Welcome to this year’s edition of COLOR Magazine’s Most Influential Women special publication—a celebration of the leaders who are reshaping the future of business, culture, and community.
The women featured in these pages are innovators, disruptors, and builders. They are driving change inside boardrooms and classrooms, in hospitals, financial institutions, tech companies, and civic organizations. They are expanding access to opportunity, championing equity, and using their voice to lift others as they climb. Their journeys remind us that leadership is not only about what you achieve—it’s about the impact you create for those who follow.
At COLOR Magazine, we believe representation is power. Every spotlight, every story, and every example of excellence has a ripple effect. It inspires someone new to imagine what is possible. This publication is more than recognition; it is fuel for the next generation of influential women.
To the honorees: thank you for the paths you have forged and the courage you bring to your work every day. To the organizations uplifting them: thank you for fostering environments where diverse leaders can rise. And to our readers: thank you for joining us in this mission to champion equity and celebrate brilliance.
We are honored to share these stories with you. May they encourage you to lead boldly, act with purpose, and continue building a world where every woman’s potential is recognized and realized.
MOST INFLUENTIAL WOMEN
COLOR, an affiliate of BridgeTower Media, provides premier events focused on empowering professionals of COLOR. For over a decade, COLOR has maintained a strong reputation for creating informative content and thought leadership as highlighted on its online publication ColorMagazine.com.
COLOR Magazine - 40 Court St., 5th Floor Boston MA, 02108 publisher@colormagazineusa.com
Executive Vice President Jaime Raul Zepeda Jzepeda@bridgetowermedia.com
Sales Manager - Best Companies Group James Delaney jdelaney@bestcompaniesgroup.com
Studio Design Manager Jordan Mazuranic jmazuranic@studiobtm.com
Publisher
With deep appreciation and respect,
Jaime Raul Zepeda
Executive Vice President, COLOR Magazine
www.colormagazine.com
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Honorees
Interview - Bluefort
Honorees, Continued
Interview - Gingery
Honorees, Continued
Interview - Santana
Honorees, Continued
Interview - Shrivastava
Interview - Siggers-Benton
Honorees, Continued
ASHLEY ANDERSON Biogen
NICOLE M. BLUEFORT
Law O ces of Nicole M. Bluefort
RecruiterCousin Consulting LLC
CHENAE ERKERD
NICOLE M. BLUEFORT
Law O ces of Nicole M. Bluefort
Can you share a pivotal moment in your journey that shaped the leader you are today?
A pivotal moment for me was starting my own law firm from the ground up. Building something sustainable out of sheer determination taught me resilience, sharpened my leadership, and reinforced the importance of creating opportunities for others.
Who has been a key influence or mentor in your life, and what lesson did they leave you with?
Attorney Donald Stewart was instrumental early in my career. He gave me my start and showed me the value of believing in someone’s potential before they fully see it in themselves.
What challenges have you faced on your path to success, and how did you overcome them?
One of my greatest challenges has been breaking barriers as a woman of color in a demanding field. I overcame this by staying focused on preparation, perseverance, and surrounding myself with people who pushed me to aim higher.
Looking back, what would you tell your younger self just starting out in your career?
I’d remind myself that it’s okay to grow into your path and to pivot when your passions evolve. You don’t have to have it all figured out at once.
Debra Gingery
FIRST CITIZENS NATIONAL BANK
Debra Gingery, Community Bank President of the Ripley Financial Center of First Citizens National Bank, has nearly 30 years of banking experience and a strong record of leadership within both the bank and the community. A graduate of University of Memphis, she has held multiple leadership roles since joining the bank in 1995 and is actively involved in numerous civic and service organizations in Lauderdale County, TN.
Brooke Goldman and Kereen Henry Ladies Athletic Club of Atlanta
Debra Gingery FIRST CITIZENS NATIONAL BANK INTERVIEW
Can you share a pivotal moment in your journey that shaped the leader you are today?
A pivotal moment in my career was my promotion to Assistant Vice President in 2002. This moment shaped me, pushing me to continue to strengthen my leadership skills, and was the starting point for future officer promotions including Branch Manager (2002), Vice President (2014), and Community Bank President (2022). The impact of being the first woman of color to become a Community Bank President is not lost on me.
