International Women’s Day 2025

Celebrating Women in Publishing: Honoring Trailblazers and Industry Leaders

As we celebrate International Women’s Day 2025, we reflect on the incredible women who have shaped the publishing industry—past and present. From literary pioneers like Jane Austen, who defied societal norms to self-publish and secure her legacy, to contemporary leaders revolutionizing book publishing, women continue to break barriers and redefine storytelling.

Jane Austen, one of the most beloved authors in history, navigated a male-dominated industry in the early 19th century. Despite the constraints placed on women writers, Austen’s works—such as Pride and Prejudice and Sense and Sensibility—have stood the test of time, inspiring readers and writers alike. Today, her influence is reflected in the many women who lead publishing companies, author bestsellers, and create opportunities for others in the literary world.

The Women in Publishing Summit embodies this spirit of empowerment, celebrating women who make publishing more inclusive, innovative, and dynamic. As we approach the 2025 Women in Publishing Summit, we are honored to showcase the extraordinary women leading the organizations sponsoring this year’s event. These women are shaping the future of publishing, offering authors essential resources, and fostering a vibrant literary community.

Platinum Sponsor

Karen Strauss – Hybrid Global Publishing, Founder
Karen Strauss is a seasoned publishing professional with over 35 years of experience. She has held key positions at major publishing houses, including Random House, Crown, and Avon, specializing in sales, marketing, and publicity. In 2010, Karen founded Hybrid Global Publishing to assist entrepreneurs, speakers, and coaches in writing, publishing, distributing, and promoting their books. Her firm has successfully published over 1,400 authors since its inception. Karen is also the author of Soulful Leadership: Elevating Purpose and Empowering Change.

Gold Sponsors

Aimee Ravichandran – Abundantly Social, Owner
Aimee Ravichandran, a San Antonio native, holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of Texas at San Antonio. She began her career under the mentorship of Sandy Lawrence, former CEO of Perceptive Public Relations, where she honed her skills in social media and book marketing. Aimee founded Abundantly Social to provide affordable marketing solutions for authors and small businesses. She has been instrumental in creating over 100 Amazon Best-Selling authors and was recognized as one of the Top 10 Innovative Women Changing the Face of Business in 2022. In addition to her marketing firm, Aimee co-hosts multiple podcasts, including Author Talk and The Con Hour.

Hannah Jacobson – Book Award Pro, Founder
Hannah Jacobson is the visionary founder of Book Award Pro, a company dedicated to helping authors navigate the complex landscape of book awards. With a passion for elevating authors’ careers, Hannah offers strategic insights and tools to align award opportunities with authors’ marketing goals, enhancing their visibility and credibility in the literary world.

Silver Sponsor

Jennifer S. Wilkov – Your Book is Your Hook, CEO & Founder
Jennifer S. Wilkov is a dynamic keynote speaker, multi-#1 international best-selling award-winning author, and business consultant. She is the host of the Your Book Is Your Hook! podcast, where she provides valuable insights and interviews with industry professionals to help authors and writers succeed. Jennifer’s expertise spans across various genres and platforms, empowering writers to navigate the publishing industry effectively.

Bronze Sponsors

Patricia Marshall – Luminare Press, Founder
Patricia Marshall, with a background in magazine editing, founded Luminare Press in 2010 after assisting her 89-year-old mother in self-publishing her first novel. Recognizing the need for professional guidance for independent authors, Patricia established Luminare Press to offer comprehensive book design and publishing services. She holds a degree in journalism from the University of Oregon and an MFA in Creative Nonfiction from Goucher College. Patricia is passionate about helping authors produce polished, professional books and enjoys leading a talented team dedicated to supporting authors through the publishing process.

Mindy Kuhn – Warren Publishing, President
Mindy Kuhn brings over 30 years of experience in marketing, design, and branding to her role as President of Warren Publishing. She holds degrees in Photojournalism and Journalism Graphics from Ball State University and a Leadership in Publishing Certificate from the Yale Publishing Course. Mindy has worked across various sectors, from Fortune 500 companies to small boutiques, and excels at transforming authors’ visions into polished, award-winning publications.

Kiffer Brown – Chanticleer Book Reviews, CEO & Founder
Kathryn “Kiffer” Brown is the CEO and founder of Chanticleer Book Reviews and Chanticleer International Book Awards (CIBAs). Since 2011, she has been dedicated to discovering and promoting today’s best books, offering editorial reviews, book promotion, and awards recognition to authors worldwide. Kiffer’s passion for helping authors succeed is evident through her work with various literary organizations and her commitment to enhancing book discoverability in the publishing community.

Roxanne McCarty-O’Kane – Ignite & Write, CEO
Roxanne McCarty-O’Kane is an award-winning nonfiction ghostwriter and writing mentor with a professional storytelling career spanning since 2007. Through her Ignite & Write Workshops and Mentorships, Roxanne connects with aspiring authors, helping them authentically communicate their stories with clarity, passion, and purpose. Her dedication to empowering writers has made her a respected figure in the literary community.

Karen Ferreira – Children’s Book Mastery, Founder & CEO
Karen Ferreira is a professional book illustrator, bestselling author, award-winning creative director, and founder and CEO of Children’s Book Mastery. She helps self-publishing authors succeed with courses and training. She has assisted many authors throughout their publishing journey, from writing through marketing.

Join Us in Celebrating Women in Publishing!

These are just a few of the many incredible women in our community, making The Women in Publishing Summit is more than an event—it’s a movement. It brings together trailblazing women who are shaping the literary world, offering invaluable networking, education, and inspiration for authors and industry professionals alike. Join us in celebrating these incredible leaders and discover the wealth of opportunities they provide.

Together, we celebrate the past, present, and future of women in publishing!