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Gwendolyn Doss: Leading with Purpose and Passion
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The 10 Most Inspiring Women Leaders Making A Difference, 2024 FORTUNES TIME September 2024 Executive Director The Marquia Lewis Foundation PG NO.28 Elevating Underrepresent ed Voices while Guiding Cultural Change Leading with Purpose & Passion Gwendolyn Doss www.fortunestime.com
EDITOR’S NOTE Women have been tearing down barriers, smashing glass ceilings, and paving the way for future generations in the field of business leadership. In terms of gender inclusion and diversity, a lot has happened in the last twenty years. However, it is evident that we now need to be much more resolute and emphasize the advantages even more. In general, diversity is advantageous for businesses in every way. It promotes alternative ways of thinking, produces better outcomes and choices, and opens up new avenues for personal development. Reforming Business Landscape Fortunes Time's latest edition“The 10 Most Inspiring Women Leaders Making a Difference, 2024”has featured female executives who have had a lasting impact on the business sector by pushing innovation and growth and questioning the status quo. Let's explore the incredible lives of women who have revolutionized leadership and motivated others to pursue similar paths. The cover has Gwendolyn Doss, known as Gwen, Director of The Marquia Lewis Foundation. Gwen grew up in St. Louis, MO, as the youngest in her family, raised by a single mother alongside her brother and two sisters. Initially a shy and quiet child, she began to come out of her shell during high school and has since thrived in various ways that are both exciting and fulfilling. Professionally, Gwen has built a distinguished career as a senior engineering leader at The Boeing Company, where she has worked for 29 years. She is a John Maxwell Certified Professional Coach and Mentor and has been actively involved in several organizations, including the Society of Women Engineers, the National Society of Black Engineers, Boeing Women in Leadership, and Boeing Believers in Christ, where she serves as President. She is also a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, and an alumna of the Greater Missouri Leadership Challenge class of 2022, a program that recognizes women leaders across Missouri and provides opportunities for community engagement. Also, while you flip through the pages, don't forget to read the articles created by our in-house editorial staff and industry experts.
FORTUNES T IME CREDIT PAGE Elizabeth Graves Vijay Khulpe Dafny Meyer Tony Anderson Editor-in-Chief Managing Editor Executive Editor Assistant Editor Art & Design Director Head of Design Department Charles Lee Sanket Zirpe Associate Designer Sarah Jones Business Development Manager Business Development Executive Noah Wagner Robert Taylor Digital Marketing Manager Sales Manager Marketing Manager Technical Specialist Circulation Manager Laura Wright Albert Hill Stacey Flores Jennifer Thomas Carol Green September 2024 For More Details : Email: info@fortunestime.com Address. 8 The Green Suite R, Dover, DE 19901, USA Copyright 2024 Fortunes Time, 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 Fortunes Time Reprint rights remain solely with Fortunes Time.