What motivates you to keep pushing boundaries in your work or community?
“What God has planned for you, it’s for you!” is a phrase that motivates me to keep pushing boundaries! Life is full of challenges; while it is okay to be afraid, do not let that impede you from pushing forward. We should live and learn from our failures, retaining that knowledge and understanding to achieve a better outcome in the future. Stay focused and attentive to God’s guidance.
How do you define “influence,” and what does it mean to you to be recognized as one of the Most Influential Women?
“Influence,” to me, is to live by example in both my personal and professional life. I would not assign a project to someone that I am not willing to do myself. I do my best to exemplify GOOD work ethic and leadership. I am ecstatic to be recognized as one of the Most Influential Women, while also overwhelmed with gratitude that someone sees me in that capacity. I am truly at a loss for words!
What impact do you hope to leave behind for the next generation of women of color leaders?
Being a woman of color presents many obstacles. Have compassion and respect for every individual you meet, and that compassion and respect will likely be reciprocated. Knowledge is power, so always strive to become more knowledgeable. Always stand up for what is right and be yourself - and remember you are worthy!
KRISTI KENNEBREW
Get Me Hired Kristi, LLC
STELLA H. KIM, SPHR HRCap, Inc.
“Stella H. Kim, SPHR is an Executive Recruiter, HR Advisor, Talent Specialist, Labor Economist, and Org Psychologist. Stella is an official Forbes HR Council member, COLOR Magazine’s “Power 40 Under 40”, and NJBIZ Magazine’s “Best 50 Women in Business” and “Forty under 40”. She embodies modern leadership with the highest dedication to driving glocalization through key talent and learning investments. As a 1.5 generation Korean American, she is passionate about bridging cultures and generations through organic appreciation, awareness, and acclimation. She truly believes in the power of community-building for greater social impact and collective development. Stella is SVP, Head of Americas and Global CMO at HRCap, Inc., the largest Asian Global Executive Search & Total HR Solutions Provider in the world, offering premium recruiting services, talent intelligence, and HR consulting to Global SMB, Start-Ups, Venture Capitals, Private Equity, and Fortune 500 clients across all industries. She oversees the Executive Search, Professional Search, Interim Solutions, and Digital Transformation Teams–focusing on Client Experience, Business Development, Global Branding, and Employee Engagement & Development. SShe also founded and leads the Executive Search Practice, specializing in Executive and Critical Hire Placements with 90%+ close rate, and is recognized as a Top 10 Executive Search Firm in North America for 4 consecutive years, Top 10 Executive Search in Asia Pacific, and Top 5 Executive Search in South Korea by Manage HR Magazine. She is also responsible for HRCap’s global Client Experience and enterprise-wide Digital Transformation, managing data-driven strategy, process optimization, and employee engagement projects. Prior to HRCap, Stella specialized in Global Workforce Management & Talent Analytics at the Professional Development Center of Excellence at IBM HQ, providing data-driven HR & Talent strategies for greater business growth and employee engagement, cultivating a culture of learning and reskilling, and positioning IBM for greater business growth by pioneering “”Skills as a Currency””. Formerly, she was a Senior Strategy & Analytics Consultant at IBM Global Business Services, focused on global tech implementation and organizational change strategy projects for IBM internal stakeholders and external clients. “
SASHA LALITE Meta Viable Solutions
RENEE LIGON Team
NEO
GWENDOLYN MCCOY
“Gwendolyn McCoy is a Consultant and Practitioner helping organizations improve talent acquisition, retention, and engagement. Her current work with Diversity@Workplace and Pitts Leadership Consulting supports organizational effectiveness through learning and development, strategy and coaching. She was previously the US Head of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at John Hancock/Manulife, where she developed a multiyear strategy to enhance diversity and inclusion across the company. Gwendolyn also serves on panels, facilitates DEI discussions, and is a Board member of The Greater Boston YMCA. As Founder and Principal of MS Creative Group, she offers services in floral and event design, small business development, and communications. “
IDALIANA MEDINA
United Way of Central Massachusetts & Point Park University
MICHELLE MILLER, EDD
More Than Marketing, Inc.
