Meet the 20 Women Chosen for BGV's Emerging Leaders Fellowship of 2025
- Frantzces Lys
- Jul 30
- 16 min read
When we talk about building tomorrow's economy, we're not waiting for permission.
We're creating the blueprint ourselves.
That blueprint comes to life through the women you're about to meet.
We're thrilled to introduce the 2025 BGV Emerging Leaders Fellowship cohort for New York City and Philadelphia.
These 20 visionaries represent more than individual success stories, they're architects of systemic change, turning their lived experiences into transformative businesses that serve communities often overlooked by traditional markets.
Through the BGV Emerging Leaders Fellowship, these extraordinary founders will deepen
their leadership capacity, access strategic resources, and join a network rooted in collaboration and culture.
This isn't just professional development, it's community building at its finest.
Ready to meet the women reshaping industries? Here they are:
Community & Social Impact
Therese Myers |Â Yes Girls Create Inc.
Empowering girls ages 8-18 through creativity and mentorship
This visionary community builder brings over 30 years of luxury retail expertise to her mission, currently leading at Tiffany & Co. while transforming lives through Yes Girls Create.
Armed with a B.S. in Marketing and Branding and M.S. in Leadership and Management from Western Governors University, Therese has mastered the art of blending corporate excellence with community impact.
What began as a local passion project has exploded into a citywide movement reaching over 500 girls through monthly creative labs, leadership programming, and the signature Be Well Be Creative Girls Conference at St. John's University. Her strategic partnerships with Chase Bank, Western Governors University, and DoorDash prove that when corporate meets community, magic happens.
Honored with the Black Girl Ventures Community Leadership Award and the Elevate Award for Social Impact, she lives by her powerful mantra: "When a village dreams, every child learns to soar."
Whether she's mentoring the next generation, guiding emerging leaders, or building community partnerships, Therese creates spaces where girls don't just participate but lead boldly and know their worth. She's building more than programs, she's crafting a legacy where purpose, community, and love intersect.
Connect:Â LinkedIn
Taenika Sands |Â My Own Lane Aquatics
Trauma-informed swim education for underserved communities
This seasoned aquatics professional, educator, and community leader has over 25 years of experience in swim instruction, water safety, and youth development. A former competitive swimmer who became an instructor at 15, Taenika's journey is deeply personal.
Growing up, she rarely saw Black women in aquatics, and that lack of representation inspired her to create the change she wanted to see.
She holds a Master's in Sports Administration with an Educational Leadership focus and a Bachelor's in Healthcare Management, plus top-tier certifications as a Water Safety Instructor Trainer and Lifeguard Instructor through the American Red Cross.
As founder of My Own Lane Aquatics (MOLA), a mission-driven swim school committed to increasing access to high-quality, trauma-informed swim education, she's especially focused on serving underserved communities and individuals historically excluded from aquatic spaces.
Today, through MOLA, she delivers inclusive programming that empowers children and adults to learn to swim, earn certifications, and pursue careers in aquatics.
As Athletic Coordinator and Head Swim Coach at The Academy Charter School and volunteer Head Coach for Uniondale Police Athletic League since 2013, she's reaching hundreds of youth and adults through lessons, community clinics, and certification courses.
Her Lane Leader Initiative provides free lifeguard training to underserved youth, and her book "Swimming is for Everyone" chronicles the impact of water access and representation.
Driven by purpose and guided by integrity, Taenika's work continues to challenge norms, change narratives, and open doors one lane at a time.
Makaila Davis | Angels Protection Inc.
Healthcare and safety resources for young women and mothers
Health Policy and Media Fellow at The George Washington University School of Nursing and current PhD candidate in Public Health, Makaila is the founder of Angels Protection Inc., a national nonprofit dedicated to helping young women and mothers access healthcare, safety resources, and leadership development opportunities.
Her work centers on ensuring that the voices of women, especially Black and Brown women, are heard, respected, and reflected in both policy and community initiatives.
