AT&T's She's Connected program has long been a beacon of hope for women entrepreneurs seeking to make a name for themselves in the business world. This year, 11,000 small business owners from across the country submitted their applications, and five finalists have now been selected. The five businesses – SOJO Coffee Company, Blueprint University, Sensori, Bold Crumb House, and Nourish + Bloom Market – showcase how women entrepreneurs are redefining community, culture, and innovation.
One of this year's finalists is Sofia and Josh Garcilazo, co-founders of SOJO Coffee Company. A Latina-owned specialty coffee brand based in Los Angeles, the company was built on the idea of connection, from its Salvadoran farmers to its customers. "Community is everything," says Sofia. The company has introduced a new model for culturally grounded, ethically sourced coffee.
Another finalist is Blueprint University, founded by Kaila Cherie Wright. The university's mission is to bridge the gap between small businesses and Fortune 500s through practical tools, access to capital, and pathways to corporate partnerships. "Connection is the currency of growth," says Wright.
Shanna Watkins, founder of Sensori, a non-alcoholic mood-boosting beverage, has seen strong demand for her product. "Being named a semi-finalist in the AT&T Business Contest is an inspiring milestone... AT&T's belief that 'connecting changes everything' truly resonates with our mission."
Jennifer Lyle, founder of Bold Crumb House in Detroit, believes community is the true ingredient behind every success. The company not only bakes delicious pies but also builds confidence through literacy workshops and school visits.
Finally, co-founders Jilea and Jamie Michael Hemmings have created Nourish + Bloom Market – the first Black-owned frictionless grocery store in the world and the first autonomous grocery store in the U.S. accepting EBT/SNAP. "Technology should serve humanity, not the other way around," says Jilea.
The AT&T She's Connected program has a long history of supporting women entrepreneurs through funding, mentorship, media exposure, and access to business tools and network. The five finalists will now be competing for the grand prize, which includes $50,000 in funding, a year of AT&T service with a new device, and a feature episode on #ShesConnected.
One of this year's finalists is Sofia and Josh Garcilazo, co-founders of SOJO Coffee Company. A Latina-owned specialty coffee brand based in Los Angeles, the company was built on the idea of connection, from its Salvadoran farmers to its customers. "Community is everything," says Sofia. The company has introduced a new model for culturally grounded, ethically sourced coffee.
Another finalist is Blueprint University, founded by Kaila Cherie Wright. The university's mission is to bridge the gap between small businesses and Fortune 500s through practical tools, access to capital, and pathways to corporate partnerships. "Connection is the currency of growth," says Wright.
Shanna Watkins, founder of Sensori, a non-alcoholic mood-boosting beverage, has seen strong demand for her product. "Being named a semi-finalist in the AT&T Business Contest is an inspiring milestone... AT&T's belief that 'connecting changes everything' truly resonates with our mission."
Jennifer Lyle, founder of Bold Crumb House in Detroit, believes community is the true ingredient behind every success. The company not only bakes delicious pies but also builds confidence through literacy workshops and school visits.
Finally, co-founders Jilea and Jamie Michael Hemmings have created Nourish + Bloom Market – the first Black-owned frictionless grocery store in the world and the first autonomous grocery store in the U.S. accepting EBT/SNAP. "Technology should serve humanity, not the other way around," says Jilea.
The AT&T She's Connected program has a long history of supporting women entrepreneurs through funding, mentorship, media exposure, and access to business tools and network. The five finalists will now be competing for the grand prize, which includes $50,000 in funding, a year of AT&T service with a new device, and a feature episode on #ShesConnected.
I'm loving this year's finalists for the AT&T She's Connected program! 11k applicants is crazy 
, but it's awesome to see so many talented women entrepreneurs making waves in their communities 
. I'm really excited to see how Sofia and Josh's SOJO Coffee Company takes off with its new model for ethically sourced coffee 
️. And can we talk about Blueprint University's mission to bridge the gap between small businesses and big corps? Game changer! 
Plus, Sensori's non-alcoholic mood-boosting beverage is a total winner - I need that in my life! 
Jennifer's Bold Crumb House is also giving me all the feels, especially with those literacy workshops 
. And Jilea and Jamie's Nourish + Bloom Market is just genius... who wouldn't want an autonomous grocery store? 
. I think it's awesome that Sofia and Josh's SOJO Coffee Company is getting attention for its Salvadoran farmers connection - we need more brands like that, you know? 
And can we talk about Blueprint University's mission to bridge the gap between small businesses and big corps? That's some serious game-changer stuff 
. The fact that all these women are redefining community and culture is giving me life! It's clear that AT&T's program is more than just a contest - it's a movement 
. I'm low-key living for Sofia's coffee beans, btw - who knew speciality coffee could be so connected to the farmers and customers? 
CEO! I love seeing women-owned businesses like SOJO Coffee Company and Nourish + Bloom Market leading the way in innovation and community building. The AT&T She's Connected program has been doing some amazing work supporting women entrepreneurs, and it's awesome to see the impact these five finalists are going to make.
. In today's fast-paced world, we need more businesses that prioritize people over profit. The fact that companies like Blueprint University and Bold Crumb House are making a difference through literacy workshops and school visits is truly inspiring 
. It just goes to show that business can be a force for good 
.
. the fact that they're all so passionate about their mission and willing to put in the hard work to make it happen is truly inspiring... now if only the rest of us could learn from their examples 
. we need more voices like theirs in business and leadership, you know? it's time for us to redefine what success looks like 
And Kaila's Blueprint University is literally bridging the gap between small biz and big corps, like a real game changer! 
And Jilea's Nourish + Bloom Market is changing the grocery game with that autonomous tech, we need more of that! 
The AT&T She's Connected program is def helping these women entrepreneurs get their businesses off the ground 
. Each one's business is so unique & inspiring 
. Like, who wouldn't want to invest in a company that sources coffee from Salvadoran farmers or creates mood-boosting drinks? 
And the fact that @ATTCorp believes 'connecting changes everything' is SO true 
As far as I'm concerned, having 5 finalists is awesome, but it's still not enough 
We gotta do better than just tokenizing women entrepreneurs. What's going on with the lack of diversity among the finalists? Where are the other voices? The other stories? 
Sofia and Josh's coffee company is literally changing the way we think about sourcing coffee beans... like, it's all about building connections with farmers and customers alike 
And Kaila's Blueprint University is giving small businesses a major leg up on those Fortune 500s 
I love how Shanna sees her semi-finalist spot as a huge milestone for her product - it just goes to show that AT&T's program is really making a difference 
Meanwhile, Jennifer's focus on community-building through literacy workshops and school visits is so inspiring... like, who wouldn't want to help build confidence in the next gen? 
. It feels like just another trend to me 
. I guess I'm just skeptical, what can I say 
... I went to this tiny beach town in Costa Rica and had the best poke bowl ever 
I'm so proud to see these amazing women entrepreneurs making waves in their industries! 
It's great to see companies like SOJO Coffee Company, Blueprint University, Sensori, Bold Crumb House, and Nourish + Bloom Market showcasing their innovative ideas and passions. 
It's also wonderful to see Jennifer building confidence through literacy workshops at her bakery, and Jilea's Nourish + Bloom Market breaking barriers with its autonomous grocery store concept.