, Procore has consistently delivered tools that connect people, processes, and data on a single platform, enabling more efficient work and measurable ROI for its clients.

In 2024, Procore’s sales and customer success teams took a bold step forward in professional development by launching the company’s first-ever Step Into Success Enablement Summit, an immersive, mid-year sales enablement conference. This event earned Procore two Silver Stevie Awards for Sales & Customer Service, in the categories of Sales Enablement Program of the Year and Sales Training or Coaching Program of the Year, recognizing the company’s unique approach to motivating, educating, and engaging its teams.

Sales Enablement Conference
Unlike traditional sales conferences focused on presentations and lectures, Procore designed the summit as a three-day “Enablement Experience”. Each day focused on experiential learning, using gamification and hands-on simulations to reinforce critical sales and account planning skills. The goal was to deepen employees’ understanding of customers, competitors, and account strategy in an engaging and memorable way, ensuring that team members could apply new insights immediately in real-world sales scenarios.

Day one of the summit, called “Walk in Your Customer’s Boots,” emphasized customer-centric learning. Teams participated in a stadium-building simulation, navigating real-world challenges such as weather delays and software issues while assuming roles such as Owner or Contractor. Procore customers attended the simulation, answering questions and providing real-world context. This immersive exercise helped sales teams gain a richer understanding of the construction environment and the practical impact of Procore’s products on clients’ daily work.

Day two, the “Procore Escape Experience,” shifted the focus to competition. Fifty teams entered custom-designed, two-room escape challenges, uncovering pain points faced by prospective clients using non-Procore software. Teams then participated in a Whiteboard Challenge, developing solutions tailored to these frustrations. This highly interactive approach helped employees understand competitive pressures and how Procore’s platform effectively addresses industry pain points.

Day three, the “Straightline Account Challenge,” centered on account planning. Over six hours, teams collaborated to develop strategic account plans for a fictitious client, combining lessons learned from the first two days. This gamified workshop emphasized application of knowledge, critical thinking, and collaboration, ensuring that sales teams not only understood Procore’s value proposition but could also communicate it effectively to clients.

The results of the summit exceeded expectations. Employees demonstrated clear mastery of account planning, customer engagement, and competitive positioning, as evidenced by enhanced performance in sales conversations and documentation. Feedback from participants highlighted the summit as one of the most innovative and impactful training experiences they had encountered.

Following the success of the summit, Procore plans to continue this experiential approach in with additional reinforcement sessions, further integrating active learning into the company’s sales culture. The program exemplifies how forward-thinking organizations can transform sales training from a passive exercise into an engaging, results-driven experience.

Procore Technologies won two Silver Stevie Awards for Sales Enablement Program of the Year and Sales Training or Coaching Program of the Year in the 2025 Stevie Awards for Sales & Customer Service. 

Interested in entering the 2026 program?

When Spring Bio Solution (SBS) launched in 2020 in the US, it was a small company in a competitive and highly regulated industry. Four years later, the company has achieved significant growth, and one of the key people behind that success is Nikhila Shashikanth.

In recognition of her contributions, Nikhila received two honors at the 2024 Stevie Awards for Women in Business: a Silver Stevie Award for Female Employee of the Year in Business, and a Bronze Stevie for Female Executive of the Year in Business Services with 10 or Less Employees.

Spring Bio Solution
SBS is a licensed wholesale distributor in the pharmaceutical space. The company specializes in sourcing and supplying Reference Listed Drugs (RLDs), comparator drugs, and various medical devices to pharmaceutical companies, clinical research organizations (CROs), and research institutions. Spring Bio Solution supports the clinical trial and research processes by ensuring reliable access to these key pharmaceutical products.

In addition to its core distribution activities, SBS also supports logistical and regulatory needs within the pharmaceutical supply chain including serialization services. The company handles sourcing, compliance, and distribution in accordance with industry standards, positioning itself as a trusted partner for organizations needing consistent, compliant access to critical drugs and devices.

Business Growth and Operational Success
Nikhila serves as the Director of Business Development and Operations at SBS. Her role involves overseeing the company's business strategy, operations, and regulatory compliance. She joined SBS as a Manager when the company was founded and quickly advanced through senior roles before assuming her current position.

Under Nikhila’s leadership, SBS has seen strong revenue growth, with revenues increasing by more than 125% between 2022 and 2024. This reflects a period of significant expansion for a company of its size.

She has also focused on improving efficiency and maintaining compliance in a heavily regulated sector. This includes managing customer and regulatory audits, as well as anticipating changes in industry requirements.