She has led programs focused on safe sleep, mental health, and harm reduction while collaborating closely with government agencies and nonprofit partners to expand opportunities and resources for families in need.
Deeply committed to advocacy, Makaila serves on several statewide and local boards where she advances policies related to mental health access, substance use prevention, and youth safety.
Her leadership and dedication have been recognized through numerous awards and fellowships, including honors from Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc., FOX 29, Peirce College, Mental Health Partnerships, and the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission.
At the heart of Makaila's work is a commitment to equity, healing, and building power in communities that have been historically marginalized. She is passionate about creating pathways for families to thrive while ensuring that women's experiences shape the policies and programs designed to serve them.
Mercedes Dennis | Purpose Purchase
Mission-driven thrift store making style accessible
This lifelong Philadelphian combines her expertise as a certified cosmetologist and Art Institute of Philadelphia fashion design graduate with an unwavering passion for making everyday essentials accessible to all.
In 2020, Mercedes launched Purpose Purchase during challenging times with a clear mission: help individuals and families stretch their budgets while maintaining personal style and confidence.
Her thrift store offers deeply discounted clothing that proves you don't need to sacrifice style for affordability.
Beyond business success, Mercedes is deeply committed to environmental and community well-being. Since volunteering with the Land Health Institute in 2023 and joining its board of directors in 2024, she advocates for the mental and emotional benefits of connecting with nature, believing that time outdoors fosters clarity, authenticity, and deeper community connection.
Her personal practices inform her business philosophy. In her free time, Mercedes enjoys walking, sewing, thrifting, and exploring green spaces, activities that help her reconnect with herself and the world around her.
Through Purpose Purchase, she's building a Philadelphia where community care, environmental stewardship, and access to essentials are woven into everyday life, empowering people to show up confidently in the world regardless of their budget.
Technology & Innovation
Yanique W. Elliott |Â Ambitious Global
Connecting entrepreneurs with top advisors and capital
This technologist, entrepreneur, and business strategist brings a proven track record of driving innovation and impact across top consulting firms, global tech companies, and high-growth startups.
Former VP of Research at OpenAI where she led development of GPT-2 and GPT-3, and co-inventor of reinforcement learning from human feedback, this Google Brain alum combines deep tech expertise with venture capital and operational strategy mastery.
Through Ambitious Global, she delivers tailored guidance that helps entrepreneurs overcome challenges, seize opportunities, and scale sustainably by connecting them with top advisors, essential capital, and growth resources.
As Co-Founder of the Winning Women NYC Conference, Yanique curates high-impact experiences supporting professionals and entrepreneurs in advancing careers, growing businesses, and prioritizing well-being while building access and equity for the next generation of leaders.
Named Yahoo Finance's Top 100 Future Leaders and recognized among NYC FinTech's most inspiring women, she's dedicated to creating pathways for others to thrive. Her mission is rooted in advancing economic empowerment and building ecosystems where leaders and businesses can grow with intention and impact.
Connect:Â LinkedIn
Sarah Persaud |Â Young Ambitious One
Career advancement platform for the next generation
Risk management specialist, business strategist, and entrepreneur with experience spanning consulting, banking, private equity, and startups, Sarah serves as Head of Community & Partnerships at Young Ambitious One (YAO), a career advancement platform helping students, job seekers, and professionals land their next roles.
She ensures individuals have access to mentorship, opportunity, and the clarity needed to take ownership of their personal and professional journeys.
Co-founder of the Winning Women NYC Conference, an annual event dedicated to empowering women in leadership, business, and wellness through education, community, and access to opportunities.
She's helped organizations strengthen internal controls, refine operations, and align strategies for sustainable growth, all while centering people in the process. Her work across initiatives is rooted in the belief that success should not be limited to a select few but accessible to all.
Whether she's advising professionals, reducing operational risk, developing community initiatives, or building partnerships, Sarah is committed to creating long-term, meaningful impact.
She envisions a future where under-resourced communities can thrive in their careers, relationships, and businesses, ultimately leaving behind empowered legacies.
