Unveiling the Trailblazing Women!
DearEsteemedReaders,
Intheever-changingworldofbusiness,adistinguishedgroupofvisionarywomenis attheforefront,drivingforwarditsevolutionandusheringinafuturebrimmingwith boundlesspossibilities.Wearethrilledtopresenttoyouthishighlyanticipatededition,showcasing “The10RevolutionaryBusinessWomenLeadersof2023.”Withinthesepages,weinviteyouto immerseyourselfinthecaptivatingstoriesoftheseexceptionalindividualswhohavereshapedthe veryessenceofentrepreneurshipthroughtheirunwaveringcommitment,audaciousstrategies,and groundbreakingachievements.
GracingourcoverpageisKarenSimon,adynamicforceasthePresidentandSeniorManaging PartnerofEmersonsCommercialManagementUS,LLC.Withherunwaveringdedicationto excellence,Karenhasbecomeatruecatalystforchange,revolutionizingthebusinesslandscapeby championingdiversity,inclusion,andsustainablepractices.Underhervisionaryleadership, Emersonshasemergedasatrailblazer,drivinggrowthandshapingthefutureofbusiness.
Asyoudelveintotheinspiringpagesthatfollow,youwillbeintroducedtoaconstellationof luminaries,includingtheremarkableachievementsofBiancaBarbu,ElenaCorreas,HollySinger, MichelleGilliam,andahostofotherinfluentialwomen.Eachofthesevisionarieshascarveda distinctpathwithinthebusinessindustry,foreveralteringourapproachtoentrepreneurship. Throughtheirrelentlesspursuitofexcellence,theyhaveforgedanewparadigmwhereinnovation, sustainability,andsocialresponsibilityseamlesslyintersect.
Maytheinspiringnarrativeswovenwithinthesepagesigniteasparkwithinyouasyouembarkon yourownjourney.Letthetalesofthesevisionaryentrepreneurscatalyzeyouraspirations,inspiring youtoembraceinnovation,sustainability,andethicalpracticeswithinyourownsphereofinfluence. Together,letusforgeapathtowardabrighterandmorepromisingfutureforthebusiness world—onethatempowersandupliftswomenleaders.
Weextendourheartfeltgratitudeforyourunwaveringsupportandcontinuedreadership,which enablesustocelebratetheremarkableachievementsofthesetrailblazingwomenandinspirethe nextgenerationofRevolutionaryBusinessWomenLeaders.
Thankyouforyourcontinuedsupport!
Parag Ahire Project Editor
PUBLISHER
ARCHANA
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
VIKRAM
MANAGING EDITOR
PANKAJ
PROJECT EDITOR
PARAG AHIRE
PROJECT MANAGERS
ADAM
VINIT SETHIYA
VISUALIZER
MARK
GRAPHIC DESIGNER
OMKAR URAVANE
AAKASH
info@theusaleaders.com www.theusaleaders.com
ROBERT
RESEARCH
JAMES
ADVERTISING
MARIA
Karen Simon
22
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C O N T E N T S
Holly Singers
Michelle Gilliam
Elena Correas
Bianca Barbu
Karen Simon
Thebusinessworldisbeingrevolutionizedbythe
womenentrepreneursoftoday Theyaredoing everything,fromdominatingsportstorunning theirprosperouscorporateempires.Thedaysofwomen feigningboldnessanddecisivenesswhiledreadingtheir abilitytojugglefamilyandjobsarelonggone.These leadersarecurrentlyinthespotlightonaglobalscale thankstotheiruniqueideas,sharpintellect,and intimidatingattitude.
Onesuchladywithstrength,distinction,andinfluenceis KarenSimon.KarenleadsEmersonsCommercial
ManagementUS,LLC asthePresidentandSenior ManagingPartner.Itisarealestatecompanythatoffers tenantsofpropertiesheldincommonprofessionalproperty managementservices.Sheisawonderfulwomenleader whoisadvancingtherealestatesectorthroughherskillful management.
PathtoRealEstate
KarengraduatedfromtheUniversityofTexasinAustin withaBachelorofScienceinhistoryandeducation.She justhadayearofteachingexperienceinaFortWorthhigh
school.Shewastheyoungestteachereverappointedto teachinahighschoolintheFortWorthareawhenshe beganhercareerat20.