In addition, Nikhila’s approach to leadership emphasizes both performance and employee development. Managing such a dynamic environment presents daily challenges, and Nikhila approaches each challenge with a deep passion for her work and a solution-oriented mindset. Her management style is deeply empathetic, dedicating considerable time and effort to understanding and addressing her team's needs.This empathetic leadership has not only driven successful project outcomes but has also cultivated a supportive and motivated workplace. She has created an environment where team members can advance into leadership roles, and the company has maintained an employee retention rate significantly higher than the industry average.

Alongside her work at SBS, Nikhila has been pursuing a dual degree at Cornell University: An Executive MBA and an MS in Healthcare Leadership. Since winning her Stevie Awards, she has graduated with distinction. She attended classes on weekends while continuing her responsibilities at SBS during the week.

Nikhila’s story reflects how strategic thinking, continuous learning, and a people-first approach can drive success in a competitive industry. Her ability to balance operational responsibilities with academic advancement demonstrates a commitment to both personal and organizational growth.

Nikhila Shashikanth won Silver and Bronze Stevie Awards for Female Employee of the Year – Business and for Female Executive of the Year – Business Services (10 or Less Employees), respectively, in the 2024 Stevie Awards for Women in Business.

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Angela Dion, founder of Simple Breastfeeding, has been recognized with two Stevie Awards in the 2024 Stevie Awards for Women in Business for her development of the Blissful Bond Boobie Pillow — an innovative breastfeeding support device designed to assist mothers, particularly those with larger breasts, in nursing more comfortably and effectively.

Dion’s idea for the product emerged from her own struggles as a new mother. Like many women, she experienced neck, shoulder, and back pain from holding her breast in place while nursing, as well as difficulty helping her baby latch. The makeshift solution often used (a rolled-up towel) failed to provide adequate support, creating additional frustration and discomfort. Over time, this strain required weekly physiotherapy and significantly impacted her breastfeeding experience.

Motivated by these challenges, Dion embarked on a four-year journey to create a more effective, ergonomic support device. Drawing on feedback from healthcare professionals, extensive testing, and input from mothers, she developed the Blissful Bond Boobie Pillow. The product is made from medical-grade materials that are hygienic, durable, and easy to clean. Its design supports proper positioning of the breast to improve latching, reduce pain, and enhance bonding between mother and baby.

The product officially launched at the Melbourne Parent & Baby Expo in July 2024, where it sold 50 units and drew praise from both mothers and midwives. Since then, demand has grown through online and retail channels, with healthcare professionals endorsing the product for its ability to address common breastfeeding problems. Physiotherapists specializing in women’s health have described it as a “game changer” for preventing and alleviating breastfeeding-related musculoskeletal pain.

The Blissful Bond Boobie Pillow is designed with versatility in mind. It accommodates mothers of different body types, provides stability for the breast to free up the mother’s hands, and helps improve milk flow, which reduces the risk of mastitis. For mothers who may feel overwhelmed by the physical demands of breastfeeding, the pillow offers a practical solution that improves comfort and allows them to focus more fully on their baby.

The potential market for the product is significant. While breastfeeding initiation rates in Australia are high, many mothers stop breastfeeding within a few months due to physical pain, difficulty latching, or frustration. The Blissful Bond Boobie Pillow addresses these barriers directly, providing an option for mothers who otherwise may have given up breastfeeding prematurely.

Simple Breastfeeding is currently expanding its reach with additional expos planned nationwide, a developing influencer campaign, and discussions underway with national retail and online chains. The company is also exploring opportunities to introduce the product into hospital maternity wards to support mothers immediately after birth.

Winning two Stevie Awards has been a game-changer for Angela and her business. The recognition has attracted the attention of international buyers and helped secure placements in pharmacies and baby shops online, with talks progressing for distribution in markets like the Philippines and the United States. Beyond offering credibility, the awards have given Angela a strong platform to expand globally, paving the way for new partnerships, distributors, and resellers around the world.

Simple Breastfeeding Founder Angela Dion won Bronze Stevie Awards for Achievement in Product Innovation and for Best New Product or Service of the Year - Consumer Products in the 2024 Stevie Awards for Women in Business.

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Stevie winner Katrina Wurm, founder of Stress Free Super Mum, is a coach, author, and advocate who supports women in managing the challenges of motherhood, particularly when raising children with disabilities or neurodivergence. Drawing on her personal and professional experience, Wurm has developed programs and resources to help mothers improve their confidence, advocate for their children, and maintain a balanced home life.

Her own journey as a mother shaped her mission. After experiencing the loss of multiple pregnancies and giving birth to a son with significant medical needs and neurodiversity, Wurm applied her background in psychology, business, and human resources to create practical systems that helped her manage her family’s complex needs. This experience motivated her to assist other mothers facing similar struggles.

