In a world moving faster than ever, where ideas become companies overnight and technology reshapes the way we live, one truth remains constant: people build the future. The entrepreneurs who rise, the ones who transcend trends and markets, are those who lead with vision, courage, empathy, and a relentless fire to create something that matters. They don’t just chase opportunity, they generate it. They transform obstacles into strategy, doubt into momentum, and personal stories into global movements. These are the leaders who remind us that greatness is not a talent: it’s a decision.
As we step into 2026, we are witnessing a new era of entrepreneurship, one rooted not only in innovation, but in humanity. This list is not about who raised the most capital or who dominates the headlines. It’s about the builders with purpose, the voices reshaping culture, the creators who dare to challenge what is possible and invite others to rise with them. The entrepreneurs you’ll meet here are redefining leadership with authenticity, service, and heart. They are the reminder that your voice, your story, and your dreams are not just valid: they are needed.
Carlos Camargo
Carlos Camargo is a Venezuelan journalist, author, and media entrepreneur with over 40 years of experience in communications, lifestyle, and entertainment. Throughout his career, he has contributed to prestigious outlets such as El Nacional and El Bloque Dearmas in Venezuela, and served as director of Alta Esfera magazine in the United States, while also writing columns for El Venezolano and Diario Las Américas. For more than two decades, his weekly column CamargoNotas has been published in Diario 2001 in Venezuela, becoming a trusted voice on culture, entertainment, and personal growth. Beyond journalism, Camargo has been press chief for renowned artists including Oscar D’León, Olga Tañón, J Balvin, Romeo Santos, Chiquinquirá Delgado, and Porfi Baloa.
Today, he is the CEO of several international magazines — Latin Guía Miami, Millenions, Icons, Notiamérica, and Versus Magazine — and a prolific author of books on happiness, personal development, and success. His titles, available on Amazon, Kobo, Walmart, Barnes & Noble, and more, include Feliz y sin ataduras, Happy and Unbound, Gestor de Felicidad, Mentalidad de Éxito, and his first children’s book Las Aventuras de Beto, published in both English and Spanish. Certified by Berkeley University in The Science of Happiness, Camargo blends academic knowledge with lived experience to provide practical tools for building well-being.Driven by purpose, Carlos Camargo defines himself as a “happiness manager,” using his platform to inspire authenticity, resilience, and conscious communication. He believes true success is measured not in numbers but in impact — in transforming lives through stories, ideas, and values. His vision for the future includes expanding his literary projects, introducing Las Aventuras de Beto into schools and daycare centers, and continuing to shape a media industry that is more human, authentic, and centered on well-being. Above all, his mission remains clear: to leave a lasting legacy by helping people discover happiness as a daily practice and a way of life.
Maria Rodriguez
María Rodríguez is the founder of Care Counseling Center, a mental health practice dedicated to providing compassionate and culturally responsive care to individuals, families, and children navigating trauma and life challenges. Inspired by her own experiences as an immigrant—overcoming cultural displacement, family separation, and personal adversity—she set out to create a safe space where underserved communities could access the support and healing they deserve. Her mission has always been to empower others to triumph over hardship and to build lives rooted in resilience and fulfillment.
Under her leadership, Care Counseling Center has distinguished itself in the mental health and wellness industry through its compassion-first and culturally sensitive approach. The center not only provides therapy but also serves as a trusted resource for psychological evaluations in immigration, personal injury, and legal cases, becoming a vital advocate for marginalized communities. María’s ability to blend professional expertise with genuine empathy ensures that every client feels seen, valued, and supported, setting her practice apart as both a therapeutic haven and a voice for the voiceless.
María’s entrepreneurial journey is fueled by her commitment to breaking barriers in mental health care and her desire to leave a lasting legacy of strength and compassion. Looking ahead, she envisions expanding Care Counseling Center’s reach through both physical locations and digital platforms, launching programs to address trauma in immigrant families, and building partnerships with schools and nonprofits to normalize mental health support. Beyond her practice, María shares her expertise through writing, public speaking, and mentoring, inspiring others to embrace resilience and view mental health as a vital cornerstone of a thriving life.
Cesar Cruz
Cesar Cruz is a self-made entrepreneur and creative force behind multiple thriving ventures spanning skincare, real estate, and luxury hospitality. As the founder of Alami Skincare, a premium dermo-cosmetic brand, Cesar has redefined confidence for thousands through advanced, high-performance skin solutions. He also owns and operates exclusive wedding venues that set the standard for elegance and unforgettable experiences. In addition, Cesar plays a pivotal role as creative director for several brands, shaping bold identities and growth strategies with his signature precision and style.