WhenKarenstumbleduponaflyerstatingthatonemay becomearealestatebrokeraftercompleting900classroom hoursofrealestate-relatedstudyor60semesterhoursof realestate-relatededucation,herrealestatecareerofficially began.Shetookatwo-weekleaveofabsenceandcontinued hereducationafterhoursandonweekends.After successfullypassingthetest,Karenreceivedherbroker’s license.
EstablishmentofEmersons
In2004,MattPrice,aCPA,andrealestateinvestor,and RichardWebb,abankerwhohadalsobecomeinterestedin realestate,launchedEmersons’CommercialRealEstate. Theyeachhadthechancetoacquireasizableportfolioto sellwhileworkingforafamilytrust.In2004,they establishedtheirbusiness,andKarenjoinedthemin2016. Thecompany'scorporateheadquarterwasinDallas,while theofficewasinOklahomaCity
“
Emersons offers
services that are specially designed to meet each client’s needs, allowing them to take an active or passive role as appropriate
As a leader who represents women, I suggest aspiring businesswomen keep working despite di iculties and challenges “
KarenwantsEmersonsFortWorthto growandincreaseitscommercialreal estateportfolio,aswellasgetinvolved inpropertymanagement.Duetoits expertise,thecompanycurrentlyrefers allpropertymanagementtoitsDallas office.KarenwouldpreferfortheFort Worthofficetohaveanothergrowth opportunitythough.Shethinks Emersonsisstillyoungand developing.Thecompanycanprovide ownershiptoanyonewhojoinsthe team.
WhatEmersonsOffers?
Emersonsoffersavarietyofreal estate-relatedservices,suchasbuying, selling,leasing,andmanaging.These servicescanbespeciallydesignedto meeteachclient’sneeds,allowing themtotakeanactiveorpassiverole asappropriate.Inadditiontooffering constructionservices,thecompany alsooffersfull-servicemanagement. Additionally,itcancreatea managementprogramthatmeetsthe needsofthebusinessesofitsclients. Thebusinessoffersitsclientssafe, real-timeaccesstopropertyoperational results,financialstatements,andtenant informationthroughtheuseofcuttingedgetechnology,includingtheInternet andASPsoftware.
Thecorevaluesofthecompanyare likemostcompaniestobefinancially successful.Womenarealsogivenalot ofopportunitiesintheEmersons group.Thecompanyhaspeoplefrom alltypesofbackgrounds,varyingfrom differentculturesandethnicity.It’sa companythatmotivatespeopletobe successfulandallowsthemtosucceed.
OvercomingChallenges
Karenrealizedthatclientsdidn’tcare aslongasonewaspreparedand understoodtohandletheirbusiness. Shewaspreparedtoputinalotof effort,buthermalecolleaguesinthe realestateindustrywerealittleless acceptingofherinvolvement.
Karenhasseveralobjectives,including growingthefirmandmanagingthe employees,however,hermainfocusis onmakingsurethecompanyisrunning effectively.Sheisresponsiblefor managingbothcompany’s developmentandhumanresources.
Furthermore,shebringsexperience, education,andwillingnesstogothe extramiletothetable.Sheisnotafraid tosay;Idon’tknow,andyettriesto findout.Forinstance,sheasserts,“I’m not afraid to say, I don’t know, but I’m
willing to find out, and I think that's a key factor. Those people will forgive you for not knowing something, as long as you’re willing to find out for them.”
EmpoweringWomen
Karenstoodoutbecauseshewasoneofthefewwomen workingasanindustrialrealtor.Asshewasabitofan outlier,shegainedexposure.Asaresult,itopenedsome doorssincepeoplerealizedthatwomencouldaccomplish theworkifgiventhechanceandknowledgetodoso.Karen hascontinuallyworkedtokeepdoorsopenforwomenin therealestateindustry
LifebeyondWork
Karenisanemptynesterbecauseherchildrendon’treside withher.However,sheandherhusbandadoretheir2-year-
“oldpet,Björn,andlookforwardtoseeinghimatthe endoftheday
Herhusbandisveryencouraging,andhertwosonsare awarethattheirmotherisalwaysthereforthem.As sheneededtotakecareofherselftosetagood exampleforherchildren,beagoodmother,andbea decentperson,Karenrecognizedshecouldn’tbea PTAparent.
