Influential Female CEOs Shaping the Future of Business in 2026
ON THE COVER
MarissaMcDade
Marissa McDade’s journey as an entrepreneur and business leader reflects determination, discipline, and a strong commitment to creating opportunity for both her family and her community. As the Founder and CEO of M&M’s Vending Express LLC, she has built a company that focuses on reliability, service, and long-term growth. What started as a simple idea has gradually developed into a structured and expanding vending services business that operates across multiple locations and continues to plan for a promising future.
Dr. Linh Trinh An
Dr. Linh Trinh An’s professional journey is a unique blend of artistry, discipline, and purpose-driven transformation. With a Doctor of Musical Arts in Piano Performance from George Mason University, she began her career deeply rooted in academia and music. Years of rigorous training, performance, and teaching shaped her mindset, instilling a strong sense of discipline, independence, and accountability.
Vanja Keindl
Vanja Keindl is the founder and CEO of VERBA, a language solutions company based in Croatia and Denmark that works with clients around the world. Through her leadership, the company has grown into a trusted partner for organizations that need to communicate effectively across markets, cultures, and languages. For many businesses, communication across different languages may seem simple at first. However, when companies expand internationally and begin working across multiple regions, communication quickly becomes complex.
Candice Desmet
Candice Desmet is the Founder and Director of Act’in Theatre, a dynamic drama school situated in the heart of London. Act’in Theatre provides drama, improvisation, and cinema classes in both French and English for adults and children. It is a welcoming space where people of all ages, careers, and levels of theatrical and film experience can enhance their physical expression, emotions, and stage presence in a relaxed environment.
Ingrid Reyes
Ingrid Reyes is an accomplished entrepreneur and the Co-Founder and CEO, Americas of M&A Creative Agency USA. Under her leadership, the agency excels in delivering innovative creative solutions within the wine and spirits industry. With a commitment to excellence, Ingrid drives her team to achieve remarkable results, establishing M&A Creative Agency USA as a leader in its field.
