Top 10 Inspiring Women Entrepreneurs to Watch in 2026

In 2026, women entrepreneurs continue to shape industries through innovation, leadership, resilience, and bold ideas. From real estate and finance to healthcare, hospitality, technology, and professional services, these inspiring women are creating meaningful impact, building successful ventures, and setting new standards for leadership in today’s rapidly evolving global business landscape.

1 Celeste Fierro: A Hospitality Leader Shaping Modern Dining and Lifestyle Experiences

Celeste Fierro is a seasoned hospitality entrepreneur recognized for her ability to build brands and experiences that connect with modern audiences. During her career, she played an important role in the growth of STK Steakhouse, helping establish the concept as a recognizable name in the dining industry. Today, Fierro serves as Managing Partner of Claudio’s Greenport and Claudio’s Bahamas, while also pursuing her latest venture, Saylor Beach House, which she co-founded with longtime friend and pop icon Taylor Dayne. Combining operational expertise, creative vision, and a strong understanding of hospitality, Celeste continues to develop experiences that bring people together. Through Saylor Beach House, she is expanding her entrepreneurial vision into a distinctive lifestyle and hospitality concept.

2 Sandra Fernandez: A Trusted Leader in Real Estate and Global Connections  

Sandra Fernandez is a Miami-based real estate professional with more than 25 years of experience in residential and commercial real estate. As Managing Broker at Lifestyle International Realty, she has built her career around client trust, attentive listening, and personalized guidance. She previously owned and operated a real estate office with 100 agents for a decade, demonstrating her strong leadership and business management skills. Beyond real estate, Sandra has held numerous leadership positions within professional organizations, including the Women’s Council of Realtors and Florida Realtors. She has also contributed to international real estate connections through ambassador and global leadership roles. Her experience, community involvement, and commitment to building professional relationships continue to shape her influence in the industry. Learn more through Sandra Fernandez’s real estate profile.

3 Kristen Eklund: Building Success Through Experience, Authenticity, and Relationships

Over nearly three decades in the mortgage industry, Kristen Eklund has built her career by adapting to changing markets, economic cycles, and an increasingly competitive lending environment. After relocating to the Florida Keys, she established herself in a new market through a referral-driven business centered on relationships, accessibility, and personalized service. Her experience includes helping clients navigate complex financing situations while remaining focused on their individual goals. Eklund’s recognition among leading women mortgage originators reflects both her professional experience and the trust she has developed with clients and real estate professionals. As a broker with Coast2Coast Mortgage, she continues to bring a practical, relationship-focused approach to every transaction. Her work demonstrates how adaptability, persistence, and personal connection can remain essential in an evolving mortgage industry. Learn more about Kristen Eklund’s mortgage services.

4 Samantha Saturley Kelley: Carrying an Auction Legacy Into Modern Real Estate

Samantha Saturley Kelley, CAI, is a nationally recognized real estate auction executive and CEO of Tranzon Alderfer, Tranzon Auction Properties, and Tranzon Driggers. With extensive experience in commercial, residential, and special-use real estate, she leads professionals providing auction and disposition services across the East Coast and beyond. A third-generation auctioneer, Samantha was introduced to the industry by her grandfather and father and has built on that family legacy through strategic marketing, innovation, and disciplined execution. Her work has included assignments for private owners and major financial institutions, while her active licenses span several states. Beyond business, Samantha is committed to philanthropy, regularly serving as a benefit auctioneer and helping nonprofit organizations raise funds. Her combination of industry expertise, leadership, and community involvement continues to define her career. Explore Tranzon’s real estate auction services.

5 Jennifer Nicholson: Connecting Businesses With Exceptional Talent

Jennifer Nicholson is the Co-Founder and CEO of HAVAforce, a global operations and workforce solutions company focused on helping businesses scale through talented people, effective systems, and operational excellence. As an entrepreneur, Jennifer understands that sustainable growth requires strong operational foundations. Her work centers on helping business owners build high-performing teams, streamline processes, and deliver exceptional customer experiences. A key part of her mission is creating meaningful career opportunities for professionals throughout Latin America. Jennifer believes geography should not limit access to opportunity or exceptional talent. Under her leadership, HAVAforce has developed into a bridge connecting growing businesses with skilled professionals seeking long-term careers. By combining business growth with economic opportunity, Jennifer continues to build a model focused on lasting value for both companies and people. Discover HAVAforce’s global workforce solutions.

