Trailblazers and visionaries illuminate the world, and the spotlight often finds remarkable women defying expectations, challenging norms, and inspiring change. As we stride into 2024, it’s a moment to celebrate the indomitable spirit and unparalleled contributions of women across various domains. From science to the corridors of power, from artistic expressions to technological innovations, these ten inspiring women encapsulate empowerment, resilience, and boundless potential. Their stories serve as beacons of hope, guiding us through complexities and igniting flames of possibility within us all. Join us as we unveil the Top 10 Inspiring Women to Look Out for in 2024, a testament to the enduring power of female excellence in shaping our collective future.
Ritu Kumar
Ritu Kumar, Owner-founder the creative force behind art studio RituHandMadeArts LLC, surpasses conventional boundaries in both artistry and entrepreneurship. Originating from India and now flourishing in the vibrant Dallas Metroplex, Ritu has firmly established herself as a pioneer in art world with her belief in leveraging art as a catalyst for positive change and empowerment.
Her artistic journey is a testament to her amazing creativity and technical mastery. Proficient in mediums ranging from Oil and Acrylic to Watercolors, Ritu’s work embodies a captivating fusion of traditional Indian mythology & folklores with contemporary styles. This innovative approach infuses her creations with a rich cultural depth, captivating audiences worldwide.
As the driving force behind RituHandMadeArts, Ritu has redefined the art market landscape. Leveraging online platforms, social media channels, and community networks, she has propelled her brand to global acclaim. RituHandMadeArts stands as a symbol of artistic excellence, attracting art lovers from diverse backgrounds and garnering widespread recognition. She has been featured many domestic & International publications. Furthermore, Ritu’s philanthropic efforts underscore her commitment to social impact. Her generosity and backing of charitable causes have earned acclaim from national and international communities. Ritu Kumar inspires artists, entrepreneurs, and philanthropists with her talent, business acumen, and compassion, adding color to the world one painting at a time.
Yaribey Baro
Yaribey transition from salon stylist to business owner was marked by strategic planning and unwavering dedication to her clientele. Focused on customer satisfaction, she navigated the challenges of entrepreneurship with grace and agility, continually, refining her approach to meet evolving market demands.
Balancing her hairstylist career with the responsibilities of single parenthood presented Yaribey with significant hurdles yet she adeptly navigated this terrain through a blend of effective time management, adaptable work arrangements, self-care rituals, and prudent financial planning. Her journey is committed to excellence and continuous growth, professional certifications, and client expansion. These achievements underscore her vision for the future and her dedication to providing unparalleled service to her clients.
Cate Osborn
Cate Osborn, known as Catieosaurus on all corners of the internet, is a neurodivergent educator and advocate. She is also a content creator, podcast host, author, actor, tabletop role-playing performer, voice-over artist, and occasionally a magician. Osborn discusses the experience of living with ADHD, her experience with late diagnosis, and the intersection of neurodivergency and relationships. Her advocacy and education work has been seen in Cosmopolitan Magazine, The New York Times, Time Magazine for Kids, Haaretz, GQ, VICE, Medium, Mashable, Bustle, InStyle, and more. She’s been seen on the Today Show, the American Sex Podcast with Sunny Megatron, The Mental Illness Happy Hour with Paul Gilmartin, Prodigy, The Doctors (CBS), and a host of others. Her aim is to encourage curiosity, embrace enthusiasm, and inspire others like her to reject the notion of needing to choose “just one thing” to be successful or fulfilled. Her work has enabled her to better love her brain and body and practice radical self-acceptance. Osborn hopes to destigmatize hard conversations and encourage the process of learning to live happily with oneself. She invites others to join her for an ongoing exploration of the humor, frustrations, and ins and outs of navigating life with ADHD.
Dr. Mariam Shaikh
Meet Dr. Mariam Shaikh, the dynamic force behind MS Education Consultants! Hailing from Mumbai, India, Mariam has been shaping the educational landscape in the UAE for over 35 years. From pioneering her own preschool to leading prestigious institutions in the UAE, Mariam’s contribution towards the growth of student population and internalization has been nothing short of extraordinary.
Retirement wasn’t in Mariam’s playbook; instead, she traded her art gallery dreams for a new adventure in Dubai. With a leap of faith, she founded MS Education Consultants, blending her passion for higher education, marketing, and student success into one exciting venture. When she’s not guiding students or networking with global leaders, you’ll find Mariam spreading positivity and chasing dreams—because for her, the thrill of students achieving their goals is the ultimate joyride!
Beyond business, Mariam is a mentor, a visionary, and a fierce advocate for women entrepreneurs. Her advice? “Success is no accident—work for it, believe in it, and love what you do!” With boundless energy and a heart full of passion, Mariam is on a mission to inspire the next generation of female leaders and change-makers.
Farrah Melanie Haniff
Farrah Melanie Haniff, is an International Real Estate Broker, Mortgage Agent, and CEO, who brings over two decades of expertise to her roles. Born and raised in Toronto, Canada, Farrah has been immersed in the real estate industry since 2002. A devoted mother to her beloved son, she navigates both personal and professional challenges with resilience and compassion after the sudden loss of her husband in 2020. Farrah’s passion for real estate has led her to open a brokerage in Orlando, Florida, serving as its Principal Broker and CEO of The Elite Realty Group International to better service the needs of her clients. Her educational background includes a degree in Business Technology Management, complemented by ongoing graduate studies in Business Management and Leadership.
