February 24, 2009 — Laura Lee Williams, owner of the Washington DC-based luxury handbag company Laura Lee Designs, got word this week that she was named a Top Women Entrepreneur in North America by Enterprising Women magazine. Award recipients must demonstrate that they have fast-growth businesses, mentor or actively support other women and girls involved in entrepreneurship, and stand out as leaders in their communities, explains Monica Smiley, publisher and CEO of Enterprising Women magazine, which is based in Cary, NC. Many of these women are also leaders in key organizations that support the growth of women’s entrepreneurship.
“These awards recognize some of our nation’s most talented women business owners,” Smiley says. “Our mission with this award celebration is to showcase the outstanding accomplishments of this remarkable group of women entrepreneurs, both in their industries and local communities.” Smiley notes that a total of 39 women were picked to be part of the “Class of 2009,” and only five landed spots in the “up to $1 million in annual sales revenues” category that Laura Lee Designs is listed on.
“I am thrilled and honored to be part of this elite group,” says California native Laura Lee, who got her a master’s degree in international studies from Harvard University and spent two decades working for Nike, Polo Ralph Lauren, American Express and Apple Computer before launching her own firm in 2005. “It’s an incredible feeling to do what you love and have others enjoy it, too. It’s never easy to launch and grow a business, and I can honestly say winning this award is a dream come true.”
Celebrating Success — Award winners and finalists will be recognized during a three-day tribute held in their honor from March 11-13 at Disney’s Yacht Club Resort in Lake Buena Vista, FL. This is the seventh anniversary of the gala awards celebration. The Walt Disney World Company is the premiere sponsor of the 2009 Enterprising Women of the Year Awards Celebration.
In the up to $1 million in annual sales revenues category 2009 Enterprising Women include: Laura Lee Williams of Laura Lee Designs, Inc., McLean, VA, Mary Ardapple Dierker of Apple's Bakery, Inc., Peoria, IL, Ann Kayman of New York Grant Company, New York, NY, Genma Stringer Holmes of Holmes Pest Control, Hermitage, TN, and Patricia Massey of Myca Multimedia & Training Solutions, Cincinnati, OH.
For more information, or to register to attend the 2009 Enterprising Women of the Year Awards Celebration, visit www.enterprisingwomen.com.
