Articles 2024 Women of Inspiration Award Winners
The Women of Inspiration™ Awards recognizes the achievements of women who lead, inspire and motivate.
Since 2015, the Women of Inspiration™ Awards have celebrated over 1,000 women from various industries across North America, alongside SupportHER™ champions dedicated to promoting women’s advancement.
This year, the awards were held in New York City, celebrating inspiring female entrepreneurs, CEOs, and business leaders from across North America.
The Ninth Annual Women of Inspiration™ commenced with an exclusive Networking Experience in the heart of Times Square, on a rooftop that provides a stunning view of the lively epicenter where dreams are both created and celebrated. The atmosphere was infused with an exciting energy of anticipation, perfectly setting the tone for a memorable Women of Inspiration celebration that felt truly magical, leaving behind a lasting sense of inspiration.
The Women of Inspiration™ Awards recognize the achievements of women who lead, inspire, and motivate others. We shine a spotlight on influential leaders from diverse sectors across North America.
This year, we gathered in New York City to honor the accomplishments of women and their SupportHER allies who are effecting meaningful change in their industries, organizations, networks, and on a global scale.
We experienced the strength of connection, the impact of women in leadership roles, and the power of their stories that highlight industries where women are often underrepresented, showcasing the change they can inspire both individually and collectively.
A Woman of Inspiration leads, inspires, and motivates. Who is a Woman of Inspiration?
- They are leaders, changemakers, and role models—powerful individuals (both women and men) who drive change.
- They may seem ordinary, yet they achieve extraordinary feats.
- They understand that their stories empower them rather than define them. They embody grit and tenacity, recognizing their worth.
- They are unafraid to take the road less traveled, even if it means going it alone, standing firm in their convictions.
- They uplift those around them, boldly claiming their space and dreaming big.
This year, we celebrate Women of Inspiration™ from across North America. Our awardees share a common thread: they are leaders who inspire change.
This year’s event brought together inspiring leaders from diverse industries to celebrate the accomplishments of women, alongside dedicated SupportHER champions.
The awards aimed to inspire, connect, and highlight the remarkable stories of leaders across various fields. Attendees experienced the profound impact of women’s narratives and the unique contributions each individual has made.
This impressive event, held in Manhattan, showcased women-led brands such as Sweet Basil Catering and Drop of Sunshine. Awardees were presented with gifts from Award Partner Dean Davidson Jewelry. The event featured the globally celebrated DJ Power, live performances by Elizabeth Chan, CEO of Merry Bright Entertainment, and Duane (D.O.) Gibson, along with keynote (Melodie Schaffer, Offshore Sailor), inspiring panels with notable leaders (Dr. Martha Joan Hart) and women-led brands (Kris Ann Brady, VP Marketing Treasury Wine), a celebratory luncheon, and the awards ceremony.
Thank you to our Event Partners, @DeanDavidson, @DropofSunshine, @VENUS for your commitment to the advancement of women. A special thank you to our team behind the scenes, Emma Pascu (Videographer), Chris Lazzaro (Photographer), Kelly Munoz, Darcy, Bennet, Charmaine Griffith.
Thank you to our Co-Emcee, Duane (D.O. Gibson), incredible DJ, DJ Power and Elizabeth Chan who gave a memorable performance. Listen to ON PURPOSE.
Thank you to our inspiring speakers for sharing your journey and wisdom.
- Around the World Keynote – Medlie Schaffer
- Using Your Voice to Empower and Inspire – Julissa Soto and Elizabeth Blake Thomas
- Stepping into the Spotlight – Sandra Filopolous, Katie Phipps, Emma May
- SupportHER Panel – Duane Gibson, DJ Power, Hip Hop Legend, Jay Rome
- Every Woman Has a Story – Dr. Marth Joan Hart
- Women in Power – Kris Ann Brady, Amy Aversa
Experience the 2024 WOMEN OF INSPIRATION™ AWARDS – PRESS RELEASE ANNOUNCEMENT
Follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram for more event photos, BTS and more! @UniversalWomensNetwork
2024 WOMEN OF INSPIRATION™ AWARD WINNERS
ADVOCATE AND CATALYST FOR CHANGE AWARD
- Julissa Soto – CEO, Julissa Soto Latino Health Equity Consulting
AUTHENTIC LEADER AWARD
- Sandra Filopoulos – Co-Founder, Filo Import Inc.
