In 2025, WBENC continues its legacy of honoring exceptional women business owners through the WBE Star Award. Each WBE Star has been hand-selected by one of the 14 Regional Partner Organizations, with a special focus this year on honoring those who embody the spirit of “ACCELERATE” by championing progress, growth, and advancement for themselves, their businesses, and the communities they serve. The WBE Star Award stands as a powerful acknowledgment of the profound impact these extraordinary women have made throughout their careers, shaping industries and inspiring lasting changes in their communities.
The 2025 WBE Stars will be celebrated throughout the year, culminating at the vibrant WBENC National Conference from June 23-26, 2025, in New Orleans, Louisiana. This dynamic event will serve as a hub for business excellence, innovation, and networking. Thousands of attendees will gather to celebrate the strength and rich tapestry of the WBENC Network. It will be a time to recognize the ongoing contributions of entrepreneurs and change makers, including the 14 exceptional WBE Stars, who are ACCELERATING impact across the network.
Meet Liseth Velez, Founder and CEO of LJV, with the Center for Women and Enterprise (CWE) Regional Partner Organization. Liseth’s story is one of resilience, determination, and grit. Originally from Medellin, Colombia, and a U.S. National Guard veteran, Liseth has shaped her career by turning obstacles into opportunities. She has honed her expertise in risk management, compliance, budgeting, and strategic scheduling – all skills that have contributed to her success in the construction industry.
Liseth is the Founder and CEO of LJV, a construction management firm that puts purpose, people, and productivity at the forefront. Liseth provides her clients with an approach rooted in collaboration and excellence.
Get inspired by Liseth’s insights and stay tuned for more wisdom from the other 2025 WBE Stars throughout the year!
Established in 2018, LJV began with the mission of building better spaces and places by combining innovative technology, efficient processes, and a collaborative approach. Starting with smaller projects, LJV has since expanded into federal and institutional markets, delivering impactful solutions that improve the way people work and live. LJV is a purpose-driven construction management firm focused on delivering innovative, tech-enabled solutions through seamless collaboration. Whether it’s a small renovation or a comprehensive design-build project, LJV approaches every job with the same dedication to efficiency, quality, and impact. Specializing in both federal and institutional markets, LJV prioritizes proactive planning to provide the best results for each client’s unique needs. When asked what her proudest achievements in building her business are, Liseth responded:
“Knowing that my team, many of whom share similar stories of resilience, thrives alongside me makes it all worth it. It’s not just the achievements but the journey of learning, adapting, and staying true to my purpose that makes this work deeply fulfilling.”
Wisdom from WBE Star, Liseth Velez
What does “ACCELERATE” mean to you in the context of the WBENC network?
To me, ‘ACCELERATE’ within the WBENC network means igniting true progress for women-owned businesses by breaking down barriers and opening doors to growth. It’s about more than just small steps forward—it’s about bold leaps that bring meaningful change. It’s about fostering innovation, amplifying resources, and creating a community where we uplift each other. Acceleration happens when we stand together, share opportunities, and defy the status quo so that every woman entrepreneur has what she needs to thrive, lead, and inspire.
For business owners and leaders who are looking to ACCELERATE their success, what key advice or actionable steps would you recommend for them to implement today?
I have influenced acceleration for women-owned businesses by turning mentorship into action and focusing on creating pathways to real opportunities. Within my network, I actively connected women with the right resources to help them scale. While at LJV, we prioritized hiring subcontractors and partners aligned with our mission. This has led to increased business opportunities and expanded project portfolios for all involved.
In 2025, my aim is to make these efforts even more actionable—scaling mentorship, creating more jobs, and expanding our reach to provide clear, measurable growth outcomes for women entrepreneurs looking to lead and succeed.
What strategies do you use to stay motivated and inspired as a leader?
As a leader, I stay motivated and inspired by focusing on purpose and people. I draw strength from knowing that my work creates opportunities for underrepresented businesses, veterans, and small enterprises, making a tangible impact in the community. Surrounding myself with a team of driven individuals and celebrating their successes keeps me energized.
Continuous learning also fuels me—whether through my MIT EMBA program, exploring sustainability, or working with mentors, I embrace growth to lead effectively. Balancing reflection with action helps me stay aligned with my goals while giving back through teaching and mentorship reminds me why I’m passionate about leadership.
Ultimately, staying connected to my mission and embracing challenges as opportunities for growth keep me inspired every day.
What legacy do you hope to leave in the business community?
I hope to leave a legacy of empowerment, innovation, and inclusivity in the business community. By championing sustainability and supporting veterans, small businesses, and underrepresented enterprises, I aim to show that success comes from lifting others. I want LJV to be remembered as a company that embraced technology to streamline processes, fostered equitable opportunities, and demonstrated the power of leadership rooted in integrity and community impact, inspiring others to build a better, more inclusive future.
What suggestions would you like to share with a newly certified WBE who is looking to get involved in the WBENC community?
For newly certified WBEs, my top suggestion is to fully engage with WBENC’s development programs—they’re a goldmine of resources. Attend events, participate in workshops, and join networking sessions to connect with supplier diversity professionals and other WBEs. Focus on building authentic relationships rather than just seeking opportunities. Also, leverage mentorship programs; the advice and experience of established WBEs can be invaluable. Lastly, be proactive—don’t wait for opportunities to come to you. Advocate for your business.
