In 2026, WBENC proudly continues its tradition of honoring exceptional women business owners through the WBE Star Award. Selected by their Regional Partner Organizations, the 14 WBE Stars exemplify this year’s theme of IMPACT, demonstrating meaningful influence across their businesses, communities, and industries through leadership, excellence, and service.
Throughout the year, the 2026 WBE Stars will be featured on the WBENC website, culminating in their celebration at the 2026 WBENC National Conference, June 15–18, in Salt Lake City, Utah, where thousands gathered to do business and honor the strength and impact of the WBENC Network.
Meet Cindy Zimmerman, President and CEO of SS Designs, with the Women’s Business Enterprise Council Florida Regional Partner Organization. Drawing on more than 30 years of executive leadership experience, she has successfully steered the organization through economic fluctuations, global supply chain challenges, and the COVID-19 pandemic while preserving operational strength and advancing sustainable growth. Her focus on exceptional product quality, supply chain resilience, and lasting customer relationships has helped solidify SS Designs’ reputation as a trusted partner for leading retail and corporate brands.
A graduate of the University of Florida, Cindy is actively involved with the WBENC network and WBEC Florida Regional Partner Organization. In addition to serving on multiple boards, Cindy is passionate about creating meaningful community impact through nonprofit involvement, employee-focused initiatives, and educational mentoring efforts. Cindy’s leadership is rooted in service, stewardship, and a pursuit of excellence. She approaches every opportunity with humility and intention, creating meaningful impact through her business, her community engagement, and the people she mentors and supports.
Get inspired by Cindy’s insights!
SS Designs is a custom branded apparel company creating quality products and uniforms for some of the world’s best known and most discerning brands. The SS Designs team understands that branded apparel is more than placing a logo on merchandise—it requires insight, collaboration, and a consultative partner who understands the essence of a brand. With a commitment to product excellence and continuous improvement, the team provides best-in-class custom-branded apparel that elevates brands and speaks to both customers and stakeholders.
Wisdom from WBE Star, Cindy Zimmerman
How do you define “IMPACT” in your own words?
IMPACT is what happens when business decisions create real value—fueling opportunity, sustainability, and positive change for people, communities, and the economy.
For business owners and leaders who are looking to accelerate their “IMPACT,” what key advice or actionable steps would you recommend for them to implement today?
- Know your numbers.
- Build resilience before you need it.
- Lead with compassionate intention for holistic growth.
- Invest in quality—of products, relationships, and people.
What key lessons have you learned from mentors and peers as a business owner?
- It is critical to recruit “A” players where excellence, accountability, and resilience reinforce one another, allowing the organization to perform at its best with greater speed and confidence.
- The compounding impact of small, thoughtful improvements can produce significant and lasting gains in profitability.
Effective leaders consistently challenge existing processes and systems, applying fresh perspective to strengthen performance over time.
What are some key trends or challenges you see in your industry, and how do you plan to adapt to them?
One of our biggest challenges is mitigating potential supply chain disruptions and volatility due to tariffs, geopolitical tension, logistics delays, and material cost fluctuations. We have built a multi-sourced supplier partner network to reduce dependency on a single region or supplier. Also, technology is driving innovation in equipment and processes so we are constantly evaluating when and where to make strategic investments.
Looking ahead, what legacy of impact do you hope to leave in the business community?
I hope to leave a legacy of building a resilient, values-driven business that proves long-term success and responsible leadership go hand in hand. My goal is to show that prioritizing quality, people, and stewardship—of resources, relationships, and community—creates lasting economic impact. I also hope my legacy includes opening doors for others by investing in employees, mentoring emerging leaders, and contributing to a stronger, more inclusive business ecosystem.
