Alandas Dobbins is the CEO and founder of Oteka Technologies, a prominent Memphis-headquartered infrastructure, smart city, technology solutions company. Dobbins has been a driving force behind Oteka’s rise as a leader in the tech industry. Her leadership style, characterized by a commitment to diversity and empowerment, has fostered a company culture that values collaboration and creativity. She has a background in communications and a passion for innovation

Alandas co-built a successful company with her late father, George Dobbins Jr., and built a government agency called MORE, Memphis Office of Resource and Enterprise, from the ground up. MORE was an agency that focused on helping minority and women-owned businesses grow their businesses. She has 30 years of experience in the technology industry and has a strong love for business growth in start-ups, and diversity in the entrepreneurial space.

She is a proven vivacious leader, executive, and entrepreneur with experience and expertise in business development, economic growth, sales, and community involvement. She was recently awarded the Entrepreneur of the Year and Best in Black: Best Entrepreneur award from The New Tri-State Defender and the Greater Memphis I.T. Council. Dobbins’ vision for the company extends beyond mere profitability; She aims to make a positive impact on the community and beyond by providing opportunities for growth and development in the tech sector.

With a focus on serving clients with excellence and integrity, Dobbins and her team at Oteka Technologies have earned a reputation for delivering innovative solutions tailored to meet the unique needs of their clients. Through her leadership, Dobbins continues to drive Oteka Technologies toward new heights of success while championing diversity and inclusion in the tech and cabling industry.

Oteka Technologies, led by Alandas Dobbins, stands as a testament to the power of entrepreneurship, diversity, and innovation. Oteka drives positive change in both the business world and the community at large.

The post Alandas Dobbins appeared first on Women Business Collaborative.

Cher L. Castillo is a powerhouse in real estate, development, and wealth-building. With over 23 years of experience, she leads Cher Castillo & Co. as Associate Broker and Team Lead at Corcoran McEnearney, and is the Founder of Infinity Capital Group and Infinity Commercial Real Estate. Her portfolio spans 57+ residential projects and numerous commercial transactions across the D.C., Maryland, and Virginia region. A former press secretary and marketing executive, Cher brings a unique blend of strategy, storytelling, and dealmaking to every venture. She was appointed by the D.C. Housing Finance Agency to manage the $20M HomeSaver Program under the U.S. Treasury and has been repeatedly recognized as a Washingtonian Top Producer and Real Trends Top 1.5% Professional. Beyond real estate, Cher is a published author, mentor, and passionate advocate for community empowerment. She serves on several nonprofit boards and co-chairs the Real Estate Vertical of The BOW Collective, an organization of elite women business owners. Fluent in Spanish and of Caribbean-Nicaraguan heritage, Cher’s mission is to build, empower, and elevate—one property, one partnership, and one community at a time.

The post Cher L. Castillo appeared first on Women Business Collaborative.

Erika Baez-Grimes is a first-generation Latina entrepreneur, born in the Dominican Republic, raised in the Sunshine State, whose passion for business sparked early on by her late grandfather, a dynamic entrepreneur whose relentless work ethic & hunger for legacy building became the foundation for her own career in enterprise.

For the last 15 years Erika has been quarterbacking large sales negotiations, she is a true champion of the craft—believing that dealmaking is the heartbeat of the business world. 

Her journey has taken her from Main Street, to becoming a trusted closer for Fortune 100 organizations & (now) representing a national franchise, helping business owners and executives with intention, exit the marketplace. Erika is a respected Certified M&A Professional with Transworld Business Advisors, where for the past 6 years, she’s guided family-owned and closely held companies navigate acquisitions, exits, and franchise development—with the brand philosophy in mind “Doing Good Deals for Good People.”

A respected voice in business and community circles, Erika serves on the Board of Directors for the Tysons Chamber of Commerce, is a council member for Latinas in Cyber, and is a member of several organizations including; AM&AA, XPX, ACG, AEG, WI-CRE, MAREMA, Opus Connect, and the Washington Executives Association.