6 Kimberly B. Lewis: Leading With Purpose, Inclusion, and Impact

Kimberly B. Lewis is a visionary executive leader, bestselling author, international and TEDx speaker, consultant, and certified master life coach with more than 25 years of leadership experience. Since 2013, she has served as President and CEO of Goodwill Industries of East Texas, following a decade leading another Goodwill organization. Her work focuses on creating opportunity, developing leaders, strengthening organizations, and advancing inclusive communities. Kimberly has received national recognition for her contributions to diversity and inclusive community development. Beyond executive leadership, she founded Motivational Muse, LLC, where she helps individuals and organizations turn challenges into opportunities for growth and transformation. As an accomplished author and storyteller, Kimberly encourages leaders to embrace their values, use their voices, and create meaningful change. Explore Kimberly B. Lewis’s leadership and motivational work.

7 Kathryn Wilson: Turning Healthcare Science Into Meaningful Impact

Kathryn Wilson is the Founder and CEO of VUE Health, a healthcare advertising and medical communications agency focused on helping innovative therapies reach the people who need them. With decades of experience in healthcare strategy, Kathryn has built her career around translating complex science into clear, meaningful communication for healthcare professionals and patients. Her entrepreneurial journey began with an early pharmaceutical advertising internship that sparked a lasting passion for the industry. She later founded VUE Health with a vision of keeping experienced leadership close to clients and creating work that combines scientific expertise, strategy, creativity, and human understanding. Kathryn’s leadership emphasizes integrity, empathy, and meaningful impact. Her work has earned industry recognition, while her commitment to supporting communities and developing future women leaders further reflects her purpose-driven approach. Explore VUE Health’s healthcare communications.

8 Brianna Atkins: Helping Moms Rebuild Health, Confidence, and Balance

Brianna Atkins is the founder of W.O.M.A.N.L.Y. Health and Fitness, a platform dedicated to helping women—particularly mothers—build healthier, more confident lives through sustainable habits. After experiencing how easily motherhood can cause women to lose touch with themselves, Brianna developed an approach that combines physical wellness with self-reflection, communication, boundaries, time management, and personal growth. With a master’s degree in children and family social work from the University of Southern California, she brings a strong understanding of people and personal development to her work. W.O.M.A.N.L.Y. currently offers a six-week virtual burnout recovery program, free at-home workouts through YouTube, and digital wellness resources. Through her own experiences and leadership, Brianna continues to encourage women to prioritize their wellbeing while remaining present for the people they love. Explore Brianna Atkins’ Burnout Recovery Bootcamp.

9 Sabrina H. Phillips: Connecting Emerging Businesses With Global Capital

Sabrina H. Phillips is a financial services executive, entrepreneur, and founder of Blue Capay Ventures, a San Francisco-based FINRA-registered broker-dealer focused on supporting venture capitalists, fund managers, and entrepreneurs. With more than 20 years of experience across Wall Street and global capital markets, Sabrina has worked in investment banking, private equity, and venture capital. Through Blue Capay Ventures, she is developing global partnerships that connect startups and emerging managers with capital across Europe, the Middle East, and Asia, while creating innovative co-investment opportunities for family offices. Sabrina also co-founded Knock247, a technology platform supporting creative, self-directed learning for people in the gig economy. A Harvard graduate, she combines financial expertise with an entrepreneurial mindset to expand access to capital and new opportunities. Learn more about Sabrina H. Phillips on LinkedIn.

10 Yesy Hernandez: Advancing HVAC Excellence Through Innovation and Leadership

Yesy Hernandez is the President of Climatisation HVAC Inc., where she leads a growing team focused on innovative, sustainable, and efficient HVAC solutions. With more than a decade of industry experience, Yesy transitioned from insurance and business operations into the mechanical field, eventually co-founding her own HVAC company. Her leadership emphasizes tailored solutions, operational transparency, safety, continuous learning, and exceptional customer service. Climatisation HVAC Inc. specializes in mechanical equipment installation, maintenance, service, ductwork, ventilation, and indoor air quality solutions. Yesy is also passionate about creating greater opportunities for women in the traditionally male-dominated HVAC industry and fostering a supportive workplace culture. Looking ahead, she aims to expand the company’s reach across California while maintaining its focus on quality and sustainable growth. Learn more about Climatisation HVAC Inc..