It is with great excitement that WBENC unveils the 2025 WBE Stars! The WBE Star Award is the nation’s top recognition for excellence among women-owned businesses, celebrating 14 remarkable women from across the country, each representing one of our 14 Regional Partner Organizations (RPOs). These women are trailblazers, innovators, and role models – embodying the spirit of leadership, inspiration, and unwavering commitment that defines the WBENC Network. The WBE Star Award serves as a powerful testament to the significant impact these women have made in their industries and communities over the course of their careers.
In 2025, WBENC sought to recognize and celebrate WBEs who embody the spirit of “ACCELERATE” – having pushed progress, growth, and advancement for themselves, their businesses, and their communities. Each WBENC WBE Star has been selected by one of 14 Regional Partner Organizations who lead the world-class WBENC Certification of women-owned businesses throughout the country.
Get to know our extraordinary 2025 WBE Stars and be inspired by their remarkable stories and insights! The 2025 WBE Stars will be celebrated throughout 2025, including in the WBENC website News and Resources section, where they will share even more of their knowledge and insights! During the 2025 WBENC National Conference, the largest event of its kind for women-owned business entrepreneurs and business leaders taking place June 23-26, 2025, in New Orleans, LA, the Stars will be highlighted and celebrated! Be sure to subscribe to our WBENC email communications to get first access to each WBE Star Article release through our newsletter and follow us on our social channels.
Learn more about the WBE Star Award.
Liseth Velez | LJV | Center for Women & Enterprise
“Acceleration happens when we stand together, share opportunities, and defy the status quo so that every woman entrepreneur has what she needs to thrive, lead, and inspire.”
Liseth’s journey from Medellin, Colombia, to founding LJV exemplifies resilience, leadership, and the power of economic empowerment. As an immigrant and U.S. Air National Guard veteran, she has built a career transforming challenges into opportunities. Her work alongside diverse teams has honed her expertise in risk management, compliance, budgeting, and strategic scheduling—skills that have driven her success in the construction industry. Liseth is the Founder and CEO of LJV, a data-driven construction management company based in Boston, Massachusetts. They specialize in using advanced technology and agile methodologies to deliver innovative and efficient solutions in renovation and design-build projects. Their hands-on approach and collaborative environment ensure comprehensive support from pre-construction to project closeout. They are dedicated to optimizing efficiency, enhancing quality, and prioritizing safety in all endeavors.
Michelle Aristeo Barton | Aristeo Construction | Great Lakes Women’s Business Council
“A lot of people when they talk about ‘ACCELERATION,’ they’re talking about change. I like to think our growth has been as a result of doubling down on what we’re really good at, the things we’re doing really well, and how we build upon those.”
Founded in 1977, Aristeo Construction is one of the nation’s top 10 general contractors in the manufacturing sector and is one of the country’s largest WBENC-certified general contractors. Michelle has won numerous industry awards and recognitions, including: Crain’s 40 Under 40, Crain’s Notable Women in Construction, DBusiness “30 In Their Thirties,” and Women’s Enterprise Magazine WBE CEO of the Year. Michelle successfully led the business transition from first to second generation in 2018. Previously, Michelle served in numerous roles at Aristeo Construction over a 12-year period where she led critical reorganizations, strategic development, and growth efforts. Aristeo Construction serves manufacturing, energy, industrial, and commercial clients. Aristeo Construction offers a comprehensive suite of construction services, from planning and managing to project execution, including high-quality self-perform services such as civil/earthwork, concrete, steel fabrication, and steel erection.
Sheila Jordan | Knowledge Architects Inc. | Greater Women’s Business Council
“In the context of the WBENC Network, “ACCELERATE” signifies a commitment to fast-tracking the growth and success of women-owned businesses with a range of programs and opportunities designed to support business development and growth.”
