By: BNDS.Media
San Francisco has long been a city of builders — a place where ideas have the potential to turn into movements and industries that influence the world. While the tech capital has played a major role in shaping recent innovations, a new force is emerging, one that could transform how leadership is defined in the Bay Area: women who build, fund, scale, and support other women in their journeys.
On October 25th, the ISOUL Women’s Association, founded by entrepreneur Jane Milovanova, hosted its annual Women Leadership Award ceremony in downtown San Francisco — a celebration that recognized founders and visionaries from across Silicon Valley, LA, and global innovation hubs.
The evening felt more like a gathering of pioneers than a traditional awards show — investors, startup builders, creators, educators, and technologists exchanged ideas, shared stories, and built connections that may help move industries forward.
“This award is not just about competition — it is about honoring women who rise together,” shared Milovanova as applause filled the room.
Honoring Women Shaping the Future of Innovation
This year’s nominees and winners represent a shift toward a new era of leadership — one that prioritizes not only growth and innovation but also mentorship, inclusion, and global impact.
Among those recognized were:
- Aliia Roza, honored as Global Visionary Leader, for her cross-border influence and work empowering female voices on international stages.
- Marina Davidova, awarded Investor in Women, recognized for directing capital to female-led ventures and expanding access to funding.
- Daria Shapovalova, named Innovator of the Year, celebrated for pioneering new approaches in technology and digital strategy.
- Anastasia Sartan, honored as Entrepreneur of the Year, for her efforts in building scalable businesses and redefining product innovation.
- Valerie Bertele, awarded Impact Creator, for transformational leadership and purpose-driven entrepreneurship.
- Anastasiia Rakhmananova, recognized as Rising Star, representing the next generation of global female founders.
- Anastasia Fedorina, celebrated for Impact in Women’s Lives, acknowledged for her mentorship and programs that aim to create real economic mobility for women.
Each woman stood not just as a winner but as a symbol of progress — proof that when women innovate, economies can grow and communities can thrive.
Expert Jury Board from Silicon Valley & California
A distinguished board of respected women leaders selected the winners, representing excellence in innovation, investment, leadership, and community impact:
- Kate Reva — Data Scientist & Global Entrepreneur
- Violetta Korovkina — Silicon Valley Marketing Leader & Author
- Vera Maslova — CEO of SCIENCEME Inc., Forbes Councils Member
- Valerie Bertele — Visionary, VC, Entrepreneur
- Alena Gladkova — Stanford Leader, Entrepreneur & Podcast Host
- Alla Iutkina — Serial Entrepreneur & Global Educator
- Chrystina Ryss — AdTech Innovator & Community Builder
- Anastasiya Galgashova — Program Manager at Perplexity AI
- Lana Khachiyan — PR Director & Contributor at USA Today
- Irina Gorbunova — 5x Startup Founder & Startup Judge
- Arusiak Amarian — International Producer & TV Host
- Alena Petrova — Visionary Ecosystem Builder & Serial Entrepreneur
Photo Courtesy: Andy Stark
ISOUL: A Global Women’s Leadership Hub Rooted in San Francisco
Founded in Boston, ISOUL has become one of the most influential communities for women in business worldwide.
In just three years, the association has united over 4,000 women across 28 countries and hosted over 425 events globally, including conferences such as “Women of New Era,” “Women Summit,” and the “Women in AI” gathering at Google Headquarters in Mountain View, as well as the Women Leadership Award in San Francisco.
The community blends mastermind programs, leadership development, venture support, and international speaking platforms — including ISOUL’s signature initiative “She Speaks.”
Its growing digital platform and mobile app are helping to open new pathways to mentorship, capital, and collaboration — positioning San Francisco as a central hub for a global women’s innovation movement.
A New Chapter for Women in the Bay Area
Looking ahead, ISOUL is planning to deepen its presence in the Bay Area through monthly founder masterminds, women’s innovation summits, leadership accelerators, and partnerships with tech and academic institutions.
“San Francisco has long been the heart of global innovation,” Milovanova reflected.
“Now, it could very well become the heart of women’s leadership.”
As guests left the event — exchanging cards, making introductions, and planning potential collaborations — the sentiment in the room felt unmistakable:
The future of Silicon Valley is likely not only being built in boardrooms and venture hubs but in spaces like these — by women who are not waiting for permission but who are building new systems, new opportunities, and new economies for each other.
And while this is only the beginning, there is reason to believe that the impact will continue to grow.
About ISOUL Women’s Association
ISOUL is an international women’s community dedicated to empowering female founders and innovators through business development, global networking, and transformative leadership experiences.
- Instagram: @isoul.global | @jane.global
