Driving Growth and Building Strong Teams at Spring Bio Solution

Posted by Amanda Del Signore on Tue, Aug 26, 2025 @ 11:07 AM

Spring Bio Solution-Logo Final-c2c-01When 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 Successheadshot
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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Topics: stevie awards for women in business

Final Entry Deadline Extended in 22nd Stevie® Awards for Women in Business

Posted by Maggie Gallagher on Thu, Aug 21, 2025 @ 09:00 AM

Nominations will now be accepted through September 5

The Stevie® Awards, organizer of the world’s premier business awards programs, has extended the final entry deadline in the 2025 (22nd annual) Stevie® Awards for Women in Business. Entrants now have through September 5 to submit nominations. The original final entry deadline was August 20.

Entry kits and complete details on the competition are available at https://www.StevieAwards.com/Women.

SAWIB25 Sept 5

The Stevie Awards for Women in Business honor the achievements of working women in more than 100 categories, including Best Female Entrepreneur, Female Executive of the Year, Mentor or Coach of the Year, Lifetime Achievement Award, Achievement in Equal Pay, Women Helping Women, Employee of the Year, Woman-Owned or -Run Company of the Year, and Female Innovator of the Year. All female entrepreneurs, executives, employees, and the organizations they run, worldwide, are eligible to be nominated.

The Stevie Awards for Women in Business are widely regarded as the world's premier business awards competition for women. In 2024, the competition attracted more than 1,500 nominations from organizations in more than 36 nations.

The 2025 Stevie Awards for Women in Business will be judged by more than 200 leading professionals around the world, and nominees will have access to all the judges’ comments and suggestions about their nominations. Finalists will be announced on September 19, and winners will be announced on November 10 at an awards ceremony in New York City.

The Stevie Awards for Women in Business recognize achievement in the workplace in award categories including:

Achievement Categories
Achievement in Communications & Marketing (Developed for/by Women) Categories
Company/Organization (Women-Owned or -Led) Categories
Individual Women Categories
Media (Developed for/by Women) Categories
New Product & Service (Developed for/by Women) - Categories
Social Media Categories
Sustainability Categories
Thought Leadership Categories

There are nine new Achievement categories to recognize innovative achievements by individual women and women-led or -owned organizations since July 2023. The Communications & Marketing categories have been updated this year to reflect achievements within Communications & Marketing. Entry fees have been waived in the Media Awards categories.

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Topics: stevie awards for women in business

How One Mother Turned Her Breastfeeding Struggles Into a Game-Changing Product

Posted by Amanda Del Signore on Tue, Aug 12, 2025 @ 03:43 PM

Simple_Breastfeeding_SocialsAngela 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.Simple_Breastfeeding_Logo

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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Topics: stevie awards for women in business

Katrina Wurm: Helping Mothers Navigate Parenthood Through Coaching and Advocacy

Posted by Amanda Del Signore on Tue, Aug 05, 2025 @ 04:45 PM

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.

2025 Winner Spotlight - Twitter Post-5-Aug-05-2025-08-33-54-4983-PM

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.

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Topics: stevie awards for women in business

Empowerment Through Education and Action: Dr. Sonia Selwin’s Impact Across Communities

Posted by Amanda Del Signore on Fri, Jul 11, 2025 @ 11:53 AM

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.

Sonia SelwinA 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. 

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Topics: stevie awards for women in business

Innovating Literacy for Teens Who’ve Been Left Behind

Posted by Amanda Del Signore on Tue, Jul 08, 2025 @ 12:50 PM

Too often, older struggling readers are left with few resources that meet their unique needs—books that are either too simple for their age or too complex for their reading level. Storyshares is tackling that challenge head-on.

Storyshares logo
Founded by former educator Louise Baigelman, Storyshares is a nonprofit literacy organization focused on adolescents who have slipped through the cracks of reading instruction. Baigelman, who began her career in classrooms through Teach For America, saw firsthand how a lack of engaging, accessible reading materials held students back. Her solution: build a new kind of library.

That library now includes more than 500 original, age-appropriate titles written at a wide range of reading levels. These books have reached readers in 180 countries and have been read for over 1 million hours, helping teens and adults build confidence and fluency. Educators report that more than 90% of students using Storyshares titles show improved reading attitudes and behaviors.

Over the past year, Storyshares has continued to break new ground. In response to feedback from educators and families, Baigelman’s team created “Remix Decodables”—the first-ever decodable chapter books for teens. These books, released between late 2023 and early 2024, offer structured support for older readers who are still mastering foundational literacy skills, providing content that respects both their age and their learning needs. Each eight-book set in the series is tailored for students beyond third grade and comes with companion guides for educators to support instruction.

