The 10 Most Admired Women in Business - 2025

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ED IT OR’ SNote Connec?ng Through Culinary Passion I n the world of food, passion often goes beyond mere cooking; it becomes a bridge that connects people. This journey began with a simple yet profound love for culinary arts, coupled with a desire to bring together those who share this enthusiasm. The vision was clear: create a space where food lovers could gather, share experiences, and inspire one another. This idea blossomed into an innovative brand, designed to foster community and collaboration among food enthusiasts. By offering a platform that encourages interaction, the brand sought to redefine how people engage with food. It became more than just a business; it transformed into a vibrant hub for sharing recipes, cooking tips, and personal stories. The essence of this brand lies in its commitment to inclusivity. Whether someone is an experienced chef, or a novice cook, everyone is welcome. The focus is on celebrating diverse culinary traditions and exploring new flavors together. This approach not only nurtures individual creativity but also builds lasting relationships among members. As the platform grew, it embraced modern technology to enhance user experience. Features like interactive cooking classes and virtual tasting events allowed participants to connect in real-time, making the culinary journey even more enriching. Ultimately, this endeavor highlights the power of food as a unifying force. It serves as a reminder that through shared culinary experiences, people can forge meaningful connections that transcend boundaries and create lasting memories. In the latest edition of Women Times Magazine, we are thrilled to spotlight Michelle Mazzara, recognized as one of the "10 Most Admired Women in Business, 2025." Faced with challenges such as intense competition and the intricacies of modern technology, Michelle demonstrated remarkable adaptability. She drew on her experiences and insights to develop products that genuinely resonate with consumers. This evolution not only showcases her innovative spirit but also aligns with a larger trend in the food industry, where authenticity and health-conscious choices are increasingly prioritized. Have a good read ahead!

T I M E S Editor-in-Chief Deputy Editor Managing Editor Assistant Editor Visualizer Art & Design Head Art & Design Assitant Business Development Manager Business Development Executives Technical Head Assitant Technical Head Digital Marketing Manager Research Analyst Circulation Manager Thanh Truong Sam Carter Alaya Brown Maria Evans Chris Carter Millie Simon Judy Smith Phoebe Jacob Aisha, Olivia David Walker Mia Rodricks Helena Smith Eric Smith Richard Martinez F E A T U R I N G Michelle Mazzara Championing Heart-Healthy Living Through Flavourful Innovation 06 A R T I C L E S 14 18 How Mentorship is Changing the Game for Women in Business The Role of Networking in Advancing Women’s Careers Follow us on www.facebook.com/womentimesmagazine www.twitter.com/womentimesmagazine We are also available on RNI No.: MAHENG/2018/75953 Copyright © 2025 Women Times Magazine, All rights reserved. The content and images used in this magazine should not be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without prior permission from Women Times Magazine. Reprint rights remain solely with Women Times Magazine.

Feuring ichelle azzara Michelle Mazzara Founder and CEO Luvafoodie LLC

The 10 Most Admired Women in Business - 2025 Uniting Food Enthusiasts through Shared Passions and Innovative Products! S those who share this fervour. This vision ignited the creation of a platform aimed at uniting food enthusiasts, leading to the birth of an innovative brand that would ultimately redefine its mission. Let us know more about her journey: The Evolution of Luv a Foodie, LLC ometimes, culinary passions intertwine with personal journeys. This story begins not just with a love for food but with the desire to forge connections among Michelle embarked on her entrepreneurial journey by founding Luv a Foodie, LLC in 2014, initially as an online dating platform tailored for food enthusiasts. The concept aimed to connect singles who shared a passion for culinary experiences. However, within a year, the brand evolved into a clean eating initiative, shifting its focus from dating to promoting healthy food choices. This transformation allowed Luv a Foodie to grow into a recognized brand that emphasizes quality ingredients and innovative foodie products, catering to a community of health-conscious food lovers. As challenges arose, including fierce competition and the complexities of technology, Michelle Mazzara pivoted, channelling her experiences and insights into crafting products that resonate deeply with consumers. This evolution reflects a broader trend in the food industry, where authenticity and health-conscious choices are increasingly valued. Overcoming Challenges in Building LuvaFoodie Michelle stands at the forefront of this culinary revolution as the Founder and CEO of Luv a Foodie, LLC. Originally created in 2014 as a food-loving online dating service, the brand had a dramatic metamorphosis into a clean eating company with a wellness and health focus. Michelle faced significant challenges when launching LuvaFoodie, particularly in developing a matching algorithm for her original dating website aimed at food lovers. Lacking experience in this area, she sought assistance from a team of web developers. Michelle used her personal experiences to create a line of salt-free spices for people looking for tasty yet heart- healthy solutions after being diagnosed with heart disease. Her journey has a significant influence on the food business and beyond by promoting heart health awareness, especially among women, and elevating culinary experiences. Together, they created a comprehensive questionnaire designed to pair singles based on their food preferences. This collaborative effort not only addressed the technical hurdles but also laid the foundation for the brand's evolution into a clean-eating company, highlighting her determination and adaptability in the face of obstacles. Inspiration from Heart Disease Michelle's experience with heart disease profoundly influenced her work at Luv a Foodie. Diagnosed in August 2016, she became a brand ambassador for the American Heart Association in Minnesota in early 2017. This journey motivated her to create a line of salt-free spices in February 2017, specifically designed for individuals managing heart disease and those seeking low-sodium options. Through her products, she aims to promote healthier eating habits and raise awareness about heart health, reflecting her commitment to improving the lives of others through nutritious food choices. Creating Flavourful, Heart-Healthy Spices Michelle developed her salt-free spice line with a focus on taste and heart health. Collaborating with her co-packer,

