Women’s History Month
In honor of Women’s History Month (WHM), ICIC is celebrating the stories and accomplishments of award-winning woman-owned small businesses from the Inner City Alumni Network (ICAN).
Cube Care is a provider of healthcare interior decorative products, specializing in comprehensive curtain management services, including maintenance, manufacturing, and installation. Focused solely on healthcare decorative solutions, Cube Care ensures expert understanding of customer needs and delivers high-quality products and is the only US company offering these capabilities internally. Beyond their business scope, Cube Care actively engages in community support initiatives. It partners with a halfway house, providing job opportunities and training for inmates transitioning back into society. Additionally, the company employs single mothers, offering a secure on-site area for childcare. CEO Susana Robledo contributes as a board member of the Florida Minority Supplier Development Council, mentoring minority entrepreneurs for business success.
Liseth Velez is the founder and CEO of LJV Development. Velez was ranked 21st in the INC. 5000 2024 Northeast Regionals. Additionally, she was recognized by the Small Business Administration (SBA) when her company was named the 2023 Massachusetts Veteran Business of the Year.
O2 Engineering, Projects & Construction Management (O2EPCM) specializes in providing comprehensive solutions in program and project management, construction management, project controls, QA/QC management, BIM, inspection, and staffing/staff augmentation. Omone Livingston, President & CEO, is an experienced civil & environmental engineer with 31 years of design, engineering, and construction sector experience. O2EPCM donates and sponsors various scholarships and internship initiatives, in addition to mentoring students interested in a career in engineering, architecture, or construction. In partnership with the South Bay Workforce Program in Los Angeles, the company helps change lives in low-income communities by creating jobs and careers for individuals on welfare, giving these individuals more responsibility and self-worth to move towards independence.
Printfresh LLC is a woman-led lifestyle brand with a focus on sleepwear and the winner of the 2023 IC100 Business Growth Award. The company is known for its unique whimsical patterns, size inclusivity, and a sustainable approach to fashion. Printfresh is committed to increasing equity in the fashion industry.
Three ICAN members are recipients of the 2024 WBE Star Award, the nation’s top recognition for excellence among women-owned businesses: Michele Adams, CEO and President, Levy Recognition; Louise Leduc Kennedy, Founding Attorney, West Hill Technology Counsel, Inc.; and Barb Smith, President, Journey Steel.
In addition to highlighting award-winning woman-owned businesses, ICIC honored the success and resilience of three ICAN members who have broken barriers in the technology industry. Anita Davis, President of Praxis Strategic Solutions; Quentella Enty, Vice President of Bush Info Tech Group; and Lea Bogle, CEO and President of Premier Wireless, were featured in a Ted-Talk-style webinar designed to inspire and equip small business owners in their entrepreneurial journey. View the talks here: