Nuttha Goutier Co-Founder, CEO, Franchisor, Business Development Executive at Sabai Thai Spa Empowering Leader in Wellness & Women’s Wellbeing – 2025 “Shaping a Wellness Legacy with Heart, Discipline, and Cultural Integrity ”
Sofica Bistriceanu Family Physician PhD at Academic Medical Unit CMI World’s Most Remarkable Woman in Healthcare of the Year – 2025 “Medicine should followthe patient, not the other way around. ”
Joan Gillman Lower and Middle School Science Teacher at The Browning School Inspirational Mentor Shaping Young Minds – 2025 “ Education isn’t just about teaching facts—it’s about shaping hearts, building confidence, and inspiring action. ”
Oksana Kolesnikova CEO/FRANCHISOR at Oksana Management Group, Inc passionate women of the year 2025 Fostering creativity among kids by making quality education accessible The world is full of talent and musical ability. We all need to follow our own paths, and if we’re true to ourselves, we can walk it with confidence. Oksana Kolesnikova has always followed her passions, which is why her life is full of meaning and purpose. Oksana, A Russian-born American, is a renowned pianist, composer, public speaker, and child educator who is widely admired for making a big difference in the lives of many people & organizations. She is a powerful and determined woman who deals with life, love, and business with a positive mentality and a sense of humor. Her journey began when she moved to Kazakhstan from Russia at the age of 7 and started learning classical piano in a music school. With a long and illustrious career in music, she has performed throughout the world and won several awards for her excellence as a pianist and composer. This inspirational woman is now the Founder & CEO of three well-established businesses, namely Oksana Management Group, Inc, Oksana Franchising International, and Oksana Foundation. A woman with a big heart, Oksana Kolesnikova is a hopeful and confident role model that every business should be proud of. With a positive and upbeat outlook, she is sure to bring the power of womanhood to the world. Inception story – Pianist Turned Entrepreneur A sense of purpose, a pursuit of curiosity, and a chance to make a meaningful mark on the world are what Oksana Kolesnikova lives for. As a shy child, she used to have trouble expressing herself. Oksana saw the magic happening right when she discovered her love for the piano. Thanks to her supportive parents who introduced her to this form of art. Born in Siberia, Russia, she got enrolled in a music school when she moved to Kazakhstan. Then, in her teens, Oksana moved to the US where she grasped a treasure trove of opportunities while pursuing her music training. Soon after, she bagged a scholarship in the Florida State Young Artists Symposium Competition which gave her a blissful chance to first study at Saint Petersburg College (Florida), and later at Florida State University. Definitely a pleasant turning point in her life, in 1999 Oksana met her husband-to-be, Alex, at his birthday party before attending FSU. They were married in 2000 and he became her career manager. In 2006, the duo moved to LA. This award-winning artist started her journey after graduation as a performing artist across Florida. Having repeatedly played piano, her fan base began to grow immensely and it indeed led to a palpable surge in her confidence. But she did not stop there! Her drive to achieve the best made her land a prestigious position as an in-house pianist at the legendary Polo Lounge in Beverly Hills Hotel. Oksana remembers, “It was a good learning curve for me as I performed there daily to the world-famous movie stars, celebrities, world leaders and famous entrepreneurs, people that I only used to see on TV, growing up in Russia.” As time slipped by, she became a marvelous mother to her son, Alessandro, in 2009. Although a perfect way to restore love & sanity, that phase came with a nice bundle of changes in her career as she couldn’t travel as a performer any longer. As a highly experienced professional musician, she went ahead and explored a whole host of possibilities. “I am grateful to the 7 years playing experience at the Polo Lounge. I started to build my private studio of piano students, many of whom were celebrities and their kids that I met at my glamorous gig,” Oksana adds. Later, she also opened Oksana School of Music, where she hired other instructors to teach diverse instruments alongside her. Little did she know the destiny was all prepared to feed her entrepreneurial spirit. After hustling constantly, Oksana opened her first company: Oksana Management Group, Inc. Luckily, the idea of her business model blossomed into a success. She states, “OMG focused on including not only music services, but also foreign languages, academic tutoring, Art, Acting/Drama, Chess, Financial Literacy for children and teens, and many other after school enrichment programs that are now offered not only to private clients but also to the schools (public, private, charter), school districts, municipalities and counties as well as online customers.” After soaking up the appreciation, this charismatic female entrepreneur decided to franchise her company in 2019 and that’s when her second company Oksana Franchising International was born. With a proven track record in the industry, her company is proud to offer franchising opportunities designed for entrepreneurs who want to get into the rewarding field of education. Besides, Oksana Franchising International is committed to the growth and success of its franchisees and the communities they serve. In 2020, Oksana Kolesnikova opened her 3rd company Oksana Foundation, which is a non-profit organization with a big mission. “I had a dream of having my own foundation for many years. As