What makes Cesar stand out in today’s entrepreneurial landscape is his fearless journey. He left school at 16 to pursue his vision full-time, forging his path without a traditional education. This bold decision, driven by pure ambition and hustle, has led him to become a respected real estate investor and business strategist. His story is one of resilience, innovation, and long-term vision—a true embodiment of what it means to build success from the ground up.
Whether he’s launching a new product, closing a real estate deal, or advising brands on breakthrough strategy, Cesar Cruz is on a mission to build legacy-driven businesses that inspire, empower, and create lasting cultural impact.
Camilo Sardi
Camilo Sardi Orozco is a forward-thinking entrepreneur and co-founder of Leah, an AI-powered EdTech platform reshaping English language assessment across Latin America. Leah delivers fast, accurate, and scalable evaluations—including a 15-minute placement test, a 5-minute oral exam, and a dynamic writing assessment—providing institutions with deeper insights than traditional exams. Complemented by Leah Analytics, institutions can instantly validate results, track trends, and generate detailed reports that support smarter academic decisions.
The idea for Leah (leahapp.com) was born with his brother and business partner, Mario Andrés Tobón, from a shared mission to expand educational opportunities in the region. After analyzing the market, they discovered that many institutions were limited in how often they measured student progress due to costly, slow, or inflexible tools. To address this, they built Leah in close collaboration with GEP English Exams, integrating strong academic expertise into the product design.
What began as a vision quickly evolved into a scalable solution now trusted by leading institutions. Over the past three years, Leah has doubled its sales annually, demonstrating both market fit and sustainability—a milestone many startups struggle to achieve.
Camilo credits this success to listening closely to clients and adapting quickly, a strategy that helped him overcome the challenge of finding true Product-Market Fit. Today, Leah (leahapp.com) is empowering thousands of students and professionals by breaking language barriers and creating access to global opportunities.
Looking to 2026 and beyond, Camilo envisions Leah impacting more than 80,000 learners through partnerships with governments and educational institutions. His team is also developing new AI-driven tools to transform how language skills are measured, positioning Leah as a leader in the future of education.
Passionate about social impact and entrepreneurship, Camilo’s advice to future founders is simple yet powerful: “Validate your idea with real customers. The market—not you—is the best test of your product.”
Daniela Kosan
Daniela Kosan is a journalist, television host, and communication educator with more than 27 years of experience in media and brand representation. Throughout her career, her voice has been a bridge between ideas, messages, and audiences, shaping narratives in ways that inform, connect, and inspire. Her work in front of cameras and microphones led her to understand the transformative power of speaking with clarity, intention, and authenticity.
During the global shift toward digital communication, Daniela noticed how many talented professionals struggled to express themselves confidently. This insight became the foundation of Habla Bien, Conecta Mejor, her educational communication program and personal brand. Far beyond a public speaking course, it is a methodology that integrates emotional awareness, identity, confidence, and technical mastery, guiding individuals to speak from the inside out, with purpose and presence.
Through Habla Bien, Conecta Mejor, Daniela has trained entrepreneurs, executives, students, and leaders, helping them strengthen their voice, message, and personal credibility. With a unique ability to identify communication barriers, whether fear, self-doubt, or lack of structure, she works closely with each student to refine breathing, diction, body language, storytelling, and message construction. To date, more than 600 graduates have transformed their storytelling, self-esteem, and personal projection, leading many to become speakers, authors, content creators, and leaders in their fields.Today, Daniela continues to expand her mission: to elevate communication as a tool for personal growth, social connection, and leadership. Her vision for Habla Bien, Conecta Mejor includes international digital expansion, in-person academies, adolescent training programs, and broader educational initiatives that promote empathy, respect, and confidence through language. She believes that when people recognize the power of their own voice, they not only communicate better: they transform themselves, their environment, and their communities.
Josh Marsden
Josh Marsden is an entrepreneur, investor, and founder with over a decade of experience building and scaling businesses in the e-commerce industry. In 2013, he launched his first marketing and automation agency with the goal of creating a life on his own terms and being the best single father possible to his young son. What began as a personal mission to break free from the “rat race” has since evolved into a thriving business at the forefront of the e-commerce aggregation space, serving investors and entrepreneurs with innovative strategies for growth.