Sheila Jordan, affectionately known as the “Queen of Transportation Transformation,” has led Knowledge Architects Inc. for over 14 years. Her innovative use of 3D and augmented reality technologies has revolutionized industrial maintenance training, setting new standards in the transit industry. Sheila’s expertise in organizational development and learning technology has bridged traditional instruction with cutting-edge XR solutions. Her company, Knowledge Architects, is a workforce training and technology company that helps transportation, industrial, and manufacturing entities streamline maintenance and operations procedures through innovative digital work and learning technologies. They streamline the learning process for companies operating in highly industrialized settings, catering to workforces that often require retraining or upskilling to fulfill the requirements of their daily tasks.
Jennifer Schaumburg | Fuse Solutions, Powered by RBL | Women’s Business Council Southwest
“‘ACCELERATE’ within the WBENC network is about unlocking the power of high-value networking to identify exceptional performers—leaders who are ready to excel—and equipping them with the tools and strategies to dominate their markets.”
Jen Schaumburg isn’t just a founder or a leader—she’s a force. As the visionary behind Fuse Solutions and co-founder of the groundbreaking Real Business League (RBL), Jen is redefining what it means to lead with purpose, resilience, and uncompromising integrity. With over a decade in enterprise technology, supplier management, and operations, Jen didn’t just identify challenges in traditional business systems—she tackled them head-on. Fuse Solutions, launched in 2014, was her first bold response to inefficiencies that stifled business growth. FUSE, powered by RBL, utilizes the RBL software platform to deliver AI-driven tools, training, and contract-matching services. These solutions address critical business needs by building scalable ecosystems, ensuring traceability, and optimizing performance. FUSE empowers entrepreneurs and enterprises to meet compliance standards, seamlessly connect with global value chains, and capitalize on new opportunities—driving sustainable growth and measurable impact.
Teresa Ging | Sugar Bliss | Women’s Business Development Council – Midwest
“ACCELERATE embodies the mission to empower and uplift women-owned businesses and entrepreneurs. It’s about fostering a dynamic ecosystem where women can collaborate effectively, scale their businesses, and inspire others to follow their path.”
Teresa Ging is the dynamic CEO and Founder of Sugar Bliss. Her professional journey began with a Bachelor’s degree in Economics and Statistics from the University of Chicago, followed by six years in finance. However, she pivoted her career and enrolled in the Le Cordon Bleu Patisserie program in Paris – mastering the art of creating exquisite desserts. There she honed her technical skills and creativity, returning to Chicago inspired to launch Sugar Bliss. Sugar Bliss is a woman-minority-owned retail store and baked goods company headquartered in Chicago, offering catering, corporate gifts, and baked goods, including cupcakes, macarons, cake pops, brownies, and cookies. They also provide packaged cookies available at retailers and in food service. Committed to sustainability and social impact, Sugar Bliss donates a portion of proceeds to support women and minority entrepreneurs and environmental conservation while using sustainable packaging.
Xan Difede | 3rd Rock Renewables | Women’s Business Enterprise Alliance
“For me, “ACCELERATE” is about embracing momentum, breaking barriers, and continually pushing boundaries to reach new heights.”
A Houston native, Xan Difede has built a distinguished career in the oil and gas industry, combining operational expertise with a passion for innovation. Beginning in 1985 with Jahre Shipping, Xan led offshore operations before advancing through roles at Coastal Corp, Phibro Energy, and Shell Chemical, where she earned multiple awards for logistics and supply chain optimization. Xan’s experience further expanded at Musket Corp and IPC USA, focusing on pipeline shipments, inventory management, and trading. In 2014, Xan founded Fidelity Fuels and Specialty Products, identifying market gaps and supplying bulk fuel via pipeline, barge, and railcar. The company’s WBEA and WBENC certifications enabled the successful securing of key city contracts. In 2024, Xan Difede launched 3rd Rock Renewables to drive sustainability efforts, focusing on initiatives like Mechanical Concrete®—a groundbreaking process that transforms scrap tires into road base material, reducing maintenance costs and carbon emissions. With a commitment to innovative recycling, 3rd Rock Renewables collaborates on projects across various sectors. Their work supports the development of infrastructure with an emphasis on sustainable practices and environmental responsibility.
