Women Business Owners Experience Higher Level
of Professional and Personal Fulfillment
Kiddie Academy conducts research and releases new findings about female entrepreneurs. Kiddie Academy® Educational Child Care shares new research that reveals female small business owners feel more fulfilled than women who are working a 9-5 for someone else. In fact, 91% of women who currently own their own businesses feel fulfilled in their professional lives, compared to just 55% of those who haven't made the leap to business ownership. And 87% of these women feel a sense of fulfillment in their personal lives as well. Kiddie Academy's franchise business model empowers female owner-operators with the majority of its 347 franchise locations owned by at least one woman.
"We've seen firsthand how much satisfaction entrepreneurs can find in opening a franchise that aligns with their values and provides freedom and flexibility," said Kiddie Academy CEO Casey Miller. "Franchising is special in that it allows you to go into business for yourself, but not by yourself."
Nearly two-thirds of survey participants (62%) became business owners because they wanted more freedom in their lives. Prior to becoming a small business owner, only 51% felt that they had freedom in their schedules to pursue passions or take time off from work. After getting their business off the ground, nearly all (93%) found the freedom they were looking for.
Additional findings show that wanting to be their own boss (64%) and needing a more flexible schedule (38%) are two leading factors that drive women to choose entrepreneurship, followed by needing more work-life balance (35%) and the desire to leave a legacy for their children and grandchildren (30%).
Almost all the participants in the survey (90%) believe that it's important the next generation of children see female business owners in their community.
Survey methodology: Kiddie Academy surveyed 500 female small business owners and 500 aspiring female small business owners; the survey was administered and conducted online by an independent research firm on behalf of Kiddie Academy between Feb. 6 and Feb. 13, 2025.
About Kiddie Academy®
Since its inception in 1981, the Kiddie Academy system has been recognized as a leading brand in educational child care. The company serves families and their children ages 6 weeks to 12 years old, offering full- and part-time care, beforeand after-school care, and summer camp programs, through the Kiddie Academy system. Kiddie Academy's proprietary Life Essentials® Curriculum, supporting programs, methods, activities, and techniques help prepare children for life. The company's philanthropic efforts, including support of national nonprofit Family Promise, take character education lessons learned in the classroom beyond Academy walls. Kiddie Academy Domestic Franchising, LLC has also received corporate accreditation from the globally recognized Cognia accreditation system, signifying its commitment to quality education and the highest standards in child care. For more information, visit kiddieacademy.com or find Kiddie Academy on Facebook at facebook.com/kiddieacademy.
About Kiddie Academy Domestic Franchising, LLC
Kiddie Academy Domestic Franchising, LLC is based in Maryland. There are currently more than 340 open Academies in the Kiddie Academy system, located in 40 states and Washington, D.C., serving nearly 40,000 children. Each franchised location in the Kiddie Academy system is an independently owned and operated business. For more information, visit franchising. kiddieacademy.com
SOURCE Kiddie Academy
viaim’s RecDot Helps Women Work Smarter with AI
Sony Group Corporation (Sony) and Nature announced the application cycle for the 2026 Sony Women in Technology Award with Nature is now open. The annual award, launched to champion promising women researchers during crucial phases in their research and career development, recognizes three outstanding early to mid-career women researchers in technology (including science, engineering and mathematics) whose work is driving positive impact on society and the planet. Applications for the award will be accepted from March 6, 2025 at 12 AM through May 30, 2025 at 11:59 PM. The winners of the award will be announced in early 2026. The three winners will each receive a prize of $250,000 U.S. Dollars to support and accelerate work related to their
research and a chance to showcase their achievements on nature.com.
Submissions will be evaluated by a judging panel of independent, esteemed technologists, scientists and experts from across the globe, including Nature Editor-in-Chief Magdalena Skipper and Hiroaki Kitano, CTO of Sony Group Corporation. Each application will be judged on the merits of ambition, innovation, conceptual excellence, impact and social significance.
The award is open to applicants who self-identify as women and conduct research and development in technology. Eligible researchers working within a university, research institute, or university spin-out company are encouraged to apply.