Cover Story 08 Gwendolyn Doss Leading with Purpose and Passion
18 28 22 Joey Wat Alice Dr. Sheila Robinson 42 Marina Campbell 52 Tricia Griffith Weigthman 32 Jenny Lee 38 Kirsten Green 48 Tanya Goodwin 46 Mel Lim
COVER STORY Gwendolyn Doss Leading with Purpose & Passion Fortunestime.com | 09
An executive director is someone who manages and leads an organization to success by helping to steer the organization towards fulfilling its mission, and Gwendolyn Doss, known as Gwen, exemplifies this role as the Executive Director of The Marquia Lewis Foundation. Gwen grew up in St. Louis, MO, as the youngest in her family, raised by a single mother alongside her brother and two sisters. Initially a shy and quiet child, she began to come out of her shell during high school and has since thrived in various ways that are both exciting and fulfilling. also deeply involved in her church as one of the ministerial staff leaders. Additionally, Gwen dedicates a great deal of her efforts to The Marquia Lewis Foundation, a nonprofit organization she founded in honor of her late daughter, Marquia. The heartbreaking loss of her daughter profoundly changed her life, shifting her focus toward making a positive impact in others' lives in honor of her daughter's memory. Background and Personal Philosophy Gwen holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science from Grambling State University in Grambling, LA, a Master's Degree in Computer Resources and Information Management from Webster University in St. Louis, MO, and a Master of Business Administration from Olin Business School at Washington University in St. Louis, MO. Beyond her professional and philanthropic work, Gwen devotes much of her time to mentoring and counseling both students and adults. She is a Professionally, Gwen has built a distinguished career as a senior engineering leader at The Boeing Company, where she has worked for 29 years. She is a John Maxwell Certified Professional Coach and Mentor and has been actively involved in several organizations, including the Society of Women Engineers, the National Society of Black Engineers, Boeing Women in Leadership, and Boeing Believers in Christ, where she serves as President. She is also a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, and an alumna of the Greater Missouri Leadership Challenge class of 2022, a program that recognizes women leaders across Missouri and provides opportunities for community engagement. Outside of Boeing, Gwen volunteers throughout her community and serves in ministry when and wherever needed. She is 10 | September 2024
woman of faith and integrity, committed to making a difference both professionally and personally. When not volunteering or serving in some capacity, Gwen enjoys listening to gospel music, spending time with family and friends, and taking long walks in the park. Overcoming Challenges Gwen's journey has been marked by numerous challenges, struggles, and setbacks, yet she has consistently drawn strength from the Word of God, encouraging words, positive affirmations, and the belief that she didn't have to remain confined by her circumstances. This mindset propelled her to where she is today. One of her favorite scriptures is Ecclesiastes 7:8: "The end of a matter is better than its beginning, and patience is better than pride." Gwen believes that, through Christ, things will always end up better, no matter how they start, when she places her trust in the Lord Jesus Christ. In high school, Gwen served as the President of the Student Council. During a senior awards day, the 12 | September 2024
Student Council sponsor delivered a speech that left a lasting impression on her. He said, "I want my daughters to be just like her." This statement, which acknowledged something exceptional in Gwen, inspired her to push even harder towards her goals. Despite being labeled a nerd in high school, Gwen was voted the most popular person in her senior year. Her classmates in both high school and college were often amazed at her ability to excel academically while actively participating in various activities and holding leadership roles. A recent encounter with the mother of a childhood friend brought back memories. The woman remarked, "You always said you would be successful and make money." Gwen smiled, grateful that she had never given up during difficult times. She was the first person from her childhood neighborhood to go to college, graduate, and achieve a successful career—all due to her determination. Getting to college wasn't easy. With her mother unable to afford tuition, Gwen seized the opportunity when Grambling State University offered her a scholarship, choosing it over three other accepted offers. Her journey wasn't without its trials; Gwen became pregnant during her senior year of college. Her father, disappointed and assuming the worst, feared it would derail her future. However, Gwen was determined to prove him wrong. She graduated on time, with honors, from Grambling State University—a historically black college—driven by sheer determination. Despite Gwen's accomplishments, she continues to face and overcome challenges. The loss of her father, her brother, her daughter and most recent, her mother, all before the age of 50, left Gwen feeling somewhat empty. Yet, it was the devastating loss of her daughter, Marquia, that changed Gwen's life forever. On the night of September 16, 2016, two state troopers arrived at her door with the tragic news that her only child, had been killed in a car accident. This tragedy reshaped Gwen's perspective on life, intensifying her commitment Fortunestime.com | 13