Vicki Lam, CAS | Promo Victory | Women’s Business Enterprise Center East
“To me, ACCELERATE means strengthening the connections made in the WBENC network for more business opportunities and stronger relationships.”
Vicki Lam is a seasoned marketing expert with 27 years of experience in the industry. With a Certified Advertising Specialist credential held by only 5% of professionals in the promotional industry and a self-taught graphic designer, Vicki has established herself as a leader in her field. In 2023, Vicki was recognized with the ‘Trusted Advisor’ Award from WBEC East for her positive impact and mentorship. Her company, Promo Victory, is an award-winning strategic promotional marketing company. They help clients market successfully with innovative promotional products and apparel that tell the story of their brand. Promo Victory’s mission is to maximize dollars and ROI by creating successful promotions that add impact and value, so the brand and message stand out from the crowd. Promo Victory helps clients utilize the right merch that is relevant to their brand and target audience so the clients can market more effectively.
Denise Merritt | Merritt Business Solutions | Women’s Business Enterprise Council Florida
“To me, “ACCELERATE” means fostering growth, building momentum, and empowering women entrepreneurs. It’s about creating a supportive environment where women-owned businesses can thrive and reach new heights.”
For over 30+ years, Denise Merritt has helped business owners with employee administration solutions. Since founding Merritt Business Solutions in 2017, Denise has realized her true professional calling. Working as a Business Consultant for multiple leading PEOs and HROs, Denise learned first-hand the art and skills for fitting clients’ business circumstances with the solution most suited to their immediate and long-term needs. She began her customer service/human resources career, acquiring certifications including Health and Life license, PHR (Professional of Human Resources) certification, and OSHA 501(c) certification for General Industries. Her business, Merritt Business Solutions (MBS), empowers businesses of all sizes by providing essential HR and employee benefits solutions. Their fractional HR services and employee benefits streamline operations, reduce costs, and boost employee satisfaction.
Theresa Proctor | Forward Movement Enterprises | Women’s Business Enterprise Council Greater DMV
“The WBENC ecosystem is designed to support women-owned businesses to accelerate (increase in speed) regarding the growth and scale of business. The opportunities to contribute, give back, and make a difference in the lives of other business owners is unparalleled.”
Theresa R. Proctor is the visionary Chief Executive Officer of Forward Movement Enterprises. With over 25 years of dynamic leadership experience, Theresa is a skillful ICF credentialed Executive Coach and Learning and Development (L&D) Practitioner distinguished for her remarkable ability to revitalize organizations from stagnation to strategic excellence. A results-driven professional, Theresa and her team have an unwavering commitment to fostering growth and driving transformative change in individuals, corporations, and government agencies. Forward Movement Enterprises stands out in transforming team performance by supporting leaders and employees to shift from stagnant to strategic. Their clients receive high value from their exceptional solutions: executive/leadership coaching and professional learning and development. Their virtual and in-person training inspires internal promotion, employee retention, and sustainability of organizations throughout the nation. Forward Movement Enterprises provides learning experiences that invite new thought value, high performance, and sage decision-making.
Darcy Ann Flanders | BaselineGroupNY | Women’s Business Enterprise Council Metro New York
“The WBENC network can accelerate the growth of your company as fellow WBEs become clients or strategic partners and you gain access to corporations who may also become clients.”
Darcy Ann Flanders is a creative strategist and business leader with over 35 years of experience helping brands achieve their goals through design and branding. As the founder and chief brand strategist of BaselineGroupNY, Darcy combines her extensive expertise with a collaborative approach to create visually impactful solutions tailored to clients’ needs. She has the unique ability to understand client goals and translate them into creative, targeted digital and print solutions that not only address current challenges but also pave the way for ongoing success. BaselineGroupNY is an award-winning creative agency that partners with clients, wherever they are on their brand journey, to go beyond the expected and deliver brand excellence. The team offers creative solutions with a client-focused, flexible approach.
Molly Zraik | BAZ Group | Women’s Business Enterprise Council Ohio River Valley
“The best way to accelerate your success is to open your mind to new ideas and to find new resources.”
