Career Mastered names 2026 women entrepreneurs to watch

Career Mastered released its 2026 National Top Entrepreneurial Women to Watch list on Aug. 4, highlighting 18 women founders and business leaders across sectors including real estate, finance, technology and wellness. One honoree will receive a $2,500 business growth grant and appear on the cover of Career Mastered Magazine’s Fall 2026 issue.

Why it matters: - The list spotlights women entrepreneurs who are building companies, creating jobs and shaping local economies across multiple industries. - The recognition lands as women are starting businesses at record levels and now make up nearly 40% of new entrepreneurs. - The award also underscores ongoing barriers women still face in access to capital, visibility and growth opportunities.

What happened: - Career Mastered unveiled its 2026 National Top Entrepreneurial Women to Watch on Aug. 4 in Detroit. - The annual national list honors women entrepreneurs selected through a competitive nomination process. - The 2026 class includes 18 honorees from fields including real estate, finance, technology, human resources, education, wellness, retail, leadership consulting and professional services. - One honoree will receive a $2,500 Career Mastered Business Growth Grant. - That winner will also be featured as the cover entrepreneur in the Fall 2026 issue of Career Mastered Magazine. - The cover reveal will happen when the magazine is officially released.

The details: - The honorees are recognized for entrepreneurial leadership, innovation, business growth, scalability, industry and community impact, resilience, branding and future vision. - Career Mastered said the women are founders, innovators and changemakers who have built thriving enterprises while overcoming challenges. - The organization framed the listing as part of its mission to celebrate women transforming business and strengthening communities. - The release includes links to Career Mastered’s social channels: LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube and Company website. - The 2026 honorees are Alicia J. Cooper, Suzanne Cory, Candice Crear, Cara Cremeans-Woltjer, Dr. Sandy Fiaschetti, Linda D. Fegins, Kelli K. Fisher, Antoinette Gassaway, April Halliburton, Pamela Hankins, Joycelyn A. James, Leticia Lamar, Wykeeta Peel, Tatiana Phelan, Antonia L. Reason, Valaise Smith, Denitra Townsend Gregory, Brittany Watson and Derrica Webb. - Alicia J. Cooper is founder and CEO of VAREMZ and director of people at Stone Bybee & Associates. - Suzanne Cory is co-founder of The Cory Team at Max Broock Realtors. - Candice Crear is founder and CEO of From Fatherless to Fearless®. - Cara Cremeans-Woltjer, CFP®, is a wealth advisor at LifeWorth Financial, Northwestern Mutual. - Dr. Sandy Fiaschetti is founder and CEO of Lodestone People Consulting, LLC. - Linda D. Fegins, JD, is founder and CEO of Pray and Act Write, LLC. - Kelli K. Fisher is founder of The Savvy Solo Parent™. - Antoinette Gassaway is co-founder and co-owner of Belong Lending, LLC. - April Halliburton is founder and CEO of All-4-HR & Business Solutions. - Pamela Hankins is founder and CEO of P. Hankins, LLC. - Joycelyn A. James is founder and CEO of Emerge Global Solutions LLC. - Leticia Lamar is founder and CEO of Ventura Educational Leadership Consulting, LLC. - Wykeeta Peel is founder and principal coach of Peel Coaching & Consulting. - Tatiana Phelan is owner and creative engineer of MerchVegas LLC. - Antonia L. Reason is founder and CEO of Women of Reason, Inc. - Valaise Smith, EA, is founder and CEO of Tried and True Financial Services, LLC. - Denitra Townsend Gregory is founder of Unforgettable YOU and Twelve12 Coffee Co. - Brittany Watson is founder and executive director of Classy Chick Chat. - Derrica Webb is founder and designer of Xzood Luxury Sleepwear.

Between the lines: - The list serves both as an awards program and as a visibility platform for women-led businesses. - The grant and magazine cover create a tangible business boost, not just recognition. - The broad industry mix suggests Career Mastered is positioning women entrepreneurship as a cross-sector economic force rather than a niche category.

What's next: - Career Mastered will name the honoree chosen for the $2,500 business growth grant. - The magazine will later reveal the cover entrepreneur when the Fall 2026 issue is released. - Career Mastered will continue using the annual listing to highlight women founders and business leaders.