Last month, I had the extraordinary honor of being named one of Enterprising Women Magazine’s Enterprising Women of the Year—a global recognition celebrating women entrepreneurs for leadership, mentorship, and meaningful business growth. The award itself was humbling. But what stayed with me most wasn’t the plaque or the spotlight—it was the people.

Over 250 women gathered in Nashville, each of us representing different industries, backgrounds, and corners of the world. Yet, the energy in the room felt deeply unified. We were there not just to celebrate our own accomplishments, but to share lessons, support one another, and explore how we can collectively lift the next generation.

One of the most moving moments came when we heard from entrepreneurs from Afghanistan and Rwanda—brilliant, bold women rebuilding businesses and communities in the wake of adversity. Many were part of the Peace Through Business program, which helps women in post-conflict regions start and sustain businesses. Listening to their stories reminded me that entrepreneurship isn’t just about strategy—it’s about courage. It’s about using your voice even when you feel uncertain. It’s about creating something meaningful and choosing to keep going, especially when the road gets hard.

Throughout the conference, we shared ideas on using AI in small businesses, growing sales in mission-driven organizations, and balancing impact with scale. But what resonated most was the unspoken agreement between us: that leadership is about responsibility. As women in business, we’re not just building companies—we’re building culture. When we grow, we bring others with us. We mentor. We advocate. We model what’s possible.

That idea is especially personal to me. My business, Fraser Communications, is proudly woman-owned and driven by a team of diverse, brilliant individuals. For over 25 years, we’ve built campaigns that move people—whether that’s encouraging families to seek behavioral health support, selling auto insurance, motivating people to go to a dealership to service their cars, or inspiring pet parents to go to a vet. But none of that happens in a vacuum. It takes a network. It takes vision. And it takes a belief that your work can—and should—have purpose.

This award reminded me why we do what we do. Recognition is meaningful, yes. But it’s what you do with that platform that matters. My hope is that this moment doesn’t just mark an achievement for me—but also encourages other women leaders to speak up, take risks, and trust their voice. Especially those just starting out. You never know who’s watching, who’s learning, or who might be inspired to start their own path because they saw someone like them make it a little further down the road.

As I left Nashville, I carried with me not just an award, but a renewed sense of gratitude. For my team. For our clients. For the opportunity to do work that matters. And for the responsibility to keep mentoring, encouraging, and opening doors wherever I can.

Because in the end, this isn’t just about awards—it’s about impact. And that’s what drives me, every single day.

Warmly,

Renee Fraser, PhD

CEO, Fraser Communications