Molly Zraik serves as the Founder and CEO of BAZ Group, a strategic telecommunications services company. For 30 years, Molly has built BAZ Group’s deep bench of technical experts, knowledge of legacy and state-of-the-art systems, and a creative approach to setting and achieving client goals. Since her early days in telecom, Molly has built an impressive career and positioned herself as a true thought leader in the industry. She generously shares her deep industry knowledge with vendors, clients, and consultants alike. Since 1993, her company, BAZ Group, has served over 500 clients by taming their telecom chaos. They offer a full suite of services to optimize costs and identify and manage technologies that drive businesses forward. They help businesses stop overspending, clear the clutter, and manage the complexity of communication platforms.
Sue Cole Watkins | Telecom Transport Services | Women’s Business Enterprise Council South
“By working together, we can expand our reach, overcome challenges, and achieve goals more efficiently. Through these partnerships, the WBENC network accelerates business success, fosters innovation, and helps members thrive in a competitive marketplace.”
Sue Cole Watkins is the CEO and President of Telecom Transport Services, a specialized transportation and commercial storage solutions company serving the Southeast. Watkins became the third-generation owner in 1998 succeeding her late father at the helm of a trucking line founded by her grandfather. She has accelerated the growth of Telecom Transport Services by focusing on agility, innovation, and adaptation as critical tools in the rapidly evolving transportation marketplace. Telecom Transport Services provides specialized logistics solutions, including the installation, removal, and recycling of industrial batteries, such as electric vehicle batteries, and DC power backup batteries. They also offer hauling, hoisting, and final-mile placement of high-value equipment, as well as commercial storage and inventory management solutions. Their services promote sustainability by ensuring safe hazardous material handling, efficient resource use, and eco-friendly practices, addressing critical needs across utilities, telecommunications, automotive, and construction industries.
Pamela Isom | ICE Safety Solutions | Women’s Business Enterprise Council – Pacific
“One way I drive ACCELERATION for my business is to live by the mantra: NO = NEW OPPORTUNITY to ACCELERATE growth. NO: You are too small: NEW OPPORTUNITY to work with a WBE to increase size, scale and scope.”
Pamela Isom is driven by a powerful mission: “to ensure no one around her becomes ill, injured, or loses their life.” She founded ICE Safety Solutions with this goal at the heart of her work, providing life-saving safety training to corporations across the United States. Pam’s passion for safety began as a lifeguard, where she first encountered CPR training. This passion took on a personal meaning when she used her CPR skills to recognize that her father was suffering from congestive heart failure—and took immediate action. This life-changing moment became a pivotal turning point in both her career and her commitment to safety. Her company, ICE Safety Solutions, is nationally ranked and known for executing innovative and transformational VR/AR safety training programs, as well as comprehensive safety plans and PPE. Specializing in emergency response, evacuation, active shooter situations, natural disasters, and medical emergencies, the company provides businesses with the tools and knowledge they need to protect people.
Angela Garmon | ARG Coaching & Consulting Group LLC | Women’s Business Enterprise Council – West
“To me, “ACCELERATE” in the context of the WBENC network represents the incredible power that people have to drive growth—both in business and in personal development. It’s about the connections, the support, and the shared knowledge that we gain when we come together as a community.”
Angela Garmon is an award-winning business owner and philanthropist, grounded in the belief that people thrive when they are inspired and motivated. With over two decades of leadership experience, Angela specializes in helping teams enhance their resilience, build strong collaborative environments, and inspire peak performance. Her business, ARG Coaching & Consulting Group LLC, is a strategic change management consulting firm that supports diverse teams nationwide as they conquer change and cultivate results. ARG Coaching & Consulting Group LLC heavily focuses on the human dynamics side of change management. They assess a team’s readiness for change and provide companies with recommendations, helping to overcome barriers. ARG Coaching & Consulting Group LLC provides proven solutions that bridge the gaps between people and processes. ARG supports the facilitation of project rollouts, creating a space for psychological safety amongst the team.