Guidingwords
Karen’sresponse,whenaskedforadviceforthenext generationoffemaleleaders,wasthatitdoesn’tmatter whatindustrythey’reentering.Shesays, “If you study your art, if you have a readiness of spirit, it’s going to show through if you treat other people decently Although there may be a few hiccups along the way, you'll eventually succeed.”
For people to recognize your valued talent, you must find yourself
and challenge yourself for growth.
INCORPORATING PHILANTHROPIC IDEALS INTO BUSINESS FOR PROFOUND IMPACT
Incorporatingphilanthropicapproachesintobusinessyields
severalbenefitsandopportunities.Variousbusinessleaders worldwidearefusingphilanthropyintotheirbusinessidealsto establishapositiveoutlookoftheirbrandimageorcompany.
“I decided I could insert my love for philanthropy into whatever I created,”assertsHollySinger(FounderofMilkJarCandle CompanyInc.).Hollyfirmlybelievesitisherhumandutytouse thecompany'splatform,voice,andrevenuetoupliftthosewhoneed ahelpinghand.Withherinclusiveteamandworkofthepartnered non-profits,shehassuccessfullycreatedapositiveculturethat servesasasourceofinspirationforher.
Fromherearlyeducationbackgroundandcareerworkinginanonprofitandprivatelyforfamilies,Hollyharboredgreatpassionfor supportingpeoplewithdisabilities.Shedreamtofbecomingan OccupationalTherapistandcontinuingonherpathtohelpchildren connect,growandfeelagreatsenseofbelonging.Duetocertain challenges,Hollywasunabletopursueherdream.However,she wasdeterminedtofulfillherlife'spurposeanddecidedshecould incorporateherphilanthropicidealsintoherbusiness.Currently, HollyenvisionsMilkJartobecomeanexampleofabusinessthat employsallpeopleandissuccessfulbecauseeverysingleperson hasvalueandstrengthstooffer.
CreatingImpactswithBusiness
In2016,MilkJarwaslaunchedwiththeideologybasedaround
clean-burningcandlesandamoreorganicandhealthier alternativetomostcandlesonthemarket.Thecompany assertsexclusivitywith
• Materialsforcreatingaffordableluxuryproducts;
• Zero-wastejarreturnprogram;
• Dedicationtoprovidingqualityparaffin-freecoconut soycandles.
Thecompany'sdonationprogramservesasasolutionto themarket.InspiredbyHolly'spreviousgoals,MilkJar hasdonated$1fromeachcandlesaletoCanadiannonprofitorganizationstofundresourcesforthoseinthe communitysincethebeginning.Herdrivetocreatea healthieralternativetothestandardcandlemarket,and offeraidtothecommunityhashelpedbringMilkJarto whereitcurrentlyis.
EnsuringMutualGrowth
ThecurrentexpansionoftheteamhashelpedHollygain moretimetofocusonherpreferredareasaboutMilk Jar—creatingnewscentsandteachingcandlemaking. Thecompanyofferscustomscentsandcandlecreationfor
WORDS OF WORTH
“When you insert a greater purpose into your work, your drive to persevere through the challenges of business will be welcomed and not avoided, and you will garner incredible respect, love and support from the public.”
othercompanies.Hollyisalsofondofteachingothersto connectwiththeircreativesidebyrunningscentblending andcandle-makingworkshopsoutofthecompany's candlefactory AlongwithMilkJar'sgrowth,Holly ensurestheteam'sgrowthtomakesurethatsheisdoing thethingsthatdrewhertostartmakingcandlesinthefirst place.
MilkJarhasearnedseveralaccoladesduetoitsbusiness andphilanthropyapproaches.In2019,itwasawardedthe DEAM Award fordisabilityemploymentawareness month.In2020,Hollywasenlistedasoneof Alberta Avenue Magazine's Top 40 under 40.
PromotingInclusivityandDiversity
MilkJar’steamincludesadiverseanduniquegroupof
people.Withacreativeandmotivatedmarketingteamand highlyskilledproductionteam,itsstaffisequippedto fulfillallneedsofthecompany.In2020,thecompany partneredwithGatewayAlbertatoexploreinclusive hiring.Currently,one-thirdofitsstaffarepeoplewith disabilities—enablingMilkJartopushagainstthestigma ofinclusiveemployment.
