Get ready to shift into high gear at the 2025 WBENC National Conference! This year, we’re turning up the momentum with our electrifying theme, ACCELERATE—designed to propel your business, network, and impact to new heights!
We are honored to introduce the incredible 2025 Host Committee of WBEs representing several of the Regional Partner Organizations (RPOs). These inspiring WBEs serve as national Conference ambassadors, helping to represent the amazing work that is done in the RPOs.
We invite everyone in the WBENC network and all attending the 2025 National Conference to engage with their RPO and support these amazing WBE Host Committee members!
Learn more about the 2025 Host Committee
Louise Kennedy | West Hill Technology Counsel
Louise Leduc Kennedy is the founding attorney of West Hill Technology Counsel. She has extensive experience advising technology companies on intellectual property and strategic matters. She is passionate about helping clients protect and grow what they have built and position themselves for a successful exit. With deep expertise in all legal aspects of software development and licensing, including open-source and AI matters, Louise particularly loves working with innovative women and their entrepreneurial businesses.
West Hill is a truly unique business and technology law firm. It has spent the past 15+ years redefining the culture of sophisticated legal practice. This includes providing exceptional value to business clients and unrivaled opportunity and quality of life for top-credentialed professionals who choose to step off the large law firm or in-house path.
Before forming the firm, Louise worked for many years as in-house counsel at IBM Corporation, including as brand counsel for Lotus Notes. She received her B.A. in Economics from Smith College and her J.D., with honors, from the University of Connecticut School of Law.
In 2024, Louise was honored by WBENC as a 2024 WBE Star. She was recognized for outstanding business achievement, leadership, and impact among women-owned businesses.
“To ACCELERATE, business owners must continue to execute those core practices that initially made their business successful while also identifying and implementing new efficiencies and strategies to take that success to the next level. The WBENC network helps on both fronts! “
Jennifer Ferris | Federated Service Solutions
Jennifer Ferris is the President and CEO of Federated Service Solutions, where she leads with a focus on strategy, authentic leadership, and a relentless dedication to customer success. With over two decades of experience in technology services and operations, Jennifer has been instrumental in transforming FSS into a trusted partner for enterprise-level field service, infrastructure deployment, and managed solutions across the United States, Canada, and the US Territories.
A graduate of Carnegie Mellon University, Jennifer began her career at Ford Motor Company, gaining a strong foundation in large-scale operations and systems development. She then joined Federated Service Solutions, where she worked her way up through the organization, earning respect at every level and helping shape FSS into the agile, customer-centric powerhouse it is today. In addition to her leadership at FSS, she contributes her operational expertise to Great Lakes Central Railroad and oversees The Good Shepherds, a nonprofit dedicated to leadership development and community impact.
She champions a culture of accountability, empowerment, and positivity, ensuring FSS remains a place where great people do great work. Jennifer’s leadership is fueled by a clear mission: to help businesses scale smarter, move faster, and adapt confidently in a world that never stops changing.
“ACCELERATE means leading with intention and never settling for the status quo. It’s about pushing forward faster, smarter, and with a clear vision. In business and leadership, accelerating isn’t just about speed; it’s about progress. It’s turning challenges into momentum and using every opportunity to move the company, the people, and the industry ahead.”
Nazeera Dawood | Vendorship Inc.
Dr. Nazeera Dawood is a visionary leader, entrepreneur, and advocate for diversity in business. As the Founder and CEO of Vendorship Inc., she has built a trusted firm that simplifies government and corporate contracting for businesses, ensuring a 100% success rate in proposal submissions. Under her leadership, Vendorship has become a strategic partner for organizations navigating procurement, certifications, and supplier diversity.
With a background in public health, business strategy, and government relations, Nazeera has successfully bridged gaps between businesses and contracting opportunities. Her dedication to empowering minority- and women-owned businesses has earned her multiple awards and recognitions, including proclamations from the State of Georgia and the City of Atlanta.
Beyond business, Nazeera is passionate about community engagement and advocacy. She leads ‘Chai and Just Chat,’ a platform for meaningful conversations on societal issues, and serves as a board member of Revved Up Kids, a nonprofit focused on child safety. She also champions initiatives such as the EmpowerHER Startup Fund to support women entrepreneurs.
A former physician turned entrepreneur, Nazeera blends resilience, strategy, and impact in everything she does. Her journey reflects a commitment to growth, mentorship, and creating pathways for others to succeed in government and corporate contracting.
“Within the WBENC network, ACCELERATE comes to life through collaboration, access, and strategic growth opportunities that propel women-owned businesses forward.”
Vasanthi Ilangovna | VIVA USA, Inc.
Vasanthi Ilangovan is CEO of VIVA USA Inc. She was born and raised in India, where she earned a Bachelor’s degree in English from Madras University. She immigrated to the United States in 1991. In 1996, she established VIVA USA as a full-service staff augmentation firm. Over the last 29 years, VIVA has grown from 1 employee to over 500.