Connect:Â LinkedIn
Deanna Oliver |Â Psyflo
AI-powered youth behavioral healthcare platform
Armed with dual master's degrees from Cornell Tech and a Master of Public Health, plus recognition from NSF I-CORPS and NYU Startup Bootcamp, Deanna is modernizing youth mental health support through culturally responsive AI solutions backed by a $100K pre-seed investment.
Before launching Psyflo, she sharpened her strategy skills as a Manager at Digitas Health, crafting data-driven approaches for healthcare giants like Gilead and Labcorp.
Selected for the Bill & Melinda Gates Millennium Scholars Program and featured speaker at platforms like Imagine AI Live and Civic Hall's Tech & Innovation panel, her work is deeply personal.
As a Black woman from a community where mental health wasn't openly discussed, she's building tools that help institutions intervene early, equitably, and with care because for her, this work isn't just professional but transformational.
Victoria Coker |Â Black Web Festival
Empowering underrepresented creators in digital media
St. John's University Communication Arts graduate who later earned her Software Engineering certification from General Assembly, Victoria has contributed her talents to renowned organizations including Carnegie Hall, BRIC Arts Media, and Oxford University Press, supporting initiatives that leverage arts and education for community enrichment.
This certified software engineer and multidisciplinary artist founded Black Web Fest in 2017 to expand industry access for Black creators through film festivals, game jams, and community events.
She founded Black Web Fest in 2017 to empower Black and underrepresented creators in film, digital media, and technology through film festivals, game jams, and community events that expand industry access and opportunities for diverse creatives.
Her impact extends beyond Black Web Fest. Named Ecosystem Builder in Residence for the Black Innovation Alliance in 2023 and Community Ambassador for the Interledger Foundation in 2024, Victoria focuses on understanding and addressing why many U.S. households remain unbanked or underbanked.
Through every role, she brings a commitment to creativity, equity, and building pathways for others to thrive in the digital economy.
Camille Smith |Â STEM Soulcial
Making STEM accessible through scholarships and mentorship
A celebrated multi-hyphenate chemical engineer and rising content creator who thrives at the intersection of innovation, creativity, and impact, Camille excels in upstream process development while applying a systems-thinking approach that blends technical excellence with social responsibility.
Her passion for redefining success is rooted in her journey of embracing diverse interests, proving that it's possible to cultivate a fulfilling career while honoring creativity and community impact.
Through STEM So(ul)cial, she empowers underrepresented communities in STEM through scholarships, mentorship, and professional development initiatives that make the field more accessible and inclusive.
As a content creator, she shares career insights, personal reflections, and educational resources that inspire others to embrace their own unique journeys in STEM and beyond.
Committed to using her platform to bridge the gap between industry and community, she empowers others to pursue STEM careers confidently while prioritizing wellness and authenticity.
Through her leadership, Camille is building a legacy that uplifts and equips the next generation of innovators, one that centers purpose, representation, and possibility for all
Business Services & Strategy
Kimone Napier |Â Hire Breakthrough
Inclusive hiring systems and workforce development
LinkedIn Top Voice, national speaker, and consultant known for building inclusive hiring systems, coaching leaders, and designing future-of-work programs that drive sustainable impact.
With over a decade of experience in HR, recruitment, operations, and organizational development, Kimone has partnered with high-growth startups, government agencies, and national organizations to remove hiring bias and scale effectively.
She is the creator of the BRIDGE Series, a suite of workforce development programs equipping young professionals and students with the tools to succeed in today's evolving job market.
As a speaker and workshop facilitator, Kimone delivers actionable insights on inclusive hiring, team culture, and leadership, resonating with both emerging talent and seasoned executives.
Her passion lies in creating scalable, impactful programs that prepare the next generation of professionals to thrive in a rapidly changing workforce.
Currently, she's expanding Hire Breakthrough's capacity to become a premier provider of career readiness programs for universities and local governments, proving that the future of work requires intentional inclusion at every level.
