Each year, fourteen exemplary women business leaders step into the spotlight to receive the nation’s premier award for excellence among women’s business enterprises (WBEs) bestowed by the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council.
WBE Stars are selected by the WBENC 14 Regional Partner Organizations (RPOs) that administer the WBENC world-class certification of WBEs in each of their territories.
WBENC’s WBE Stars illustrate this country’s vital ability to build successful businesses. The women’s strategic vision, business acumen and sheer talent combine to meet their corporate clients’ complex needs and propel our economy forward. These businesswomen inspire their employees, peers and clients with their tireless dedication to excellence in every facet of their lives.
ABOUT THE 2024 WBE STAR AWARD
WBENC is proud to introduce you to the 2024 WBE Stars! The WBE Star Award is the nation’s top recognition for excellence among women-owned businesses, honoring 14 women from across the country within each of our 14 Regional Partner Organizations who are leaders in their local business communities and respective fields, and an inspiration to women business owners across the country.
The WBE Stars are especially recognized for their remarkable achievements, contributing invaluable leadership and influence to the dynamic business landscape. Beyond their professional accomplishments, these women serve as a wellspring of inspiration for others within their communities. The recognition they receive through the WBE Star Award is a powerful testament to the profound impact they’ve made in their respective business environments.
MEET THE STARS
Louise Leduc Kennedy, West Hill Technology Counsel, Inc.
CWE – Center for Women & Enterprise
Gwen Hale, Reagan Mechanical LLC
GLWBC – Great Lakes Women’s Business Council
Paula Edwards, Lexair Electronics Sales Corporation
GWBC – Greater Women’s Business Council
Kathleen Hunt, Personalized Payroll Services
WBCS – Women’s Business Council Southwest
Sue Bhatia, Rose International, Inc.
WBDC – Midwest – Women’s Business Development Center – Midwest
Brenda Boral, Boral Agency
WBEA – Women’s Business Enterprise Alliance
Cate Heaman, Prelude Solutions
WBEC East – Women’s Business Enterprise Center East
Michele Adams, Levy Recognition
WBEC Florida – Women’s’ Business Enterprise Council Florida
Mary Fehlig, The Fehlig Group
WBEC Greater DMV – Women’s Business Enterprise Council Greater DMV
Linda A. Hamilton, Grow Profit Scale LLC, a division of Linda A. Hamilton, CPA LLC
WBEC Metro NY – Women’s Business Enterprise Council Metro New York
Barb Smith, Journey Steel, Inc.
WBEC ORV – Women’s Business Enterprise Council Ohio River Valley
Patricia Thomasson, Thomasson Company
WBEC South – Women’s Business Enterprise Council South
Ashwini Vasudeva, ASTUTE, a CFO and Business Advisory Firm
WBEC Pacific – Women’s Business Enterprise Council-Pacific
Heather Cox, Certify My Company
WBEC West – Women’s Business Enterprise Council-West
WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE A WBE STAR?
The WBE Stars illustrate this country’s vital ability to build successful businesses. The women’s strategic vision, business acumen and sheer talent combine to meet their corporate clients’ complex needs and propel our economy forward.
In addition to the recognition that comes with receiving an award of this caliber, WBE Stars receive the added benefit of regional and national visibility for their company. Photos and company names are published on the WBENC website along with various social media posts leading up to the recognition event.
Stars are provided with numerous other benefits such as participation in a professional photoshoot and invitations to participate in featured programming and activities at WBENC professional development events and programs.