Vasanthi is involved in several local and national programs, such as WBENC, NMSDC, USPAACC, and Feeding America, and she sits on the board of CMSDC. She is an ambitious entrepreneur and a risk-taker. Honesty, integrity, and transparency are core values, along with self-respect and treating others with respect. To her, leadership is not about being bossy but being passionate, friendly, caring, helpful, empathetic, humble, very focused on the target, hardworking, and life-long learning. She loves working every day.
“When the world tries to hold us back, leadership is our answer, action is our accelerator — and resilience is how we break through. Keep building. Keep rising. Keep accelerating.”
Sharon Birkman | Birkman International
Sharon Birkman served as Birkman International’s President and CEO from 2002-2022 and has recently stepped back in as the CEO and Owner. As the daughter of company founder and influential industrial-organizational psychologist Dr. Roger W. Birkman, Sharon cultivated her deep expertise in human perception and organizational behavior through her lifelong interest in The Birkman Method.
Owing to the remarkable insights of her psychologist father, Birkman has grown to include 24 languages with clients that span the globe. Her second book, Creature of Contact: Why You Need More than a Personality Test” addresses the non-negotiable human need we all share for social human connection and healthy relationships. As the company transitions to the third generation, in addition to being CEO, Sharon is also serving as Ambassador and Chair of the Board.
“This year’s theme of ACCELERATE implies action and rapid growth. It suggests what we all desire-namely, to speed up and increase the growth and success of the companies we lead.”
Cate Heaman | Prelude Solutions
Cate Heaman is the CEO and founder of Prelude Solutions, a technology consulting firm specializing in optimizing communication services and reducing costs. With a background in industrial psychology and business, she combines strategic thinking with a people-first approach to drive innovation and efficiency. Under her leadership, Prelude Solutions has helped organizations achieve an average of 33% savings, while enhancing technology management.
Cate is known for her compassionate leadership and commitment to creating meaningful impact in both business and the broader community. She has received numerous accolades, including the WBE Star Award, Titan 100 CEO Award, and Philly100 Fastest Growing Companies Award for five consecutive years, earning Hall of Fame in 2024, recognizing her contributions to business growth and leadership.
Beyond her professional success, Cate actively mentors and advocates for diversity and inclusion, fostering opportunities for women in technology and leadership. She has served on boards and committees for organizations such as Little Smiles, Health Works Academies and Help Hope Live, along with several WBEC- East Committees such as co-chairing the Awards Committee and serving on the Marketing Committee for The Forum and other related committees as well to further demonstrating her dedication to education, community impact, and social responsibility.
Cate’s leadership philosophy is rooted in compassion, integrity, and accountability. She believes that business success and social impact go hand in hand, driving Prelude Solutions’ mission to help organizations optimize costs while making a difference. Whether speaking at industry events, leading her team, or engaging with partners, Cate remains committed to innovation, efficiency, and the power of business to create positive change.
“To me, ACCELERATE means driving forward with purpose, innovation, and collaboration. At Prelude Solutions, we accelerate success for our clients by optimizing their communication technology, delivering significant cost savings, and reinvesting in the community. It’s about pushing boundaries, embracing change, and seizing opportunities to grow, not just for us but for those we support. As a WBENC-certified WBE, acceleration also means amplifying the impact of women-owned businesses, fostering partnerships, and propelling each other toward greater success. When we accelerate together, we create lasting momentum for progress.”
Linda Hamilton | Grow Profit Scale, a Division of Linda A. Hamilton, CPA LLC
Linda Hamilton is a CPA, Certified Exit Planning Advisor, and SYSTEMologist® with over 30 years of experience helping business owners build profitable, resilient, and scalable businesses. She began her career in public accounting in 1990, co-founding a regional firm before launching Linda A. Hamilton CPA LLC in 2004. Her CPA firm delivers tax strategy, accounting, and advisory services with a holistic focus—one that integrates financial fluency, business structure, and personal wellness.
As the founder of Grow Profit Scale™, Linda brings a unique blend of financial expertise and coaching to support women entrepreneurs in reaching their next level of growth. Through her signature GPS Framework and companion “Money Map” accelerator, she helps clients interpret the story behind their numbers, identify blind spots, and confidently make decisions that align with their vision.
Linda is known for her dynamic, approachable coaching style and her superpower: diagnosing what’s working, what’s not, and what’s restricting growth. She helps clients avoid costly missteps by offering clarity, not just answers. Whether she’s guiding CEOs through exit planning or helping clients shift from overwhelmed operators to confident visionaries, Linda empowers business owners to write a new chapter—one grounded in strategy, purpose, and enduring value.
Her motto: Insight leads to action. Action leads to momentum. Momentum leads to results.
Her mission: Trailblazing female founders deserve to own their future.