Kenya Crawford |Â Cultivating Healers
Anti-racist, sustainable practices for therapists
This award-winning therapist and racial equity consultant is dedicated to creating healing and liberating spaces that dismantle oppressive systems.
As Founder & CEO of Cultivating Healers, she supports therapists in building anti-racist, sustainable, and inclusive practices while advancing the next generation of healers.
Over the past decade, Kenya has guided clients globally in their anti-racism journeys, consulting with organizations such as Planned Parenthood, NASA, and Therapy for Black Girls.
Her contributions to mental health have been recognized widely with honors including Hinge Mental Health Advocate of the Year Award, FX Networks recognition for mental health advocacy, and Black Health Con's 40 Under 40 Award.
Featured in HuffPost, Essence, Mindbody Green, and PopSugar, she later served as a faculty member at Columbia, shaping future therapists.
A Goldman Sachs One Million Black Women in Business scholar and Chase Business Marketing Program alum, she's expanding her impact as an entrepreneur, demonstrating that healing and justice go hand in hand.
Amaya Howard |Â Samaritan Grants Consulting
Dignity-based fundraising for community transformation
Born in Tulsa and raised in Dallas, this strategist and cultural disruptor earned her B.A. in Political Science and Master of Public Administration from the University of North Texas.
Now based in Philadelphia, she leads with purpose, equity, and energy, building capacity for nonprofits worldwide through her Dignity-Based Fundraising framework.
Amaya has contributed to raising over $76 million for organizations that promote racial equity, youth leadership, and community transformation.
Recognized for centering dignity in every narrative and bringing joy to every space, her framework lives by the principle to "prioritize community over clout."
In her free time, Amaya is passionate about fostering a joyful revolution through sports and travel, bringing joy to every space she enters.
Her mission is both simple and profound: proving that philanthropy can be both effective and joyful while building pathways for sustainable community impact.
Fashion & Lifestyle
Danasia Jenkins |Â The VVS
Swimwear brand reaching global markets
This Howard University biology graduate and visionary entrepreneur from Harlem was driven by her passion for entrepreneurship to co-found her successful swimwear company in July 2020, where she now serves as CEO.
Her customer-centric background and love for fashion have allowed her to deeply connect with her audience while positioning the brand for sustained growth.
Under Danasia's leadership, the company has surpassed half a million dollars in revenue and reached customers across 47 states, three countries, and two territories.
Danasia's expertise spans financial management, budgeting, inventory management, and supply chain logistics, equipping her to lead with strategy and efficiency. Her mission is to build a brand that resonates with customers while paving the way for future entrepreneurs.
Danasia Jenkins embodies determination, creativity, and the spirit of an accomplished entrepreneur, making waves in fashion and commerce.
merce.
Michelle Cadore |Â DA SPOT NYC
Creative retail space featuring 150+ BIPOC brands
This social entrepreneur earned her business degree with an Entrepreneurship focus from Baruch College's Zicklin School of Business and leveled up through the prestigious Goldman Sachs 10K Small Businesses program.
Beyond DA SPOT NYC, she's the creator of YES I AM, an affirmation-based fashion brand, and founder of Cadore Advisory Group, providing business education and pitch readiness programs through accelerator partnerships with the Atlanta Hawks and State Farm Arena.
DA SPOT NYC has supported over 500 independent creatives and secured partnerships with major brands including the New York Knicks, Lululemon, and Pfizer.
Named SBA Minority Small Business Champion of the Year and recipient of grants from McBridge Sisters, Spectrum, Comcast, SheaMoisture, and FedEx, she serves on the Mastercard Small Business Advisory Council, Downtown Brooklyn Partnership, and Brooklyn Women's Business Center board, proving that retail can be a transformative force for community building.
Amber Bowie |Â Mackenzie Madison of Philadelphia
Handmade children's boutique celebrating Black culture
This South Philadelphia creative entrepreneur, designer, and mother of two combines her background in fashion marketing with hands-on experience in design and small business operations to create products that reflect the beauty, challenges, and joy of motherhood.