VANESSA NAZARIO Episcopal Health Services
“Dr. Vanessa Nazario’s journey from her birthplace in Puerto Rico to her upbringing in Trenton, NJ, has been characterized by a steadfast dedication to building inclusive communities and advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). With over 30 years of experience in the field, Vanessa has made a lasting impact through her extensive work in community development, diversity, and healthcare equity. Vanessa’s career started with MECHA, a Hispanic-based nonprofit organization, where she provided homeownership training and counseling to low- and moderateincome families. Her passion for DEI led her to PNC Bank’s Community Development Department in 1996, where she tirelessly promoted equity and inclusion in various roles. Her impressive two-decade tenure culminated in her role as VP of CDB Operations. In 2017, Vanessa began a new role as Diversity Director at RWJ University Hospital within the RWJ Barnabas Health System. There, she led essential initiatives that changed the hospital culture to be more inclusive for staff and patients. Her achievements include establishing the hospital’s first Diversity & Inclusion Council and leading the PROUD Gender Medical Center Program, which addresses the specific healthcare needs of the LGBTQ+ community. In early 2021, Vanessa took on the role of leading DEI at Memorial Healthcare System in Hollywood, FL, where she pioneered the organization’s inaugural diversity, health equity, and inclusion strategy while managing Language Interpretation Services. Her exemplary leadership earned the system its first recognition from the Human Rights Campaign Foundation’s Healthcare Equality Index. In 2024, she returned to the Northeast to work for Episcopal Health Services in Far Rockaway, NY, as the Chief Social Impact Officer, where she leads the system’s strategy on health equity and cultural inclusion. Vanessa’s dedication to DEI goes beyond her job. She has served on various committees and boards, including the Florida Diversity Council’s Advisory Council and Rider University’s Women in Leadership Council, where she mentored students, as well as the Hispanic Heritage Chamber of Commerce. She was also chosen as the first Chapter President of the National Association of Latino Healthcare Executives (NALHE) South Florida Chapter. As a renowned speaker, Vanessa has shared her insights at numerous conferences on topics ranging from diversity and inclusion to health equity and community development. Her outstanding leadership has earned her several accolades, including the Diversity Executive Leadership award from South Florida Business Wealth, recognition as a Top Healthcare Diversity Officer by DEIB Health Consortium, HRO Diversity Excellence, and a spot among Diversity Global Magazine’s Top 15 Champions of Diversity.
YVETTE PITTMAN Biogen
PAULASKA RAMIREZ
Generation Fearless & Fearless
Impact Collective
ROCHELLE RAWLS
Salesforce
NJ PBS
RAVEN SANTANA
RAVEN SANTANA NJ PBS INTERVIEW
What motivates you to keep pushing boundaries in your work or community?
I am motivated by the responsibility to be a voice for those who are too often overlooked. Every story I tell, every platform I occupy, is an opportunity to open doors, spark conversation, and create meaningful change. Knowing that my work can inspire the next generation of women, particularly Latinas, keeps me pushing forward.
What challenges have you faced on your path to success, and how did you overcome them?
Balancing life as a young mother while building a career on television was one of my greatest challenges. I often had to assert myself and carve out space in rooms where I wasn’t always expected—or welcomed— to be. Over time, I learned to set firm boundaries, trust my instincts, and speak with conviction, even when mine was the only voice like it in the room. That journey was far from easy, but it forged my strength, sharpened my clarity, and gave me the confidence to lead unapologetically.
I’m deeply grateful to mentors like Monica Milan, Carlos Medina, Elvin Badger, and Carmen Martin, who not only guided me but also positioned me for some of the greatest opportunities of my career. Their support reminded me that while you must fight to claim your place, you don’t have to walk the path alone. Together, those challenges and mentors shaped the leader I am today—resilient, unapologetic, and determined to keep the door open for those who will follow.
How do you define “influence,” and what does it mean to you to be recognized as one of the Most Influential Women?
