The Top 25 Women Of Alignable & Exploring What It Means To Be An Entrepreneurial Woman In 2024

One of my favorite colleagues, Brittany Sandoval, just hosted a great Women At Work event on Friday, commemorating International Women's Day.  And we're in the middle of Women's History Month, as well.  

Plus, as many know, we just wrapped up our record-breaking contest: Alignable's 2024 Local Business Person Of The Year, revealing 5,171 awesome local winners and our Top 50 most awesome networkers across all of North America.

So, combining all of these events and milestones, it seemed like the perfect time to create a list of the Top 25 Women On Alignable, and shine a special spotlight on these very savvy members, who are widely admired and respected on our platform. 

But we wanted to go a step beyond that and elicit quotes from several women on this list, and other major influencers across our network. We asked what it's like to be an entrepreneurial woman in 2024. 

So, we'll start with this remarkable list of all-stars. And then the quotes will follow:

1. Kim Wallace – 270 votes
2. Helena Smolock – 258 votes
3. Jill Cone (for AZ Metals in Mesa, AZ) – 222 votes
4. LaToya Germaine  – 182 votes
5. Cherri Pedrioli-Mentor & Dr. Mary Welsh –  168 votes
6. Dr. Karen Fiorillo – 162 votes
7. Amberly Shreve  – 157 votes
8. Maria Wirth – 145 votes
9. Sam Rafoss  – 126 votes
10. Tracee T. Holloway – 124 votes
11. Susan M. Husa & Angie Carlson – 120 votes
12. Kat Sloan – 111 votes
13. Dr. Jamica Nadina Love – 106 votes
14. Colette Martin & Wanda Cooper – 105 votes
15. Sheron Mingo Y & Angie Card – 104 votes
16. Amy Brandon & Yvette Eldridge – 99 votes
17. Yolanda Bennett – 98 votes
18. Stacy Mueller & Jannery Michelle – 96 votes
19. Diane Steen – 95 votes
20. Kerilie McDowall, Lauren Doll, & Char Ross – 94 votes
21. Jeannine Warrick – 91 votes
22. Crystal Groves – 90 votes
23. Phyllis Arnstein, Tracey Lee Davis & Debbie Smith – 89 votes
24. Paula Roberts & Kathy Lowrey – 87 votes
25. Natalie DeLeo (& Jill Cone for New Mexico Metals) -- 81 votes

Now, let's take a look at these wonderful quotes. We had a tight deadline, but wow, did we get quite a response. 

Kim Wallace, SouthernMagnoliaMedia.com -- "Being a female business owner in 2024 is an exhilarating journey filled with endless possibilities and opportunities. Gone are the days of conforming to outdated stereotypes and societal expectations. Instead, we are encouraged to embrace our femininity and all the unique qualities that make us who we are. As a female business owner, you have the power to revolutionize industries, break glass ceilings, and inspire others with your innovative ideas and unwavering determination. Don't ever let anyone tell you that you need to act like others to succeed, because your authenticity is your superpower. I encourage all women to go out there, seize the day, and show the world what it truly means to be a fearless female entrepreneur in this exciting era of limitless potential."

Helena Smolock, Velocity Athletic Training -- "Being a woman-owned business in 2024 means looking beyond the challenges. It's all about nurturing your business with much patience, integrity, and resilience, while  connecting with those who lift one another. I like to look at the challenges through a glass lens as the learning curves for growth." 

Jill Cone, Ambassador-Phoenix Metro Alliance -- "Being a female entrepreneur is not for the faint-hearted, especially in the metal industry! However, I have been able to overcome the stigma, and have grown both of our businesses, AZ Metals in Mesa, AZ, and New Mexico Metals in Albuquerque, NM -- all thanks to Alignable!"

LaToya Germaine, Germane Learning -- "Being a woman entrepreneur feels natural and divinely ordained, especially as a mother. There are strong correlations between motherhood and entrepreneurship. 

Building a business and rearing a child are both awesome, challenging, and rewarding. Both require superhuman courage, stamina, patience, creativity, service, and self-reliance. Both are best accomplished with support, even though we don’t always have sufficient support to ensure success.

My first attempt at entrepreneurship, when I was a new mom at 19 years old, was driven by my will to provide for my daughter without sacrificing time with her. I craved to be present with her, but also to be successful. I failed quickly because I lacked experience, mentorship, and support. 

When I was an ambitious 22-year-old, then with 2 daughters, I tried again and persisted a whole year propelled by fierce maternal desire and faith in God and myself. Despite our strongest soul-urges, heroic confidence, and tireless work ethic, we need support to win in motherhood and in business. 

As much as society and some of our families teach us to be independent, life and business teach us that we are interdependent creatures who may be able to survive alone, but who thrive with a collaborative community. Being a woman, a mother, and an entrepreneur requires us to be warriors, experts, and leaders, but also to humble ourselves enough to be vulnerable and feminine when necessary. It requires us to accept direction, assistance, criticism, and encouragement as much as we give them. It requires us to be whole.