- Genevieve Bonin – Founder and CEO, Global Mental Health Forum
- Melanie Fatouros-Richards – CP, Communications and Government Relations, Skip the Dishes
- Theresa Eriksson – CEO, JTS Consulting
- Dani Mariano – President, Razorfish
- Sophie Lashkari, Senior Manager, Ernst & Young
- Shirley Luu – Executive Field Chairman, Shirley Luu & Associates
ARTS and ENTERTAINMENT AWARD
- Elizabeth Chan – CEO, Merry Bright Entertainment
DREAM BUILDER AWARD
- Sylvia Lejune – Production Manager and Floor Director, Calgary Stampede
GLOBAL IMPACT
- Dr. Martha Joan Hart – Founder, The Owen Hart Foundation
INSPIRE AWARD
- Gabriella Mammone – Founder, Kind Projects
- Jessica Kindt – Wichita Mountains Prevention Network
- Shirin Ariff – Founder and CEO, 7 Arcs Creative Inc.
- Tara Williamson – Founder and Artist, Pink Ink Tattoo
PUBLIC SERVICE AWARD
- Clare Rosser – Chief Strategy and Performance Officer – ADAMHS) board of Cuyahoga County, Ohio
RISING LEADER AWARD
- Katie Phipps – Managing Partner, Versa Causa
- Preethi Balasubramanian – Founder and Executive Support & Fractional HR Specialist, Wonder EA
- Kahkashan Basu – Founder and President, Green Hope Foundation
SUPPORTHER™ (ALLIE) AWARD
- Josh Campo – CEO, Razorfish
- Derek San Vincente – CEO, Starline Communications
TRAILBLAZER (STEM) AWARD
- Chinwe Sophia Onourah – Founder, Tech Mommas Canada
- Olalla Garcia Perez – Project Manager, Kawasaki Rail Car
VISION BUILDER AWARD
- Suchitra Sairam – Co-Founder and Director, Kala Vandnam
WOMEN IN MEDIA AWARD
- Elizabeth Blake Thomas – Co-Founder, Mother and Daughter Entertainment
WOMEN IN SPORT AWARD
- Jess Kirby – Founder, Forge of Resilience
- Melodie Schaffer – Offshore Sailor
- Reid Brodie – Dinos Womens Volleyball Club
WOMEN-LED AWARD
- Amanda Buhse – Founder and CEO, Coal and Canary Inc.
- Amy Aversa – Founder and CEO, Sweet Basil Catering
- Celeste Saddler – DJL Kreative Kitchen Inc.
- Emma May – Founder and CEO, Sophie Grace
- Giselle Samson – Creator and Founder, Kiss the World
- Kristy Miller – Founder and CEO, The Scented Market
- Tara Williamson – Founder and Artist, Pink Ink Tattoo
NOMINATIONS OPEN FOR 2025 – January 1, 2025 across North America.
- Women of Inspiration
- SupportHER (male allie)
BECOME A BRAND PARTNER – CONTACT US!
TESTIMONIALS
Having been part of The Woman of Inspiration awards was like a dream for me! From traveling to New York from Colorado to meeting all the winners. This event allowed me to be totally myself. I was empowered by this award as it honored my womanhood, my race, and who I am. This Women of Inspiration Award honors character, fierceness and boldness. That is a unique quality of Universal Womens Network that I am extremely grateful for. Looking forward to walk by your side in 2025. Julissa Soto La Mexicana – CEO, Julissa Soto Health Equity Consulting | Women of Inspiration™ Advocate and Catalyst for Change Award
Experiencing the event firsthand has only intensified my admiration for the work your organization does to empower and celebrate women making significant changes. I am eager to explore collaborative opportunities to create independent projects that highlight the stories of extraordinary women. There is immense potential to capture and share these inspiring journeys, and I would be excited to contribute to your vision. Thank you once again for this opportunity, and I look forward to collaborating soon. Kyle Rollins – ABC News
Attending the Women of Inspiration™ Awards in NYC in 2024 provided a wonderful, empowering opportunity to connect with inspiring professionals across diverse industries, all passionate about driving positive change and making a lasting impact. The caliber of each individual present, and their remarkable stories of resilience, ambition, and leadership, were truly inspiring and encouraging. The event effectively highlighted the importance of supporting one another, leading with authenticity, and empowering others to make a meaningful difference. I feel energized, proud, and deeply grateful to be part of this incredible community. I was also incredibly honored and humbled to be a recipient of the Women of Inspiration Authentic Leader Award. Receiving this recognition among such accomplished women served as a wonderful reminder of the importance of our actions (big and small) every single day. I am especially grateful to have been accompanied by two members of our incredible team at JTS Consulting Inc., who bring together awesome, supportive and kind people to make amazing things happen! Theresa “Tess” Eriksson – Chief Operation Officer and Senior Vice President of Service Delivery, JTS Consulting Inc. | Women of Inspiration™ Authentic Leader Award