Influence is the ability to create meaningful impact—shaping conversations, empowering others, and opening doors for those who follow. Being recognized as one of the Most Influential Women is humbling because it validates that my work resonates beyond my own achievements and contributes to lifting others in my community.
What advice would you give to women of color who are striving to make their mark in their careers or communities?
Own your space, even when it feels intimidating. Don’t wait for permission to lead or be heard. Build your network intentionally, seek mentors, and never underestimate the power of your story. Your presence matters, and your contributions are shaping the future.
AKANKSHA SHRIVASTAVA
Walmart
LAURETTA SIGGERS-BENTON
Siggers-Benton HR Consulting
NICOLE STEWART
Boston CASA
AKANKSHA SHRIVASTAVA Walmart INTERVIEW
Looking back, what would you tell your younger self just starting out in your career?
I would tell her to architect her life with the same boldness she dreams of building technology. Don’t just follow the blueprint society hands you - draft your own. Seek out mentors, not just for career advice, but for life strategy; their wisdom is the scaffolding that will help you build higher, faster, and stronger. And most urgently: prioritize financial independence as your first and most non-negotiable project. For women, especially women of color, economic self-reliance isn’t just a personal goal - it’s a radical act of autonomy. It is the foundation that allows every other life decision, from the career you choose to the relationships you build, to be made from a place of power and purpose, not pressure or dependency. Your freedom will be built on your ability to choose, and that starts with financial sovereignty.
What motivates you to keep pushing boundaries in your work or community?
My motivation is rooted in a promise I made to my younger self. I’ve navigated complex systems not built for someone like me. I was the first woman president of my university’s coding club and a first-time woman founder at an incubator. The path was never linear; for every single step my male counterparts took, I felt I had to take three just to be seen as an equal. That journey, while formative, was unnecessarily difficult. I push boundaries because I am fundamentally opposed to that inequity. I do this work so that the brilliant women of color coming after me, especially in tech, can take one step for their one step. My work at the intersection of AI and human-centered design is about building systems that aren’t just smarter, but fairer and more inclusive. I’m motivated by the belief that technology, built with empathy, can be the great equalizer - bridging gaps in access, opportunity, and understanding. When I mentor with Fuel Accelerator or serve on the board of Grey Space Collective, I’m investing in that future, ensuring the next gen of innovators reflects the beautiful diversity of the world we’re building for, and that their journey is defined by their talent, not their tenacity in overcoming unnecessary barriers.
What advice would you give to women of color who are striving to make their mark in their careers or communities?
Your unique perspective is not a liability; it is your greatest strategic advantage. The world does not need you to blend in. It needs you to rebuild. What you perceive as a gap in your resume might actually be the source of your most original idea. My journey from founding a startup in India to leading transformations taught me that the ability to operate across cultures and contexts is a superpower. So, lead with your authentic voice, build a coalition of allies who genuinely support you, and never underestimate the power of your story. Your lived experience is a data set that no one else possesses. Use it to solve problems others don’t even see.
What personal or professional achievement are you most proud of, and why does it stand out to you?
I am most proud of building Siggers-Benton HR Consulting (SBC) into a trusted, high-impact partner for nonprofit organizations, foundations, and mission-driven institutions. What began as a boutique HR consulting practice has grown into a firm known for empowering organizations through equity, inclusion, and transformational leadership. The relationships SBC has cultivated—with clients ranging from grassroots nonprofits to higher education institutions —stand out because they reflect my values: impact, integrity, and investment in people. Seeing our clients thrive through the tools, training, and leadership support we provide is incredibly rewarding.
Can you share a pivotal moment in your journey that shaped the leader you are today?
The pivotal moment was when I made the decision to launch Siggers-Benton HR Consulting. Stepping into entrepreneurship meant betting on myself, building credibility from the ground up, and demonstrating that HR could be a driver of organizational transformation—not just compliance. That moment shaped me into a leader who thrives on innovation, resilience, and purpose, and it reinforced my belief that SBC’s work could be a catalyst for real change. My trademark is Empowered to Make A Difference ™.
What motivates you to keep pushing boundaries in your work or community?
