Past Winners
Picture you, here:
Pallavi Pande
Owner, Dtocs & Dtocs Consulting
Story
Growing up in India, I ate meals on banana leaves, and that simple, eco-friendly tradition stuck with me. Fast forward to years later, I’m living in the U.S., hosting parties, and feeling guilty about the piles of plastic plates left behind and thinking what can I do with my 10 years of experience in warehousing and inventory management. That’s when the lightbulb went off: why not start a brand that gives me a chance to represent my culture and save people from the sad world of single use disposables? But with palm leaves and bamboo fiber which are renewable resources in nature. And so, DTOCS: a cleansing journey with leaves was born for People+Planet+Parties!
My transformation of becoming a CEO(Chief executive officer) from a CDO (Chief Dishwashing Officer) and DTOCS tableware brand owner was born in 2019.
Business
DTOCS creates classy, compostable single-use tableware made from palm leaves and bamboo fiber for homes, events, restaurants, and foodservice businesses. Our products replace plastic, flimsy paper, and heavy rental china with elegant, durable pieces that elevate gatherings while reducing waste. DTOCS makes premium, sustainable, single-use tableware from palm leaves and bamboo fiber — with elegant shapes and patented straws that last up to 6 hours in liquids. Our products are 100% compostable in 90 days, USDA-certified, and CMA-compost approved. Recognized as GOLD Stevies Award winner, Top 100 Business in America by the US Chamber of Commerce, eliminating more than 10M units of single use disposable waste equivalent to the height of 30 Eiffel Towers we ensure fast 3-5 day delivery across the USA and Canada and soon to be launched in Europe.
Beyond our products, our brand is built on real stories—like the bulldog that turned our plate into a chew toy or the rabbits that “partied” with our tableware leftovers after a BBQ, proving our commitment to the People, Planet, and Parties ethos. Customers rave about our exclusive, elegant designs that elevate weddings, corporate dinners, and special events—offering an eco-friendly, stylish alternative to traditional tableware.
From empowering women in India through sewing machine donations to pioneering sustainable tableware innovations, we create real change. With patented leaf straws, 100% compostable packaging on a few of our products, and a mission to transform single-use disposables, DTOCS is leading the way in sustainability, style, and impact.
How the Grant Helps
This support allows us to strengthen the foundation behind our impact. We’re investing in smarter operations, packaging improvements, and inventory planning while scaling globally(in Europe in 2026) while maintaining our sustainability standards. It also enables us to expand into new markets and bring our zero-waste solutions to more families and businesses—without cutting corners or compromising values.
BIO- Pallavi Pande is a BIPOC mompreneur and founder of DTOCS, a brand creating classy, compostable tableware for events, and DTOCS Consulting, helping brands grow on Amazon. Recognized as one of America’s Top 100 Businesses, a Tory Burch Foundation Fellow, and Inc. honoree, she also leads a 2,000+ member South Asian moms group in Oregon and serves on the board of Naturally Seattle. When not building businesses or mentoring founders, she’s likely dancing Zumba or sipping wine—always championing People, Planet, and Parties.
Use coupon code DTOCS20 at checkout on our website - https://www.dtocs.com, for 20% off and free ground shipping. Happy shopping!
Chef Debra Swinson
Taste of Luv by Dee - Indianapolis
My Story
My journey as a founder comes from real life—family, faith, responsibility, and the understanding that sometimes you just have to keep going, even when the path isn’t clear. Cooking has always been my way of showing love. It’s how I bring people together, how I care for others, and how I create a sense of comfort and belonging.
I’ve learned how to make something meaningful out of what I have, to stretch resources, and to lead with heart while still holding myself to a high standard. Building this business has been about more than food—it’s been about resilience, consistency, and staying true to who I am while growing into who I’m meant to be.
My Business
Taste of Luv by Dee, LLC is built on personalized service, intentional food, and genuine connection. I provide catering and curated food experiences for private clients, organizations, and community partners who value quality, care, and attention to detail. Every meal is customized, and every event is handled with professionalism and purpose.
What makes my business different is that people feel seen and taken care of. I don’t believe food should feel intimidating or out of reach—it should feel welcoming, thoughtful, and made with intention. Taste of Luv by Dee is about creating moments around the table that feel warm, memorable, and meaningful.
How the Grant Will Help
Support from the Women’s Founders Grant will help me strengthen what I’ve already built and move my business forward with more clarity and confidence. The funding will allow me to invest in professional marketing, improve operations, and secure the tools and equipment needed to serve clients at a higher level.
