Columbia is full of women-owned businesses, female CEOs and managers who are dominating the workforce. Over the years, they have shown that it doesn’t matter what job you have; women can be the leading force in every business. Showcasing this group of women and their unmatched ambition is designed to inspire others to leave their mark on our wonderful city as well. From health care workers to lawyers to insurance professionals, these women all have unique and motivating stories you won’t want to miss. Each one of these “Women to Watch” on the next few pages is the reason our business community will continue to stand out.
Women to Watch 2025: Melissa Fudge and Victoria Schulte
Melissa Fudge and Victoria Schulte both found a deep passion for fertility when working in college. “I have always loved
Women to Watch 2025: Phyllis Nichols
Historically, the field of insurance has been male-dominated. “To break in and achieve what was necessary, and to be seen
Women to Watch 2025: Melanie Bowers
Melanie Bowers knows the powerful impact a good teacher can have on a student’s life. As the owner of Sylvan
Women to Watch 2025: Laine Young-Walker
Laine Young-Walker has always been interested in medicine. In medical school, she pivoted her focus to child psychiatry after exposure
Women to Watch 2025: Dr. Joy Sweeney, Andrea Anderson & Teresa Schmitter
Having a deep-rooted passion for their careers is something that Woodhaven Learning Center CEO Dr. Joy Sweeney, Director of Clinical
Women to Watch 2025: Amber Klempke
Working in real estate was a life-changing journey for Amber Klempke and her husband. After getting married, they discovered a