Empowerment Through Advocacy overall well-being. Through her experiences, she aims to inspire others to adopt these practices, promoting not only heart health but also a balanced and fulfilling life. Michelle's involvement with the American Heart Association and the Go Red for Women campaign profoundly shaped her health and wellness approach. Surrounded by other women facing heart disease, she found the experience both rewarding and empowering. Advocating for Women's Heart Health Michelle plays a vital role in raising awareness about heart disease, particularly among women. After experiencing a misdiagnosis related to her heart condition, she became actively involved with the American Heart Association in Minnesota. Through local television and media appearances, she shares her personal story to highlight the prevalence of heart disease in women and the importance of accurate diagnosis. This inspired her to expand the Luvafoodie brand beyond spices, leading to the creation of an all-natural instant cold brew iced tea line free from sugar and artificial ingredients. Most recently, she launched a clean eating line of salad dressing dip mixes, reflecting her commitment to promoting healthy choices and supporting heart health within her community. With a family history of heart issues and high cholesterol, she emphasizes the need for women to advocate for their health and seek appropriate medical attention when experiencing symptoms like chest pain and shortness of breath. Pet Wellness Spice Blends Inspired by her love for animals, Michelle developed a wellness line of spice blends specifically for dogs and cats. she crafted spice blends that deliver taste without the use of salt, addressing her own dietary needs due to heart disease. Among her creations are the Ginger Lime and Citrus Lovers blends, both designed to enhance various dishes while promoting a low-sodium lifestyle. The six sodium-free spice options can be used on proteins, fish, salads, and vegetables, providing tasty alternatives to traditional seasoning methods, and supporting heart-healthy living for consumers. Heart Health Message As a heart disease survivor, Michelle emphasizes the importance of an active lifestyle for prevention and healthy living. She advocates for regular exercise, a diet free from processed foods, and the inclusion of heart-healthy vegetables and proteins. She recommends maintaining a low-sodium diet and minimizing alcohol consumption. Additionally, she highlights the significance of adequate sleep and self-care in

The motivation stemmed from her experience with her aging dog, Lucy, who faced appetite loss and cognitive challenges. To stimulate Lucy's appetite and improve her overall wellness, she created the Luvafoodie Dog Lovers spice blend. Remarkably, Lucy lived to be seventeen and is honored with her picture on the spice tin. The unique herbs and spices in both the Dog and Cat Lovers blends are designed to be mixed into pets' food, enhancing their nutrition and promoting better health. By focusing on natural ingredients, she aims to support pet wellness while ensuring that every meal is appetising and nutritious for beloved companions. packer who has her recipes on file. This partnership ensures that each blend is crafted without fillers or chemicals. The core philosophy of Luvafoodie is to promote clean eating, avoiding artificial colors and ingredients. By focusing on natural ingredients, she guarantees that her products not only taste great but also contribute to a healthier lifestyle for her customers. Future Plans for Luvafoodie Currently, Michelle has no new product launches planned for Luvafoodie. Instead, she recently published a book titled The Making of Luvafoodie Brand in November 2024, which chronicles her decade-long journey in building the brand. Customer Response to Luvafoodie Products Customers have responded enthusiastically to Michelle's Luvafoodie gourmet spice blends and other product lines. They appreciate the gourmet flavors that are rich and vibrant, enhancing their culinary experiences. The book not only shares her entrepreneurial experiences but also addresses her struggles, including her battle with heart disease. In 2025, she will focus on book signings and speaking engagements to promote her story and raise health awareness, further connecting with her audience. Many customers are also drawn to the story behind the brand, which reflects her passion for food and her journey. This connection adds an emotional layer to the products, making them more than just spices; they represent a commitment to quality and wellness that resonates deeply with consumers. Ensuring Quality Michelle maintains high standards of quality for her Luvafoodie products by collaborating closely with a co-