SOURCE Sony Group Corporation
WOMEN today play an integral role across industries—as business leaders, entrepreneurs, scientists, designers, and innovators. They contribute across diverse fields, driving change and creating value. Yet, they often face complex challenges in managing information, from cross-time-zone meetings to high-stakes decision-making. RecDot, the AI-powered transcription and recording solution by viaim, an AI hardware company specializing in smart office solutions, is transforming the way female professionals navigate their daily tasks, ensuring seamless communication and increased productivity.
Jessica Tan, a senior executive at a multinational tech company, exemplifies the modern working woman. Managing cross-time-zone projects, she attends multiple meetings, delivers reports, and makes critical decisions in a typical working day—all while balancing her responsibilities at home. With RecDot's AI transcription and instant recording features, she saves an average of five hours per week and improves her focus by 30%.
"Today's professional women constantly navigate multiple roles and responsibilities, from leading strategic initiatives to mentoring teams and balancing personal commitments. Yet, a recent McKinsey & Company's 2024 Women in the Workplace Report shows that over 70% of female executives struggle with the burden of invisible cognitive labor," said viaim CEO Shawn Ma. "RecDot was designed to 'listen' to women's needs, turning scattered information into structured efficiency. Whether overcoming language barriers in global meetings or managing urgent calls, our AI-driven technology ensures women don't have to choose between their careers and personal lives."
With its advanced AI capabilities, RecDot is redefining workplace efficiency, allowing professional women to focus on what truly matters. This International Women's Day, viaim invites working women to experience the power of RecDot and embrace a smarter, more balanced approach to work and life.
About viaim Work smarter with AI-powered transcription. RecDot helps professionals stay organized, focused, and efficient— anytime, anywhere. Discover how AI can transform your workflow at store.viaim.ai.
SOURCE VIAIM
Women in CyberSecurity (WiCyS) Opens Registration for Virtual Conference, WiCyS Virtual 2025: Live from Everywhere
Women in CyberSecurity (WiCyS), a leading nonprofit organization dedicated to the recruitment, retention, and advancement of women in cybersecurity, is excited to announce that registration is now open for the highly anticipated WiCyS Virtual 2025: Live from Everywhere event.
Slated for April 9th and 10th, 2025, WiCyS Virtual 2025 builds upon the success of past WiCyS conferences, continuing to expand access, engagement, and professional development opportunities within the cybersecurity community. This year’s virtual event features a fresh lineup of 27 unique presentations over two days— distinct from the in-person conference held April 2-5—ensuring new perspectives and insights for attendees who participated in both formats.
WiCyS Virtual 2025 includes a diverse range of speakers sharing expertise on the latest cybersecurity trends, challenges, and innovations. Attendees will also have access to recorded keynotes from the in-person event, extending learning opportunities beyond the live sessions.
New for 2025, WiCyS is launching the International Virtual Career Fair, held alongside the traditional Virtual Career Fair. Both career fairs will be stand-alone events, ensuring they do not overlap with any presentations, allowing attendees to fully engage in both networking and educational experiences.
Join us live from everywhere on April 9th and 10th, 2025, to connect, learn, and advance your career in cybersecurity.
Fees are set at $100 for WiCyS members, $200 for non-members, and a special rate of $20 for WiCyS student members. Non-member student registration is unavailable.
To register and explore the full agenda, visit https://www.wicys.org/events/ wicys-2025/wicys-virtual/.
Sponsorship Opportunities Available
WiCyS invites prospective sponsors to engage with its diverse audience of cybersecurity professionals. Sponsoring
WiCyS Virtual 2025 provides valuable recruiting opportunities, branding visibility, and access to a broad network of industry leaders. Each sponsor will receive two virtual conference passes, while academic sponsors will receive two virtual conference passes, two student passes, and a 30% discount.
Don’t miss out on this opportunity to be part of WiCyS Virtual 2025—where cybersecurity professionals from around the globe come together to learn, connect, and thrive!
2026 Sony Women in Technology Award with Nature
WiCyS Virtual 2025 Conference
FINANCE
Spray Foam Equipment Company
Celebrates Women’s History Month with Scholarship
SPRAYWORKS Equipment, a manufacturer of spray foam insulation and coatings rigs and distributor for Graco, PMC and Titan, is celebrating Women’s History with a scholarship for teaching the next generation of female business owners how to operate equipment and apply spray polyurethane foam.