Today, Josh leads a company that stands out among competitors like Thrasio, Seller X, and HeyDay by leveraging direct-response internet marketing strategies—a rare advantage in the industry. With a team that boasts over $800M in direct marketing experience, his company has achieved remarkable results, including a 1,140% ROAS on capital raised since 2022 and recognition as an Inc. 5000 company. This combination of proven results, seasoned expertise, and strategic innovation has positioned Josh as a trusted leader driving investor returns and redefining standards in the e-commerce landscape.
Looking ahead, Josh is committed to scaling his vision even further. By 2026, his company is set to go public with a $50M+ valuation, expand into e-commerce coaching to help thousands of businesses grow, and launch a private equity fund applying his team’s fundraising marketing strategies to new opportunities. Beyond business, Josh’s mission is to inspire others to live their best lives through a balance of fitness, mindset, spirituality, and financial freedom. For him, success is not just measured in wealth, but in the ability to empower others to achieve freedom and fulfillment on their own terms.
Loredana Berté
Loredana Berté is a culinary educator and advocate for conscious eating. Through her classes and events, she teaches the regenerative power of food—helping people create simple, delicious, and nourishing recipes for everyday life.
What sets her apart is her mission to raise awareness about how food choices impact our health and well-being. Starting from zero, she turned fear into determination, building a movement that inspires others to eat with intention and purpose.
In 2025, Loredana is expanding her work with a new project promoting the daily use of olive oil as an essential kitchen staple, highlighting its powerful benefits. Passionate about children’s health, she also advocates for preventing childhood obesity and empowering families to make better nutrition choices.
Loredana’s vision is clear: to transform lives through conscious eating—one meal at a time.
Victor Sanchez
Victor A. Sanchez is the Founder & CEO of SM Capital Group, a full-spectrum financial services, investment, and real-estate development firm headquartered in the Southwest United States. What began in Texas and Arizona has grown into a nationwide operation partnering with over 50 banks across the country.
SM Capital Group specializes in personal and business financing, capital injection, and residential and commercial real-estate development, all with one clear mission: to make financing fair, transparent, and accessible for anyone ready to build a better future.
With more than $250 million USD in active investments and over 47 ground-up development projects across Texas and Arizona, the firm has become a recognized leader in real-estate investment and construction financing. Through its partnership with D&A Consulting, SM Capital Group delivers world-class execution, from site selection to construction completion, ensuring strong, consistent returns for its network of 180+ investors from 30 countries.
For Victor, business has always been about more than numbers. His inspiration comes from his wife, his children, and the values he wants to pass on to his family. “I want to be an example,” he says, “for my family and for the Latino community in the United States.” His journey as an entrepreneur is powered by a belief that financial opportunity is a gateway to dignity, independence, and generational wealth.
Like many entrepreneurs, Victor has faced countless challenges, finding clients, securing funding, managing regulations, and building connections, but he embraces every obstacle as part of the process. “Every day brings new challenges,” he explains, “but I’ve learned to enjoy them. I do what I love, and that makes every challenge worth it.”
SM Capital Group stands out not just for its financial acumen but for its ability to transform capital into communities—developing residential and commercial properties that create jobs, foster growth, and build long-term value. Looking ahead to 2025 and 2026, Victor is steering the company toward expanding its development footprint across the Southwest, bridging financing services with hands-on construction and real-estate execution.
Victor’s advice to future entrepreneurs is simple but powerful: just start. He knows fear and overthinking can paralyze ambition, and that true success comes from taking action, staying disciplined, and never losing sight of your “why.”
Ultimately, Victor defines success not by the size of his company but by the impact he leaves on others. Through SM Capital Group, he is helping families, business owners, and investors access the resources—and the built environments—they need to create brighter futures. With vision, passion, and relentless drive, Victor A. Sanchez is not only building a business: he’s building a legacy.
Diego Manuel Suárez Solís
Diego Manuel Suárez Solís is a bold entrepreneur transforming Mexico’s real estate sector through Conexión Inmobiliaria, a company born with one clear mission: to bring trust and legal transparency to an industry often clouded by misinformation and fraud. Tired of seeing people misled by false promises and unsecured contracts, Diego set out to create a new standard—offering real estate opportunities that are legally backed, bank-verified, and client-focused.
Through direct partnerships with leading institutions like BBVA, Scotiabank, and Banorte, his firm gives investors access to real, documented bank recovery properties. More than that, every deal is supported by an in-house legal team that oversees the process from start to finish—ensuring each client feels protected and informed every step of the way.
