In Leading Well, we celebrate you – the person behind the business. Here, you’ll find inspiring stories and practical tips to care for your mind, body, and soul, helping you thrive beyond the day-to-day and lead with purpose and passion.
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A Shared Commitment to Community HANA Center was introduced to First Women’s Bank (FWB) through Joy Thorne, FWB Assistant Vice President. Recognizing the alignment between HANA’s mission and the Bank’s purpose, Joy helped spark a relationship grounded in shared values and advancing opportunity through intentional action. A Relationship-Driven Approach From…
Financial independence doesn’t just empower individuals — it can strengthen the entire care economy. Greater financial stability gives caregivers, families, and entrepreneurs more flexibility to invest in child care, elder care, and support services that drive economic growth and community well-being. The care economy is already a rapidly growing market…
Watch the video and hear Nicole's story of opening her first BIGGBY Coffee location in Itasca, IL.
Reflections for the Woman Entrepreneur For many women entrepreneurs, building a business is not just a professional pursuit—it is deeply personal. It often carries our values, our visions for freedom, our hopes for generational impact, and our desire to create something meaningful in a world that has not always made…
What does it mean to lead well when being “good” no longer works? This question sat at the center of a recent brunch conversation at ALTAR Community in Chicago, bringing women together for an intimate, candid exploration of leadership, self-trust, and inner alignment. In conversation with author and thought…
If you have a big idea stuck in your head—whether it’s launching a startup, building a brand, or finally starting that nonprofit—but you’re too nervous to actually take the leap… I need you to read this book. We spend so much time talking about business plans and budgets, but let’s…
Nicole Cater had always dreamed of owning a coffee shop. From her early days as a barista to studying entrepreneurship at DePaul, the vision never left her. Life took her through corporate roles and motherhood, but the dream lingered, until she discovered the franchising opportunity with BIGGBY COFFEE. Its values…
Allison Randal has always believed in the power of economic opportunity. With a background in tech and publishing, she understood the uncertainty of those industries and wanted to build something more stable, something that could create pathways for others. When she discovered the chance to open PVolve franchises, it wasn’t just about fitness; it…
Soul & Smoke is a Chicago-based, women-owned restaurant founded by Heather Bublick and her husband, D’Andre Carter, who serves as the executive chef. More than just incredible BBQ and soul food, Soul & Smoke is a celebration of family, culture, and a shared love for flavorful meals. Heather and D’Andre’s journey began with a vision…
Dr. Kimberly Eide didn’t take the traditional path to medicine – or to business ownership. After earning a business degree and working in pharmaceutical sales, she felt a deeper calling: medicine. Inspired by her mother’s battle with breast cancer, she returned to school at night while raising a family, determined to care for others…
Verizon Small Business Digital Ready helped Dallas bookkeeper Misa Bacon grow her business by 50% using free online courses, SEO improvements, email marketing, and networking, boosting leads and revenue through practical digital skills. Read More Here.
When I left the corporate world, many people were surprised. They often asked why I’d make the switch—and quickly told me how wonderful it was that I was leaving corporate America “to do good.” That’s when I realized something troubling: we’ve created a narrative that says if you work for…
In this insightful Q&A, we sit down with organizational psychologist and business school professor Alison Fragale, author of the compelling book Likable Badass, How Women get the Success they Deserve. Fragale shares the personal journey and academic science that inspired her to write a book specifically for women navigating power,…
Jasper Photography LLC owner Sam Wilson relaunched her luxury-photography business with support from Allies for Community Business, SCORE, IL SBDC and WBDC — using funding and resources to upgrade equipment, expand services, and strengthen her impact as a Black woman entrepreneur in Chicago. Check Out the Story Here…
Pretty Pokets leveraged free mentoring from SCORE to launch and grow its vegan-bag business — including a successful Kiva micro-loan round. Today the brand serves customers nationwide with stylish, practical bags. Read More Here…
Allison Jordan turned personal healing into purpose. With Allies for Community Business support — including a line of credit — she relaunched The Brain Truth podcast, upgraded equipment and staffing, and built a mental-health business that helps others heal and thrive. Read More Here…
Verizon Small Business Digital Ready empowered one coffee entrepreneur with a $10K grant and financial mastery courses—he hired a CPA, upgraded branding and scaled his business nationwide. Learn More Here.
Jessica House, founder of Just Dip It Tacos and graduate of Sunshine Enterprises’ Community Business Academy, turns heritage, faith and food into community impact. May Alumni Accolades — Sunshine Enterprises…
Sunshine Enterprises alum Ora Wardlow, founder of Café 322 Urban Bistro, leveraged the Community Business Academy and strategic coaching to elevate her catering brand and create community impact. Read More Here.
Want to stay sharp and energized while running your business? Entrepreneurs often put their health on the back burner, but sustainable success starts with self-care. This Inc. article highlights 7 healthy habits that can help you thrive personally and professionally: Top Habits to Adopt: To learn more about staying healthy…
Many women are transforming their career regrets into courageous reinventions, embracing bold pivots rather than dwelling on missed opportunities. Whether stepping off a traditional path, shaking off burnout, or daring to pursue long-held dreams, what matters most is seizing the moment to reshape their professional journeys. ** Want the full story?** Jump…
Bree Jones is turning abandoned structures within historically redlined neighborhoods into opportunities for Black homeownership and the revival of once-thriving Black communities.
In Fast Company, First Women’s Bank CEO Marianne Markowitz shares how the women-founded, women-led bank was built to close the gender lending gap and advance the women’s economy.