an artist, I used to perform at numerous fundraisers and charities events for many years, and I always dreamed to have one of my own foundation one day. I have received overwhelming support from our donors and sponsors who joined our mission to make this world a better place,” Oksana includes. The foundation is created with an aim to spread the message of hope and offer positive, creative outlets that will give children a sense of purpose. Since its opening, it has provided extracurricular educational opportunities to countless underprivileged children, free of charge. Apart from this, Oksana and her team have dedicated their time, energy, and resources to help kids who have been affected by the recent global pandemic. The world has been captivated by Oksana’s talent and perseverance to pursue dreams, without the shadow of a doubt. Her indomitable spirit towards life inspires millions of women to hustle
Kristin Marquet Creative Director & Owner at Marquet Media Innovative Leader In scientific Research And Academic Excellence -2025 Kindly brief us about the outset story of your career. My career journey commenced in the bustling streets of New York City, where I dove into public relations and branding, specifically focusing on the fashion industry. This foray into the business world ignited my entrepreneurial spark, leading to the inception of Marquet Media. What sets Marquet Media apart is its dedication to innovation within the lifestyle and fashion sectors, a commitment that has been instrumental in distinguishing our firm in the competitive New York business environment. The establishment of Marquet Media was just the beginning. My entrepreneurial ventures expanded as I identified market gaps and growth opportunities. I created Marquet Magazine, a digital platform catering to lifestyle and business enthusiasts. This venture allowed me to leverage digital media to reach a broader audience, providing insights and inspiration to a global readership. This publication largely focuses on publishing content on fashion, home and living, and design thinking. After that, I launched FemFounder, an innovative online platform to empower female entrepreneurs by providing them with essential resources, expert advice, and a supportive community. The platform serves as a beacon for women at various stages of their entrepreneurial journey, offering insights into business development, marketing, and strategic growth. FemFounder is dedicated to breaking down the barriers women often face in business, encouraging them to harness their potential and succeed in their ventures. Through inspiring content, practical tips, and real-life success stories, FemFounder educates and motivates women to transform their ideas into thriving businesses. The platform also sells bespoke marketing, branding, and social media marketing templates for those in the interior design, coaching, fashion, beauty, and sustainable brand industries. Each of these ventures is interconnected by a common thread: my commitment to innovation, quality, and empowering others. They reflect my journey from a passionate PR professional to a diversified business owner with a deep understanding of the complexities of managing multiple successful enterprises. This multi-faceted approach to business has solidified my reputation as an industry leader and continually fuels my drive to push creative boundaries and inspire others to achieve their entrepreneurial dreams. As a successful leader, which three personal qualities do you believe contributed most to your success? The three personal qualities that have been pivotal in my success are resilience, curiosity, and integrity. Resilience has allowed me to withstand the highs and lows of entrepreneurship, constantly pushing forward regardless of setbacks. This tenacity stems from a deep-seated belief in my mission and the determination to bring goals to fruition, no matter the challenges. On the other hand, curiosity has been a constant driver, propelling me to seek new knowledge continuously, understand emerging trends, and explore uncharted territories. This relentless pursuit of learning has kept my businesses dynamic and competitive. Finally, integrity has been the cornerstone of all my professional relationships. It has instilled a level of trust and respect among colleagues, clients, and collaborators that is invaluable. These relationships, built on honesty and ethical behavior, have enhanced my reputation, and led to lasting partnerships and opportunities. Together, these three qualities form the foundation of my professional ethos and continue to drive my success in the competitive world of entrepreneurship. What are the aims and ideals that guide you as an individual and a professional? My professional and personal life is deeply influenced by a steadfast commitment to excellence and a belief in the power of collaboration. I am continually driven to achieve the highest standards in all my endeavors, whether leading teams, executing projects, or mentoring others. Pursuing excellence is not just about meeting goals but about exceeding them and setting new benchmarks for success. Additionally, I am passionate about empowering young professionals, particularly women, and encouraging them to take bold and decisive steps in their careers. Creating an environment that promotes growth and assertiveness, I strive to inspire younger leaders to dream big and possess the courage to turn those dreams into reality. My dedication to these principles has shaped my approach to leadership, which is centered around nurturing talent, championing innovative ideas, and creating opportunities that allow others to shine. What have been the toughest obstacles you faced in your career? One of the toughest obstacles I faced was during the