Diego’s journey hasn’t been without challenges. Earning trust in a skeptical market required unwavering transparency, a strong legal foundation, and consistent results. But his commitment paid off. Today, Conexión Inmobiliaria stands out as one of the most respected names in its space—built not on hype, but on honesty, structure, and client success.
Looking ahead, Diego is focused on expanding his company’s impact, especially among Mexicans living abroad who want to invest securely in their home country. His goal is to position Conexión Inmobiliaria as the safest bridge between international savings and Mexican real estate—delivering peace of mind through integrity and verified opportunity.
Driven by values, not just ambition, Diego hopes to elevate the standards of the industry and inspire future entrepreneurs to build with trust at the core. For him, true success is measured not just in growth, but in the lasting confidence his clients place in the work he leads.
Whitney Wolfe Herd
Whitney Wolfe Herd is the founder and CEO of Bumble, a women-first dating app that has reshaped the online dating industry. Launched in 2014, Bumble empowers women to make the first move, a bold departure from traditional platforms. Wolfe Herd’s vision extended beyond dating, as Bumble has evolved into a global brand for building meaningful relationships, from friendships to business networking.
In 2021, she became the youngest woman to take a company public in the U.S., a milestone that underscored her role as a trailblazer for women in tech and entrepreneurship. Her leadership has earned her recognition in Forbes’ “30 Under 30” and “Most Powerful Women” lists.
Beyond her business success, Wolfe Herd advocates for gender equality and safer digital spaces. She continues to use her platform to encourage conversations around women’s empowerment, workplace inclusion, and the future of technology-driven human connection.
Daymond John
Daymond John is best known as the founder of FUBU, the streetwear brand that transformed hip-hop culture in the 1990s and went on to generate over $6 billion in sales worldwide. His journey from sewing hats in his mother’s Queens home to becoming a global entrepreneur is a testament to creativity, persistence, and hustle.
As a longtime investor on ABC’s Shark Tank, John has mentored and funded dozens of businesses, helping entrepreneurs turn their ideas into thriving companies. His ability to spot market trends and build powerful brands has made him one of the most recognizable business leaders in America.
John is also a New York Times best-selling author and motivational speaker. Through his books and talks, he shares lessons on branding, negotiation, and financial literacy, inspiring new generations of entrepreneurs to create opportunities against the odds.
Sophia Amoruso
Sophia Amoruso began her career selling vintage clothing on eBay and went on to build Nasty Gal, a multimillion-dollar fashion retailer that became a cultural phenomenon. While her first venture faced challenges, she reinvented herself as the founder of Girlboss, a media and networking platform that connects ambitious women worldwide.
Her story, told in her best-selling memoir #GIRLBOSS, has become a modern entrepreneurial classic, inspiring Netflix to produce a series based on her journey. Amoruso’s career highlights the resilience required to thrive in business, and her willingness to be transparent about failures has earned her a loyal following.
Today, she continues to invest in and mentor emerging founders, particularly women-led businesses. Her mission remains centered on empowering people to chart their own unconventional paths to success.
Marc Andreessen
Marc Andreessen is a pioneering entrepreneur and investor whose work has shaped the modern internet. He co-created Mosaic, the first widely used web browser, which laid the foundation for the World Wide Web’s explosive growth in the 1990s. Later, he co-founded Netscape, one of the era’s most iconic tech companies.
In 2009, Andreessen co-founded the venture capital firm Andreessen Horowitz (a16z), which has become one of Silicon Valley’s most influential investment groups. The firm has backed household names such as Airbnb, Coinbase, and Slack, helping fuel the rise of transformative technology companies.
Beyond investing, Andreessen is a thought leader whose essays and public commentary on innovation, software, and economics are widely read. He remains a central figure in the ongoing dialogue about how technology will continue to reshape society.
Tristan Walker
Tristan Walker is the founder of Walker & Company Brands, a health and beauty company focused on products designed for people of color. His flagship line, Bevel, offers shaving systems tailored to prevent razor bumps and irritation, solving a problem long overlooked by mainstream brands.
In 2018, Walker & Company was acquired by Procter & Gamble, making Walker one of the first African American entrepreneurs to sell a startup to the consumer goods giant. This milestone highlighted the importance of diversity and representation in the personal care industry.
Walker is also deeply engaged in increasing opportunities for underrepresented communities in tech. He serves on multiple nonprofit boards and advocates for systemic change to create more inclusive pathways for the next generation of innovators.