“Accelerating success isn’t about doing more—it’s about doing what matters most. Many business owners are working hard but not always seeing the results they hoped for.”
Bernita McCann Hightower | NextGen Fuel
Bernita McCann Hightower is the President and CEO of NextGen Fuel, a leading wholesale distributor of renewable fuels and petroleum-refined products with operations across the United States and South Africa. Under her leadership, the company has secured strategic partnerships with Fortune 100 and 500 corporations. In 2016, NextGen Fuel was recognized by the Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) as the Top Female- and Minority-Owned Energy Firm. Recently, the company was also named one of the Top 55 Fastest-Growing Companies, further cementing its place as an industry leader.
Bernita has completed several prestigious executive leadership programs, including at the Dartmouth Tuck School of Business, Procter & Gamble Business Development Program, Shell Oil & Gas Energy Executive Program, and Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses Program.
From humble beginnings in Mississippi, Bernita’s entrepreneurial spirit and drive for success have fueled her remarkable journey. Raised with the core value of “hard work” as the universal language, she ventured into various industries, such as real estate and theater production investments, before finding her passion in the energy sector. After entering the field as a Business Developer, Bernita quickly advanced to ownership, demonstrating her relentless commitment and strategic insight.
Passionate about empowering the next generation of women in business, Bernita is dedicated to creating opportunities for women to develop essential skills and thrive in the energy industry. She continues to champion the vision of fostering leadership, innovation, and business development, inspiring tomorrow’s leaders to make a lasting impact.
“For business owners and leaders looking to ACCELERATE your success, get clear on your vision! Make sure you know exactly where you want to go and what you want to achieve—everything else should fall in line with that.”
Georgia Rittenberg | ComputerCare
Georgia Rittenberg is the CEO and Owner of ComputerCare, a global IT service provider and certified Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC) company. Joining ComputerCare in 2012, she became CEO in 2016, leading the company through geographical expansion and significant growth. With operations in the U.S., Ireland, Singapore, and India, ComputerCare specializes in IT infrastructure optimization, with a commitment to driving lasting value through their procurement, IT asset management, and certified repair solutions.
With a B.A. in Community Studies from UC Santa Cruz and a background in women’s health, Georgia brings a vision of balancing short-term financial goals with long-term benefits. This focus has strengthened ComputerCare’s reputation as a conscientious and innovative partner, represented by relationships with customers like Google and Meta that have spanned well over a decade. Georgia’s leadership style emphasizes empathy, accountability, and curiosity, fostering a culture where employees feel valued and empowered. She is passionate about empowering women in tech and encourages embracing non-linear career paths. Beyond her professional achievements, she is an active member of YPO and C200, enjoys travel, and tries to complete a 1,000-piece puzzle weekly.
“ACCELERATE means creating momentum and amplifying growth. As part of the WBENC network, we do this by fostering collaboration and mutual support. Like the concept of the whole being greater than the sum of its parts, acceleration happens when individuals and organizations come together, pooling their strengths, resources, and expertise to achieve more than they could alone. By relying on and uplifting others—especially other women entrepreneurs—you create a ripple effect of shared opportunities, innovation, and success. This collective effort not only speeds up progress but also builds a stronger foundation for sustainable growth.”
Meryl Kennedy Farr | Kennedy Rice Mill and 4Sisters Rice
Born and raised in the small village of Mer Rouge, Louisiana, Meryl is the youngest of four daughters in a multi-generational farming family. After earning a degree in International Affairs with a minor in Spanish from the University of Georgia, Meryl turned down an offer to study at Oxford and returned home to join the family business.
At just 21, she led the startup and development of Kennedy Rice Mill—a state-of-the-art facility and one of the few new rice mills built in the U.S. in the last 25 years. Under her leadership, the Kennedy family agribusiness has grown to include rice farming, drying, milling, grain marketing, land management, and real estate. Kennedy Rice Mill has been recognized with several awards, including LABI’s “Manufacturer of the Year” and the Bastrop-Morehouse Chamber’s “Business Innovative Leadership Award.”
Meryl later launched 4Sisters Rice, a women-owned, sustainable brand inspired by her family’s legacy. Now available in over 10,000 stores nationwide, 4Sisters has been featured by Kroger, Sam’s Club, NBC News, Southern Living, and Kellogg’s.
She lives in Mer Rouge with her husband, Peyton, and their three young children. Meryl is passionate about mentoring young women in agriculture and regularly speaks to civic organizations. She serves on several nonprofit and industry boards and values time spent traveling with her family and connecting with close friends.
“If you want to accelerate your success, start by building the right team around you. And that doesn’t just mean employees—it means mentors, advisors, peers, and a trusted network of people who will not only challenge and support you, but also be there in the low moments to pull you up, cheer you on, and remind you of what you’re capable of. The right people make the pace sustainable—and the wins even sweeter.”