At the request of her son’s school principal, she began coaching mothers of neurodiverse children in 2017. During the pandemic, she formalized her approach by launching Stress Free Super Mum, a program designed to help mothers working from home balance their responsibilities while caring for their families.

Wurm’s programs, workshops, and speaking engagements now reach mothers from diverse backgrounds, not just those raising children with disabilities. Her services emphasize organization, delegation, and advocacy—skills she teaches to help women improve their well-being and reduce stress. She also coaches women to set boundaries, teach their children age-appropriate responsibilities, and avoid overextending themselves.

Her business has grown steadily, with coaching clients increasing by at least 15% annually and sales of her book Wear Your Warrior rising by 25%. She has expanded her reach into rural and remote communities in Australia and regularly speaks at libraries, workshops, and corporate events.

Wurm also works within the corporate sector, particularly with Australia’s national airline Qantas, where she trains staff on disability inclusion and has advocated for the adoption of initiatives such as the Sunflower Lanyard program for hidden disabilities. In 2024 she joined Qantas’s Diversity and Inclusion Board, contributing to policies that support staff and customers with diverse needs.

Through her coaching, writing, and advocacy, Wurm addresses issues such as burnout, depleted mother syndrome, and the lack of support available for parents of children with special needs. Her work provides practical tools for mothers navigating the often-overwhelming demands of parenting and helps families achieve healthier, more balanced lives.

Katrina Wurm won three Gold and two Silver Stevie Awards in the 2024 Stevie Awards for Women in Business for Female Thought Leader of the Year – Consumer Services, Mentor of Coach of the Year - Consumer; Women Helping Women - Social Change; Social Change Maker of the Year - Disability; and Best Female Entrepreneur - Consumer Services, respectively.

Interested in submitting your own Stevie Awards for Women in Business nominations?

Stevie-winner Dr. Sonia Selwin brings a holistic approach to empowerment, working across India, the U.S., and Bahrain to support marginalized women, immigrant communities, and aspiring entrepreneurs. Her impact is rooted not just in vision, but in action—whether that’s supporting a single woman struggling with language barriers and mental health, or developing scalable education and business programs that reach hundreds.

A Dual Role: Academic Leader and Community Organizer
Dr. Selwin’s academic background spans 16 years as a lecturer, professor, and program manager in business education. With a PhD in Management and current postdoctoral research in Leadership at Andrews University, she brings scholarly rigor to her work. But she doesn’t stop at theory.

Her nonprofit work—especially through HopeSide Ministries and as founder of the People Empowerment Alliance for Creativity and Education (PEACE)—takes that expertise directly to the communities that need it most. She mentors immigrant women in employability skills, guides entrepreneurs in launching small businesses, and leads weekly Bible study and support sessions focused on healing and empowerment.

At HopeSide, she’s helped dozens of women start businesses, complete degrees, and navigate personal hardships. Her leadership spans from organizing church retreats and fundraising events to developing grant proposals and securing financial support for community programs.

Focus on Women’s Empowerment and Entrepreneurship
Through PEACE, Dr. Selwin is actively supporting more than 350 women in India—many of them first-time entrepreneurs—with training, funding, and mentorship. She led the effort to award seed funds to women facing growth constraints in businesses like tailoring, jewelry-making, and jute product manufacturing. Her focus is not just on financial aid, but sustainable business growth through marketing, digital skills, and community collaboration.

In one case, she helped an immigrant woman in the U.S. launch a sewing business by offering English language instruction, digital literacy, and equipment—all while juggling childcare and integration challenges. In another, she guided a woman from depression and isolation to confidence and purpose through mentoring and prayer. Her ability to meet people where they are, while also building broader systems for advancement, defines her leadership style.

A Global Voice for Practical Solutions
In 2023, Dr. Selwin was recognized at the British Parliament with the Award for Excellence in Global Education, Business, and Advancement, standing out among applicants from across India. Her work blends academic innovation with hands-on implementation; she’s equally at home writing research papers as she is leading food coordination for a community retreat or coaching a young nonprofit founder on mission statements and grant writing.

She is also passionate about forming partnerships between universities and grassroots entrepreneurs. Her work with students and rural women in India has inspired a mutual exchange of knowledge, connecting theory with lived experience, and inspiring a new generation of leaders.

Dr. Sonia Selwin’s work demonstrates that educational leadership can extend far beyond the classroom. It’s about mentorship, practical support, community development, and meeting real needs with compassion and structure.

Dr. Selwin won a Bronze Stevie® Award for Woman of the Year in the Government or Non-Profit sector in the 2024 Stevie Awards for Women in Business. 

Interested in entering the 2025 program?