to making a difference, particularly for African American students. Marquia, 23, was a recent college graduate, engaged to be married, and embarking on a promising career as a Project Engineer in Kansas. Marquia was known for her zeal, big dreams, passion, and care for others, and Gwen has continued her legacy through the foundation, providing scholarships to graduating high school seniors and college students. Gwen is passionate about helping students, especially those from underprivileged backgrounds or situations where their potential may not be recognized. From the pain of losing her only child, Gwen founded a non-profit organization to provide financial scholarships to assist others in need, helping to push them towards their destiny. Two of her favorite phrases—"Nothing is too hard for God!" and "All things are possible with God"—reflect her deep faith. Gwen's most important priority is her relationship with Christ, and she strives to glorify God in all she does. She considers herself a woman of integrity, known for her dependability and faithfulness. Once committed, she is all in, willing to go the extra mile for her work, community, students, family, and most certainly, for God. Gwen is dedicated to making a difference in the lives of students and within the STEM field, offering encouragement, positive reinforcement, and the benefit of her experience. She strives for excellence in everything she does and encourages others to do the same. Her message to anyone struggling to succeed and unsure of what comes next is simple: "Be determined! Never give up!” Inspiring Others Through Faith and Commitment Gwen continually seeks ways to uplift and support others. Hearing the ambitious stories, extravagant goals, and strong desires of others excites and inspires her to push forward even more resolutely. For Gwen, two qualities stand out as essential for today's emerging leaders: faith and commitment. She believes faith is necessary to stay the course, regardless of how things may seem, and commitment is crucial to seeing things through to a successful conclusion. It's easy to become discouraged Fortunestime.com | 15
when the journey gets tough and obstacles arise one after another. However, Gwen has learned that by focusing and finishing, one's success rate in many areas of life will increase. This mindset not only helps her but also guides her in mentoring others, encouraging them to persist through challenges and achieve their goals. thought were beyond their reach. She is especially dedicated to helping students and others recognize and unlock their potential. Throughout her career, Gwen has received multiple national awards, highlighting her contributions to her field. A particularly notable achievement came in February 2020, when she was honored at The Black Engineer of the Year Awards (BEYA) conference with The Dave Barclay Affirmative Action Award for her contributions to STEM. Other accolades include Dr. Camesha Chosen Women Foundation, Woman of the Year Award, 100 Black Men Mentoring Award, the Modern-Day Technology Leader award, the Women of Color All Star Technology Leader award, and a recent nomination for the Society of Women Engineers Global Leader award. A Fearless Leader and Community Champion Gwen is often seen as a fearless leader, a trailblazer, and a conqueror who has consistently demonstrated dignity, strength of character, and a strong commitment to giving back to the community that nurtured her growth. She embraces every opportunity to soar, embodying the spirit of an eagle. To many, Gwen is also recognized as determined, ambitious, and driven, a person who thrives under pressure and never gives up. She is a natural leader, always looking for ways to improve and passionately dedicated to helping others. Celebrating Student Achievements For Gwen, one of the most rewarding aspects of providing scholarships to students is the opportunity to honor and recognize their achievements at the annual Marquia Lewis Foundation banquet. She finds immense joy in witnessing the students' delight as they walk across the stage to receive their awards, surrounded by a supportive crowd of donors, family, friends, and other supporters. The excitement and pride on their faces, amplified by the applause and cheers from the audience, make these moments especially fulfilling for Gwen. Dedication to Student Success Gwen is deeply committed to supporting, inspiring, and encouraging as many students as possible on their journey to success. Her goal is to help them reach milestones they can take pride in, empowering them to understand and remember that they are in control of their careers and lives. She also wants students to feel assured that they have a support system beyond their immediate circle, providing them with the confidence and guidance needed to navigate their paths. Envision and Execute for Higher Education Success