initial expansion of my business. Scaling up required financial investment and a leap of faith in my vision. Overcoming the fear of failure, particularly during uncertain economic times, tested my resolve and taught me invaluable lessons in risk management. Do you have a mantra that you live by? My personal mantra is “Persevere with grace.” This reminds me to maintain my composure and stay determined despite my challenges and during times of heated conversations. It underscores the importance of handling success and setbacks with equal humility, grace, and strength. What would be your future endeavors and where do you see yourself in the near future? Looking ahead, I plan to expand my influence within the digital marketing sphere, mainly through developing innovative strategies that leverage AI technology to enhance brand engagement. By introducing the Marquet Creative membership program and other offerings, I aim to provide exclusive access to comprehensive marketing, branding, and social media templates available via Canva, Word, Google Docs, and Google Sheets. My proprietary PR and branding frameworks and AI-powered technology will offer members unparalleled tools and resources to drive their business success. I continue to mentor the next generation of leaders, aiming to cultivate a legacy that champions progressive leadership and inclusive business practices. Your journey has been inspiring, and it sets a great example for aspiring leaders. What advice do you have for them? I advise aspiring leaders to embrace every experience as a learning opportunity. Whether you succeed or face setbacks, there is always a lesson to be learned. Cultivate resilience, seek out mentors, and never underestimate the power of networking. Your path might only sometimes be clear, but
Tejas Chopra Co-Founder of GoEB1 & Senior Software Engineer at Netflix Most Innovative Developer of the Year Tejas A. Chopra, an exceptional software engineer and an inspiring co-founder, has been making waves in the tech industry with his dual roles at Netflix and GoEB1. His expertise in building scalable distributed systems, combined with a passion for addressing real-world challenges, has earned him recognition as the “Most Innovative Developer of the Year.” Tejas’s remarkable journey highlights not just his technical prowess but also his commitment to social impact through technology. Selected for Excellence: A Leader in Innovation and Social Impact Tejas A. Chopra’s selection for the prestigious title of Co-Founder of GoEB1 & Senior Software Engineer at Netflix showcases his innovative mindset, engineering leadership, and ability to make meaningful contributions to society. His pioneering work at GoEB1, a platform co-founded alongside Mahima Sharma, is a prime example of how advanced technologies can solve complex social challenges. GoEB1 aims to help immigrants find relevant opportunities by leveraging state-of-the-art technologies like Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAGs) and Vector Databases (VectorDBs). The platform, which has been bootstrapped and profitable, is a bridge for immigrants navigating a new country’s professional landscape, showcasing Tejas’s commitment to using technology for good. At Netflix, Tejas plays a pivotal role in building and scaling distributed systems, managing exabyte-scale data for Netflix Studios. His experience at industry giants like Netflix and Box has not only shaped his technical skills but also positioned him as a thought leader in the tech space. Tejas deserves the recognition as “Most Innovative Developer of the Year” for several key reasons: Technological Leadership: As a Senior Software Engineer at Netflix, Tejas has consistently delivered high-impact solutions, notably in managing complex data systems. His work exemplifies innovation, particularly in distributed systems architecture, microservices, and scalable infrastructures. Mentorship and Community Contribution: As an International Keynote Speaker, Tejas shares his knowledge with the broader tech community, particularly on topics like cloud computing, microservices, and technology’s potential to drive social impact. His commitment to teaching and mentoring serves as an inspiration to the next generation of tech professionals. Continuous Innovation: Tejas’s approach to engineering is rooted in creativity and problem-solving. His recognition as “Most Innovative Developer of the Year” is a reflection of his ability to push boundaries, particularly in areas like AI/ML and environmental sustainability, which he has integrated into his role at Netflix. Inspirations and Vision Behind GoEB1 Tejas co-founded GoEB1 with the vision of helping immigrants navigate their professional journey in a new country. His personal experiences as an immigrant likely fueled his desire to address the challenges faced by others. GoEB1’s mission is to provide tailored opportunities to immigrants through cutting-edge technologies, enabling them to build thought leadership profiles and find meaningful work in their new home. This initiative, which has already achieved profitability, is a reflection of Tejas’s deep empathy for the immigrant community and his technical acumen in leveraging advanced technologies to create impactful solutions. Advice to Aspiring Tech Professionals Tejas’s advice to the next generation of aspiring technologists is rooted in his personal journey: “Stay curious, embrace continuous learning, and seek out diverse experiences.” He emphasizes the importance of adaptability in a rapidly evolving tech landscape and encourages young professionals to take on challenging projects or start their own ventures. His belief in the power of mentorship and teaching is another key takeaway for those looking to make an impact in the industry.