Women Who Inspire Me (#WIM)
I started #WIM (Women Who Inspire Me) to change the narrative that women don’t lift each other up. Too often, I’ve heard that sentiment—and I wanted to challenge it by intentionally shining a light on women doing inspirational work across many arenas and across the globe.
Each year, I dedicate the first three months to spotlighting two remarkable women per month—friends, colleagues, or kindred spirits I’ve had the privilege of knowing. I end the series in March on International Women’s Day, usually honoring the woman who has had the greatest impact on me.
I particularly love highlighting women entrepreneurs and leaders in their fields—to encourage them and to inspire others to keep shining. Below are their stories. I hope they inspire you as they did me.
2025
Shenell Best
In her administrative role, Shenell’s adaptability shines as she seamlessly blends creativity and analytical thinking to deliver outstanding results. Whether managing complex projects or creating stunning digital content, her authenticity and emotional intelligence are the cornerstones of her success.
Her work reminds us that true leadership often lies in the details and that the qualities of a trailblazer—authenticity, consistency, adaptability, and emotional intelligence—can elevate any role to a higher purpose.
Karen Dale
Karen serves as the Market President at AmeriHealth Caritas District of Columbia, where 𝐬𝐡𝐞 𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐬 𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐬𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐞𝐟𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐡 𝐞𝐪𝐮𝐢𝐭𝐲 into the very fabric of the organization. Her leadership has been pivotal in addressing systemic issues like Black maternal health, racism, housing, transportation, and food insecurity, always with a focus on 𝐬𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞, 𝐬𝐜𝐚𝐥𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐬𝐨𝐥𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐜𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐥𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐢𝐦𝐩𝐚𝐜𝐭.
Karen’s philosophy—that healthcare must evolve into a barrier-free ecosystem promoting wellness—drives her collaborations with providers, community partners, philanthropists, and businesses. This vision requires not only strategic foresight but also the emotional intelligence to connect diverse stakeholders and the ability to establish firm boundaries to maintain focus on impactful outcomes.
Danielle Logan
Danielle is passionate about helping clients achieve their strategic goals through innovative staffing solutions. She has a deep understanding of industries like Technology, Government, Healthcare, Education, and Finance, and tailors solutions to meet their unique needs and challenges.
What sets Danielle apart is her authentic leadership style—she stays true to her values while building meaningful connections with clients and her team. Her ability to approach every situation with a sense of levity creates a positive and engaging atmosphere, where creativity and collaboration can thrive.
Dr. Wanda Heading-Grant
Dr. Heading-Grant exemplifies the BE-IT framework © with her incredible Inspiring leadership and Adaptability in the field of higher education. With over 30 years of service, Dr. Heading-Grant has consistently led transformative efforts that foster diversity, equity, and inclusion. Her ability to adapt to changing environments while inspiring others to join the fight for justice and equity has shaped higher education for the better.
Divya Smith
As a seasoned professional in multifamily property investments, Divya has navigated challenges with unwavering resilience. Her focus on creating opportunities for financial freedom through real estate empowers others, particularly busy professionals, to secure long-term wealth. Divya is always evolving, learning new strategies, and adapting to the ever-changing financial landscape—making her a true leader in her field.
Her story is a testament to the power of persistence and the importance of lifelong learning in achieving success.
2024
Hilarie Viener
Hilarie Viener, a distinguished Growth Marketer with a passion for pioneering Branding and Communications in the Consumer goods and services space. Her journey exemplifies the strength and resilience of women in the business arena.
We honor Hilarie Viener – a visionary leader, innovator, and trailblazer in the world of marketing and branding!
Dr. Nadine Finigan-Carr
Dr. Nadine Finigan-Carr is the Executive Director of the University of Maryland Baltimore’s (UMB) Center for Violence Prevention.
She is a woman of color, who focuses on the application of behavioral and social science perspectives to research on contemporary health problems, especially those which disproportionately affect people of color.
Her specialities include: Community Based Participatory Research, Health Disparities, Behavioral and Social Science.
Stacy Lloyd
Stacy Lloyd, an accomplished Author, Consultant and Flight Attendant based in San Francisco, California, is the vibrant force behind "Rise of the Good Woman: A 22-Day Guide to Becoming A Better You."
As the owner of Ms Lloyd Enterprises, a multimedia firm, Stacy and her sisters manage diverse projects, including talent services, DIY initiatives, and branding.
Her motto reflects her passion: "If I can help save someone from themselves, I’ve done my job."
Ingrid Cook Moravitz
Ingrid Cook Moravitz is the highly accomplished entrepreneur, inventor, and professional speaker with over 25 years of industry expertise to the forefront of technology and innovation.
As the Founder and CEO of SHzoom, a tech startup in Pittsburgh, she has revolutionized the industry with an innovative computerized vehicle repair system, earning a U.S. Patent.
Linsey McDaniel
Linsey McDaniel stands out as an individual who embodies the qualities of an innovator, community builder, and creative force.
