Accelerating Action in Women’s Leadership: EO Chapter Presidents Share Strategies that Help Them Shine

From the pursuit for gender parity to the systemic barriers and biases still facing women today, the theme for this year’s International Women’s Day, celebrated on 8 March, challenges us to “Accelerate Action for women everywhere.” This piece is part of a series this week exploring how women entrepreneurs in EO and beyond are teaming up to accelerate growth, exercise leadership, and broaden their connections through the power of community.   

By Denise Canavaggio, EO Communications Manager 

Great leaders may not have all the answers, but they learn to ask the right questions, inspire, empower, and create spaces for collaboration. Within the Entrepreneurs’ Organization (EO), one out of every five chapters today is led by a woman serving in the role of chapter president who is doing just that. Leadership roles in EO challenge entrepreneurs with an opportunity to step out of their comfort zones and lead with vision, while gaining practical experience and instant peer feedback.

“I aspired to become a chapter president because I believe in EO’s transformative power,” said Yasmin Dadabhoy, president of EO Karachi, and a 4-year member. “This role helped me develop as a leader, forge meaningful relationships, and drive positive change. It also deepened my understanding of leadership, reinforcing the value of resilience, adaptability, and servant leadership.”

On 8 March, we celebrate International Women’s Day (IWD), highlighting the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women worldwide.

In the spirit of IWD’s 2025 theme, “Accelerate Action,” we asked more than a dozen EO chapter presidents who are women to share their insights on leading fellow leaders and the lessons they have gained from this unique EO experience. Their perspectives offer inspiration not just for entrepreneurs but for anyone aspiring to leadership.

Q: Leading in EO: As a leader among leaders, how do you guide and inspire fellow members?
María Inés Morán, a 15-year member and president of EO Monterrey, with more than 100 members: “Leadership is about setting clear priorities and empowering others to take ownership of their roles. I firmly believe that leadership is about enabling others to lead from their seats.”

Courtney DeRonde, a four-year member and current president of EO Iowa: “Leadership is about creating clarity and momentum. EO is full of high-achieving entrepreneurs, and my role as chapter president is to remove obstacles, align efforts, and empower others to grow.”

Gulsultan Dogan, a five-year EO member and president of EO Turkey, which connects more than 60 local entrepreneurs: “As a leader among leaders, my approach to guiding and inspiring EO members is deeply rooted in EO’s core values, specifically "Think Big, Be Bold."

Jessica Aiello, a nine-year EO member and current president of EO DC serving 90+ members: “Authenticity, connection, and purpose drive my leadership. The most effective leaders show up as their genuine self—flaws, and all—creating an environment where people feel safe to be real, too.”  

Jennifer Kenning, a six-year EO member and president of EO Colorado, serving 140+ members: “Ask questions that engage 1-5% conversation and allow others to truly be seen and heard. All people want to know that someone cares.”  

Julie Hockney, a six-year EO member and president of EO Nebraska, leading 125+ members: “I have learned that even leaders like to be led. I have certainly learned a lot from the opportunity to lead exceptional leaders.” 

Q: Why did you aspire to become a chapter president, and how has the role benefited you?

Courtney DeRonde: “I believe in what EO offers—real connection, shared wisdom, and a space to challenge ourselves. Leading at this level has expanded my perspective, deepened my relationships, and sharpened my focus on what truly moves the needle.”

María Inés Morán: “This experience has shaped me into a more empathetic leader. I have learned to trust in people's potential and improved my ability to connect and inspire.”

Natacha Neumann, president of EO Berlin, one of EO’s largest chapters with 300+ members: “I wanted to test my leadership principles among a team of intrinsically motivated peers, and I also wanted to give back to this organization that has been so important in my own personal development journey.”

Annmarie Lanesey, an 11-year member and president of EO Albany: “I was inspired to step into a leadership role at EO because I believe in the extraordinary impact of community and shared knowledge. EO thrives when we uplift one another’s ideas, experiences, and strengths”.

Nicholle Overkamp, president of EO Western New York: “It felt like an honor to step into a leadership role for a group of people I deeply admire. This role has made me a stronger leader, a better listener, and has given me an even deeper appreciation for the power of community.”–

Julie Hockney: “I took on this role because I knew it would be challenging. I wanted to get uncomfortable and challenge myself to improve my own leadership skills.”

Michelle Arce, a seven-year member and president of EO Puerto Rico, a chapter of 100+ members: “This journey has reinforced my belief in the power of community. Most importantly, it has reignited the energy I had lost from running multiple businesses, reminding me why I love what I do.”

Jennifer Roth, a seven-year member and president of EO Minnesota serving 100+ members: “I have found, as I do with all things EO, that I receive so much more than I give in the role of president. I’ve met amazing leaders, people, and friends in Minnesota, within the Central region, the U.S., and even globally.” 

Q: Lessons in Leadership: Looking back, what lessons do you wish you had learned earlier?What are the most important lessons from your time as an EO member?

Annmarie Lanesey: “The best leaders don’t work alone — they build teams, nurture talent, and create spaces where diverse voices and ideas can flourish. True greatness comes when we recognize that we are stronger together.”

Sarah Dray, president of EO Israel “I'm running a board in a language that isn't my mother tongue, and I also had my first baby during my presidency. Overcoming these challenges pushed me to grow, and I'm so grateful for the opportunity.”

Nicholle Overkamp: “Leadership isn’t about having all the answers—it’s about asking better questions. The best leaders create space for others to step up, share their perspectives, and innovate together.”

Maria Inés Morán: “Your mindset shapes your reality. How you perceive challenges, opportunities, and even yourself directly influences your actions and success. EO provides a unique opportunity for personal and professional growth because it allows you to see yourself reflected in others.

Courtney DeRonde: “Entrepreneurs don’t need people who just nod along—we need those who challenge our blind spots and hold us accountable. That’s been one of the biggest gifts of EO—being part of a community that doesn’t let me settle.”

Jennifer Kenning: “Leadership is a constant learning journey. You won't be able to please everyone, so don't try to. The magic is in being vulnerable and in the hard. This is the best mirror for being the best leader amongst leaders.”

The experiences shared by this diverse group of women highlight the power of courage, vulnerability, curiosity, and community. Their insights serve as both inspiration and a call to action, reminding women worldwide that leadership isn’t about having all the answers, but about being bold enough to ask the right questions and step out of their comfort zone.

“EO has reinforced that leadership is a constant evolution. Surround yourself with people who challenge you,” added Nicholle Overkamp. “I’ve learned more from the leaders and entrepreneurs in EO than I ever could have on my own.”

Whether you are already leading or considering stepping into a leadership role, EO provides opportunities to challenge yourself and grow at a local, regional, and global level. The future of leadership is diverse, and now is the time for women to accelerate action. Are you ready?

Would you like to connect with more inspiring women leaders? Join us at the EO Women Summit for an immersive experience that challenges convention, sparks innovative thinking, and brings together a global community of trailblazing women entrepreneurs from 2–5 June 2025 in Montreal, Canada.

Check out the first post two posts in this week’s series for International Women’s Day: International Women’s Day: Accelerating Investment in Women-Owned Businesses and Hard Won Wisdom by Women, for Women to Accelerate in Entrepreneurship.