Starting March 1 - 28, 2025, SprayWorks Equipment is accepting applications from women wishing to learn about spray foam insulation as well as those wishing to nominate a woman. Applications can be completed on the SprayWorks Equipment website. Applicants should submit a 250-word essay about why you or a nominee of your choice would benefit from spray foam training. Winners of the contest will have the chance to win a free one-day Spray Foam Training. The goal of the contest is not only to amplify women’s voices in the industry but also to inspire future generations to consider careers in spray foam and construction. It serves as a platform for women to showcase their expertise, foster empowerment, and promote diversity within the industry.
“Female business ownership in our industry has grown significantly over the last decade” says Jennifer Hristovski, Partner, SprayWorks Equipment. “we’re excited to uplift and enrich our industry with tomorrow’s female business owners.”
About SprayWorks Equipment
SprayWorks Equipment is a spray foam and polyurea company, supplying equipment, training, material, mobile rigs, and parts – and a distributor for PMC, Graco, Gusmer, Titan, TriTech, and MiTM equipment. With nearly 100 years of combined experience, SprayWorks has knowledge in commercial and residential buildings, bridges, and infrastructure. SprayWorks provides training and education for new contractors and equipment operators; open cell, closed cell, polyurea & coating applications for interior & exterior building envelope design, waterproofing, below grade, bridge deck, barge, secondary containment all types of roofs and structures. For more information, visit Store.SprayWorksEquipment.com
SOURCE SprayWorks Equipment
MONEY doesn’t just live in our wallets. It lives in our relationships, our health, in the food we eat, in how we spend our time… It determines how many options we have. It can be a constant source of stress or it can give us the freedom to live life on our own terms.
Most people carry their financial challenges in solitude. It wasn’t spoken of in their home growing up and they don’t talk about it now. Don’t worry. I won’t pressure you to break your silence. Instead, I come bearing a safe, anonymous space for you to share your concerns freely and receive compassionate, expert financial guidance. This is a place where judgment has no home, and your struggles are met with empathy, understanding and actionable solutions.
Q: My partner secretly opened a credit card in my name and maxed it out! What should I do?
A: First, take a deep breath. This betrayal stings, but you need clarity now more than ever. Start by freezing your credit to prevent further damage. Pull your credit report to assess the full scope of the issue. Then, have a heart-to-heart with your partner. Ask why they felt the need to deceive you. Financial infidelity often masks deeper trust or communication issues. Depending on their response, you may need to set firm boundaries or seek counseling. Remember, your financial
We Are Enough® Launches the 3.3.3 Challenge: A Global Movement Empowering Women Through Investing in Women
VENTURE Capitalist Tracy Gray Aims
to Address Women’s Wealth Gap and Access to Capital through We Are Enough (WAE), a nonprofit, launches the first of its kind initiative, the 3.3.3 Challenge: inspire 3 million women to commit to invest 3 billion dollars over 3 years, with a “gender lens” (investing in women-led/owned businesses or with gender-based factors) to grow their wealth, match their values and create the world they want to see.
We Are Enough’s website, weareenough. biz, provides women with the tools and knowledge to begin investing through WAE’s northstar investment platform. Northstar identifies companies and investment products that meet Gender Lens Investing (GLI) requirements where women can invest now. If women want to learn investment terms or research investment sources, We Are Enough’s dollar and sense education portal gives women all the tools and information they need to invest with confidence. By aligning financial decisions
well-being is yours to protect, even if it means making tough decisions.
Q: My mom keeps borrowing money and never pays me back. How do I stop the cycle without ruining our relationship?
A: This is tough, relationships and money. First, reflect on why you keep lending. Afraid of disappointing her? Feeling obligated? Start by setting a compassionate boundary: “Mom, I love you, but I can’t lend you money anymore. Let’s work together to find another solution.” Offer support that doesn’t involve cash—like helping her create a budget or find local resources. Boundaries protect relationships, not harm them. You can love someone deeply and still say no.
Q: I hit rock bottom financially and don’t even want to open my bills. How do I climb out?
A: Hitting rock bottom feels overwhelming, but it’s also a chance to rebuild. Begin by opening one bill. Just one. Acknowledge what’s there without judgment. Then, list all your debts and expenses. Once they’re out in the open, you can prioritize. Contact creditors—they’d rather work with you than chase you. Most importantly, forgive yourself. You’re not defined by your bank balance. Seek a trusted mentor or financial coach to guide you step by step. You are not
with personal values, women can enhance their prosperity and drive positive change in areas such as gender and racial equality, education, gender-based violence, and climate action.
