Junior Achievement launches JA Women Crushing Wednesdays to honor Women's History Month

Author: Denise Sawyer
Entrepreneurship
Published: Monday, 18 Mar 2024

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Image caption: Kate Martin, a powerhouse entrepreneur renowned for her talents in both photography and entertainment

(WEST PALM BEACH, Fla.) — Junior Achievement of the Palm Beaches & Treasure Coast kicked off March with a powerful initiative aimed at celebrating Women's History Month. Aptly named JA Women Crushing Wednesdays, this innovative program was designed to honor and highlight the achievements of women entrepreneurs, inspiring the next generation to dream big and pursue their passions.

As part of JA Women Crushing Wednesdays, students had the unique opportunity to hear from two dynamic guest speakers who are making waves in their respective industries. The event served as a platform to showcase the remarkable journeys of successful female entrepreneurs and provide invaluable insights into the world of business and innovation.

First on the lineup was Kate Martin, a powerhouse entrepreneur renowned for her talents in both photography and entertainment. With her company, ElleKay Pictures, Kate has carved out a niche in the creative industry, captivating audiences with her visionary work on and off the screen. Her presence at JA Women Crushing Wednesdays underscored the importance of perseverance, creativity, and determination in pursuing one's dreams.

Image caption: Betsy Cohen, Chief Happy Officer of Happylicious

Following Kate's inspiring address, attendees were treated to insights from Betsy Cohen, Chief Happy Officer of Happylicious. Betsy's love for cookies and cookie dough has translated into a thriving business venture, where she spreads joy and happyness in every bite. Her innovative approach to edible cookie dough, offering a delightful range of flavors, embodies the spirit of entrepreneurial innovation and passion.

Next on the lineup was Dr. Hanna Shays, the owner and lead physical therapist of Stability In Wellness, LLC. Dr. Shays shared her journey of founding a sports physical therapy clinic that specializes in services such as dry needling, cupping, sports massage, and neuromuscular reeducation. Her dedication to providing personalized care to patients in Palm Beach County highlighted the importance of innovation and expertise in healthcare entrepreneurship.

Following Dr. Shays, Cat Suplicy, Founder and CEO of RavenOps, LLC, shared her incredible journey from managing events at prestigious resorts to leading operations as the COO of the Greater Hollywood Chamber of Commerce. Born in Salvador, Brazil, Cat transitioned to the role of Director of Community Engagement at the Alan B. Levan | NSU Broward Center of Innovation, where she fosters a vibrant community of tech startups.

Last but not least, Erika London took the stage. Erika is a serial entrepreneur, investor, advisor, and mom of three who is passionate about building businesses, creating brands, and empowering women to thrive simultaneously in their personal and professional lives. Her insights into entrepreneurship and work-life balance resonated deeply with the audience, inspiring them to pursue their dreams with determination and resilience.

Image caption: Palm Beach Gardens Community High School students

According to the National Women’s Business Council 2023 Annual Report, women-owned businesses are a significant force in the U.S. economy, comprising 14 million businesses and accounting for 39.1% of all U.S. businesses. This marks a notable 13.6% increase from 2019 to 2023, highlighting the growing influence of women entrepreneurs.

As Junior Achievement continues to champion the next generation of leaders, initiatives like JA Women Crushing Wednesdays play a crucial role in fostering a culture of empowerment, ambition, and success. By highlighting the achievements of women entrepreneurs and providing platforms for mentorship and learning, JA is shaping the future of entrepreneurship and leadership in the Palm Beaches & Treasure Coast community.