Turning Pain into Purpose Gwen's advice to students pursuing higher education is simple yet powerful: "Envision and Execute." She encourages students to clearly envision their current position and their future goals, and then to pursue those goals with unwavering determination. Gwen urges students to execute their plans at a level that will lead them to success, advising them not to let anyone or anything hold them back. She emphasizes the importance of self-belief, reminding students that they have the potential to achieve great things. Gwen has faced numerous challenges in her life, but the most difficult trial was the loss of her daughter. Instead of giving up, she made the decision to channel her pain into purpose, which she credits as a key factor in her success. This resilience has helped her break barriers that might have otherwise held her back, enabling her to continue achieving her goals. Her passion for helping others is evident in her work. Gwen loves seeing people thrive in areas they once 16 | September 2024
Joey Wat Yum China Holdings Chief Executive Officer 18 | September 2024
Since March 2018, Ms. Joey Wat has led our company as CEO and has been a member of our board of directors since July 2017. She held the post of Chief Executive Officer at KFC from October 2016 to February 2017, having previously served as our President and Chief Operating Officer from February 2017 to February 2018 and as Chief Executive Officer at Yum! Restaurants China from August 2015 to October 2016. Ms. Wat began working at Yum! Restaurants China in September 2014 as the President of KFC China. In August 2015, she was elevated to the position of Chief Executive Officer. Prior to joining YUM, Ms. Wat worked from 2004 to 2014 in management and strategy roles at the global health, beauty, and lifestyle retailer A.S. Watson Group ("Watson") in the United Kingdom. About Yum China Holdings The mission of Yum China Holdings, Inc., the largest restaurant company in China, is to make every life taste beautiful. The firm is also known as Yum China (NYSE: YUMC and HKEX: 9987). From opening its first restaurant in 1987, the company has expanded to run more than 15,000 eateries in more than 2,000 cities and towns throughout all of mainland China's provinces and autonomous regions. Her final role at Watson was managing director of Watson Health & Beauty U.K., which from 2012 to 2014 ran the retail brands Superdrug and Savers, which sold prescription drugs and other health and beauty items. In 2007, she moved from being Watson's European head of strategy to managing director of Savers. Ms. Wat worked in management consulting for seven years, including three years at the Hong Kong office of McKinsey & Company, prior to joining Watson. In 2000, Ms. Wat graduated from Northwestern University's Kellogg School of Management with a master's degree in management. Ms. Wat has been recognized by being listed on Forbes China's "100 Top Businesswomen List" from 2019 to 2023 and Forbes Worldwide's "The World's Most Powerful Women" list from 2020 to 2023. She has also been consistently honored on Fortune China's "50 Business Leaders" and Fortune magazine's "Most Powerful Women in Business" lists since 2018. She was also included in the list of "100 People Transforming Business in Asia" by Business Insider in 2020. Ms. Wat joins our board with a wealth of business understanding about the company as well as industry expertise gained from her career, which included holding many executive positions in retail businesses. Fortunestime.com | 21
Alice Weigthman 22 | September 2024
As a full-time mother, Alice Weigthman is the CEO and founder of The Work Crowd. She started her own executive search company because she noticed problems everywhere. Alice was aware of numerous intelligent, gifted women who desired to continue their careers but were unwilling to put their families at risk. Her clients, who were all in the marketing and communications industries, were having trouble getting the talent they required at the same time. Additionally, they were concerned about losing the powerful women in their industries. Alice made the decision that it was time for work to improve at that point. Thus, Alice established The Work Crowd, a global marketplace that would assist individuals in finding employment that suits them and match companies with talent. Currently, the idea is a reality. Alice says, "And although we may have begun in the UK, our goals are now focused on improving work everywhere." “As a matter of fact, about 25% of our members are currently located in Europe and the Middle East, and the number is growing daily. It is our belief that excellent work comes from doing it, not from where you do it. We don't appear to be alone in that.” Fortunestime.com | 23