Inspired by her lived experience as a Black mom raising daughters in the city, Amber launched Mackenzie Madison of Philadelphia to create products for families who don't always see themselves represented.
Her collections include matching mommy-and-me outfits, holiday apparel, educational coloring pages, and custom accessories that spark pride and connection while raising awareness for congenital heart defects (CHD) and promoting social justice education through fashion.
Featured on FOX29 Philly and recognized by the Women's Business Enterprise Center East, she's also the creator of Philly Mom Life, a comprehensive guide to family-friendly events and resources that connects hundreds of families across Philadelphia.
Known for her authenticity and heart-led leadership, Amber is on a mission to grow her business into a national brand while staying grounded in the values of creativity, education, and representation, helping moms feel seen, celebrated, and confident, one outfit at a time.
Khadijah Robinson |Â AQUA Waterproof Headwear
Patented waterproof turbans and headwraps
From West Philadelphia's "The Bottom" to national television, this completely self-funded founder and inventor created her patented line of stylish turbans and headwraps after a vacation when she couldn't find a fashionable solution to keep her hair dry. Like a true innovator, she created her own.
A Temple University graduate who's conquered elite business programs including Goldman Sachs One Million Black Women, Target's Forward Founders Accelerator, and Power Up Your Business, her Amazon Prime debut on "Buy It Now" impressed celebrity judges like Gwyneth Paltrow and JB Smoove in 2024.
In 2025, she launched her second venture, I Like Animals More Than People, a mission-driven apparel and accessories brand offering matching gear for people and pets. This heartfelt project donates 30% of proceeds to animal shelters across the U.S., with a long-term goal of opening a no-kill animal refuge, proving her belief in building businesses that make a difference.
She also mentors students and proudly gives back to her community, showing young people that no matter where you're from, you can build something amazing. When she's not scaling her businesses, Khadijah treasures downtime with her husband Shaleek and their scene-stealing mini poodle, Brown Rice, who truly runs the household.
Creative Industries
Samantha Fall |Â CreatEscape Entertainment
Creative agency empowering underestimated voices
Staten Island-based multidisciplinary creative, strategist, and founder dedicated to empowering underestimated voices through storytelling, design, and community-centered experiences.
With over a decade of experience in media production, marketing, and brand strategy, Sam helps clients clarify their vision, elevate their message, and connect meaningfully with their audiences.
Her journey began as a solo creative balancing freelance design, music, and motherhood, often partnering with grassroots organizations and early-stage founders who lacked access to high-quality creative support.
What began as side projects evolved into a full-fledged agency with a mission to build creative ecosystems that foster economic empowerment, particularly for Black and Brown entrepreneurs.
Under Sam's leadership, CreatEscape has grown into a certified MWBE and emerging government contractor. She has led branding campaigns for political candidates, produced workshops for wellness summits, and supported small business owners in bringing ideas to life from pitch decks to podcast series, all rooted in accessibility, authenticity, and impact.
Beyond running her agency, Sam is an advocate for creative entrepreneurship who believes deeply in the power of "community as currency."Â She's currently developing the CreatEscape Membership, a digital platform providing creatives with tools, training, and peer support.
Whether designing a brand, leading a workshop, or mentoring a founder, Sam brings warmth, strategy, and vision to every project, helping people move from stuck to supported and from surviving to creating.
Health & Wellness
Leah Mack |Â Awrah Care
Feminine wellness education and products
This devoted mother of eight and feminine wellness educator is the unapologetic force behind Awrah Care, a brand born out of her own healing journey after years of battling chronic BV, odor, and hormonal imbalance with little support or answers from traditional healthcare.
After studying holistic vaginal care and listening to the stories no one else would hear, Leah took matters into her own hands, creating solutions women could actually trust.
From her hometown in Philadelphia, she built a six-figure brand with a loyal customer base, rooted in the belief that "your healing is sacred, and it's yours to own."