This support helps turn momentum into stability—giving me the space to focus on growth, consistency, and long-term impact instead of just getting through the next event. The Women’s Founders Grant represents belief, and that belief allows me to continue building a business that not only sustains me, but also serves others in a meaningful way.
Onward & Upward,
Ashley Roberts OTR/L, MOT, C/NDT
Founder of NeuroPlay
Story
I started my business after seeing how many children were falling through the cracks in traditional therapy settings. Families were overwhelmed, waitlists were long, and care often felt rushed or disconnected from real life. As both a clinician and a business owner, I felt called to create a practice that met children where they are and supported families in a more meaningful, accessible way.
Business
My business is a pediatric occupational, speech, and physical therapy mobile practice dedicated to helping children build functional skills that support independence, confidence, and participation in everyday life. We specialize in individualized, child-centered care that goes beyond the clinic walls, supporting sensory regulation, fine motor development, emotional regulation, and daily living skills through different environments including, nature based social groups, aquatic therapy, hippo therapy. Our goal is to empower families with tools that make a lasting impact long after each session ends.
How the Grant Will Help
This grant allows me to invest directly into growing and strengthening my practice so I can serve more children and families. The funds will support expanding services, improving resources and materials used in therapy, and increasing access to care for families who need it most. This support helps turn a vision into sustainable impact, allowing my business to grow without compromising the quality and heart behind the services we provide.
SkinByTrace is a beauty and wellness brand focused on real, practical self-care. In 2018, I started creating handcrafted skincare products made with natural ingredients to reduce my reliance on chemical-based products. In 2024, I took a leap of faith and decided to pour into my business because I had a vision that I wanted to bring to life. I started offering professional waxing services (in addition to my products) with one goal in mind: helping people feel comfortable and confident in their own skin.
My work isn’t about perfection or trends; it’s about giving people a space where they feel seen, supported and understood.
This business started from my own experiences dealing with sensitive skin and the frustration of trying products that weren’t as clean, simple, or honest as they claimed to be. I wanted something different - products made with intention, services rooted in care and an approach grounded in transparency. That’s what pushed me to keep building SkinByTrace. SBT is a space where community, education and wellness come before hype.
SkinByTrace has shaped me in ways I didn’t expect. It’s become both my creative outlet and my purpose, teaching me how meaningful it is to help someone feel good in their skin. For me, skincare isn’t superficial. It’s a form of self-respect, a way to slow down and a reminder that small daily rituals can make a real difference in someone’s confidence and overall well-being.
Our Story – Supposey Venue
Supposey Warehouse & Gardens is Pensacola’s premier luxury wedding and event venue, located in the historic Tanyard district. Originally built in 1946 as a mill and foundry, this space was exquisitely restored in 2020 by wedding planning powerhouse Chloe and Nick Sexton. Chloe and Nick met in 2011 when Chloe had started Supposey as a wedding floral business. Nick brought his catering experience from South Beach to the wedding scene in Pensacola. After serving couples for 7 years with flowers, rentals, and wedding planning the venue dream became a reality in 2018. With a 2+ year renovation the property was ready to host events! Today, the venue blends Pensacola history with European influence and contemporary design. Elegantly suited for events of every scale, each detail has been meticulously curated to maximize your guests’ comfort and provide effortlessly unrivaled ambiance. The design of our expansive gardens and customizable ballroom is influenced by coastal Mediterranean villas, and are adorned with bespoke architectural elements direct from artisans in France, Egypt, Budapest, and Spain. Our 4800 sq. ft ballroom features exposed wood beams set beneath a stunning 25ft stunning vaulted ceiling. Twin glass doors connect the interior ballroom to our 4000 sq. ft gardens, complete with hundreds of twinkling string lights, and antique chandeliers to transform the space into the perfect “golden hour” event setting. The adjoining gardens boast natural southern beauty in a private tree lined courtyard, which include fountains creating an ideal romantic atmosphere. Also on premises is our photo-ready bridal Suite, and groom’s lounge, large bathrooms, and prep kitchen. As we are proud to have served Pensacola for 5 years now, we are eager to open a second location: Supposey Ballroom at Granada Square!
