Step into a world where innovation thrives, entrepreneurship flourishes, and social impact takes center stage. In this realm, we encounter a group of extraordinary individuals who have not only reshaped industries but also ignited positive change in their wake. From revolutionizing personal finance to challenging societal biases, these visionaries have paved their own paths, inspiring and empowering others along the way. Read on Who Is Leading The Charge In FemTech in 2023?
Prepare to be captivated by the remarkable stories of Odunayo Eweniyi, Co-Founder of Piggybank & PiggyVest, and FirstCheck Africa; Dr. Sasikala Devi, Professor and Inventor of LungXpert; Whitney Wolfe Herd, Founder of Bumble and the world’s first self-made women billionaire; Angelica Ross, Founder of TransTech Social Enterprises and the TransTech Summit; Stephanie Lampkin, Founder of Blendoor; Sarah Hawley, Founder of Growmotely and Co-Founder of League of Extraordinary Women; Lilly Mittenthal, Co-Founder of Maro; Arlan Hamilton, Founder of Backstage Capital and Author of “It’s About Damn Time”; and Kristina Ashley Williams, Founder of Unpacking. Through their groundbreaking startups, inventions, and unwavering commitment to social justice, they have shattered barriers, challenged norms, and created opportunities for a more inclusive and equitable future.
These extraordinary individuals exemplify the transformative power of determination, resilience, and purpose. Their stories inspire us to dream big, defy conventions, and embrace the potential within ourselves to make a lasting impact. Together, let us celebrate their journeys and join hands in shaping a world where innovation, entrepreneurship, and social impact merge harmoniously for the betterment of all.
Who Is Leading The Charge In FemTech in 2023?
Odunayo Eweniyi
Co-Founder of Piggybank & PiggyVest and Co-Founder of FirstCheck Africa
Odunayo Eweniyi, a remarkable entrepreneur, is widely known as the Co-Founder of Piggybank and PiggyVest, two groundbreaking financial technology startups in West Africa. These platforms have revolutionized personal savings and investment, providing a convenient and accessible way for individuals in Nigeria to manage their finances effectively. Since its inception, PiggyVest has become a resounding success and has cemented its position as one of the leading fintech startups in the country.
In addition to her accomplishments in the fintech industry, Odunayo Eweniyi is also recognized as a Co-Founder of FirstCheck Africa, an angel fund and investor community driven by women and dedicated to supporting female entrepreneurs. Through this initiative, she actively contributes to creating opportunities and empowering women in the startup ecosystem.
Dr. Sasikala Devi
Professor & Research at SASTRA Deemed-To-Be-University and Inventor of LungXpert
Dr. Sasikala Devi is an eminent professor and researcher at SASTRA Deemed-To-Be-University, renowned for her groundbreaking invention, LungXpert. Her remarkable journey began with an in-depth study of 500,000 X-ray images from Stanford University, which served as the foundation for the development of LungXpert. This innovative and affordable AI-based prognostic tool boasts an impressive 90% accuracy rate and has proven instrumental in the early detection of cardiovascular and pulmonary diseases, including the novel coronavirus. Dr. Sasikala Devi’s relentless dedication to improving healthcare outcomes has undoubtedly left a significant impact on the medical field.
Whitney Wolfe Herd
Founder of Bumble and First Self-Made Women Billionaire in the World
Whitney Wolfe Herd, the extraordinary founder of Bumble, has not only disrupted the dating app landscape but has also shattered glass ceilings, becoming the first self-made female billionaire in the world. With the launch of Bumble in 2014, Whitney introduced a feminist dating platform that empowers women to take the lead in their romantic endeavors. By encouraging women to make the first move, regardless of their match’s gender, Bumble promotes confidence and puts women in control of their dating experiences. Whitney’s visionary leadership and commitment to empowering women have established her as a prominent figure in the tech industry.