Erika lives in Central Virginia with her husband and blended family. When she’s not closing deals, this basketball fanatic can be found court-side cheering on teams at every level—from high school to the NBA.

The post Erika Baez-Grimes appeared first on Women Business Collaborative.

Glenda S. Thomas is a trailblazing leader who shatters industry stereotypes, positioning herself at the frontlines of innovation in the energy sector. As the esteemed President and CEO of Electra Grid Solutions and Electra Lines, Glenda brings over two decades of indispensable experience from her tenure leading supplier diversity and sustainability programs at Southern Company, one of the Southeast’s largest utility firms. She has worked tirelessly to increase the company’s presence in communities by engaging small, diverse suppliers and assisting them with business development, succession planning, innovation, and utility best practices. Her strengths and key competencies include: Contract sourcing and negotiations, project and program management, strategic planning, supplier sustainability, solution development and supplier diversity leadership.

In her role as CEO, Glenda radiates servant leadership with the highest standards of integrity and ethics. Her commitment to nurturing and uplifting individuals is not just a duty but a joyous calling. To those around her, she is not just a leader; she embodies “The Light,” inspiring others to shine their brightest.

The post Glenda S. Thomas appeared first on Women Business Collaborative.

Brittany N. Cole is a catalyst for transformation—unlocking the potential of leaders and organizations to thrive through bold leadership branding, workforce development, and talent strategy. As an international keynote speaker and the founder and CEO of Career Thrivers, Brittany partners with Fortune 500 companies, government agencies, and entrepreneurs to cultivate resilient leaders, build inclusive workplaces, and drive sustainable business growth. Her work has impacted over 96,000 leaders and lead to Career Thrivers being nationally recognized as one of the Top 10 Leadership Development organizations by ManageHR.

​Brittany has a passion for pushing boundaries and redefining what it means to lead with authenticity in a rapidly evolving world of work. A LinkedIn Top Voice, bestselling author of THRIVE Through It, and sought-after keynote speaker, Brittany equips leaders to align purpose with strategy, master the art of storytelling, and amplify their influence to propel both individual and organizational success.

​With a client list that includes global brands like Amazon, UPS, and Bridgestone, Brittany has helped transform leadership pipelines, build high-performing teams, and design talent strategies that turn inclusion into impact. Her actionable frameworks, like the Workforce Influencer Model, integrate personal leadership branding with organizational goals, creating cultures where both people and profits thrive.

​Brittany’s expertise is backed by nearly two decades of corporate leadership experience and academic rigor. A graduate of the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, and the Harvard Kennedy School, she has mastered the intersection of leadership, inclusion, and resilience. Recognized as a Woman of Influence by the Nashville Business Journal, Brittany’s work is trusted in boardrooms, leadership retreats, and conferences nationwide.

​Committed to empowering others beyond her business, Brittany has served in strategic advisory, board member, and leadership roles, including non-profits such as Nashville Entrepreneur Center, Cable Nashville, and the Arts & Business Council, championing equity and representation across industries.

When she’s not on stage or designing leadership solutions, Brittany explores the outdoors, works towards competing in a fitness competition, finds inspiration in books, and cherishes family time. To discover how Brittany can help you or your organization thrive, visit brittanyncole.com/blueprint and download her free guide for authentic personal branding. Together, let’s lead boldly, inspire deeply, and thrive authentically.

The post Brittany N. Cole appeared first on Women Business Collaborative.

Ilhiana Rojas is a Human Potential & Culture Expert, an Executive and Leadership Coach, a DEIB Consultant, a seasoned multicultural Business Strategist, a Bestselling Publishing Author, and an International Motivational Speaker.   

Ilhiana has over 20 years of global executive experience in top Fortune 500 companies in Mexico and US headquarters, leading professionals, teams, and businesses to success. As the founder of her first company BeLIVE Coaching and Consulting, Ilhiana is a certified expert in leadership and human potential best practices that help build resilient, collaborative, and high-performing leaders and cultures. Ilhiana has coached and trained leaders of all levels and has delivered impactful programs to over 4500 professionals across multiple industries and sectors worldwide. 