On this, my third time claiming my assignment as sovereign woman through entrepreneurship, I have four daughters, and I am equipped to win. 

With decades of experience in education, the confidence that comes from manifesting and witnessing miracles as a mother, and backup from friends, family, business partners, and this beautiful environment at Alignable, I cannot lose. We cannot lose. 

There’s a revolution underway -- with women at the helm -- bringing us to a more harmonious state as a society. We win by locking arms with one another, passing batons, sharing recipes, wisdom, compliments, and responsibilities. Compassionate sisterhood leads to success."

Dr. Karen Fiorillo, Modern Nature -- "Thriving as a female entrepreneur in today’s economy can be challenging!  The humbling support of family, friends, and even strangers (who have become friends) is priceless!  Take a chance on yourself, get out of your own way, and enjoy the ride!  You’ve got this!"  

Maria Wirth, Business Owners Trade Alliance -- "I’m honored to be in the #8 spot on the Top 25 List of Alignable Women.  I had a vendor table at a Women’s Summit in my local area on Friday, and someone came up to me and said, 'There’s this woman that runs an Alignable group in the Lehigh Valley,' and I said, 'That’s me!'  

I pointed to my Alignable Alliance sign-up sheet on the table. 

We both laughed and then we talked about how amazing, different and powerful Alignable has been for our businesses. 

As a woman entrepreneur, I have had the privilege of meeting so many great women in business on Alignable. 

Alignable people, they are like family to me. There’s nothing like it."

Tracee T. Holloway, The Way Up Creative Group -- “My late grandmother Lillie, a hair salon and beauty brand owner, and my mother Gloria, a literary arts minister, were my maternal muses who, unbeknownst to them, set a valuable leadership example for my entrepreneurial future as a third-generation business owner. 

I grew up watching them work, solve problems, serve the community, love others, and engage with groups of other women who understood that they were stronger together. 

I could just FEEL their passion, their purpose… their JOY. I learned from them how valuable it is to have authentic, sincere connections with others who are doing life and business with you. This is a life principle that sticks close to my heart, and as a business owner, I consider it my North Star guidance. 

Leading with love, no matter what, that’s the beauty I treasure in being a woman entrepreneur in 2024.”

Kat Sloan, KST Business Solutions --"The question was asked -- 'What's it like to run a woman-owned business in 2024?' I can honestly say, it's a lot easier today than it was 17 years ago when I started my business. 

As women, there seems to be an expectation that we are supposed to be superheroes. It's a societal expectation, and in some cases, like mine, also a family one. I was raised that the women of the family are to juggle the house, the kids, the finances, and any extra jobs that come with all of those. 

It was also ingrained into me that, because times changed, I was expected to get a job and add that to the juggling, and still find time to sleep. I used to think these expectations were insane and ludicrous. Until I grew up and  became one of those women, fulfilling expectations and all. 

However, now as I am older and I look back, I have come to an epiphany. The reason society has these expectations on us as women is because we are built to handle them. It's in our DNA, going back to the first humans. 

We are composed of so much awesome material: strength, compassion, empathy -- the list goes on. But beyond all that, we are true superheroes! Ask any child who can cure a "boo boo" with a kiss. The answer: Mom. Mom's spit has the magical power to not only clean a dirt smudge off your face, but to lay down the most out of control piece of hair that refuses to lay down for pictures. 

Mom's soothing voice has the power to calm us when the world is scary. And there is nothing better than a home-cooked meal made by Mom to make us feel like home. 

So ladies, when you find yourself doubting if you have the strength or the willpower to carry on, just remember your superhero status. 

For we are a tribe the amazon women of Valhalla, we need to have each others' backs. We are here to boost each other up into the greatness where we all belong! Celebrate ladies, we deserve it! Now, let's make some history of our own!"

Colette Martin, Business In Pearls -- "In 2024, as a black woman who owns her own business, I am humbled by the inspiration of other women before me. Life is made of so many ups and downs. 

Being a black business woman has its own set of challenges. I work hard to have my own and stand out among the rest. We are often imitated in business, yet I am unique. 

No one can duplicate my work or achievements. I am often tested on my skills, but I just smile and am humored by the act of others who try. I walk and stand with confidence. As a business owner, I make it a point every year to give my time to the young ladies of color who are needing the direction and guidance that I know I can provide. They are often overlooked. 

Providing them with service, inspiration, direction and wisdom, I volunteer my time, I sit on a Board of Directors for a S.T.E.A.M. black girls nonprofit organization. I am led to show the next generation of girls that you can be just as powerful in your craft. 

I show others, as a woman in business, created by God, and continues to be led by him, that you need a foundation, you need a work-life balance, you need to exist, and show up as YOU! Everyone else is taken. 