Angelica Ross
Founder of TransTech Social Enterprises and the TransTech Summit
Angelica Ross, widely recognized for her notable roles in popular TV series like Pose and American Horror Story, has also made significant contributions as a social entrepreneur. In 2014, she founded TransTech Social Enterprises, an inclusive and empowering community that serves as an incubator for LGBTQ talent. Through TransTech, Angelica fosters a co-working and co-learning environment, equipping trans, lesbian, gay, bisexual, queer individuals, and their allies with practical and career-ready skills. Furthermore, Angelica launched the TransTech Summit in 2017—an annual event featuring expert speakers and diverse career tracks, covering topics ranging from design and web technology to human rights and social justice. By making the summit accessible online and free-of-cost, Angelica ensures that individuals from all backgrounds can benefit from these invaluable resources.
Stephanie Lampkin
Inspirational Speaker and Founder of Blendoor
Stephanie Lampkin, an inspirational speaker and the founder of Blendoor, is a trailblazer in combating unconscious bias in the hiring process. After encountering bias throughout her own career in the tech industry, Stephanie established Blendoor in 2015 as a recruitment tool aimed at fostering inclusivity and diversity. Over time, Blendoor has evolved into a comprehensive and inclusive hiring solution, helping organizations build diverse teams by mitigating bias. Stephanie’s remarkable journey as a woman of color in the tech sector has fueled her passion for breaking barriers and creating equal opportunities.
Sarah Hawley
Founder of Growmotely and Co-Founder of League of Extraordinary Women
Sarah Hawley, a visionary entrepreneur, played a pivotal role in establishing Grow My Team, a recruiting company focused on hiring top remote talent worldwide. Building on her success with Grow My Team, Sarah has recently launched a new venture called Growmotely. Through this endeavor, she continues to contribute to the global remote work movement, promoting flexible and inclusive employment opportunities. Additionally, Sarah co-founded the League of Extraordinary Women, a vibrant community that connects and inspires women through various events, meet-ups, and conferences. Her dedication to empowering women and fostering professional growth has made a significant impact on countless individuals.
Lilly Mittenthal
User-Centred Designer and Co-Founder of Maro
Lilly Mittenthal, a user-centered designer and Co-Founder of Maro, embarked on a mission to facilitate crucial conversations between parents and their children. With the official launch of Maro in late 2020, Lilly introduced an innovative app designed to assist parents in navigating challenging topics related to their children’s mental health and well-being. Maro provides access to a curated library of expert-vetted content and features a journaling function, allowing parents to log essential information about their kids’ mental health. By prioritizing mental health and supporting parents, Lilly and her team are making a meaningful difference in families’ lives.
Arlan Hamilton
Founder of Backstage Capital and Author of “It’s About Damn Time”
Arlan Hamilton, the visionary founder of Backstage Capital, has been instrumental in reducing funding disparities in the tech industry. Through her venture capital fund, Backstage Capital, Arlan actively invests in startups led by underrepresented founders, including women, people of color, and members of the LGBTQ community. Backstage Capital has raised over $15 million to date and has supported more than 160 startups, contributing to a more diverse and inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystem. Arlan’s remarkable journey into entrepreneurship and her mission to level the playing field are chronicled in her book, “It’s About Damn Time: How To Turn Being Underestimated Into Your Greatest Advantage.”
Kristina Ashley Williams
Educator, Futurist, Social Justice Champion and Founder of Unpacking
Kristina Ashley Williams, an educator, futurist, and social justice champion, has made a profound impact with her creation, Unpacking. Launched in July 2020, Unpacking is a data-driven platform that utilizes gamification to deliver diversity training. Unlike traditional training methods, Unpacking immerses users in an experiential learning environment, fostering collaboration and interactive gameplay. By utilizing technology to address diversity and unconscious bias, Kristina has created a powerful tool for promoting inclusivity and equality.
These remarkable individuals are a testament to the transformative power of entrepreneurship, innovation, and social impact. Their dedication, vision, and unwavering commitment to making a difference inspire countless others to pursue their dreams, break barriers, and create a more equitable and inclusive world.
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