This bold innovation aligns with the growing movement around the Science of Reading and fills a long-overlooked gap in literacy education. It also complements Storyshares’ growing library by offering even more tools for teachers working with readers who have historically lacked effective resources.

Beyond publishing, Storyshares is scaling its impact through strategic collaborations. In 2024, the organization partnered with the 95 Percent Group to co-create 95 Readables™, a collection of decodable chapter books designed for students in grades 2–8. This partnership extends the reach of high-quality, structured literacy tools and highlights Baigelman’s commitment to evidence-based solutions. At the same time, the organization continues to fuel its library through its annual Story of the Year writing contest, which has become a cornerstone for sourcing diverse and engaging content.

Louise Baigelman’s leadership reflects a rare combination of educational insight, entrepreneurial vision, and measurable impact. Through Storyshares, she is redefining what’s possible for struggling readers around the world—empowering students, supporting teachers, and shaping the future of literacy.

Storyshares Founder and CEO Louise Baigelman won a Bronze Stevie® Award for Best Female Entrepreneur – Business Products –10 or Less Employees in the 2024 Stevie Awards for Women in Business.

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Topics: stevie awards for women in business

How AAA Mountain West Group Is Strengthening Its Member Experience Through the Via Podcast

Posted by Amanda Del Signore on Tue, Jul 01, 2025 @ 01:10 PM

Stevie-winner AAA Mountain West Group (AAA MWG) is one of the largest regional branches in the AAA federation, serving more than 6.7 million Members across Northern California, Arizona, Utah, Nevada, Montana, Wyoming, and Alaska. With over 5,000 employees, the organization provides a wide array of services—roadside assistance, insurance, financial tools, auto repair, EV resources, and leisure travel planning.

As consumer habits shift toward digital and mobile experiences, AAA MWG has expanded its outreach through various content channels. One of the most visible is Via, the group’s travel and lifestyle publication. With a print and digital audience spanning 22 major media markets and a readership of over 7 million, Via has become a valuable engagement tool. Reader behavior data has shown that audiences not only read Via, but take action—such as visiting AAA offices or exploring products—after engaging with its content.

In late 2023, AAA MWG began exploring how to extend the Via experience beyond the page. The result was the "Via Podcast," a new content initiative designed to meet audiences where they already are: in their earbuds during commutes, workouts, or weekend travel planning.

Creating a New Kind of Member Connection
Launched in March 2024, the Via Podcast was developed by a team of women already deeply involved in Via’s editorial success. The podcast is hosted by Michelle Donati, a long-time AAA spokesperson and Arizona native, alongside travel journalist Mitti Hicks. Behind the scenes are Editor-in-Chief Whitney Phaneuf, Managing Editor Katie Henry, and editorial consultant April Kilcrease.
Via Podcast body image
The team’s goal was to create a series that captures the same tone and values of the magazine, while taking advantage of the intimacy and flexibility of audio. New episodes drop twice a month and are available on major podcast platforms like Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

The podcast focuses on travel across the American West—sharing personal stories, expert recommendations, and unexpected destinations. Themes range from hidden road trip gems to interviews with AAA Members and travel experts who offer firsthand insights.

Part of a Broader Strategy
The "Via Podcast" was not a standalone project but part of a larger content strategy aimed at increasing Member engagement and brand affinity. Internally, the team viewed it as an opportunity to humanize the AAA brand and strengthen relationships with Members through storytelling.

The rise of branded podcasts across industries helped validate the format as a business tool. Audio has become one of the fastest-growing forms of media consumption, with US adults spending nearly two hours a day listening. AAA MWG saw this shift not as a trend to chase, but as a channel that could support long-term communication goals.

Each episode of the Via Podcast is designed with AAA’s values in mind—trust, exploration, and Member-first service. The editorial team also uses performance data from *Via*’s digital content, email campaigns, and social platforms to inform guest selection and episode topics. By including AAA Member voices and stories in each episode, the team has created a sense of community among listeners. The podcast has also given the organization a way to stay relevant in a crowded media landscape—without abandoning the brand’s legacy of reliability and service.

For AAA MWG, the podcast serves both as a communication tool and as a reflection of how the organization continues to evolve. As the Via Podcast grows its listenership, AAA Mountain West Group is continuing to find new ways to deliver value—whether it’s through a map, a membership card, or a story told through headphones.

