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 Rhonda Sargent, CEO of Lamont, Hanley & Associates, Inc., with the Center for Women & Enterprise Regional Partner Organization. Rhonda Sargent is a respected industry leader with over 30 years of impact. She is widely recognized for her steadfast dedication to operational excellence and forward-thinking leadership fueled by curiosity and vision. In 1991, Rhonda co-founded Lamont, Hanley & Associates, Inc. with two partners and a clear purpose: to provide proactive, high-quality service and to bring a respectful, ethical approach to recovery of amounts owed. Rhonda assumed sole ownership in 2017. Today, Lamont, Hanley & Associates has grown to employ nearly 60 professionals.
Rhonda is widely recognized within the CWE and WBENC communities for her active involvement and commitment to giving back. As a former Host Committee member for the WBENC National Conference, she has worked to expand opportunities and increase access for fellow entrepreneurs. She also dedicates her time to mentoring and coaching local business owners and collaborates with CWE leadership to help shape the future of the regional network.
Get inspired by Rhonda’s insights!
Lamont, Hanley & Associates, Inc. delivers first- and third-party debt collection solutions that help clients recover outstanding balances with integrity and professionalism. Lamont, Hanley & Associates, Inc. specializes in overpayment recoveries and commercial collections for insurance carriers, corporations, and businesses nationwide. Their experienced negotiators resolve complex matters with clarity and respect—protecting relationships while driving meaningful results.
Wisdom from WBE Star, Rhonda Sargent
How do you define “IMPACT” in your own words?
Impact is the strong, positive influence a person’s work has on others—the lasting effect of daily choices. It’s creating results that matter, in ways that are intentional, responsible, and sustainable.
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?
Accelerating your impact starts with clarity and intention. Be thoughtful about how you lead, how you show up for your people, and the standards you set—especially when no one is watching. Just as important, acknowledge when you fall short of those standards and take responsibility for correcting course.
Trust, integrity, and meaningful impact grow when leaders are willing to own their missteps and keep moving forward.
What impact are you most proud of, and why?
The impact I’m most proud of is building a business that delivers real results while staying true to its values—especially in an industry where that isn’t always assumed. At Lamont Hanley & Associates, we’ve shown that it’s possible to recover what’s owed, support our clients’ financial stability, and still treat people with respect. For me, it’s especially meaningful to know that our work has helped create a supportive, people-centered workplace and long-term client relationships. It reinforces my belief that leading with integrity—especially when it’s challenging—truly matters.
What key lessons have you learned from mentors and peers as a business owner?
Over time, mentors and peers have helped me understand that leadership isn’t about having all the answers—it’s about showing up, being present, and being willing to serve. I’ve learned that integrity has to come first, that leaders go first when things are hard and step back when things go well, and that relationships—not transactions—are what sustain a business. I’ve also learned some harder truths: that being kind isn’t always the same as being nice, that not everyone belongs on the bus, and that culture is fragile and worth protecting. Along the way, I’ve learned resilience the hard way—by putting my head down when necessary, stepping back when I needed perspective, and accepting that not everyone will like you, no matter how well you lead. Those lessons continue to shape how I run a business and how I try to show up as a human being.
Looking ahead, what legacy of impact do you hope to leave in the business community?
Looking ahead, I hope my legacy is that any business can operate with respect, being mindful of its impact on the world, and stay grounded in core values. More than financial results, I hope our work has helped people grow in confidence, resilience, and integrity—and shown that how you do business truly matters.