About The Work Crowd The Work Crowd is an interactive marketplace that connects companies with a worldwide network of knowledgeable advisors, mentors, and independent contractors. It brings together one of the largest communities of pre-screened, on-demand talent in the industry, powered by human intelligence and cutting-edge technology. This platform, which has won multiple awards, encourages growth via teamwork and provides services that can jumpstart projects and improve teamwork, leadership, and critical skills. The Work Crowd offers businesses access to competent workers across several sectors for important roles that generate revenue, reputation, and risk management. The company prides itself on its unique blend of international talent from the UK, USA, Europe, and the Middle East. The Work Crowd's skill has been used to generate thought leadership content, build agile marketing functions, obtain coverage in local and international press, and drive sustainability programs. Leading organizations, brands, and government departments trust The Work Crowd. 24 | September 2024
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About Granite Asia (GGV Capital) There has never been a more interesting or complicated investing environment. While investors seek more liquidity, the finest firms continue to operate in private for longer periods of time. There is a need for new finance arrangements. Granite Asia is a multi-asset investment platform that specializes in creating custom frameworks to support the region's intentional growth. Asian by birth, the business has a special understanding of the potential and difficulties involved in establishing a successful presence in the fastest-growing area in the world. 32 | September 2024
Senior Managing Partner GGV Capital 34 | September 2024
Jenny Lee works at GGV Capital Asia as a managing partner. She established GGV's first office in China and reopened the Singapore office in 2019. She also oversees global investor relations and strategy. Jenny, a self-starter, investor, and businesswoman, has lived abroad for the past 23 years and is usually the first to invest in cutting-edge new goods and applications. In the previous five years, her portfolio has included nine initial public offerings (IPOs) on five different international markets, totaling more than $1 billion in value. Jenny, who was born and reared in Singapore, is well-liked in the local business community and is on the boards of Temasek and SATS Ltd (SGX: S58). She is a member of the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy and Duke-NUS Medical School governing boards. She is also a council member of the Asia Business Council and a member of Singapore's Research, Innovation and Enterprise Council (RIEC), which is presided over by the prime minister of Singapore. Since 2012, Jenny has been included in Forbes Global 100 VC Midas list. In 2015, she became the first female to get into the top 10. In addition, she was listed on Forbes Asia Power Businesswomen 25 in 2019 and won the Business Times' Outstanding Overseas Executive Award. Forbes also named her one of the World's 100 Most Powerful Women in 2023 and 2022. Fortunestime.com | 35
Kirsten Green Founder, Partner of Forerunner Ventures About Forerunner Ventures Forerunner is a thesis-driven, research-focused venture capital firm committed to meeting the complex demands of a rapidly evolving society. It is a firm believer in acting with conviction, taking initiative, and forming committed partnerships. The company uses its research to find business opportunities and invests in companies like Faire, Chime, Glossier, Hims&Hers, ŌURA, The Farmer's Dog, Ritual, and others that are best positioned to change categories and contribute to cultural transformation. Furthermore, the effort continues after investment. 38 | September 2024
American venture investor Kirsten Green founded Forerunner Ventures and serves as its managing partner. Kirsten founded San Francisco- based Forerunner Ventures in 2010 and holds the positions of Founder and Managing Partner. She did this by combining an uncommon and distinctive combination of her professional background with her gained investing knowledge. In addition to being recognized on Vanity Fair's New Establishment list, she received the 2017 Crunchies Awards' VC of the Year title from TechCrunch. As a founder member of All Raise, a network of women mentors, Kirsten actively supports women in the digital sector. Kirsten covered publicly-traded retail and consumer stocks as an equities research analyst and investor at Banc of America Securities, previously Montgomery Securities, before joining Forerunner. Kirsten holds a CPA license and a CFA certification in addition to her B.A. in Business Economics from UCLA. Kirsten's 20+ years of assessment and investment success in an uncertain consumer market are a result of her blend of consumer understanding, product knowledge, and a thesis-driven strategy that has served as the foundation for all of her investments, from pre-revenue startups to multi-billion dollar businesses. Leading institutional investors have contributed more than $2 billion to Kirsten's efforts as a founder, and she has invested in more than 100 startups. She is presently a member of the Curated, Hims & Hers, Faire, Glossier, Ritual, Prose, and Balance Board of Directors. She was also a board member of two Forerunner portfolio businesses that have significant sales: Dollar Shave Club and Bonobos. She also serves on Nordstrom, Inc.'s (NYSE: JWN) board of directors. Time's 100 Most Influential People, The New York Times' Top 20 Venture Capitalists in 2018 and 2017, Forbes' Midas List for the previous six years, and the magazine's World's 100 Most Powerful Women are just a few of the accolades Kirsten has received. 40 | September 2024