How Mentorship is Changing the Game for Women in Business T his last couple of years have made business landscapes shift, giving more room for growth and space for women to blossom at its core; the tool here is that of mentorship-a tool in a process redefining the ways women engage in careers, mentorship being the guiding principle, confidence building, opening doors, while a supportive environment offers women an environment to freely soar. This article discusses how this aspect of mentorship is changing the game for women in business, moving toward a more dynamic and equitable workforce. The Significance of Mentorship Mentorship is that relationship in which experienced professionals help and guide people who are not as advanced in their careers. Such a relationship could be formal and organized by a company or an informal connection as a result of networking. For women, mentorship is very important because the business world has traditionally been male-dominated. Among the benefits of mentorship is access to priceless insights and knowledge. A mentor, after a certain period, would have passed through all the hurdles in his or her respective field of work and could share the experience and the wisdom with the mentee. Information exchange helps women avoid pitfalls others might have faced, making better career choices. Visibility of such successful female mentors also inspires them to envision themselves in leadership roles, strengthening the notion that such achievements are achievable. www.womentimesmagazine.com www.womentimesmagazine.com January, 2025 January, 2025 14 15

Building Confidence and Skills The Future of Mentorship which women are built up around others creates a more inclusive business culture. The greatest challenge for many women in business is a lack of confidence. Societal expectations and internalized doubts hinder their aspirations to advance. Building confidence is, therefore, very key in mentorship, offering reassurance and constructive feedback. Mentors can encourage women to embrace their strengths and challenge them to step outside their comfort zones. With the overwhelming changes perpetually unfolding in business landscapes, women are going to have more importance attached to mentoring now. The deployment of technology has already revamped how mentoring processes are delivered across boundaries by various virtual interfaces between the mentors and the mentees. With these services slowly being introduced to wider tiers of customers, it only makes women's boundaries expand, integrating even wider streams of professionals toward experiencing further brilliance. Role of Organizations Organizations are now waking up to the reality of mentorship programs for women in the workplace. Companies are now increasingly initiating structured mentorship initiatives that would help them push diversity and inclusion. Such programs will help the professional development of women and will lead to a more innovative and dynamic workforce. Third, mentorship is a gateway to skill- building. Mentors would identify areas for improvement and suggest material or strategies for change. In terms of skills, negotiation is one, as well as public speaking. Strategic thinking may also be the case. This implies that such skills relate to career development, and those women engaged with mentors are likely to search for leadership roles or more demanding assignments because they believe that someone has managed to prosper at the same position. Organizations benefit in so many ways when they engage women in mentorship programs. Companies enhance leadership pipelines and thereby improve business performance, as a diversity of teams would drive better decisions and creativity hence giving them competitive advantage in the market. It thus becomes not merely a moral investment but a strategic investment that would most likely bring lots of returns in business. Further, mentorship will most likely transcend the business world and go into more sectors, such as technology, finance, and entrepreneurship, among others, which realize that mentorship is required for women with unique problems in their fields. As this movement catches on, there will be a new wave of women who will feel the passion to take the business world in new directions. Opportunities in Networking Conclusion Cracking Stereotypes One of the essential components of career development is networking. Networking, with mentorship support, will enhance women's capacity to participate in career networking opportunities. With an enormous professional network, a mentor can expose her protégée to various contacts within their respective fields of expertise. It leads to access to jobs, partnership, and other collaboration that they might otherwise miss. Mentorship is also important in breaking down stereotypes women face in business. Stereotypes can overwhelm women in the business world. Stereotype many times prevents women from growing in business. Mentorship offers a woman considerable models to ward off these stereotypes and determine how women in business are successful. The great thing about mentorship is that it plays a different ball game for women working in business. They receive priceless support, gain in confidence, become more skilled, and expand their networks. With an organization putting an emphasis on developing female talent and increasing its number, the overall effect will reflect on the entire business world. Building female talent would not only foster equality but would also enhance innovation and success. The future looks bright for women in business and is being paved by mentorship. This is possible because of women empowering one another to success heights and changing what can be done in business. It will shake the status quo and give an impression that women can do anything when mentors, especially at higher levels, support and advocate for their mentees. This will not only benefit the mentees but will influence organizational culture and societal perceptions of women in leadership. Moreover, networking through mentorship forms a sense of community for women in business. As the relationships grow, the mentees can become advocates for each other, and thus create an extensive network that is above and beyond the mentor-mentee relationship. Such collaboration breaks down barriers, and the environment in www.womentimesmagazine.com January, 2025 16

