When it comes to entrepreneurs who are challenging the status quo, New Jersey is home to some fearless females.

Now in its eighth year, Inc.‘s Female Founders list aims to spotlight 500 women whose innovations and ideas are leading their industries forward.

To determine its ranking, the business publication’s editors evaluated quantifiable metrics, such as revenue, sales, growth, funding and audience size. They also looked at qualitative metrics including social media momentum and stories of impact.

From startups to being acquired by big buyers or spending decades at the helm of an organization, this year’s list-makers each have unique success stories about their journeys, Inc. said. Altogether, they attracted $9 billion in 2024 revenue and $10.6 billion in funding, according to the publication.

Commenting on the latest ranking, Inc. Executive Editor Diana Ransom said, “Female founders know what struggle is, but they’re also experts of improvisation, adaptability, and creativity. The women featured on this year’s list exemplify these qualities. Through times of uncertainty, their unwavering dedication and steadfast leadership are not only inspiring but vital to driving progress.”

Here’s a look at local honorees on Inc.’s 2025 Female Founders list, and why they were featured:

Allison Lin, Like Air (Food & Beverage) – Madison

For expanding her healthy snack company’s presence to 8,500 stores, developing innovative flavors and leveraging social media to reach new customers.

Dreena Whitfield-Brown, WhitPR (Advertising, Marketing & PR) – Rahway

For diversifying its strategic communications services, achieving more than 1 billion impressions and securing 220 media placements.

Eileen Huntington, Huntington Learning Center (Education) – Oradell

For empowering a network of franchisees so that 10% of them made more than $1 million in revenue, by expanding partnerships that serve children of immigrants and children under foster/juvenile justice care, and for designing AI-powered curriculum to increase educational access.

Diana Levy, Undercover Snacks (Manufacturing) – East Hanover

For ballooning sales of her company’s natural snacks line, which has grown by 75% to 80% in grocery stores and more than 900% in convenience stores.

Jeni Britton, Floura (Food & Beverage) – Vineland

For relaying expertise building an award-winning ice cream company, Jeni’s Ice Cream, into a new brand of fiber-rich foods, produced with the help of a Michelin-starred chef and industry-leading food scientists.

Deb Muller, HR Acuity (Software) – Florham Park

For growing an online community of employee relations professionals to more than 6,000 and achieving double-digit, year-over-year revenue growth.

Gretchen Holt Witt, Cookies for Kids’ Cancer (Health Products) – Califon

For hosting more than 1,000 events to raise money for pediatric cancer research and raising $22 million in grants to partner centers.

Kimberly Vaccarella, Bogg (Consumer Products) – Secaucus

For expanding the retail presence of a line of bags and accessories to 1,900 Target stores, launching exclusive NFL and collegiate-themed products, and increasing revenue by 75%.

Missy Tannen, Boll & Branch (Retail) – Summit

For opening five new stores, adding a vintage sheet line and debuting a custom Met Gala gown featuring its cotton hat that garnered $1.85 million in earned media value.

Eirini Schlosser, Dyania Health (Artificial Intelligence & Data) – Jersey City

For developing an AI large language model that automates manual medical-chart review with 95% accuracy and raising $10 million in Series A funding.

‘An incredible honor’

Following the release of the Female Founders list, Whitfield-Brown described her inclusion as “an incredible honor and a meaningful milestone in my journey.”

“As a founder, my journey has been fueled by the desire to create lasting impact, amplify underrepresented voices, and build a legacy that empowers others,” she said. “This recognition is not just a personal achievement but a testament to the resilience of women entrepreneurs who continue to break barriers and redefine industries, as well as the collective dedication of my team at WhitPR. I am proud to stand alongside such trailblazing women who are shaping the future of business with innovation, purpose, and unwavering determination.”

Lin, who co-founded alternative popcorn brand Like Air with her brothers, said, “It’s an incredible honor to be recognized among so many talented and inspiring women entrepreneurs. This achievement reflects not only the hard work and passion of our entire team but also the support and loyalty of our customers who have been with us from the very beginning. As we continue to grow, our commitment remains to create snacks that bring joy and delight to families everywhere.”

See also:

NJBIZ presents several opportunities to recognize New Jersey’s women leaders and the companies that empower them. Find out how to nominate below:

• Leading Women in Business | Aug. 19
• Empowering Women | Nov. 18