Alexa von Tobel
Alexa von Tobel is the founder of LearnVest, a digital personal finance company that democratized access to financial planning tools. Launched in 2009, the platform offered user-friendly technology and certified financial planners to help Americans make smarter money decisions.
LearnVest’s success caught the attention of Northwestern Mutual, which acquired the company in 2015. As part of the leadership team, von Tobel helped integrate LearnVest’s technology into the financial giant’s broader services, furthering her mission of bringing financial literacy to the mainstream.
In addition to being a New York Times best-selling author, von Tobel co-founded Inspired Capital, a venture capital firm that invests in early-stage startups. She remains a passionate advocate for financial empowerment and entrepreneurship.
Robert Reffkin
Robert Reffkin is the founder and CEO of Compass, one of the fastest-growing real estate technology companies in the United States. Founded in 2012, Compass combines cutting-edge software with top-tier agents to transform how people buy and sell homes.
Reffkin’s path to entrepreneurship is marked by perseverance—he worked at Goldman Sachs and served as a White House Fellow before venturing into real estate tech. Under his leadership, Compass has scaled to thousands of agents and billions in annual transactions.
Beyond building a business, Reffkin is committed to philanthropy. He has run marathons in all 50 states to raise money for nonprofits and continues to champion diversity in the real estate and tech industries.
Reshma Saujani
Reshma Saujani is the founder of Girls Who Code, a nonprofit organization working to close the gender gap in technology by teaching girls programming and computer science skills. Since its launch in 2012, Girls Who Code has reached millions of young women through clubs, summer programs, and partnerships.
Saujani’s advocacy extends beyond coding. She is the author of Brave, Not Perfect, a book encouraging women to embrace imperfection and take risks. Her work has positioned her as a leading voice in conversations about gender, education, and the future of work.
In addition to her nonprofit leadership, Saujani has ventured into politics and public speaking, always emphasizing inclusion and the power of education to unlock opportunities. She continues to inspire global efforts to empower young women in STEM.
Chris Guillebeau
Chris Guillebeau is an entrepreneur, author, and traveler best known for his work on unconventional living and business. He gained international attention by visiting every country in the world by age 35, documenting his journey and sharing lessons on independence and creativity.
He is the author of multiple best-selling books, including The $100 Startup and Side Hustle, which have inspired millions to build businesses outside of traditional careers. His daily podcast, Side Hustle School, offers practical advice and real-world case studies on creating additional income streams.
Through his writing, speaking, and events, Guillebeau has built a global community of aspiring entrepreneurs. His work encourages people to question the status quo and design lives that prioritize freedom, purpose, and innovation.
Jessica Alba
Jessica Alba, though widely known as an actress, has also built a thriving business as the founder of The Honest Company. Established in 2012, the company focuses on safe, eco-friendly baby and personal care products, addressing a gap Alba identified as a new mother.
The Honest Company quickly became a household name, growing into a brand valued at over a billion dollars and going public in 2021. Alba’s transition from Hollywood star to entrepreneur underscores her ability to build trust and deliver products that resonate with health-conscious families.
Beyond her business, Alba is an advocate for sustainability and consumer transparency. She continues to be involved in the company’s direction while also using her platform to champion environmental responsibility and social impact.
Katrina Lake
Katrina Lake is the founder and former CEO of Stitch Fix, the innovative personal styling company that pioneered a new model in e-commerce by combining data science with human creativity. Born out of the belief that shopping should be both personal and convenient, Lake launched Stitch Fix in 2011 while earning her MBA at Harvard Business School. With no background in fashion and limited initial resources, she challenged traditional retail assumptions by introducing a hybrid experience that blended algorithm-driven recommendations with the expertise of professional stylists.
Under her leadership, Stitch Fix grew from a small startup operating out of her apartment into a global, publicly traded company serving millions of clients. The company’s subscription-free “try-before-you-buy” model, supported by advanced data analytics, changed the way consumers approach clothing selection and personalization. In 2017, Lake became the youngest woman to take a company public, marking a milestone for female founders and leaders across the tech and retail industries.
Beyond building a transformative business, Lake has become a recognized voice in advocating for inclusive entrepreneurship, responsible leadership, and representation in corporate spaces. She has consistently used her platform to expand opportunities for women and underrepresented professionals in technology, investing time and resources into mentorship, advisory roles, and board leadership.