“We Are Enough is undertaking this ambitious campaign to educate women why they should invest in women-led and women-owned businesses or with a gender lens,” said Tracy Gray, venture capitalist and We Are Enough’s founder. “ We Are Enough believes this is an opportune time to introduce the 3.3.3 Challenge. By 2030, women are expected to control $34 trillion in financial assets. Widowed women and their daughters are expected to inherit roughly $40 trillion between 2024 and 2048. Fueled by inheritance, longer life expectancies and rising career earnings, this transition is more than just a financial event — it’s an opportunity for women to shape the future of wealth, philanthropy and especially investment in women-owned and womenled businesses.
alone, and you will rise from this. Every small step forward counts.
Remember that financial wellness is a journey, not a destination. The goal is really just to be 1%
Consequently, women are more likely to create enterprises addressing social concerns like education, healthcare and alleviating poverty. Through this great wealth transfer, We Are Enough is committed to narrowing the gender wealth gap and creating equitable communities. We Are Enough plans to achieve this through educational initiatives, community engagement and advocacy.
We Are Enough is supported by grants given by Nasdaq Foundation, Pivotal, JPMC, Marc Benioff and Lynne Benioff Salesforce Foundation, Wells Fargo Foundation, Wallace Global Fund, Nia Capital, American Endowment Foundation and Tara Health Foundation.
To kick off the revolutionary 3.3.3 Challenge, We Are Enough invites women everywhere to join the movement. For more information about We Are Enough and to get involved, visit weareenough.biz
SOURCE We Are Enough
better today than you were yesterday. You’re not alone in this journey—reach out, let us know what’s keeping you up at night. We’re here to support you.
MEET THE FOUNDER
From Puerto Rican Roots to Franchise Frontier: Kristina Lavallee Embodies Women’s History Month
IN the heart of Women’s History Month, Kristina Lavallee, the visionary Puerto Rican chef behind The Cake Girl, stands as a vibrant symbol of women’s resilience, ingenuity, and unstoppable drive. From a sleek mobile food truck rolling through Tampa to a bustling brick-and-mortar bakery and now a national franchise on the horizon, her journey mirrors the spirit of trailblazing women who’ve shaped history—and she’s just getting started.
Born in Puerto Rico, Kristina launched The Cake Girl with grit and a dream, defying a culinary world that rarely made room for Latina voices. Her custom cakes and mini cupcakes—over 20,000 custom cakes and 1 million cupcakes served to date—became edible art, earning her celebrity chef status with creations like the viral GOAT cake for Tom Brady, splashed across ESPN, TMZ, and national news. She’s baked for Shark Tank’s Daymond John, The Profit’s Marcus Lemonis, Camping World’s CEO, Glenn Beck—whose custom cake soared via private jet to Texas—and Aquaman’s Jason Momoa, her talent captivating icons nationwide. “I refused to let anyone box me in,” she declares with Puerto Rican fire. “My roots, my hustle—those are my ingredients for change.”
Andie Launches Wave Maker Incubator to Empower the Next Generation of Female Founders
ANDIE, the leading direct-toconsumer swimwear brand, proudly announces the launch of the Andie Wave Maker Incubator, a semi-annual initiative designed to support and uplift aspiring female entrepreneurs. Kicking off on Saturday, March 8, 2025, in celebration of International Women’s Day, this program provides early-stage, women-led businesses with the essential funding, mentorship, and strategic resources needed for success.
needs. Participants will also receive guidance from a top-tier pitch deck consultant, helping refine investor materials and enhance fundraising strategies.
mentorship, legal guidance, and expert pitch deck consulting— equipping them with the tools necessary to build, launch, and scale their businesses. Andie’s commitment to women-led brands extends beyond this program, ensuring participants gain long-term benefits and connections within a strong entrepreneurial network.
