Meet Our 2026 Ambassadors

Every year, the Women Expo Business Expo and Market Place brings together inspiring leaders who drive change and uplift communities. The 2026 event is no different, featuring a remarkable group of women ambassadors who represent strength, dedication, and vision. These women lead initiatives that support veterans, empower entrepreneurs, and create opportunities for growth and connection. This post introduces you to the 2026 ambassadors and highlights their contributions to the Expo and beyond.

Event Ambassador: Major Jas Boothe

Major Jas Boothe stands out as a powerful advocate for women veterans. Her leadership has earned her national recognition, including being named a CNN Hero and receiving the U.S. Army Chief of Staff Outstanding Civilian Service Award. She also holds honors from Oprah Winfrey and Toyota for her outstanding service.

Major Boothe’s story has been featured in major outlets such as Essence, People, HuffPost, The Washington Post, and Ebony. She founded Final Salute Inc. and Ms. Veteran America, organizations dedicated to ensuring that women who served in the military are recognized, supported, and never forgotten. Her commitment to the principle “Never Leave a Fallen Comrade” drives her work to provide resources and visibility for women veterans.

Her role as the Event Ambassador for the 2026 Women Expo Business Expo and Market Place highlights the importance of honoring service and creating spaces where women veterans can connect with the broader community.

Leadership Ambassadors Driving Change

Alongside Major Boothe, the 2026 Expo features a group of Leadership Ambassadors who are making waves in their industries and communities. Each ambassador brings unique expertise and passion to the event:

• Melissa Famer-Hill – CEO of Sherro Coffee

Melissa leads a company focused on delivering quality coffee while supporting sustainable practices. Her leadership inspires women entrepreneurs to build businesses that balance profit with purpose.

• Malisha Porter – CEO of Grace and Mercy

Malisha’s company specializes in merchandise that celebrates culture and creativity. She empowers women to express themselves through business and art.

• Shamika White – Best Selling Author

Shamika uses her writing to motivate and educate. Her books focus on personal growth and overcoming challenges, making her a valuable voice for women seeking inspiration.

• Oluwatoyin Olsabisi – CEO of Igniting Intuition

Oluwatoyin helps women tap into their inner wisdom to make confident decisions. Her coaching and workshops encourage self-awareness and leadership.

• Shannon Stone-Winding – CEO of BACE Careers

Shannon supports career development and workforce readiness. She connects women with opportunities to advance professionally and build fulfilling careers.

These ambassadors represent a broad spectrum of industries and experiences, showing the diversity and strength of women leaders today. Their participation in the Expo creates a dynamic environment where attendees can learn, network, and grow.

Shero Coffee cup with branding materials

The Vision Behind the Expo

Dr. Elizabeth Lockhart, Executive Director of the Arthur Lockhart Resource Institute and founder of Standup for Veteran and Sister to Sister, Woman Veteran Expo and Market Place, leads the overall vision for the event. Her work focuses on creating platforms that support women veterans and entrepreneurs, fostering community connections and resource sharing.

The 2026 Expo aims to:

• Celebrate women’s achievements in business and service

• Provide educational workshops and networking opportunities

• Highlight veteran support initiatives

• Showcase products and services from women-owned businesses

  
  

By bringing together ambassadors with diverse backgrounds and expertise, the Expo creates a space where attendees can find inspiration and practical tools to advance their goals.

What You Can Expect at the 2026 Expo

Attending the Women Expo Business Expo and Market Place offers many benefits:

• Networking with leaders like Major Jas Boothe and the Leadership Ambassadors

• Access to workshops on entrepreneurship, career growth, and veteran support

• Opportunities to discover new products and services from women-owned businesses

• Inspiration from stories of resilience and leadership

  
  

Whether you are a veteran, entrepreneur, or community supporter, the Expo provides a welcoming environment to connect and learn.

Join the Movement

The 2026 ambassadors embody the spirit of service, leadership, and empowerment. Their stories and work remind us that progress happens when women support each other and build strong communities.

Mark your calendar for the Women Expo Business Expo and Market Place and take part in an event that celebrates women’s achievements and fosters meaningful connections. Stay tuned for updates on speakers, workshops, and exhibitors.