WWB 2025 Nominees
Meet our outstanding nominees / VOTING IS CLOSED
Abigail Carreno
Abigail Carreño is a distinguished nominee for the Women Who Build Awards 2025. With a strong commitment to community advancement and women’s leadership, she continues to elevate others through purposeful work and advocacy. Abigail is the founder of Finanzas con Aby Carreño, a purpose-driven financial education initiative that has transformed lives by teaching practical tools to manage money, eliminate debt, and build wealth with an abundant mindset. She has led accessible workshops and programs like Reprograma tu Crédito and Conquista tu Riqueza, planting hope in communities often limited by fear or scarcity.
Alejandra Isabel Yanez Mata
Alejandra Yáñez Mata is a passionate journalist and certified family coach with 25 years of experience. For the past 11 years, she has created empowering communities for mothers, helping them launch their own businesses through education and live events. As the host of MADRENOTICIATV—the only program in Florida focused on highlighting Hispanic entrepreneurial mothers—she builds platforms for others to rise and organizes monthly events and conferences online and in person to strengthen their voices and leadership.
Amparo Jaramillo
Amparo Jaramillo is a dedicated coach, mentor, and community builder whose mission is to empower women emotionally, professionally, and spiritually. She has donated countless hours to personal development workshops and one-on-one coaching for the Latin American community. Known for her authentic warmth and direct guidance, Amparo provides a safe space for growth and transformation. She is certified in life coaching, NLP, entrepreneurship, and is a co-author of the bestseller El Emprendedor que Llevas Dentro.
Brillyt Antonieta Rodríguez
Brillyt Antonieta Rodríguez is a transformational educator and coach with over 30 years of experience in higher education. Her leadership focuses on conscious, inclusive, and values-based education. She has trained hundreds of teachers in methodologies combining neuroscience, multiple intelligences, and coaching, inspiring a new generation of leaders. Her work integrates innovation with deep personal development, paving the way for women to reclaim their inner power through education and mentorship.
Carmen Burkert
A strategic business consultant and passionate advocate for Latina entrepreneurs, Carmen has earned recognition for her dedication to empowering women through practical financial and business education. With a deep understanding of the challenges faced by immigrant women in launching and sustaining ventures, she offers real tools and mentorship to help them succeed. Carmen leads by example with professionalism, determination, and clear impact in her community.
Denise Berrio
Denise is a postpartum doula and the creator of Blooming Momma. She helps women transition into motherhood with confidence, self-love, and healing. Her tireless dedication to helping new mothers feel seen and supported has made her a trusted guide for families. Denise offers in-person and online guidance and creates safe spaces for mothers to reconnect with their identity.
Fortunate Kufakunesu
Fortunate Kufakunesu has been nominated for the Women Who Build Awards 2025. Women & Girl Child Empowerment Fortunate should be considered for the Women Who Build Award due to her unwavering commitment to empowering vulnerable young girls and women through a multifaceted approach. Her initiatives demonstrate a deep understanding of the challenges faced by these groups and actively work to address them.
Gabriela Torrente Aromaste
A leader in the natural wellness space, Gabriela has built a successful brand blending health, business, and education. With over 10 years at the helm of Aromaste, she supports women in launching their own product lines and adopting conscious business practices. Her entrepreneurial spirit, combined with a heart for service, makes her a role model in holistic leadership.
Graciela Saltos
Graciela Saltos has been nominated for the Women Who Build Awards 2025. Communications Graciela Saltos brings over sixteen years of professional voiceover expertise to the United States, with more than thirteen years of experience in radio, commercial, corporate and institutional narration, as well as jingles, singing and guitar performance. She has led voice and voiceover workshops since 2020 across Ven…
Jazmin Colmenares
Jazmin is a dedicated psychologist known for creating a welcoming and informative space for families. Through her platform @psicofamilys, she offers vital emotional support, parenting guidance, and mental health resources in Spanish. Her compassionate approach and consistent community presence have made her a trusted guide for Latinx families navigating the complexities of raising emotionally healthy children.
JONI JONES
Dr. Joni L. Jones is a trailblazer in education and leadership, currently serving at the University of South Florida. Her career spans decades of empowering students, faculty, and community leaders. Joni is known for integrating inclusive leadership models, advancing equity in higher education, and mentoring women into powerful academic and administrative roles.
Judith Sanchez
Judith Sanchez has been nominated for the Women Who Build Awards 2025. Non profit Grupo de Soporte y Empoderamiento a mujeres latinas. She coordinates and leads two women’s groups in Sarasota and Bradenton, transforming lives and supporting Latina women in many ways.