As part of its commitment to fostering the next generation of female founders, the Andie Wave Maker Incubator will select one outstanding entrepreneur per cycle to receive a $5,000 cash grant to invest in their business. In addition, the selected founder will gain access to personalized mentorship, including one-onone sessions with key Andie team members, as well as ongoing strategic guidance from Andie’s leadership on scaling and growing their brand. To further support the business’s legal foundation, the program includes $10,000 in free legal services from Fenwick & West, assisting with incorporation and other startup
The Andie Wave Maker Incubator was created with a clear mission: to empower the next generation of female founders by providing tangible resources and expert guidance, to share Andie’s expertise in building a successful consumerfacing business, and to cultivate a supportive network that ensures longterm success beyond the program.
Eligibility for the Andie Wave Maker Incubator requires that applicants have a consumer-facing business (focused on physical goods, not tech/ SaaS), be in the prelaunch, development, or early stage, and identify as female. Additionally, applicants must be 18 years or older and based in the United States. By applying, founders not only gain financial support but also benefit from high-value
SOURCE Andie
Her ascent defied odds. When the pandemic struck, Kristina didn’t flinch—she pivoted, scaling a local gem into a national name. Outlets from The Today Show to Telemundo, and dozens more across the U.S., crowned her a go-to voice for entrepreneurship and culinary flair. One late night, perfecting a cake for Daymond John, she realized her power: “I wasn’t just baking—I was building a legacy.” For Kristina, success is communal. With The Cake Girl’s franchise expansion, she’s empowering women and minorities to claim their slice, aiming for 50 locations by 2030, led by diverse dreamers. “I’ve felt the sting of being overlooked,” she confesses. “Now, I’m lighting the way for others to shine.”
Kristina Lavallee Cont’d on page 8
COLORCOMM, Inc., the nation’s leading women’s platform and business community will convene nearly 600 executive leaders during the 10th Annual ColorComm Conference held at the Fontainebleau Miami Beach, July 23-25, 2025 in Miami, Florida.
The exclusive three-day business retreat begins Wednesday, July 23 with the prestigious 10th Annual ColorComm Circle Awards where ColorComm will honor eight changemakers in business.
In a groundbreaking move towards fostering inclusion, this year ColorComm will honor men at the ColorComm Circle Awards and men will be present as speakers and attendees for the first time in conference history. The week will follow with a variety of programming to educate, entertain, and foster new business
partnerships. The second day of the conference will feature a Miami Vice themed reception.
The conference will conclude Friday, July 25 with ColorComm’s Signature Luncheon and will feature a notable person in media. ColorComm’s 10th Annual Conference will return to Miami, Florida, after hosting its 9th annual conference in Los Angeles in 2024.
“We are thrilled to welcome the ColorComm Community back to Miami for ColorComm’s 10th Annual Conference. The theme for this year’s conference, “Breaking
New Ground,” is a call to action for attendees to think differently about their positions and industry outlook,” said Lauren Wesley Wilson, Founder and CEO, ColorComm, Inc.
“Now more than ever, ColorComm has become vital to making significant economic, social and community impact in our new reality and changing world.” said Wesley Wilson.
Registration and additional information are available online at www.c2conference.com
SOURCE ColorComm
Kristina Lavallee, The Cake Girl
Melanie Travis, Andie Founder
and CEO on a job site for a new ground up commercial building in
Obtained city approval and permits for civil site and building.
PermitUsNow Commemorates Women in Construction Week
PERMITUSNOW, the leader in the construction industry that is transforming building permitting nationwide celebrates Women in Construction Week to highlight the contributions that women make in construction and career opportunities for women. The National Association of Women in Construction started this special recognition in 1998 and thousands of companies participate in recognizing women working in design and construction during this week.
Here’s what Helen Callier, Founder and CEO says about commemorating Women in Construction Week, “this is an
exciting time to be in design and construction. There are a lot of career opportunities for women to pursue such as Project Manager, Construction Scheduler, Safety, architecture to building permit expeditor. I encourage women of all ages to consider using their talents in an exciting field.”
The US Construction Market is approximately $1.6 trillion per year which presents vast career opportunities for women to enter this industry and play key roles from Project Engineer to Superintendent to architect or to starting a contracting company. This is especially true as the design
and specifically the construction industry continues to grapple with a shortage of labor.
“This is PermitUsNow’s 5th year celebrating Women in Construction Week and we are grateful that our leader, Helen Callier, with over 30 years in the construction industry is a role model for young women to aspire and follow.” Moruf Jimoh, AAIA, Technical Manager of PermitUsNow stated.