The Role of Networking in Advancing Women’s Careers ne of the important factors for career building is working in O involve them. Networking in the industries, organizations, and communities could lead to opening doors, creating opportunities, and providing support systems. Knowing how networking advances women's careers is very important for the creation of equality and for the empowerment of women to fully thrive in the professional world. a network. It is more significant to women since they often have problems within the corporation that, to a large extent, Understanding Networking Networking is the process of establishing relationships with people who may be able to help a person in terms of receiving direction, support, and opportunity. It is not just about passing business cards or connecting with other people on social media but creating connections that may have potential for mutual advantage. In this regard, connections can play an important role for women as they navigate their careers. It pitches many women to male-dominated businesses; therefore, they find themselves isolated at some point in life or don't know whether to put themselves. It creates networking communities that bring closer people around someone who fosters the encouragement and makes it easier for her or him to build confidence about application for any form of leadership posting or even an advanced position in life. The Significance of Mentorship Mentorship is the core of networking. A good mentor in any field determines the upward trajectory of a woman's career. Since a mentor shares experiences, guides, and navigates one through challenges, it, therefore, becomes easy for them to either recommend mentees to other professionals or directly introduce. www.womentimesmagazine.com www.womentimesmagazine.com January, 2025 January, 2025 18 19

There are difficulties that women's careers usually encounter and thus deny them an opportunity to promote themselves upwards. This can be attributed to a situation of less visibility, bias, or even lack of role models. A mentor may give a person advice constructively on particular problems and hence this will make it better. Different relationships with different mentors can help guide women through knowing what decisions would be correct regarding their career paths. Women can add more value to their profiles by commenting on relevant posts, sharing information, and networking with other professional persons. The more a woman interacts with such communities, the higher will be her credibility and recognition. Online networking may gain women entry across borders and contact people from different parts of the world who can offer them support and advice. Preparation is also important. A clear understanding of professional goals and the ability to express interests can make conversations more productive. Practicing conversation starters, questions, and topics can also ease anxiety when attending networking events or meetings. Networking for Long-Term Success It is not a short-term approach; it's continuous. Maintenance of relationships breeds success in one's job in the long run. Periodic follow-up on contacts helps keep the relationships alive. A simple message of checking up, sharing articles related to their field, or offering assistance keeps the connection going. With changing careers comes the change in networking strategies. New roles and industries require adjustments to the dynamic world, but continuous opportunity-seeking for connecting with other people will advance a career. Being connected with the professional community opens doors for new possibilities and partnerships that may advance one's career. The Magic of Collaboration Collaboration is one of the most powerful aspects of networking that can lead to career advancement. Working with others on projects or initiatives can show skills and abilities while expanding one's network. When women collaborate, they create opportunities not only for themselves but also for others, empowering each other to grow professionally. Networking of Diversity Diversify in networking. Diversity in your network can open doors to multiple ideas and opportunities. Connections with women must be balanced by connections with different people who belong to other experiences and backgrounds. This ranges from professionals with varying industries, professions, and competencies. Joining some groups or organizations that work towards the empowerment of women can create some more opportunities for mutual collaboration. Actually, organizations usually organize some events, workshops, and panels, which are also a good platform for mutual skill gaining, knowledge acquisition, and networking opportunities for women. Being part of such a great mutual community can really be a direct route to great professional growth. Networking events, workshops, and industry conferences are a great opportunity to meet a variety of professionals. Engaging in discussions, asking questions, and actively participating can lead to meaningful connections. Furthermore, building a diverse network encourages collaboration, which can enhance creativity and innovation—essential components of successful careers. Conclusion In creating real relationships, seeking mentors, embracing diversity, leveraging the web, and enabling teamwork, women may build opportunities for themselves and others through networking. Though such difficulties present themselves, a proactive attitude will make networking worth the time spent and even powerful. Therefore, good networks will help women move forward with careers to their full potential for growth and professional fulfillment. How to Deal with Networking Challenges Utilizing Online Platforms However, despite all the advantages of networking, it can be daunting for many, especially those who are more introverted or suffer from low confidence. These challenges can be overcome with proactive measures. For example, instead of feeling overwhelmed by networking, small goals can be set, starting with meeting one new contact per week. Social media is an important online networking in the present digital world through which women can connect with key industry leaders or share their success stories and the skills they hold. It may be an efficient way to enhance their online profile, thus appealing potential employers, partners, or even mentors. www.womentimesmagazine.com Stay in touch. Subscribe to WOMENTIMESMAGAZINE Get WOMENTIMESMAGAZIME in Print, & Digital on www.womentimesmagazine.com T I M E S www.womentimesmagazine.com January, 2025 20

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The 10 Most Admired Women in Business - 2025

The 10 Most Admired Women in Business - 2025

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