To celebrate the conclusion of Women’s HERstory Month we thought it would be fitting to highlight four female founders who are really making a difference in our community.

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‍Dr. Jonica Rowland

‍Dr. Jonica Rowland is the CEO of JT Rowland Wholesome health and Wellness Inc. and helps people prepare and strategize for a successful and sustainable retirement life. She has over 15 years of experience in a variety of fields including banking, education, cosmetics, sales development, parent and child advocacy and more. She leans on this experience in her professional life by being a valued business and financial consultant as well as a keynote speaker. Most of her speeches have to do with corporate social responsibility as well as marketing to different cultures and generations.

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‍Shakema McClean

‍Shakema McClean is the founder of the Khyiah T Byrd International Foundation a community outreach organization with the mission of creating spaces for children with special needs and their caregivers to feel empowered, supported, and loved. From creating a network to host international students, to their work with the Rotary Club this foundation is all about providing opportunities for all children to learn, grow, and thrive despite their circumstances.

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‍Amanda Hesser

‍Amanda Hesser took a non traditional path starting her career in the Kitchens of Europe. By 24 she got the opportunity to write about food for the New York Times but eventually she decided to follow her own dreams and become an entrepreneur. She is the founder of Food52 which is part food bog part e-commerce platform for all of your kitchen needs. There are always new and exciting recipes on the site, with advice for cooking for any occasion.

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‍Caroline Makepeace

‍Caroline Makepeace and her husband Craig are two Australian natives who fell in love with Raleigh and eventually decided to raise a family here. They are the founders of the multi media publishing platform This is Raleigh that provides suggestions on things to see and do in the city for all walks of life. They run a podcast which is all about highlighting business thought leaders in the community as well as sharing their personal stories and experiences.

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These are just a small fraction of the amazing women entrepreneurs within the Raleigh Founded community. For more information about woman owned businesses within our community check out this blog post.