PermitUsNow is sharing stories on Linkedin of other women in construction during the Women in Construction Week.
SOURCE PermitUsNow
Enabling Self Discovery and Connection for Women Through Travel: EF Go Ahead Tours Launches “Tours for Women”
NEW research reveals 86% of women are interested in traveling with female-only groups. EF Go Ahead Tours, a leader in guided group travel, announces the launch of “EF Go Ahead Tours for Women,” a first-ever collection of seven new women-only tours designed to foster connection, authenticity, and discovery, with experiences rooted in celebrating women’s history and impact around the world. The launch coincides with International Women’s Day celebrations worldwide and introduces a new core offering rooted in connecting women through travel and cultures around them.
The new way to travel with EF Go Ahead Tours comes in response to overwhelming demand for female-only travel options revealed in their recent market research conducted in partnership with Qualtrics. Findings underscored both the desire to travel with other women as well as key motivations for embarking on travel experiences.
“We have heard from women who love to travel but hesitate to go alone, and from others who have traveled solo but miss the magic of shared experiences,” said Heidi Durflinger, President of EF Go Ahead Tours.
“These Tours for Women fill that gap. I know firsthand how transformative it can be to discover a new place surrounded by other women who lift each other up. There is something incredibly powerful about creating opportunities where women can be both courageous and authentically themselves while traveling together.”
The seven new Tours for Women,
launched on International Women’s Day (March 8th, 2025), include Italy, UK & Ireland, Spain & Portugal, Greece, Thailand, Peru, and Egypt. These destinations were chosen by women, for women, based on a poll the company conducted of thousands of women. Each itinerary is thoughtfully crafted to highlight women-run businesses, female artisans, and important historical and contemporary female figures. Each tour will be led by expert female Tour Directors.
Key experiences include: Peru for Women: Colca Canyon, Lake Titicaca & Machu Picchu: travelers will connect with Andean women demonstrating ancient weaving techniques at Awamaki, a nonprofit offering educational and economic opportunities Italy for Women: Rome, Tuscany & the Italian Lakes : travelers will learn to make authentic Bolognese ragu at Podere San Guiliano, an agriturismo founded by chef Frederica and her grandmother Egypt for Women: Cairo & Nile River Cruise: Egyptologists will share accounts of feminist activist Doria Shafik and other iconic female figures Ireland, England & Scotland for Women: Dublin to Edinburgh : a female storyteller at the Scottish Storytelling Centre will bring to life tales of remarkable women
in Scottish history
Self-Rediscovery Through Travel
Traveling inspires confidence, EF Go Ahead Tours reports. According to the survey, 60% of women feel like the best version of themselves when traveling. However, while those who identified as male or nonbinary were less likely to avoid traveling due to family obligations, nearly a third (31%) of women noted that family commitments prevented them from traveling. And now, nearly 60% (59%) of women are feeling the need spend time away from their families to rediscover themselves.
The launch of EF Go Ahead Tours for Women represents a significant shift in women’s travel preferences. Unlike traditional solo tours, EF Go Ahead Tours for Women emphasizes the ability to develop meaningful connections as well as deepen existing ones, whether you’re traveling solo or together with friends, mothers, daughters, sisters or multigenerational family members. The first EF Go Ahead Tours for Women departures begin in January 2026. For more information on these itineraries launching on March 8th, 2025, visit EF Go Ahead Tours for Women
SOURCE EF Go Ahead Tours
Taylor Morrison Breaks Barriers with an Increasing Number of Women in its Workforce Pursuing Construction Roles
AMERICA’S Most Trusted® Home Builder, Taylor Morrison (NYSE: TMHC), continues to break barriers with an increasing number of women joining its organization.
To celebrate Women in Construction Week, Taylor Morrison is featuring women in construction roles and releasing new workforce statistics.
“With the homebuilding industry being traditionally male dominated, we’re incredibly proud of the women at Taylor Morrison who continue to challenge that status quo and pursue the immense opportunities this meaningful career can provide for everyone,” said Taylor Morrison Chairman and CEO Sheryl Palmer. “As an organization, we have experienced a growing number of women joining our workforce and are excited that they’re paving the way for people from all backgrounds to consider a career in construction.”