AAA Mountain West Group won a Bronze Stevie Award for Marketing Campaign of the Year - Entertainment & Sports in the 2024 Stevie Awards for Women in Business.

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Topics: stevie awards for women in business

Supporting Chronic Health Solutions Through Education and E-Commerce

Posted by Amanda Del Signore on Wed, Jun 04, 2025 @ 09:55 AM

Dr. Amy Myers has spent her career on a mission: helping people get to the root of their chronic health issues so they can take control of their well-being. What began with years of work as a functional medicine physician and founder of her own clinic has grown into Amy Myers MD® (AMMD)—an e-commerce wellness platform and global health resource that’s empowering millions.

In recognition of her impact, Dr. Myers earned a Bronze Stevie® Award for Female Thought Leader of the Year – Consumer Services in the 2024 Stevie Awards for Women in Business.

Building a Trusted Wellness Brand2025 Winner Spotlight - RESIZED IG-2-Jun-04-2025-01-54-04-0155-PM
Founded by Dr. Myers after two decades in clinical practice, Amy Myers MD® is a digital health and wellness brand that provides science-backed supplements, educational programs, and expert content. With more than 75 products personally formulated by Dr. Myers, the AMMD platform serves customers in over 140 countries.

The company’s focus areas include autoimmune disease, thyroid dysfunction, small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO), Candida overgrowth, and gut health. The goal is simple but ambitious: to make chronic illness a thing of the past.

From Clinic to Global Reach
Dr. Myers is no stranger to chronic illness. Her personal experience with autoimmunity led her to explore functional medicine—a patient-centered approach that addresses the root causes of disease rather than just symptoms. This perspective fueled her bestselling books, The Autoimmune Solution, The Thyroid Connection, and The Autoimmune Solution Cookbook, which have helped thousands better understand and manage their conditions.

With AMMD, Dr. Myers scaled her knowledge and resources beyond the clinic walls, offering digital tools, guides, and formulations designed to give users the confidence and support to take charge of their health from home.

Expanding the Conversation with the "Take Back Your Health" Podcast
In 2024, Dr. Myers launched the "Take Back Your Health" podcast—an extension of her commitment to practical, accessible wellness education. The podcast features conversations with experts across functional medicine, nutrition, and gut health, covering emerging research and actionable steps for improving health and longevity.

Designed to empower listeners through credible, easy-to-understand insights, the podcast is a platform for connecting with both long-time followers and new audiences who are seeking personalized, holistic solutions to chronic health challenges.

Today, Dr. Myers continues to guide AMMD’s growing global audience, not just as a founder and physician, but as a thought leader shaping the future of functional medicine. Her work has been featured in outlets like Forbes, Women’s World, and Glamour, sharing her message that everyone deserves the knowledge and tools to take back their health.

Amy Myers, MD, won a Bronze Stevie Award for Female Thought Leader of the Year - Consumer Services in the 2024 Stevie Awards for Women in Business.

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Topics: stevie awards for women in business

Healthy Horizons Breastfeeding Centers: Empowering New Mothers and Advocating for Gender Equity

Posted by Amanda Del Signore on Mon, May 19, 2025 @ 09:24 AM

Healthy Horizons logoHealthy Horizons Breastfeeding Centers, based in Burlingame, CA, is a leading provider of breastfeeding support services aimed at empowering mothers and supporting gender equity in the workplace.

The company offers a range of services, including lactation consulting, education, and workplace solutions to help new mothers balance their professional and personal lives. By partnering with businesses across various industries, including Fortune 500 companies, Healthy Horizons creates environments where working mothers have access to the resources they need to thrive, ultimately promoting a healthier and more equitable workplace culture. The company’s focus on supporting mothers through every stage of their breastfeeding journey has earned it recognition as a key player in maternal health advocacy.

In the 2024 Stevie Awards for Women in Business, COO Cassi Janakos and CEO Sheila Janakos each won a Silver Stevie Award for Social Change Maker of the Year - Gender.

Sheila Janakos: Visionary Leadership Driving Growth and Empowering Mothers
Under the leadership of Sheila Janakos, Healthy Horizons has achieved remarkable success, including being recognized on Inc. 5000’s prestigious list for two consecutive years in 2023 and 2024. This recognition highlights the company’s exceptional growth, including a 146% revenue increase in 2023 and an impressive 300%+ growth in 2024.

Sheila Dukas-Janakos
Sheila's commitment to empowering women extends far beyond Healthy Horizons, as she actively advocates for new mothers through various speaking engagements, webinars, and partnerships. She has also mentored aspiring lactation consultants, shaping the future of the industry.