The Women of Inspiration™ Awards were a beautiful experience. Coming together in New York City and meeting women of incredibly different and diverse backgrounds who are all striving to create incredible communities was magical. And best of all – I made some very cool new friends. Fabulous event Monica. Kudos. Emma May, J.D. Founder and CEO, Sophie Grace | Women of Inspiration™ Women–Led Award
Attending the Women of Inspiration was a terrific event. It was a gathering of exceptional women from a variety of backgrounds. Every person there had a remarkable story, and it was a great opportunity to build connections. I was delighted to be the keynote speaker and share in the challenges of racing my boat around the world and honoured to receive the Women of Inspiration Women in Sport Award. The essence of the event is to celebrate all that women have accomplished; from developing a new idea, overcoming challenges, to creating opportunities, or chasing a dream. There are no limits. Melodie Schaffer, Melodie Ocean Racing | Women of Inspiration™ Women in Sport Award
I just returned from an incredibly inspiring three days in New York City. A heartfelt thank you to Monica Kretschmer for hosting such an unforgettable Women of Inspirational Awards event, bringing together remarkable individuals from all over the globe. As we filled that lively room with passionate women and men, I felt an overwhelming surge of energy and resolve. Each story shared highlighted the resilience, creativity, and indomitable spirit that characterize female entrepreneurs. I am truly grateful to have received the “Authentic Leader Award” for 2024 Women of Inspiration™. It was especially meaningful to accept this honor in front of my family, particularly my son, who confidently predicted my win.
I also appreciated the opportunity to speak and share my personal journey, reflecting on the challenges and victories that have defined my path. It served as a powerful reminder that success is rarely linear but instead a journey filled with valuable lessons and growth. Hearing the stories of others reinforced the belief that we are stronger when we come together to uplift and support one another. I admire how Women of Inspiration™ acknowledges the essential role men play in this journey. It’s crucial to have visible SupportHER champions in our networks, workplaces, and communities. The day following the awards, we took a memorable photo beside “The Fearless Girl” at the NYSE; a truly symbolic and meaningful moment. Thank you, Monica Kretschmer for making this experience possible. Sandra Filopoulos – Co-Founder, Filo Imports Inc. | Women of Inspiratio™n Authentic Leader Award
I was delighted to be able to attend the 2024 Women of Inspiration event in New York City on November 6-8, as a friend of a finalist, Melodie Schaffer . Melodie is a remarkable woman who raced around the world in 2022-23, skippering her 40-foot boat with one other crew member, spending 175 days at sea, and setting 3 speed records. Melodie was the keynote speaker at the awards ceremony on November 7, and received the Woman In Sport Award.
I was totally impressed with the quality of the event, and more, the amazing women who were finalists and recipients of the various award categories. From the venue, @whitespaceschelsea to the remarkable food @Sweetbasilcateringnyc and wine, @dropofsunsiine, the several day event was truly excellent. I had the pleasure of meeting Monica Kretschmer, CEO of Women of Inspiration, and have been truly amazed at the commitment, the drive, and the passion of Monica for the Women of Inspiration awards and what they mean to the nominees and recipients. Monica believes in women, and more, in singing their praises. She understands the value of remarkable women seeing others like themselves, and the event focused on telling the finalists’ stories. Monica ensured these women could spend time together through networking events, connecting with one another and in many cases, forming strong connections. In short, this event was an emotionally positive, heart-lifting event. I have no doubt it will continue to be so. I encourage anyone who knows of a remarkable woman to nominate that person for the 2025 Women of Inspiration Awards. Judy Hauserman, Melodie Ocean Racing
Being a part of the Universal Womens Network™, Women of Inspiration™ Awards as both a caterer and a nominee was a transformative experience! The energy in the room was electric, and being surrounded by such inspiring and trailblazing women, along with supportive men, was truly empowering.