Kel Sprague
Kel is a mental health professional, mentor, and coach known for her deep emotional wisdom and fearless leadership. She has turned her personal experiences into a platform for healing, mentoring other women to overcome trauma, reclaim self-worth, and lead with confidence. Kel’s voice is one of hope and transformation.
Lorna White
With over two decades of experience in advocacy and nonprofit leadership, Lorna White has dedicated her career to advancing the rights and dignity of underserved communities. Her approach blends emotional intelligence with actionable strategies, especially in the support of women navigating personal and professional transitions. Lorna is not only a voice for equity but also a mentor who uplifts others through practical empowerment.
María Alejandra Matínez Soto
María Alejandra, known as a national champion from Desafío The Box 2013 in Colombia, is a symbol of perseverance and discipline. Now residing in the U.S., she uses her platform to inspire others through fitness, mindset, and personal growth. Her influence as a coach and leader motivates hundreds of women to believe in their strength and never give up, regardless of their circumstances.
Mariu Fernandez
Mariu Fernández is a local business owner and a pillar of support for women entrepreneurs. Through her work at El Punto 19, she fosters collaboration, confidence, and creativity among Latina women. Mariu not only builds her own brand with heart, but also helps others develop theirs with purpose. Her leadership style is inclusive, practical, and rooted in the power of community.
Melvelys Torres
An insurance professional with a heart for service, Melvelys Torres is committed to protecting families and educating her community. She focuses on empowering women to make informed decisions about financial security and wellness. Her leadership is marked by trust, dedication, and the belief that every woman deserves to build a legacy.
Miriam Romero
Miriam Romero is the CEO of KTA Institute, an international business coach, and mentor. An immigrant success story, she arrived in the U.S. with few resources and now leads a thriving coaching institute that has trained over 200 women. Her mission is to turn dreams into plans, and plans into profitable, purpose-driven businesses. She is passionate about legacy, confidence, and feminine leadership.
Monica Vargas
Dr. Monica Vargas is a leadership coach, educator, and transformational speaker who has reshaped the Latinx leadership ecosystem through her visionary programs. With a doctorate in education and extensive experience guiding executives and entrepreneurs, she empowers women to lead with clarity, purpose, and authenticity. Her commitment to mentorship and inclusion has opened new paths for emerging Latina leaders across the country.
Neisha Molina
Neisha Molina is a communications professional, TV producer, and media personality whose work uplifts cultural identity and social impact. A fierce advocate for women and children, she uses her voice to raise awareness, share inspiring stories, and spark community change. Neisha leads with authenticity, intelligence, and a strong sense of purpose, mentoring young professionals in the field of media and beyond.
Olga Gonzalez
Olga Gonzalez is a trailblazing leader and advocate whose impact spans public service and nonprofit innovation. She made history as the first Hispanic woman elected mayor of Kissimmee, breaking barriers and setting a precedent for inclusive governance. As a nonprofit executive, she has created and led transformative programs focused on youth empowerment, racial equity, and women’s leadership. Her journey—from experiencing homelessness to becoming a recognized voice in civic leadership—is a powerful example of determination, vision, and purpose-driven leadership.
Paola Andrea Gutierrez
An artist, motivational speaker, and passionate believer, Paola Andrea is a force of creative energy and faith. She inspires through visual arts, personal transformation workshops, and faith-based leadership. Her courage and vulnerability allow others to see their worth and take bold steps toward healing and purpose.
Paola Tellez
Paola is a licensed cosmetologist, mentor, and insurance professional known for her deep compassion and commitment to women’s self-worth. She uplifts others not just through beauty, but through education and practical support. Paola helps women feel confident, take control of their finances, and explore new career paths with integrity and care.
Patricia C Balabu Stredel
Patricia C Balabu Stredel has been nominated for the Women Who Build Awards 2025. Local business to help people make their dreams come true by guiding them in the area of how to immigrate and achieve stability in this country. For her help to people to make their dreams come true by guiding them in the area of how to immigrate and achieve stability in this country.
Yvette Fernandez
Yvette Fernandez has been nominated for the Women Who Build Awards 2025. Marine conservation and community environmental education. Yvette Fernández, besides being my sister and my great admiration, is a leader committed to transforming the relationship between science and the community. Since she was 9 years old, she wanted to be a marine biologist and worked hard to understand and connect with nature. Now, as a bilingual marine biologist…
Evelyn Almodóvar
Evelyn Almodóvar is the Executive Director of UnidosNow. With more than 15 years of experience in business and nonprofit leadership, she drives youth development and community innovation. Her work at Lucet Health and TEDxBradenton reflects her commitment to expanding access, building partnerships, and leading social impact initiatives in Florida.