Women’s leadership in the business world has grown steadily over the past several decades and shows no signs of slowing down. In fact, studies have shown that companies with women in executive positions are more profitable than those without them. Today, it’s not unusual to see women holding leadership roles at major corporations and top Fortune 500 companies, but there are still many businesses whose boards of directors do not reflect this shift in power. That’s why it’s so exciting to see these emerging female leaders leading today’s businesses into the future.
Here’s our list of top women leaders to look out for in 2022:
Myrlande Elien
Myrlande Elien is the owner, founder and hair care product developer for SS Hair Care. Recognized for my services and hair care products, she started this journey because she wanted to own a brand where hair care services is rendered with quality, detail and diligence that is catered to each individual’s need. Having the opportunity to provide hair care through 5 generations of clients in almost 3 decades, she developed the ability to individually care for her client’s hair using personalized skills, techniques and SS Hair Care products. Her unique way helps eliminate hair loss and breakage from stress, medication side effects and changes health, so her clients can enjoy their growing hair. In her joy of sharing knowledge, Myrlande offer certified training course where licensed cosmetologist will learn how to apply that same level of care to keep clients in their chair for generations as well. Myrlande is SHE #sshaircare
Arziki Oleyinka Phenyo
Arziki Oleyinka Phenyo is the founder of Seminal Wellness, LLC, dedicated to helping individuals—regardless of race, gender, and orientation—look, feel, and perform at their best—naturally. Ms. Phenyo created Seminal in the throes of the COVID-19 pandemic. She resolved to create wholly organic essentials—from facial scrubs to organic sweeteners to heart-boosting detoxifiers—that get you through the day, and guide you to your best life. PotenSeed, a detoxifier formulated to strengthen heart tissue, can reduce blood pressure by 30% within one week and Optimet, a metabolism enhancer, propels mental and physical performance, and may help you lose weight. Seminal has pioneered a new product, the cellulyst—a supplement that eliminates waste, facilitates cell repair, and
optimizes tissue regeneration. By 2028, Ms. Phenyo, and Seminal, will enter the energy, medical, and technology spaces with planet-powered devices. It will be more than progress replanted®; it will become progress unbounded.
AJ Sharp
Food media entrepreneur, strategist and broadcaster, AJ Sharp has been the secret ingredient behind many international food brands’ success stories. She’s an enormously motivational public speaker and food awards judge. AJ is passionate about great tasting, sustainable food and drink. She loves people and helping them to tell their stories which comes across very clearly on The FoodTalk Show, which she co-presents with food guru Susie Warran-Smith CBE.
Hugely strategic and practical, AJ is a leading advisor for food businesses looking to grow, consulting on communications, PR and brand strategy, through her multi award-winning food and drink PR agency Sharp Relations, which she founded in 2010. The Sharp Relations team has mentored, supported and implemented the growth plans for hundreds of small food & drinks businesses over the past 12 years. The Sharp team is talented and experienced at seeing exactly what a brand or business needs to do to grow.
Sammie Leary
Sammie Leary is the owner of Greater than Sparrows Salon and Medspa which opened its doors in 2015 and quickly sky rocketed to be one of the fastest growing beauty empires in Virginia. Sammie’s story is quite unusual than some; her empire started from tragedy. About 6 months after becoming a licensed hairstylist Sammie lost everything and as a single mother was forced to work from home – but it doesn’t stop there. Business started booming and she quickly opened the first full service beauty salon and medical spa employing Doctors, Nurses, Cosmetologists,Estheticians, and nail technicians. She enjoys finding individuals who are struggling, trains them and sets them up for success. Sammie has her own hair extension line called “Lady Insane Mane”, she custom makes wigs and donates to cancer patients. She also has her own magical skin serum called “Skin Genesis” that some say is “Botox in a Bottle”. She holds multiple patents and also owns an Airbnb. This girl is unstoppable!
Mariale Reinhard
Mariale Reinhard is an ally to women who want to be the best version of themselves. Her mission with her company Dance Dojo Dance is to come together with women through dancing and wellness habits, to fill them with confidence and enthusiasm for life.
After building a successful printing business with her husband, she knew her next step and dream to chase would be connecting her passion for dancing and well-being, with her desire to contribute to the life of women around the world. Dance Dojo Dance is the product of Mariale’s journey toward rediscovering her talents, which has translated into a source of joy, creativity, and a sense of belonging for herself and her clients.
Through dance and a sense of community, Mariale’s Dance Dojo Dance provides an environment to foster physical and emotional wellness, and a stage for women to let their self-confidence and enthusiasm for life shine.