Catering this event was a collaborative effort from the very beginning. Monica clearly articulated her vision for the event, and together, we crafted a lunch menu that was healthy, inclusive, and delicious. She connected me with the women-led team at Drop of Sunshine, the wine sponsor, to coordinate the wine my staff would serve at the event. It was remarkable to see how well their branding and messaging aligned with the values of supporting female-led businesses, and the wines, along with their creative branding, were well-received by everyone at the event.
During the event, I had the opportunity to chat with some incredible women who shared their stories of success, challenges, and the lessons they learned along the way. It was inspiring to witness their resilience, drive, and passion in pursuing their dreams and making a positive impact in their respective industries. Monica is a gifted speaker with a talent for asking questions that prompt deep reflection about one’s journey and accomplishments.
What stood out to me the most during the awards ceremony was the diversity among the nominees. Women from various backgrounds, industries, and walks of life were recognized for their achievements. Hearing the stories of these women leaders and how they overcame challenges to achieve their goals was truly inspiring! Amy Aversa – Founder and CEO, Sweet Basil Catering | Women of Inspiration™ Women-Led Award
Being named a Woman of Inspiration™ by the Universal Womens Network™, SupportHER, and Women of Inspiration in New York City was an unforgettable honour. This award represents my journey from overcoming personal setbacks to building DJL Kreative Kitchen Inc. with Chef D The Food Visionary—a platform to uplift and inspire others through community and the joy of food. I am deeply grateful for this recognition and committed to continuing my mission to empower change. My heartfelt thanks to Monica Kretschmer, CEO of Universal Women’s Network™, for her extraordinary leadership and inclusivity. In a world where women who look like me are rarely recognized at this level, Monica’s vision and dedication are opening doors for women of all backgrounds. Her story is as inspiring as the work she does to ensure every woman can stand proudly in her achievements.
I also want to thank the event sponsors for making this moment even more memorable. Special thanks to Dean Davidson for the beautiful Crosby Huggie Earrings in Brushed Gold, To Drop of Sunshine and Hello Sunshine, the wines were delicious and felt like a toast to the powerful connections women create. Thank you to VENUS, Sweet Basil Catering for the heavenly salads and desserts, and White Spaces Chelsea for the stunning, light-filled venue that elevated the event. This award is a reminder that resilience, passion, and community have the power to inspire real change. I’m honoured to be part of this network of change-makers. Celeste Saddler, DLJ Kreative Kitchen Inc. | Women of Inspiration™ Women-Led Award
Exciting, humbling… and simply inspirational to be share space with such a bold, ambitious, accomplished group of women and SupportHERs. It was an honor to be recognized as a Woman of Inspiration along with so many amazing women. Though we were from many places and with such a variety of expertise and experience, we all share the common goal of creating positive impact in the world around us. Many thanks to the Universal Womens Network™ for putting women leaders in the spotlight, and empowering women around the globe. Suchi Sairam, Founder and Director, Kala Vandanam – | Women of Inspiration™ Vision Builder Award
Thank you for what you’re doing in the world.. where a lot of the times women tear women down, you as a leader of leaders are committed to causing leadership in women. I had a wonderful time at the Women of Inspiration Awards event meeting extraordinary women doing extraordinary things in the world with such humility and compassion. My community of outstanding humans has expanded significantly. I connected with heart centred community leaders that I intend to collaborate with in the future. There was fun, there was inspiration and there was so much love and respect in the room. Shirin Ariff – CEO, 7 Arcs Creative Inc. | Women of Inspiration™ Inspire Award
A few months ago I would have never dreamed of being in New York with such powerhouse women! During the summer I came across a Miss America pageant opening, I’ll share my story with you about it after I tell you I’d learned that formerly in this pageant was Miss Jessica Kindt. I knew that I had to pick her brain and learn how to be in a pageant, she was gracious enough to become my pageant coach for Mrs. Carter County 2025! Once I learned she would be going to New York for this event, I knew that I needed to go, even though I’d only spoken to Jessica on the phone, and had briefly met her in passing I created my own opportunity for New York by asking if I could join her, shadow her on her journey, and wow am I glad I did! I am honored to have been able to experience your event and feel and see all the amazing women being the rockstars. This experience was the spark that I needed to push myself into the next step for the upcoming pageant next year. Thank you, Monica. Heather Wolf, Mrs. Carter County for Mrs. Oklahoma 2025
