ENTREPRENEUR 40+ Award
For women 40+, initiating and/or administering an enterprise or business.
Award Presented By: Miranda O'Sullivan, Real Estate Broker with Chestnut Park West
ENTREPRENEUR 40+ Nominees
Beth Borody
Beth is an entrepreneur and global leader in redefining the mining industry through innovation, sustainability, and inclusive leadership. As Founder & CEO of Femina Collective and Maven Exploration, she is building new pathways for women to lead, invest, and shape the future of natural resources. A Wilfrid Laurier University graduate, Beth has grown a global network of over 5,000 women and is pioneering a people-first approach to exploration and everything she does. "Women belong at every table decisions are made" and she is making space for herself and others - advocating for unapologetic leadership, radical change and bold action.
Melissa Durrell
Melissa Durrell is the founder and CEO of Durrell Communications, a strategic communications and public relations firm she launched in Waterloo Region in 2011. What began as a one-person operation working from a local coffee shop has grown into a respected, women-led agency employing more than ten professionals and advising organizations across business, government, and the non-profit sector. A former award-winning journalist and Waterloo City Councilor, Melissa combines entrepreneurial vision with civic leadership.
Ashley Gould
Ashley Gould is the owner of Cinis Marketing and a passionate entrepreneur dedicated to excellence in her profession. Through her work, she helps businesses and organizations strengthen their visibility, messaging, and growth with integrity and creativity. Ashley is also an educator, teaching branding and marketing strategy at Conestoga College, where she shares real-world knowledge with future professionals. Her career reflects a deep commitment to professional development, community impact, and helping others succeed through thoughtful, strategic marketing and helping them strengthen their resolve to follow their dreams.
Jennifer Marry
Jennifer Marry (or more commonly known as Jenna) is the owner, operator, and founder of Ink Den which is a tattoo, piercing, and event studio in Waterloo. Jenna has created a safe, inclusive, and trauma-informed studio that serves the community.
Kristy Miller
Kristy Miller, founder of The Scented Market, is an entrepreneur who has built a thriving, award winning Canadian home fragrance brand rooted in purpose, community, and education. What began in her kitchen has grown into a recognized business creating phthalate free scented soy candles that bring comfort into people’s homes. Beyond building her company, Kristy is deeply committed to giving back through community initiatives, mentorship, and sharing her entrepreneurial journey to help others succeed. She believes knowledge should be shared, not guarded, and is passionate about empowering fellow entrepreneurs, especially women, to believe in their ideas and build businesses that thrive.
Snezana "Sandy" Mlotschek
Meet Sandy from Vestika’s Oddities and Wellness. Sandy a mobile holistic practitioner, a third-generation psychic/intuitive and medium, Reiki Master/Teacher, and an Ordained Minister with CIMM and a registered officiant in the province of Ontario. She offers spiritual wellness services to all in the community regardless of culture, faith or sexual orientation. She provides a safe and welcoming environment for her clients to receive insight, find peace, explore, connect with their higher self and instill positive growth in their lives.
Ren Navarro
Ren started in 2018 as Beer Diversity. Under this company, Ren has been the go-to champion for diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) in the hospitality industry, and a drink consultant for restaurants, TV shows and individuals. The company re-branded to B Diversity Group in 2023, to expand her DEI consulting beyond hospitality. Since completing her HR Management Certificate at Seneca College in 2025, Ren has incorporated her new HR expertise into her business, specifically with policy audits, value statement development and developing inclusive hiring systems. She loves tattoos, goats, and gives pretty good hugs.