My motivation comes from a commitment to equity and opportunity. Growing up in a minority community, I saw systemic barriers that limited access to education, career growth, and organizational resources. That experience fuels my drive to ensure SBC creates infrastructure to leadership and organizational health. Whether we’re conducting pay equity audits, building HR infrastructure, or coaching executives, I push boundaries because I want to see more organizations—and the people within them— not just survive, but succeed.
Who has been a key influence or mentor in your life, and what lesson did they leave you with?
My grandmother’s leacy as a community advocate has been a guiding influence. She taught me that leadership is service and that building trust is the foundation of lasting impact. Professionally, mentors encouraged me to step into my power as a leader, to always anchor decisions in integrity, and to use SBC not just as a business, but as a platform to uplift people and strengthen communities.
What challenges have you faced on your path to success, and how did you overcome them?
Launching and scaling SBC as a Black woman-owned business came with its share of challenges— breaking into spaces where representation was limited. I turned those challenges into fuel by investing in my own education, building strong networks, and focusing on results. Every milestone SBC has achieved proves that representation matters and that purpose-driven leadership can disrupt industries.
Siggers-Benton HR Consulting
Siggers-Benton HR Consulting is a dynamic firm dedicated to providing innovative human resources tailored to meet the unique needs of businesses and organizations. Our mission is to empower clients by streamlining HR processes, fostering inclusive workplace cultures, and driving organizational success through strategic people management
What we do
We offer a comprehensive range of HR consulting services,
Employee
Recruiting
Diversity
Management
Interim
Lauretta Siggers-Benton brings over 25 years of leadership experience to every client engagement, having held executive level roles across both Operations and Human Resources. Her background includes serving as Chief Operating Officer, Vice President of HR, and Interim CEO, giving her a unique lens on how HR strategy fuels overall business performance
With this expertise, Lauretta founded Siggers-Benton HR consulting to provide organizations with tailored, results-driven HR consulting services
RONIA STEWART
Garden of Eden & Associates. Inc.
Ronia Stewart is a seasoned corporate leader, philanthropist, and the Founding President & CEO of Garden of Eden & Associates, Inc., a non-profit focused on leadership development and professional training. With over 25 years of experience in the financial, legal, and non-profit sectors, she is dedicated to improving the well-being of individuals in the greater Boston area and beyond. As a philanthropist, Ronia actively supports community empowerment and social change. She has held leadership roles at organizations like Eastern Bank, Citizens Bank, and MFS Investment Management, and served on several influential boards, including Massachusetts Governor Charles Baker’s relaunched Black Advisory Commission. Ronia is also a sought-after speaker and has been featured in various media outlets, including the Boston Globe, Boston Business Journal and WHDH TV 7.
NITHYA
SUBRAMANIAM Klarity AI
DR. THELÁ THATCH
Thelá Thatch Consulting
ROXANNE VEASLEY
Gerald Veasley’s Bass BootCamp
MOST INFLUENTIAL WOMEN
“Roxanne Veasley is an influential leader and entrepreneur in the music industry, with a career dedicated to creating platforms for artists and educators. She is the Co-Founder and Executive Director of Gerald Veasley’s Bass BootCamp, a renowned educational program established in 2002 that has educated and inspired hundreds of bass players. For over two decades, Roxanne has been the driving force behind the program’s operations, marketing, sales, and administration, fostering the careers of countless musicians, some of whom have gone on to work with notable artists such as Sheila E. and Jay Z.
In addition to her work in music education, Roxanne is a prominent jazz event producer.1 She co-founded the Unscripted Jazz Series, which has brought over 700 nights of live music to audiences at SOUTH Jazz Club in Philadelphia.2 In this capacity, she has presented a roster of celebrated artists, including Kirk Whalum, Gerald Albright, Rick Braun, Nnenna Freelon, Peter White, Maysa, and David Benoit.
Most recently, Roxanne expanded her influence in the industry by launching Unscripted Artist Management. This new venture provides representation for some of the most innovative artists in jazz, including Karen Briggs, Frederic Yonnet, Omar Hakim, Rachel Z, Carol Riddick, and Gerald Veasley.