In addition to her extensive experience in real estate, Farrah mastered her technological skills working as an AI consultant for IBM, which allows her to provide a competitive advantage to her clients. She leverages this unique blend of real estate knowledge and technological prowess to pioneer cutting-edge marketing strategies for her agents and clients. Notably, Farrah’s accomplishments extend beyond her professional realm; transcending into the world of beauty pageants. In 1999 she held the title of Miss Ontario Canada and secured the 3rd runner-up position in Miss Universe Canada in 2000. Her multifaceted experiences enrich her ability to connect with her agents and clients, offering unparalleled service while demystifying complex real estate transactions with clarity and expertise. Her passion for all things real estate and love for technology along with her many years of experience, allows her to serve her agents and clients through the complex process of real estate to achieve their personal and financial goals.
Edie Weintraub
Since 2002, Edie Weintraub has revolutionized the Southeast’s real estate scene, bringing global restaurant trends and retail innovations to enhance local spaces. A real estate broker since 2005, Edie transforms environments into thriving community hubs: guiding retail, hospitality, and restaurant brands to success. Her adept background in restaurant and retail operations has established her as a trusted advisor, especially in creating communities through the thoughtful curation of spaces that promote engagement and connectivity.
Edie’s innovative approach integrates market analysis with customer experience, driving her projects to not only succeed, but also set trends. She has been pivotal in developing multi-use spaces that combine residential, retail, and leisure in harmonious designs, contributing to the economic vitality and social vibrancy of the regions she works in.
Her vision of building vibrant, inclusive communities where businesses flourish and people connect has made her a thought leader in urban design and walkable development. Edie’s commitment to enhancing urban fabric and her strategic foresight in real estate development have garnered her respect and recognition in the industry.
Michelle Burda-MacLeod
Michelle Burda-MacLeod is an accomplished photographer with a passion that spans over two decades. Her work has graced esteemed magazines, and she was the sole Canadian submission in a prestigious international floral design book. Michelle’s true calling lies in capturing the essence of weddings, family’s especially boudoir sessions, empowering women of all ages to embrace their beauty and confidence.
What sets Michelle apart is her commitment to authentic photography. She believes in capturing real-life moments without relying on photoshop or altering her subjects. She celebrates the beauty of age, cherishing the stories behind every silver strand of hair and smile line.
Michelle recently opened a state-of-the-art studio that nurtures aspiring photographers. She provides them with an affordable place to build their portfolios, fostering growth and success. She also welcomes local entrepreneurs, allowing them to showcase their products in person. Michelle’s studio has become a hub of collaboration, supporting the dreams of creatives and businesses in her community.
Lessie Branch, Ph.D.
Lessie Branch is the Special Assistant for Community Engagement for the New York State Department of Veterans’ Services. In this role, she leads a team that supports public programming and initiatives for the Veterans of New York State and their families. In addition to traditional outreach activities for Veterans, her team is increasing efforts to reach women, minorities, and faith-based Veterans.
Dr. Branch served in the U.S. Navy from 1982 to 1986 and served in various capacities, and later enrolled in NROTC as a midshipman, but decided to pursue a different career path. A public and urban policy scholar with a focus on racial socioeconomic and political disparities. She promotes social justice-minded education and restorative policies that advocate targeted economic, political, and social rights and opportunities. Dr. Branch cultivates strategies for individual and collective action for success. She is the author of Optimism At All Costs: Black Attitudes, Activism, and Advancement in Obama’s America.
Colleen Thalia Jamias
Colleen Thalia is an Interior Designer turned businesswoman & a creativepreneur. From designing interiors of homes later on inspiring women to design their lives (an extraordinary lifestyle) solely dedicated to celebrating the beauty of diversity and uniqueness. Her personal story is a testament to the fact that different cultures and experiences can be a source of inspiration and beauty.
As the founder of Creo LifeZtyle (beautytech), COCO COLLEEctioN (a collection carefully curated range of products, which includes cosmetics, skincare, fashion, is a reflection of our commitment to showcasing the beauty of diversity.) and Coco Box (Cultural Subscription boxes) with a mission to inspire & influence women to look their best by introducing them to different cultures and trends through cosmetics, skincare, fashion, food, innovation and sustainability.
In 2013, as a Filipina who returned to Sana’a Yemen, was unable to find any available glitter eyeliners, Korean skincare, and proper affordable cosmetics therefore this experience led her to bring high quality, affordable brands to the market so that every woman can experience the beauty of makeup & skincare to feel confident. Yemen then became a warzone area from 2015 until 2022 and even though COVID-19 hit in 2020, her cosmetic business flourished from 2018~2021.
Unexpectedly and for the first time, Colleen’s startup was chosen to be part of an all-women cohort where she was the only Filipina representing Yemen in the group amongst all other Indian Women entrepreneurs. Being part of the chosen 15 finalists of GrowthX We Sprint 2020 conducted by Startup Reseau India has motivated her even more to continue with her mission & vision of empowering women and to give them a voice to be heard.
Eirini Liaskou
Final Thoughts
In a world clamoring for change, these ten women stand as living testaments to the transformative power of courage, determination, and unwavering resolve. As we bid adieu to this glimpse into their lives, let us carry forward their legacies—let their stories fuel our aspirations, embolden our dreams, and remind us that the pursuit of greatness knows no bounds. In the tapestry of human achievement, it is the threads woven by women like these that enrich our collective narrative, inspiring generations yet unborn to reach for the stars and carve out their destinies with unyielding faith and unbridled passion. So, let us raise our voices in celebration of these remarkable individuals and march forward into the future with hope in our hearts and fire in our souls, for the best is yet to come when we stand shoulder to shoulder, united in our quest for a brighter, more equitable world.