Linsey's entrepreneurial spirit extends to her role as an Executive Director, where she applies her skills in international business, strategy, marketing, and organizational behavior.
Nakeesha Ceran
Nakeesha "Keesha" Jeanne Ceran, Deputy Director of Teaching for Change, is passionately committed to social justice, specifically in education policy, Haitian advocacy, and women's political empowerment.
Holding three degrees in Political Science, she is committed to academic and professional growth. Keesha received the American University 2023 MLK Jr. Visionary Award.
2023
Dr. Margaret Larkins-Pettigrew
Dr. Margaret Larkins-Pettigrew has continued to rise in the world of medicine, showing us that Black Women can be leaders anywhere they place themselves.
I am truly inspired to continue my work as a Transformational Specialist and Diversity Speaker where I get to meet inspirational women like Dr. Margaret.
Dr. Margaret Larkins Pettigrew is a Physician Healthcare Strategist focused on developing medical models and programming that enhance community engagement, equity, diversity, and inclusion. She is an institutional consultant and public speaker.
She is also the author of an autobiography, "The Colors of my Heart: Embracing my Blackness with History, Family, Fear and Faith".
Natalie Miles
A very dear friend and the professional who is responsible for my profile pictures - Natalie Miles!
Natalie Miles, the owner of Miles of Beauty, is a Make-up Artist and Beauty Expert with over 10 years of experience. Her Professional training includes Ephraim Hunte International Makeup Academy in Trinidad and Tobago as well as Pixiewoo, England, and Chic Studios, New York.
She has excelled in bridal, natural, professional and glamourous looks. This beauty maven commits herself to delight her clients and ensures their experiences are comfortable and engaging throughout the time spent together. Naturally her dedication to be known for her flawless, modern and natural makeup application has opened another path for her.
Juanita Lomax
Juanita is a dynamic and seasoned professional with 20 years of success, extensive experience and accomplishments in Information Technology, Portfolio/Project Management and in the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging fields.
She has been celebrated by ATHENA & ATHENA Young Professional Awards Program of Greater Pittsburgh for inspiring others, leading by example, mentoring effortlessly and helping other women and girls succeed. She served as the Chairwoman of BOLD (Black Organization Leadership and Development), an Employee Business Resource Group at Highmark and is the Employee Business Resource Group Chair and Co-Founder of Allegheny Allies, a regional affinity group for small to mid-sized organizations around the Pittsburgh region at Vibrant Pittsburgh. Certified in Six Sigma, Yellow Belt and a holder of a Master’s of Science in IT Project Management from Robert Morris University. Juanita is making her mark as a dynamic leader.
Markita Staples
Markita Staples who I had the privilege to cross paths with during our MBA program at Tepper.
After earning her MBA in 2007 from Carnegie Mellon University, Markita has worked as a Sourcing and Business Operations professional across many large, multinational organizations and as a Consultant defining strategy. With a perfect blend of corporate and creativity, Markita loves to find innovative solutions for persons who may need help. From hard dollar savings to problem-solving, Markita is all about getting the best for you.
Embracing her creativity, Markita has created Children's books, coloring books for adults and children, stickers, printables and other forms of imaginable content. Through these various mediums, she expresses her passion for her culture, family and life experiences.
Yvonne Campos
Yvonne Campos is highly experienced in the areas of marketing research, strategy, market insights and business growth consulting. She is also a focus group moderator, meeting facilitator, business leader and business coach. With Industry experience in Retail, Higher Education, Healthcare, Financial, Professional Associations, Communications, Manufacturing, Non-Profits and Consumer Products, Campos has demonstrated that she can do it all.
Currently, she serves on the boards of Highmark, Inc., Pittsburgh Dance Council, Pittsburgh Metropolitan Hispanic Chamber and Kelly Strayhorn Theatre. She also continues her service in an honorary board role to WQED Multimedia and Goodwill of Southwestern Pennsylvania and is involved with the Latino Community Center. Forbes has also named her one of their 50 Over 50 list of Women Investors and Financial Leaders.
Yvonne Campos has shown us what it actively looks like to pay it forward to women in leadership and those following behind. This is why she is among those I admire greatly.
Lisa Sarjeant-Gonzales
Lisa, a devoted wife and mother, has been a textile designer for over 30 years. She began her journey at St. Francois Girls’ College where she was introduced to different textiles by her teacher, Ms. Mary Gill. Taking things a step further, through trial and error, Lisa developed her own textile that spoke directly to her creativity. She started off as a textile supplier to other designers and eventually began designing her own clothes that gained the likes of those who saw it. This encouraged her to take the leap of faith and present her very own hand dyed silk fabric line; Lisa Faye Silks
‘Women have to feel as beautiful as they look and that's what was important in creating my line’, Lisa shared with me.
Lisa Faye Silks is created for every woman of every age and stage. There is such an ease to her clothing that makes anyone wearing it feel beautiful and comfortable.