Taylor Morrison has an increasing number of women joining its construction roles and seeing significant career growth. As of March 2025, Taylor Morrison reported:
• In the past decade, Taylor Morrison has seen an 887% increase in women who currently
hold construction roles.
• Taylor Morrison has 45% female representation in its workforce – just over four times the U.S. construction industry average of 11%.
• Chairman and CEO Sheryl Palmer remains the only female that has ever led a publicly traded homebuilder and has been in her role since 2007.
• The Company’s Board of Directors has a female majority, the highest in the industry.
Dallas Build-to-Rent Assistant Land Project Manager, Haley Hoffman, didn’t start her career in the homebuilding industry, but she has experienced exceptional career progression just three years after taking the plunge. Hoffman joined the Taylor Morrison team as a permit administrator and soon after moved to Taylor Morrison’s buildfor-rent brand, Yardly, as a Land Analyst. The team then offered her the opportunity to train in the field with project managers, where she developed the skills for her current role.
When asked what her advice would be for women interested in pursuing the construction career path, she said: “Don’t be afraid to ask questions and overcommunicate. If there’s an opportunity to shadow someone who’s an expert, take it!” said Hoffman.
As a former Aviation Electrician in the Navy, Jacksonville-based Superintendent Tracey Michaels has been with Taylor Morrison for five years, delivered 100 homes, and even built the model home at the Cove at Beachwalk community in just 60 days. While she started her construction career in Warranty and focused on that for nearly a decade, she always wanted to be on the building side and feels her career has now come full circle as a Superintendent. “I love starting from dirt and seeing a completed product in the end. There’s nothing more rewarding than seeing the joy on a homeowner’s face after delivering their dream home,” said Michaels.
SOURCE Taylor Morrison
Photo: Helen Callier, Founder
Humble, Texas.
SupplyHouse Celebrates Women’s History Month by Empowering the Community and Expanding Educational Access
IN observance of Women’s History Month, SupplyHouse, a leading online plumbing, HVAC, and electrical distributor, continues to reinforce and celebrate underrepresented voices within the trades. Through strategic partnerships, targeted initiatives, and by recognizing outstanding individual achievements, the company actively cultivates opportunities for women pursuing careers in skilled trades.
By collaborating with and championing organizations dedicated to mentoring and supporting women, SupplyHouse strives to create a more diverse and inclusive landscape. Notably, since 2018, SupplyHouse has partnered with Tools & Tiaras, a nonprofit organization founded by Judaline Cassidy, a trailblazing union plumber with nearly three decades of experience.
“When I decided to launch my nonprofit, Tools & Tiaras Inc., I knew I’d need support. Josh Meyerowitz, and his amazing SupplyHouse team, stepped up as one of our first partners,” Judaline Cassidy shared. “Year over year, since 2018, they have continued to help my organization in the most meaningful ways. From donating supplies, to championing our work, SupplyHouse’s partnership compounds the impact of our mission to show girls (ages 6-14) that Jobs Don’t Have Genders®.”
In 2024, SupplyHouse launched the ‘Track to the Trades’ scholarship program, investing $50,000 to empower aspiring trade professionals. 20% of scholarship winners were women – a significant milestone as just 5% of current skilled trade workers are women according to the US Department of Commerce. This ongoing initiative underscores the company’s dedication to fostering a skilled workforce by providing financial assistance to individuals pursuing tradebased education.
Kerena Williams, a 2024 Track to the Trades scholarship recipient, emphasized the importance of mentorship and continuous learning in her journey:
“My start in the trades is largely owed to the willingness of an individual who chose to mentor me… Advice I would offer to anyone interested in the trades is: always be learning and never stop asking questions. Whether it’s about your mentor’s experiences, getting help from a coworker, or simply how something works – ask to learn, and learn to ask.”
By investing in impactful partnerships and consequential initiatives aimed at creating opportunities for women, SupplyHouse hopes to bring to fruition a future where diversity helps drive the growth and success of the skilled trades.
SOURCE SupplyHouse.com
Uplevyl Launches UP, a Female-Forward Social Platform as Women Increasingly Abandon Traditional Social Media
UPLEVYL founder and former Google executive Shubhi Rao aims to amplify voices with a more authentic social space with Uplevyl, a female-forward technology platform. Rao made history as the first woman and person of color to serve as Officer of Alphabet, the first woman to be Treasurer of Alphabet/Google, Tesco and Assistant Treasurer of Ford of Europe. She founded Uplevyl in 2021 after recognizing the opportunity to create technology platforms that better serve women. With an extensive background in engineering and executive leadership at major corporations, Rao is uniquely positioned to develop innovative technologies that help women thrive in the digital age.