Sheila is particularly known for her work in educating employers on legislation like the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act, helping companies implement more supportive practices for female employees. Through initiatives such as milk drives and collaborations with academic leaders from institutions like Stanford University and the University of California, Sheila is bridging the gap between scientific research and practical applications in maternal health care. Her dedication to community engagement and gender equity has positioned her as a transformative figure in the maternal health space.

Cassi Janakos: Championing Women in STEM and Workplace Equality
As the Chief Operating Officer (COO) of Healthy Horizons, Cassi Janakos plays a critical role in the company’s growth and strategic direction. With a background in engineering and business management, Cassi has led the company to expand its reach, supporting Fortune 500 clients like Ford, PayPal, and PG&E. She has impacted over 2 million employees, mothers, and children by creating equitable workplaces that provide essential support for working parents.

Cassi JanakosBeyond her work at Healthy Horizons, Cassi is deeply committed to empowering women in STEM. For over 18 years, she has mentored women in the Society of Women Engineers and worked with the TechWomen Initiative, a program of the U.S. Department of State. Her leadership also extends to her role in the U.S. Breastfeeding Committee, where she has worked on developing clear tools and policies around U.S. lactation laws to help employers implement inclusive practices.

In 2023, Cassi founded Workplace Lactation Week, a national platform that celebrates the contributions of nursing parents in the workplace. The event, which is now observed annually, aligns with Labor Day and serves to highlight the vital role that parents play in the workforce. Cassi’s exceptional dedication to fostering positive change for working parents, especially women in STEM, makes her a standout leader in both the maternal health and workplace equality sectors.

Through the efforts of both Sheila and Cassi Janakos, Healthy Horizons continues to lead the charge in providing transformative support for new mothers, driving systemic change in employment practices and empowering women in both the workplace and beyond.

Cassi and Sheila Janakos each won a Silver Stevie Award for Social Change Maker of the Year - Gender in the 2024 Stevie Awards for Women in Business.

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Topics: stevie awards for women in business

Introducing the Women|Future Webinars

Posted by Amanda Del Signore on Tue, Feb 04, 2025 @ 01:30 PM

The Stevie® Awards is excited to unveil a new era for the Women|Future Conference. Starting in 2025, the conference will transform into the Women|Future Webinars, a series of free webinars designed for women professionals, entrepreneurs, and small business owners.

Since its launch in 2018, the Women|Future Conference has been a hub for thought leaders, executives, and aspiring entrepreneurs to connect, learn, and grow. After seven successful years as an annual event, we are evolving into a more accessible and dynamic experience.

The new webinar series will take place over three months—June, July, and August 2025—aligning with the 22nd annual Stevie Awards for Women in Business, which opens for nominations on May 13, and has a final entry deadline of August 20.

Welcome WFW Post (1200 x 800 px)

What to Expect
Each Women|Future Webinar will feature inspiring and practical takeaways from accomplished entrepreneurs, industry leaders, and many Stevie Award winners. Topics will include:

  •   Strategies for growing, launching, and sustaining a successful business
  •   Benefits of entering business awards and leveraging recognition
  •   Storytelling techniques to differentiate your brand from the competition

With expert-led discussions and actionable insights, attendees will walk away with the tools they need to Cultivate Their Tomorrow—both professionally and personally.

Who Should Attend?
The Women|Future Webinars are designed for forward-thinking women across all industries and career levels. Whether you’re a CEO, entrepreneur, executive, director, manager, or someone navigating a career transition, these sessions provide fresh perspectives and valuable learning experiences from successful women in business.

Join Us
We invite you to be part of this exciting new journey. Whether you’re looking for inspiration, practical business advice, or networking opportunities, the Women|Future Webinars offer a space to learn from women who are leading the way. Have questions or want to get in touch with us?  Learn More.

Sign up individually for each webinar session you wish to attend using the buttons below.

WFW Webinar Landing Page
June 18, 2025, 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM EDT
 Register Now

 

WFW Webinar Landing Page (1)
July 16, 2025, 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM EDT
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WFW Webinar Landing Page (2)
August 13, 2025, 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM EDT
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Sponsorship/Partnership Opportunities
Want to connect with a global community of ambitious women? Sponsoring the Women|Future Webinars is an opportunity to showcase your brand to a network of business leaders and entrepreneurs worldwide. Sponsors receive visibility across our website, social media, email campaigns, and live webinar sessions. Request Sponsorship / Partnership Information.

Topics: stevie awards for women in business, Women Future Conference, women future webinars