How We’ll Use the Grant – Supposey Venue
Winning the Women’s Founders Grant is a pivotal moment for Supposey. These funds will help us renovate our second location. We want to extend our heartfelt thanks for awarding us this generous grant. Your support is not only appreciated—it is transformative. The funds we received will go directly toward the much-needed renovation of our wedding venue, allowing us to enhance the space with updated design, improved accessibility, and modern amenities that reflect the elegance and joy that every couple deserves on their special day. This renovation will help us create a more welcoming, beautiful, and functional environment for the clients we serve—many of whom trust us with one of the most important moments of their lives. Thanks to you, we can elevate their experience and offer a space that truly brings dreams to life. We’re excited to begin this next chapter and will be sure to share the progress and impact your contribution has made along the way. Your investment in our growth is helping us build not just a venue, but lifelong memories for couples and their loved ones.
Thank you, Women’s Founders Grant, for believing in our business!
With much gratitude,
3 Chicks Films
I would like to take a moment to Thank the Women Founders Grant for giving us this grant money.
Their generosity has allowed us to continue the work we do in the community. We are a non-for-profit film production company " 3 Chicks Flicks" that has two main focuses. We provide job opportunities and learning opportunities for both the next generation of film makers but also women.
We focus on the continuing education of the next generation of filmmaker by creating workshop at reasonable prices or by going into the school systems and helping build a film club or community within the school we are able to do this work because grants just like this one. We teach kids how to make a movie step by step and allowing them the hands on experience in real time to make that happen.
Our other main focus is to help women in the business build and grow. We are all to aware of the gender gap in almost every field. We are doing our part to help make it smaller in the film industry. Every single film we make has a female lead and is heavily casted female. We give preference to women working behind the scenes as well. We take women who are interested in the business and provide on set experience to see what is all about and what they might be most interested in and then allow them to shadow and continue to build their resume and credits as they learn and grow. We create a safe place for the underserved to learn and grow in the community.
With grants like this we can make a difference in the entertainment industry, one movie or show at a time by touching so many lives.
Thank you so much for your support on our journey of filmmaking.
"I Am Unique!" is a children's book turned media brand that inspires kids (and adults) to overcome their insecurities and share their unique gifts with the world. Our products include a coloring/activity book, parent guide, teacher's guide, and merchandise. Our aim is to meet kids right where they are, and inspire them to live their lives undimmed.
What makes us unique is that I’ve turned a former childhood insecurity into a self-love and children’s media brand for kids. Here’s a 60-sec reel explaining our brand message: https://vimeo.com/264865755
Our Story
This story comes from a personal place because it stems from my childhood insecurity of having a birthmark. Growing up, I was insecure about having a birthmark. I was so insecure, that I wouldn’t wear certain tops or dresses that exposed it. For my high school prom, I had the makeup artist conceal my mark with foundation because I wanted to look absolutely beautiful that night. Fast forward to today, I realize that no one should be so insecure that they cover up a piece of who they are. You can learn more about my journey here: https://www.jennifervassel.com/about-me. My personal brand website is https://www.jennifervassel.com.
Here are some testimonials of our community impact:
How We Will Use the Grant
The grant will be used to purchase inventory for our upcoming events.
Thank you again for this opportunity!
I’m Kamilah S, a grant recipient.
We are launching the Volume 82 Speaker Series to raise awareness about social justice issues, self-care promotion, mental health awareness, and change impacting local communities.
The series will be a public event that showcases speakers and talent from various cultures and walks of life who will engage in live lectures, entertainment, and thought-provoking commentary regarding several impending issues based on their lived experiences or expertise.
Our debut event will be a two-day event focusing on crime prevention, youth leadership, education, and entrepreneurship.
We aim to make the Volume 82 Speaker Series an annual community event that’s highly anticipated each year.
The Women’s Founders Grant will help me to cover the many different costs associated with the speaker series, such as the venue, event security, the speaker honorarium, etc.
Please stay tuned for the upcoming reel I will share with the Women’s Founders Grant. I will record the reel at the event for which I was awarded the grant. I’ll credit WFG and explain my brand during the process.
Once again, I thank you for this fantastic opportunity to develop my debut project and present it to my community.
Juanita C, Miami, Florida - The CMT Studio was born from a lifelong passion for fashion and a dream to empower emerging designers and entrepreneurs. After spending 15 years in the fashion capital of New York City, I relocated to Miami, working remotely. During the pandemic, faced with industry upheaval, I pivoted and earned a master's degree in Marketing. This led to the creation of the CMT Studio, an apparel development and digital marketing agency dedicated to guiding new entrepreneurs through the brand development process.
The agency specializes in offering comprehensive branding, apparel development, and digital marketing services. We support our clients in transforming their creative visions into successful brands, whether they are startups or established businesses looking to scale. Our services include fashion design, brand strategy, digital marketing, and educational workshops. By combining expertise in fashion and marketing, we help our clients build strong, recognizable brands and navigate the complexities of the industry.
