20 Most Inspiring Women
Leaders 2024

Angela Cusack, Founder & CEO of Igniting Success®, is understated and patient. She moves quickly as she partners with executive leaders in shaping cultures that produce deeper connections, higher engagement, and overall well-being and prosperity for all involved. Angela is an impact player. Someone whom many refer to as their “organization’s secret weapon.”

Before taking on the helm of the Urban League of Greater Chattanooga as its first female President and CEO, Candy Johnson served in a variety of leadership roles. Ranging from being the youngest-ever elected City Council member in her hometown at the age of 25 years old, to running a successful non-profit education foundation, serving as policy director at a Chamber of Commerce, to senior advisor to the Mayor of Chattanooga, and as an independent consultant for non-profits and business organizations.

Dr. Constance Jones, Ph.D., joined GOAL Academy in 2018, bringing her over 35 years of public education experience. As a veteran educator and administrator, Dr. Jones now leads Colorado’s largest high school and alternative education campus as the CEO. During her tenure as the Superintendent of the Pueblo City School District 60, Dr. Jones implemented improvement strategies that prevented state intervention for the district and at many of the district’s low-performing schools. She also spearheaded several programs like GOAL’s curriculum’s critical components, including expanding career and technical education courses and workforce readiness certifications.

Deniz Bruce is no ordinary leader. Her professional background is enriched with extensive experience in various pharmaceutical and medical device organisations, where she has held global leadership positions overseeing diverse product portfolios. Her expertise centres on strategic planning and execution within medical devices, pharmaceuticals, and biologics.

Jennifer Thornton is on a mission to help progressive organizations foster an environment of learning, experimentation, and innovation and meet the demands of exponential growth for business.

“This is the way we’ve always done it.” Those eight words have a lot to answer for.

“Maintaining our company values and culture are essential to us. As we grow our engineering and consulting firm, we will be able to adapt and exceed expectations because of them.” Layne Lewis, President of Willowview Consulting LLC (WVC), is a visionary, both professionally and in her personal life.

Malea Chavez, CEO of Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona, has always been motivated by innovation and creative new ways of problem-solving. As a Staff Attorney, she was limited to the number of people she could assist. Still, when Malea learned about the impact of being a leader and shaping policy on the whole community, she was inspired to move into a leadership role.

Purpose is what drives Samantha Tradelius. The brilliant philanthropist, and entrepreneur, alongside being a gratified mother and wife, Samantha has made others proud of her too! How, you ask? She has been serving single mothers since 2003—as a young woman wanting to make a difference.

Yoyi Marsaglia is the CEO and founder of World Class Solutions in Miami, Florida strategically located only a few minutes from the Miami International Airport and the Miami Port. This organization cares passionately for people and economies everywhere. Delivering reliable integrated logistics solutions powered by technology, expertise and entrepreneurial spirit. Connecting the world every day, sustainably.