She is joined by another trailblazer, Jacki Zehner, who will assume the role of Chief Engagement Officer. Zehner was the youngest woman and first female trader to become a partner at Goldman Sachs in 1996. She went on to co-found Women Moving Millions, a membership organization that has collectively committed over $1 billion to improve the lives of women and girls. She recently founded SheMoney, a company dedicated to advancing women’s financial wellness through community, content and consulting.
As we celebrate Women’s History Month 2025, these two history makers launch the first-of-its-kind social platform by women for women.
and clear community guidelines
• Zero tolerance for hate speech, harassment, or disinformation
• Ad-free environment ensuring a cleaner, more focused member experience
• Featured experts across the content categories of personal, professional and financial
• Subscription-based model prioritizing user privacy over advertising revenue
“We’re creating an ad-free, welcoming environment, where women can find others who share their interests, easily explore topics that matter, and feel confident that community standards— led by women—are there to keep everyone’s experience positive and protected.”
This platform builds on Uplevyl’s existing
enterprise solutions that enable organizations to attract, retain, and develop female talent, as well as its Accelerator Program, which provides AI and digital acumen upskilling.
“Our research shows that women are actively seeking alternatives to traditional social media platforms that are not serving them,” stated Rao. “With UP, we’re not just building another social networkwe’re creating a space where women’s voices are prioritized, protected, valued and amplified.” Zehner adds “UP is a technology whose time has come. It is founded by women, for women.”
For more information about UP and our survey, visit: https://www. uplevyl.com/
“We built what we wanted to exist in the world - a place for women to discover, connect, share and amplify their voices,” says Shubhi Rao, founder and CEO of Uplevyl. Zehner adds,” Social media, especially micro-blogging platforms, are not working for women. We are turning the model right-side UP.”
UP differentiates itself through several key features:
• Transparent data collection policies and robust security measures
• Advanced content moderation tools
SOURCE Uplevyl
PHOTO BY COTTONBRO
Theme: Business
This is Women’s History Month distilled: a Latina entrepreneur echoing the courage of Dolores Huerta, who fought for the marginalized, and the grit of every woman who dared to dream bigger. Kristina’s Puerto Rican pride pulses through her story—supporting Tampa’s community with treats for frontline workers and military personnel, inspiring youth, and now pledging
jobs through franchising. “Community is the heartbeat of my work,” she reflects. “It’s where I find my why.” She’s not just a chef; she’s a movement, blending island soul with a blueprint for growth that lifestyle and business press can’t ignore. For young women, Kristina is a beacon. Her journey—from economic uncertainty to a media darling baking for moguls and movie stars—shows what’s possible when you bet on yourself. “I want them to feel unstoppable,” she says with quiet strength.
“Every cupcake I bake whispers: You belong here.” Her authenticity, forged in Puerto Rico and honed in Tampa’s storefront, shines in every TV demo and headline, making her a relatable icon for the next generation of dreamers and doers.
This March, Kristina’s story ignites Women’s History Month, a living testament to women’s potential. Like the Latina pioneers before her, she proves bold voices can reshape industries—and history itself. “This isn’t just my win—it’s ours,”
she insists, eyes on a franchise future. Her viral moments—Brady’s GOAT, Momoa’s masterpiece—grab attention, but her refusal to settle steals the show.
“Every cake holds a piece of my soul,” she shares. “It’s my love letter to those still fighting to be seen.” She’s turning Women’s History Month into a call to action: Rise, build, thrive.
Where is Kristina Lavallee going? To the top, with a franchise empire that’s a legacy of empowerment. She’s a national
name, her work featured from coast to coast, but her next chapter promises more: a network of dreamers carrying her torch, redefining success for women everywhere. As The Cake Girl scales new heights, she invites all to join her in celebrating Women’s History Month 2025—not as a look back, but as a launchpad. “We’re not just making history,” she says with a knowing smile. “We’re baking it, one dream at a time.”
SOURCE The Cake Girl
Kristina Lavallee Cont’d from page 5