Her strong commitment to advocating for equity led her to co-launch a second company UNITED LATINAS, leading as Co-President. UNITED LATINAS is a women’s empowerment and leadership development organization providing upskilling workshops, mentoring opportunities, leadership and public speaking programs, visibility, networking, and community-building platforms. She has also been the driving force in the launch of four women’s leadership development programs in Europe, LAM, and the US to reduce the gender gap, and has been the publishing author of three Best-selling Anthology books, sharing the stories of over 50 Latina leaders. 

Before starting her two companies, Ilhiana was a highly respected global business leader and seasoned strategist with extensive multicultural experience driving transformational change through deep consumer understanding, developing breakthrough business strategies, and building high-performing and engaging cultures. During this time, Ilhiana drove double-digit growth across numerous businesses and returned a business to profitability after years of net losses, and earned several recognitions and awards for her strategy, innovation, and positive team culture. 

In addition to coaching, Ilhiana serves on different Boards and organizations supporting initiatives that center on the empowerment of women and Hispanic Populations.

Ilhiana’s most notable awards and recognitions include the 2024 Most Influential Women POWERLIST by Color, the 2024 Top 100 Latinas by Latino Leaders Magazine, 2023 P&G Alumni D&I Award, the 2023 Top Coaches Award by WomELLE.

Ilhiana graduated with honors as a Chemical Engineer in Mexico City, and lives in Rhode Island with her family.

The post Ilhiana Rojas Saldana appeared first on Women Business Collaborative.

Rashmi Chaturvedi is a powerhouse in tech and talent strategy, Co-founder and President of Kaygen, a global leader in technology and workforce solutions, and Founder of UPTEMPO Careers, a dynamic accelerator igniting the next generation of women in STEM. With over 25 years of experience, including transformative leadership at The Walt Disney Company and Nextel, Rashmi has helped Fortune 500s drive digital innovation and build inclusive, future-ready teams. 

Her approach is rooted in kaizen, continuous improvement and a bold vision to make equity in the workplace not just a conversation, but a standard. Through UPTEMPO, Rashmi is equipping women with hands-on mentorship, high-impact professional development, and direct access to career opportunities, fueling the rise of tomorrow’s leaders and shaping the future of innovation in the AI era. 

Her results speak volumes. Named one of the “Top 50 Women Leaders of Los Angeles,” a “2020 Outstanding CEO,” and among the “Top 25 Women-Owned Businesses in Orange County,” Rashmi is on a mission to transform how we work, hire, and lead, through inclusion, intention, and innovation. 

The post Rashmi Chaturvedi appeared first on Women Business Collaborative.

Esther Aguilera is a 2X CEO, social entrepreneur, and transformation catalyst with a 30-year track record of building enterprises, driving organizational effectiveness, and creating lasting impact. With a career that spans the nonprofit, business, association, and government sectors, she has worked with some of the nation’s most powerful leaders, including Members of Congress, Cabinet Members, corporate directors, and CEOs.

A master strategist, Esther has forged hundreds of strategic partnerships with Fortune 500 companies, institutional investors, search firms, and private equity firms, shaping the talent and leadership landscape for diverse executives across industries.

Building a Legacy of Leadership

Today, Esther serves as:

• Senior Advisor at Altura Capital
• Strategic Advisor for ALPFA – the Association of Latino Professionals for America
• Advisory Board Member of Angeles Investors
• Board Member of the Women’s Business Collaborative (WBC)

Previously, as President & CEO of the Latino Corporate Directors Association (LCDA), she led the organization’s rapid expansion, building the largest national network of accomplished Latino leaders in corporate governance and executive leadership. Her work accelerated the narrative for inclusion in America’s boardrooms, setting a new benchmark for diversity and representation.

Driving Impact Across Sectors

Esther’s past leadership roles include:

• President & CEO of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute (CHCI)—where she transformed the lives of thousands of students and young professionals
• Executive Director of the U.S. Department of Energy Office of Small Business Utilization (SES level)
• Executive Director & Legislative Director of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus at the U.S. House of Representatives

Her ability to bridge policy, business, and leadership development has reshaped industries, opened doors for underrepresented professionals, and positioned her as a nationally recognized voice in equity and opportunity.

