How she shines: Leadership: She is an exceptionally hardworking and committed leader who leads by example. She consistently makes the time and effort to grow both herself and her company. She communicates with her team every morning, provides reminders and directions, and makes sure every member of her team feels informed and supported
Technology: She is actively exploring ways to implement AI into her cleaning business to improve operations, efficiency, and the way her company serves its clients. She embraces innovation and looks for practical ways to bring new technology into the industry
Sustainability: She is working towards implementing green cleaning practices and greater sustainability within her business. Her goal is not simply to run a successful company, but to build a business that is mindful of its environmental impact and the future of the cleaning industry.
Community: Giving back to the community is an important part of who she is. Every Thanksgiving, she consistently prepares food for a homeless shelter in Baltimore. She demonstrates that leadership extends beyond the workplace and that success is also about serving and supporting others.
Teamwork: She is deeply involved with her team and maintains consistent communication with her employees. She checks in with team members every morning, provides guidance and reminders, and works collaboratively to keep everyone moving toward the company's goals. She also shares her knowledge with others in the cleaning industry.
Development: Her commitment to personal and professional development is exceptional. She drove from Westminster to McLean, Virginia, every Thursday for about nine months to participate in Clark Construction's Strategic Partnership Program. While still completing the program, she was accepted into Goldman Sachs' 10,000 Small Businesses program and began making the trip to Baltimore, sometimes twice a week, to complete the program while continuing to run her company.
She has also invested in developing other leaders in the industry by completing a master class focused on construction cleaning for emerging leaders in the cleaning industry. Her willingness to continually learn, challenge herself, and then share that knowledge with others demonstrates a genuine commitment to developing the industry as a whole.
Overall, she exemplifies what it means to be an influential woman in the cleaning industry. She is committed to her company, her employees, her own growth, her community, and the continued advancement of the cleaning profession.
Years in the industry: 20 years
Job responsibilities: She contributes substantial personal time, oversight, and labor in managing the business. This includes handling all day-to-day administrative duties, marketing, client engagement, and strategic decision-making. Her time and commitment represent a critical non-cash contribution to the company’s success. The company recently acquired a 2500-unit apartment complex. She was able to hire all 35 new employees, and they all report to her directly.
She maintains full operational and managerial control of the business and makes most of the strategic and financial decisions. She does not currently hold any professional licenses specific to the business’s industry, but she is fully responsible for compliance, operations, and growth planning.
Career path: She's gone from Cleaner to Nurse Tech to Nurse to Entrepreneur.
Best advice received: The best career advice the nominee has received is to never stop learning, invest in yourself, and be willing to step outside of your comfort zone. She has learned that growth requires commitment, consistency, and the courage to pursue opportunities even when they require sacrifice. She has put that advice into action throughout her career. From driving every Thursday from Westminster to McLean, Virginia, to participate in Clark Construction's Strategic Partnership Program, to completing Goldman Sachs' 10,000 Small Businesses program while continuing to run her company, she has demonstrated that you have to be willing to put in the work to grow. She also believes that the knowledge you gain should not stop with you. She continues to invest in her own development while sharing what she learned with emerging leaders in the cleaning industry. Her career has taught her that true growth comes from continuously learning, embracing change, and helping others grow along the way.
Fun fact: Something people might be surprised to learn about her is that she is a liturgical dancer. It is beautiful expression of her faith and a side of her that many people don't get to see. People may also be surprised by just how hard she works every day. She has a way of making everything look easy, even when she is balancing her family, faith, business, team, and personal growth. What people don't always see is the tremendous amount of work, dedication, and sacrifice behind the scenes.