Marina Campbell Leading the Global Health Revolution 42 | September 2024
Marina Campbell's journey excels geographical boundaries, resonating with individuals worldwide through a journey fueled by a profound passion for service and an unwavering commitment to leadership excellence. In her role as CEO of MyMycoLab, Marina Campbellappears as a beacon of hope for countless individuals affected by mycotoxin-related ailments, embodying the transformative potential of a shared vision and collective endeavor. Her leadership is characterized by a relentless pursuit of innovation and a deep-seated empathy for those in need, driving MyMycoLab to the forefront of advancements in mycotoxin detection and treatment. Through Marina's guidance, the lab serves as a catalyst for positive change, offering not only cutting- edge solutions but also a sense of hope and reassurance to patients and their families. A Fusion of Leadership and Learning in the United States From Ukrainian Origins to Global Leadership Upon relocating to the United States, Marina's worldview underwent a significant transformation as she forged ties with a distinguished medical practitioner, whom she later married. This union catalyzed Marina's immersion into the intricacies of leadership within the medical arena. Leveraging her husband's esteemed position within the healthcare landscape and drawing insights from his mother's astute financial prowess, Marina's comprehension of leadership transcended geographical boundaries. Marina Campbell's leadership trajectory is deeply influenced by her diverse cultural background and an unwavering commitment to pioneering advancements in global health. Originating from a lineage of engineers in Ukraine, Marina is filled with a profound legacy of resilience, diligence, and empathy passed down from her forebears. Drawing inspiration from her mother's adept leadership both in professional spheres and within the familial domain, complemented by her father's invaluable guidance and mentorship, Marina's leadership ethos is firmly grounded in the principles of compassion, strategic vision, and inclusive decision- making. Marina's remarkable journey underscores the profound impact that a single individual can have on the world stage, inspiring others to strive for excellence and embrace the power of collaboration in tackling complex global challenges. As she continues to chart new paths and push boundaries, Marina remains a shining example of leadership in action, demonstrating the potential for meaningful change when passion, dedication, and purpose converge. Fortunestime.com | 45
Committed to Global Health Transformation and Advancing Healthcare Accessibility Tanya Goodwin 48 | September 2024
communication, compassion, and sustainability. They uphold a belief in open and transparent interactions, nurturing an environment where each team member is valued and heard. Compassion serves as the bedrock of their practice; they are dedicated to understanding and meeting the unique needs of their patients, ensuring the delivery of personalized, high-quality care. With a notable track record Sustainability is a core value for them. They are committed to adopting environmentally responsible practices, ranging from sourcing eco-friendly products to minimizing waste in their operations. Their approach integrates the latest advancements in healthcare, such as AI and IoT, to provide innovative solutions while reducing their environmental footprint. including prestigious grants from the Queensland and Australian governments, Tanya Goodwin is an exceptional leader with the strategic prowess in the pharmaceutical realm. She is the Founder & Visionary Leader at Botanical Chemist Palm Cove, which is fervently dedicated to harnessing cutting-edge technology for healthcare transformation. The team at Botanical Chemist Palm Cove is committed to continuous learning and growth, fostering collaboration and knowledge-sharing to enhance their services and community impact. They strive to empower both their staff and the communities they serve, promoting health and well-being through accessible, sustainable healthcare solutions. Together, they are united in their dedication to creating a healthier, more sustainable future for all. Tanya's decision to join Botanical Chemist Palm Cove stems from a profound desire to collaborate with a pharmacy that prioritizes compassion and a profound commitment to advancing global health. Tanya's mission revolves around empowering communities through innovative healthcare solutions, leveraging the latest trends in AI and IoT to instigate profound change. Her unwavering dedication lies in delivering top-tier, personalized medicine while amplifying healthcare accessibility in marginalized communities across Australia. Forging Alliances As the CEO of Botanical Chemist Palm Cove, Tanya assumes a multifaceted role, emphasizing strategic leadership and operational excellence. Her responsibilities encompass setting the company's overarching direction and vision, aligning endeavours with the mission A Community of Learners At Botanical Chemist Palm Cove, the culture is firmly grounded in candid 50 | September 2024