A Respected Voice in Thought Leadership

Esther is a highly sought-after speaker, having been featured at prestigious events such as:

• Bloomberg Equity Summit (2021 & 2022)
• The Financial Times’ ODX Conference
• NACD NXT TownHall
• CNBC’s Equity & Opportunity
• Women Corporate Directors Global Institute
• U.S. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce

Her work has been covered and quoted by top-tier media outlets, including CNBC, Bloomberg, The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, CNN, and the San Francisco Chronicle.

Recognition & Honors

Esther’s impact has been widely recognized, with accolades including:

• Alumni Seal Award for Service to Community – Occidental College
• 2021 Person of the Year – Al DÍA News Media
• 50 Most Powerful Latinas (2021 & 2022)
• Hispanic Executive Magazine’s 2021 TOP TEN Líder

She holds a B.A. in Public Policy from Occidental College, Los Angeles, CA, and completed the Harvard Corporate Governance Executive Program in 2005.

The post Esther Aguilera appeared first on Women Business Collaborative.

Theresa Harrison is the Founder and President of GEORGE STREET Services, Inc. (GEORGE STREET) which provides digital services, software engineering, IT and management services to the federal government and commercial companies. Theresa is focused on GEORGE STREET’s growth and strategic vision while ensuring a strong relationship between quality deliverables, technology, clients and employees. Simply put, Theresa ensures that both the employees and clients are aligned and successful.

As an advocate and mentor to minority and women-owned businesses, Theresa is most excited about assisting with the development of strategies to successfully launch their companies, products and services while improving operations.

A motivational speaker, author, mentor and active community servant, Theresa is Founder of the international organization, Just A Kind Note. She is on the Board of Trustees for Hood College, the Advisory Board for Truist Bank (Western Maryland), Woman to Woman Mentoring and an active member of Delta Sigma Theta. Theresa holds a Master and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration degree from Frostburg State University.

The post Theresa Harrison appeared first on Women Business Collaborative.

Gloria Bohan is a trailblazer in the travel industry, having transformed Omega World Travel from a one-person operation in 1972 into one of the largest travel management companies in the world. With over five decades of leadership, her vision and entrepreneurial spirit have redefined corporate, government, meetings, and leisure travel, establishing Omega as a global powerhouse with annual sales exceeding $1 billion.

A Legacy of Innovation and Growth

Under Gloria’s leadership, Omega has pioneered innovative travel solutions, leveraging e-commerce, strategic partnerships, and global expansion to drive success. Headquartered in Washington, D.C., with international offices in London, Europe, and the Middle East, Omega continues to set industry standards. Gloria also founded Cruise.com, one of the largest online cruise sellers, and TravTech, a travel technology firm developing cutting-edge industry software.

Championing Women in Travel and Business

Gloria has been a steadfast advocate for women in business, dedicating her career to empowering female entrepreneurs and professionals in the travel and hospitality industries. As a founding member of the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC), she has championed initiatives that advance equity in corporate supply chains. Her involvement with C200, a prestigious network of female executives, reflects her dedication to expanding leadership opportunities for women globally.

Recognized for Excellence and Impact

Gloria’s extraordinary career has earned her numerous accolades, including:

• Champion of Women in Travel Award – Honoring her lifelong dedication to advancing women in the travel industry.
• Living Legend Award by Virginia Business – Recognizing her impact on business and community.
• 1 on the Largest Women-Owned Businesses List in Greater Washington by the Washington Business Journal.

Empowering Female Travelers

Beyond business, Gloria is committed to creating meaningful travel experiences for women. Through Omega World Travel, she has developed curated travel opportunities that allow women to explore the world confidently and comfortably—whether for business or leisure.

A visionary leader, advocate, and industry pioneer, Gloria Bohan continues to shape the future of travel while ensuring that women have a strong presence in business leadership.

The post Gloria Bohan appeared first on Women Business Collaborative.