Eachteammemberistrainedincommunicationand accountability,allowingthemtoexcelintheirroleand growintootherparts.Tomaintainmotivationand encouragement,MilkJarhostsASLtraining,monthly staffmeetingworkshopswithanOccupationalTherapist, withdailycheck-insandcommunallunchesinitsshared officespace.
HolisticResponsetoIncreasingDemands
Inresponsetotheincreaseinsalesduringthepandemic, theteamofMilkJarexpandedformeetingdemandand manufacturingmoreproducts.Thecompanytransformed itsmarketingstyleanduseddigitalapproachesduetothe closureofretailspacesandmarkets.
Additionally,itaddedamembershipprogram,allowing peoplemonthlydeliveryofcandlesattheirdoorstep.As theteamgrew,thecompanyalsointroducedmoreroles andresponsibilities—toprovidesupporttoMilkJarfor leveragingmoreopportunities.
Holly'sViewsonWomenBusinessLeadership
What are your opinions on women business leadership? How are you trying to make an impact with your business?
Iseeseveralwomenasbusinessleaders,beingregarded fortheirstrength,tenacityandknowledgeintheirfields.I startedMilkJaroutofmyhomewithnobusinesspartner orfinancialsupport,onlyadrivetoturnmypassionfor candle-makingintoabusinesswithagreaterpurposeof supportingthedisabilitycommunityandinclusive employment.WhatwedoatMilkJarismuchmorethan theproductswesell—itisallabouthowwecanmakea positiveimpactinthelivesofothers.
How do you focus on surpassing the challenges presented to you?
Ileanonmyincredibleteamtoworkthroughthe challengesweface,anddrawtheirthoughtsandexpertise asweareafamilyatMilkJar.Everyonecaresaboutthe commongoalofcreatinginvitingspacesatMilkJar
Is the business sector welcoming for women? According to you, what are the necessary skills to thrive as a business leader?
Inmyexperienceofstartingandgrowingasuccessful businessIfeellikeIhavebeenwelcomedwithopenarms inthecommunity.Betweenspeakingandmentoring opportunitiestonewentrepreneurs,tocollaboratingwith largecompanies,Iamregardedasaleaderforwomen entrepreneurs.Ibelieveitismydecisivenessandtrustin myselfthathasledmetothriveinthebusinessworld.
Exhibiting Proficient Leadership in Media and Information Management
Leadershipinthemediasector involveswearingnumerous hatswhilebeingatthe organization’sforefront.Theroleof medialeadersisnotjustconfinedto theareasofmanagementand operationsbutinvolvestakingcharge ofseveralotheraspectssuchas ensuringauthenticity,verifying,and monitoringthetransparentflowof information.Moreover,theyarealso responsibleforleadingtheteamand ensuringswiftorganizational operations.
Anillustriousexampleofsuchardent andzestfulleadershipisportrayedby MichelleGuglielmoGilliam.Sheisa recognizedmedialeaderwithan eminentcareerbackground.Her journeyintopublicrelationsand marketingstartedinthenewsmedia. Michellewasalwaysawareofher willingnesstoworkinmedia—there wasnoonedefiningmomentthat pushedherinthatdirection.After graduatingwithhonorsfromVillanova University,sheworkedinnewsrooms fromMiamitoNewJersey,learning thetradeandeventuallybecamea reporter
Followinghercareerinnews,shetook apositionasaproduceronThe
People’sCourt,cultivatingher journalismskillsonanational courtroomprogram.However, Michelle’spathtookadifferentturn afterthehistoric9/11incident,andshe beganproducingconferenceson militarytopics.Gleaninglessonsfrom topgenerals,admirals,andDepartment ofDefenseofficials,Michellehoned herspecialeventproductionskills,a tradesheoftenusesinhercareertoday. Currently,MichellespearheadsPoint TakenCommunications asthe FounderandPresidentand contributestoitsimmensesuccessand development.
InarecentconversationwithMirror Review,Michelleelaboratedonher rolesandresponsibilitiesasamedia leaderandspokeabouthercompany anditsupcomingplans.Followingare somesnippetsfromtheinsightful conversation:
According to you, how have the customer preferences in media industry evolved over the past few years?
