"This year I am feeling really thankful that my children are doing well and my business is flourishing. I work hard but I am grateful to be a woman."- Maria Serrano is the owner of Maria's Kitchen on Shelter Island.
Read moreRahama Wright
"I was on an airplane with my family and was seated next to an older man. He asked me to play Go-Fish, and while playing his hand started going up my skirt. I stood up and moved to an empty seat next to my brother. I was twelve years old, going through puberty, and thought I was doing something wrong - I always felt I was running away from my body. I wanted to cover up to avoid all the predatory sexual advances from grown men. I'm working through that body stuff now and working on empowering women in through my work in Ghana." - Rahama Wright, a former Peace Corps Volunteer, is the founder of Shea Yeleen, a social enterprise that promotes sustainable economic development in rural Sub-Saharan Africa.
Julia Pimsleur
"It’s ironic, some women worry that taking maternity leave will stall their career. Having a child and taking a leave from my job led me to starting my business and has been the most rewarding and fulfilling part of my career.” - Julia Pimsleur founder of LittlePim and author of "Million Dollar Women”.