Her mission is simple but profound: to help women feel clean, confident, and connected to their bodies without shame, chemicals, or confusion. Leah's approach is rooted in real life, equal parts science, soul, and sisterhood.
Awrah Care provides educational resources alongside products, proving that when you center women's actual experiences, healing becomes possible. When she's not formulating products or mentoring women on their vaginal health journey, Leah is studying, parenting, praying, and strategizing on how to scale her mission without sacrificing her peace.
Connect:Â Instagram
Food & Service Industries
LaVaughn AbdulAziz Jones |Â Aruba's Halal Kitchen
Accessible halal frozen meals for underserved communities
This strategic thinker, resilient leader, and dedicated team player was a former full-scholarship student-athlete at Seton Hall University who developed strong foundations in discipline, teamwork, and leadership through sports.
After forfeiting her athletic scholarship, she faced a major turning point but persevered, ultimately earning a degree in Organizational Dynamics from Wilmington University.
Professionally, LaVaughn gained valuable experience in organizational leadership and execution through her roles as Operations Manager and Executive Assistant at HBCU.vc and Matter Unlimited. Her resilience was further tested when she became a single mother during her husband's incarceration, when even everyday tasks like cooking became overwhelming.
As a practicing Muslim committed to eating only halal, she struggled to find convenient, affordable halal meal options at grocery stores, particularly while relying on food stamps. That challenge sparked the idea for Aruba's Halal Kitchen: accessible, delicious halal frozen meals for families like hers.
Her lived experiences combined with strong work ethic, adaptability, and purpose-driven mindset shaped her as a natural fit to lead Aruba's Halal Kitchen as CEO, bringing strategic insight, creative direction, and cultural authenticity to serve the needs of underserved halal consumers.
Her firsthand exposure to the startup world gave her confidence to view her venture not as the finish line, but as the foundation for something far greater, understanding the power of targeting a clear niche.
Tamara Latimore |Â LPMG Cleaning, LLC
Short-term rental cleaning services
This co-founder and CEO spent seven years in healthcare, including serving as a travel nurse during the COVID-19 pandemic, when the challenges deeply impacted her mental health and led her to lean into something that had always brought her peace: cleaning.
What began as a personal outlet soon evolved into a full-time business. In 2020, Tamara and her husband Marcus took a leap of faith and launched this woman- and minority-owned company with little more than supplies, a 20-year-old car, and a big vision.
Since then, LPMG Cleaning has completed over 10,000 Airbnb turnovers and supported more than 50 hosts across Philadelphia. The company specializes in professional turnover services, inventory management, offsite laundry, and minor maintenance, helping hosts maintain 5-star ratings with consistent, hotel-level service.
Tamara is especially proud of the team she's built. Today, LPMG Cleaning employs six dedicated individuals, primarily women and working parents, providing flexible, reliable work in an industry that often lacks stability. Creating jobs and building a legacy for her family are at the heart of Tamara's mission.
Recognized as a Top Workplace by Homebase, Super Pro Partner by Housecall Pro, and Neighborhood Favorite on Nextdoor, Tamara believes in "lifting as she climbs"Â and is focused on scaling sustainably, improving operational systems, and sharing her knowledge with other women of color building businesses of their own.
The Impact
These 20 women represent more than individual achievement.
They're proof that when you combine lived experience with strategic support, magic happens.
The BGV Emerging Leaders Fellowship isn't just investing in their growth, we're investing in the communities, industries, and systems they're transforming.
Want to learn more about the program?
Visit the Emerging Leaders Fellowship for more details about the program.Â
Follow their journeys:
Connect with individual founders through their social media profiles listed above
Join the conversation using #BGVEmergingLeaders
Subscribe to our newsletter for updates on their progress
The future doesn't wait for permission. It creates its own path. These 20 women are leading the way.
Ready to apply for the next cohort? Applications are now open for our next cohort. Visit our website to learn more about bringing this transformative experience to your entrepreneurial journey.
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