I drive my business on: a woman who walks with God will always reach her destination. I'm a woman phenomenally. Phenomenal woman, that is me."

Wanda Cooper, Digital & 3 Free -- “In 2024, for me the excitement is phenomenal! Encouraging women from all economic backgrounds with training and support is important for making economies fairer and that could increase globally in general. This is our time!”

Kerilie McDowall, Canadian Online Guitar Lessons -- "My heart feels much gratitude to the Alignable community as I celebrate ranking #20th among the remarkable women on Alignable’s sought-after Top 25 list! The community’s support, encouragement, and camaraderie brought me to this special and happy milestone.

I completely recommend the kind-hearted and thoughtful Alignable community. It’s a joy meeting such brilliant mega-talents. Exploring alongside the phenom innovators and creators within this community has been such an educational experience –- a true inspiration! 

Running a business as a woman in 2024, I have felt privileged teaching guitarists, film students, recording artists, non-profit organizations, creatives, and businesses.

I'm a freelance music writer and a national Polaris Music Prize juror, the owner of Canadian Online Guitar Lessons, and I’m a York University music graduate.

With 20 years of teaching experience and 40 years in the music industry, I have 24 years of combined jazz radio and community TV producing, TV directing, and hosting experience.

Somehow over the years, I have received 15 awards for film, radio, and jazz composition. I write as a female jazz writer. Like many musicians who are women, at times I faced barriers, but I focused on self-empowerment, creativity, education, research, ideas, positivity, and creating community.

My favorite part of my career was working as a jazz guitarist-bandleader for a decade in Vancouver, BC, then working with the disabled. So, currently after recently receiving another film award for 'In the Zone: Rick Kilburn,' I am feeling very grateful to the community. I am remaining strong in my spiritual faith to guide my path going forward, and I am currently preparing to speak at the Women’s Spirit Festival within the next few weeks.

I was paying attention when my fortune cookies’ messages started surfacing with, 'You will be fortunate in the opportunities presented to you.' And, 'A cheerful letter or message is on its way to you.'

You have already shown me many of those happy wins!  Thank you, Alignable!"

Jeannine Warrick -- JL Administrative Services LLC --"From my perspective and own experiences as an entrepreneurial woman in 2024, it's a journey filled with opportunities, as well as challenges. While there's increasing acknowledgment of women's entrepreneurial prowess, there are still hurdles to overcome, such as biases and limited access to resources. However, I see these challenges as opportunities for growth and innovation. I'm part of a supportive community of women who uplift and inspire each other, making strides toward a more inclusive and equitable entrepreneurial landscape. Despite the obstacles, I remain determined to pursue my dreams, break barriers, and pave the way for future generations of women in business."

Tracey Lee Davis, ZingPop Social Media -- "Being a woman entrepreneur in 2024 is about building a network of support.  Surrounding myself with inspiring women, like those on this Alignable list, fuels my passion for empowering other female business owners. Together, we rewrite the narrative of competition, proving collaboration is the key to collective success."

Paula Roberts, Aqua Community Relations -- "As a woman business owner serving the government sector, I was among the first crop of women in my field, and have seen professional opportunities for women grow to exceed those in the support roles that were once our only options. 

Striking off on my own was intimidating, but through Alignable, I am fortunate to be in a community with hundreds of amazing women business owners. 

Many have shared advice, provided referrals, cheered for me, partnered on projects, or become trusted friends. It’s great to feel that I am part of a team effort towards greater success for all of us."

Sara Finkelstein -- "Most of my life, I’ve only worked for entrepreneurs or been one myself. My first venture after working for my Entrepreneur Dad's deli on Queens Blvd. from the age of 12, was putting myself through business college at Johns University, while working full time, so tuition was 100% free! 

Then, working for my mother-in-law for over 20 years with my hubby, Paul, was a very entrepreneurial experience, as well.

Now after my mom-in-law passed away, Paul and I have been lucky pursuing the American dream everyday to keep our freedom from a boss as much as possible. On top of that, I've written several books, including one on Medicare that's on Amazon. Being an entrepreneur seems to run in my blood from my Dad to Paul’s Mom to both of us." 

Sharyn Yuloff, Yuloff Creative --"In 2024, being a woman entrepreneur means I often get to forge new paths in uncharted territories and focus on turning challenges into triumphs. 

I tend to rely on my resilience and determination most, while navigating the business landscape with grace (while offering the same to others) to seize opportunities in an effort to leave an indelible mark that even transcends gender and inspires generations that follow."

Wow, what wonderful quotes from some very pioneering, supportive business women across our platform!  

If you have any other thoughts to add around being an entrepreneurial woman, please post them in our comment section below. And, of course, if there are any other women running businesses that you want to shout-out now, please go for it. 

Thanks for reading. And Happy Women's History Month!