Receiving this grant will be instrumental in our growth. The funds will enable us to bring on a social media professional to manage and elevate our social media presence. This strategic hire will focus on increasing our followers, engaging with our audience, and driving customer acquisition. By enhancing our online presence, we reach a broader audience, build brand awareness, steadily attract more clients, and utilize the medium to provide knowledge and support to aspiring fashion entrepreneurs. This grant will not only help us scale our business but also amplify our impact on the next group of fashion innovators.
Her Story:
Emunah Soaps and Essentials LLC began as a heartfelt mission to provide high-quality, vegan body care products that nurture the body, mind, and soul. My inspiration stems from a deep-rooted commitment to health and wellness, influenced by my faith and a desire to offer natural, ethically-sourced alternatives to mainstream products. Seeing my son struggle with eczema drove me to create gentle, effective skincare solutions using what God has given us from the earth. This journey has not only been about creating products but also about fostering a community focused on sustainable, healthy living.
Business:
At Emunah Soaps and Essentials, we specialize in nurturing naturally with our handcrafted soaps, lotions, candles, loose leaf teas, honey and other body care products. Each item is made with love, using only the finest, ethically-sourced ingredients. We are dedicated to promoting a sustainable lifestyle, ensuring our products are kind to both the skin and the environment. Beyond our products, we support local suppliers and small businesses by sourcing ingredients locally and providing shelf space for their products in our store. This approach not only guarantees quality but also strengthens our community by fostering economic growth and building generational wealth.
How the Grant Will Help:
Winning the Women's Foundation Grant is a game-changer for Emunah Soaps and Essentials. The grant will be used exclusively to stock up on inventory for orders from our current partnerships and customers. This boost in production capacity is crucial for meeting the growing demand while maintaining our high product quality. With this support, we can ensure timely delivery to our partners, strengthen our relationships, and continue to provide exceptional products to our loyal customers. This grant will not only enhance our business operations but also allow us to make a more substantial impact on the health and wellness of our community.
Huge thanks to the Women's Foundation Grant!
I truly appreciate you!!
-Anjanet S.
Owner/ Founder of
Emunah Soaps and Essentials LLC
Brooke A from Yonkers, NY. - In Stealth Mode. I am a serial entrepreneur, having created several products and started multiple companies. Some have been a success, others have failed. What I have learned along the way is that there are two key ingredients to start up success (other than a great idea with an identified market need). You need capital and you need great people. When I started working on my current project, I applied to Women Founders Grant and was fortunate enough to be shortlisted. Natasha was one of the first people I was introduced to. I pitched the idea, described the work I had done so far and she jumped right in, offering support from the fund with no strings attached. She was an early product tester. She helped me craft my business plan and acted as my Yoda every step of the way. The support I have received from WFF has given me the resources I needed to complete my market research, develop my launch and early marketing strategy and prepare for my first quarter on the market. I am planning to launch this summer so stay tuned for updates, but I can honestly say that this journey would have been impossible without her support. If you have a great idea you need to protect it and nurture it as you work on turning into a product or service. You need to be aligned strategically but you also need partners who are truly aligned with your mission. If you are like me, you want to impact the lives of women who want the type of independence that can be achieved when you start and run a successful business. Natasha has planted the seeds of a community that is aligned, that supports and challenges its members and that will push you across the finish line. That is a gift that is critical as the capital to positioning you for success. And that is what you receive when you apply and if accepted, join this community of incredible women.
Avantee Taravez is a Visionary Strategist + Lead Designer building a technology driven B2B platform using AI to deliver modern design at a low cost to small businesses of all types across America. In beta stage, pre seed, Avantee and her two female co founders are more than just a team of brand-marketing professionals. Whether a consumer business is looking for a one-time design project, or a full-service marketing team, they are using the recent advances in AI to scale and build low cost yet high quality on-demand marketing agency services.
Christina Arora, owner of Inspired Fitness in Athens, GA. Seeing a demand in her local new Mom network for boot camps to get Mom’s back into their fitness regime, Christina is offering 3 boot camp classes per week. When she was pregnant, health issues meant she couldn’t exercise. One day she she was on her town’s Main St and realized there was a need for a boot camp company in her local community. She is now able to secure space to open and offer 12 classes on the schedule. She can also take her vision a step further, offering the ability to get that one-on-one attention and results without paying outrageous training rates plus getting the support from me personally.