Shana C. Johnson
Shana C Johnson is an Executive Director at GCM Grosvenor, a global asset manager.
Ms. Johnson leads the client reporting team for the private equity, infrastructure, real estate, and absolute return strategies, responsible for client servicing, communications, and reporting. She also serves on the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee. Prior to GCM, Ms. Johnson was a Senior Manager in the Wealth & Asset Management practice of Ernst & Young in New York and Chicago, focusing on investment management and operational advisory services. Ms. Johnson graduated from the Elliott School of International Affairs at George Washington University with her Bachelor of Arts in International Affairs and a concentration in International Economics. Ms. Johnson was named 2022’s 40 under 40 Black Women in Asset Management, serves on the National Association of Investment Company’s (NAIC) Women in Alternatives Advisory Board, and is a Board Trustee for KIPP New Jersey.
Alina Mirza and Aneesa Chohan
Alina and Aneesa are the co-founders of Halo Digital Marketing, a boutique Toronto-based agency specializing in organic social media for brands and creative entrepreneurs. As two university students with a dream to make their mark in the world, they were quick to recognize a gap that existed in the digital marketing space between social media growth and revenue growth. Combining their deep-rooted passion for strategy and their shared talent for storytelling, they’ve developed a unique and globally recognized approach to bridge that gap through meaningful marketing on social media.
The duo is devoted to providing innovative marketing experiences that meet business owners where they are and help them grow their brands using social media in an authentic, sustainable, and profitable manner. In just 3 months since its launch, Halo Digital Marketing has scaled its impact across the globe, helping over 25 businesses in 10 countries build powerful online presences.
Bev Moore
Bev Moore is the CEO and owner of BEV Moore Talent Agency and Bev Moore Productions thriving on introducing the best international entertainment talent and constant new faces to the industry. Known for her versatility, Bev has also played a vital part in influencing people globally through her work as a film producer, motivator, marketer, and writer. Her experience in different areas of business including working with top companies and international NGOs has given her the ability to produce successful results. Bev’s visionary outlook and strategies have always been on point, which is evident from the various brands she has helped grow. Her experience in the entertainment industry and a keen eye for talent have driven talents and brands from all around the world to their dream destinations. From investing and mentoring to giving back to the community, Bev is constantly striving to make a difference.
Ritu Bhatt
Ritu is mom to her 6-year-old daughter and currently resides in the Washington D.C. area with her family. She is the Managing Partner of Ariah Ventures – a global investment firm with international investments in Publishing, Technology, and Real estate. She was born in Pennsylvania and moved to Bangalore at the young age of 7 years. After her graduation, she joined her father’s publishing services business – Cosmic Strands. With more than 17 years of experience in business affairs, she was able to grow the business with her husband to more than 200 employees and was able to diversify the company’s portfolio by expanding the offices in the United States, Hong Kong, and Korea. The company was also featured as the fastest growing publishing services company by Silicon India Magazine and the fastest growing startups US magazine.
In 2019, she co-founded Author Assists – an author services company that assists authors worldwide in getting published. The company continues to grow and plans to expand its offices worldwide. With many feathers on her hat, she’s most excited about her newest brand of ultra-luxury real estate investments – The Pelican Group (TPG). She plans on disrupting the billion-dollar industry by impact investing in real estate which is sustainable, and eco-friendly, with award-winning architecture, fashion, and art. With Ariah Ventures having multiple companies under its investments, she has no doubt it’s the beginning of building her own empire sending a message to every little girl that you can achieve your dreams if you dare to be different.
Nicovanna Shannon
Nicovanna Shannon brings over 10 years of executive-level leadership experience. Her credentials include but are not limited to holding positions such as Investor Accountant with Colonial Mortgage Company, Area Sales Manager with Belk, Assistant Business Office Manager with CarMax Superstore, plus Co-owner of family businesses Shannon, Shannon, & Associates, Inc and Phoenix Fire, Inc. Nicovanna received her Undergraduate Business Degree from Auburn University. She went on to receive her MBA in Business Administration from Troy University. Her accomplishments include induction into the National Honor Society.
Nicovanna is a proven leader and aspires to be a business mentor for future leaders. For now, she is striving to maximize every opportunity carved out for Shannon, Shannon & Associates, Inc. and Phoenix Fire, Inc. Her goal is to push Shannon, Shannon & Associates, Inc. and Phoenix Fire, Inc. to be known as a storehouse for financially trained individuals that are financially secure and creditworthy.
Final Thoughts
As more and more women enter the business world, their presence as leaders in this field will continue to grow and make an impact on the global economy. In 2022, several high-profile women leaders will be making a big name for themselves and paving the way forward for many others to follow.