Aspeople’shabitsandtechnology change,themediaisevolvingtomeet thegrowingdemandsofconsumers. Customersarenolongerwillingto
ichelle Gilliam
waitfortheeveningnewscastorthemorningpaperto learnwhattheyneedtoknowabouttheircommunity, theirindustry,orotherissuesthataffectthem.Theywant informationandtheywantitontheirterms,whetherthey receivethatinformationviaanewsalertontheirphone, asocialmediapost,oratextfromafriend.
Can you please walk us through the establishment journey of Point Taken?
IstartedPointTakenshortlyaftermysonwasbornwith Downsyndrome.Ashehasgrownandmatured,sohas PointTaken.Westartedasapublicrelationsconsultancy andhavegrownintoaboutiqueagencyoffering marketing,PR,webdesign,andvideoproduction.
Being at the company’s forefront, what are your primary roles and responsibilities?
Imanageallbusinessoperationswhileworkingwithmy teamtoensurewealwaysproducetop-qualityworkon budgetandontime.Asateamofseniorprofessionals, ourgoalistomakeourclients’jobseasier,findingthem newopportunitiestopromotethemselvesandtheir organizations.
Can you please walk us through the prominent highlights of your career as a media leader?
OneofmycareerhighlightswasbeingnamedaWomen ofInfluencebyPetAgeMagazineandreceivingmultiple awardsforPointTaken’sworkasatopPRandmarketing agency.However,mybiggestachievementiscreatingan environmentthatallowswork/lifebalanceatPoint Taken.Idropoffmysonandpickhimupfromschool eachday,oftenspendingtimewithhisteachersand administrativestaff,aspartofmyroleasvicepresident oftheschool’sboardofdirectors.
How do you ensure optimum satisfaction for your clients and customers?
AtPointTaken,ourjobistonotonlyensureoptimum customersatisfactionbutalsotoguideourclientsto makedecisionsthatresultinthebestreturnontheir investments.Wehelpourclientscreatenewsworthyand shareablecontent.
Token of Leadership
Always put your family first, grow your business for both profits and the good of the community and treat your team as your family.
They will perform better the more respect you give them.
The global pandemic resulted in massive disruptions within every sector. What measures did you incorporate to counter the challenges induced during the pandemic?
Asabusinessowner,Ibalancedrunningan increasinglybusyagencywithhomeschool.Inthe faceofthisunprecedentedtimeinmodernhistory,we pivotedourstrategies,guidingourclientsto communicateclearly,concisely,andcalmlywiththeir employeesandcustomers.Wehelpedourclients sharepaycheckprotectionprograminformation, mentalhealthstrategies,andopeningandclosing notices.
Duringthesummerof2020,wepivotedagain, assistingourclientsinthedevelopmentofthoughtful statementsaboutdiversitypolicies.Ourbiggest lessonof2020wastobeflexible,mindful,and resilientaswefacedatimeofinternationalcrisis.
While working within an industry where the flow of information is rapid and continuous, how do you ensure maintaining transparency and authenticity?
Informationisspreadingfasterthaneverbefore, allowingforariseindisinformation.Asmedia leaders,wemustcombatthespreadof misinformation,reestablishingtrustinthemedia. Thattrustbeginswitheachandeveryoneofus.We needtocheckoursourcesforcredibility,ensurewe havemultiplesourcesandencouragecollaborative teamworktofact-checkourstories.Weaspublic relationsprofessionalsmustensureweareonly workingwithethicalclients,pitchingnewsworthy stories,andcreatingin-housecontentthatismoral andfactual.
How do you envision the future of Point Taken Communications?
Aswecontinuetogrowand5Gtakesover telecommunications,PointTakenforeseesaneedfor morein-house,brand-developedcontentthatcanbe deployedquickly Weplantocontinuetogrowour contentdevelopmentdivision,offeringmorecustom video,copy,creative,anddynamiccontent.
THE USA LEADERS IS AN ILLUMINATING DIGITAL PLATFORM THAT DRIVES THE CONVERSATION ABOUT THE DISTINGUISHED AMERICAN LEADERS DISRUPTING TECHNOLOGY WITH AN UNPARALLELED APPROACH.