RISING STAR AWARD

 Nerissa Zhang, CEO -- Fierce Female Founder, created many businesses since an early age from daycare to catering. Former elite trainer in SF and top earner at her gym, Nerissa deeply understands the industry & customer pain. Her knowledge in the industry is what helped her come up with the concept of what is now known as, The Bright App.  

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Company: The Bright App 

 As an immigrant, podcaster, and coach, Mehran is deeply aware of immigrant struggles. From lack of belonging to working multiple jobs, she is familiar with what it takes to survive as an immigrant and that is why she founded Khoshhaulam. From its birth, Khoshhaulam supported 100 immigrant educators (mainly women) to teach online classes to children and adults eager to learn authentic Language, Culture, and Art. Khoshhaulam is a Farsi word that means, I'm overjoyed.  Mehran is overjoyed to be leading this effort. 

LinkedIn

Company: Khoshhaulam 

 Ria Langheim is the founder and CEO of eWallaby-a consumer energy planning and recommendation platform. After many years in the sustainable energy space, she started eWallaby with the goal of facilitating a green energy transition by offering transparency and agency to community members.The end-goal is a win-win scenario: combating climate change while helping consumers save money.

LinkedIn

Company: eWallaby 

 Sara Mitteer is the owner and founder of Reiki of San Diego, a spiritual wellness company that strives to blend science with spirituality to support deep, tangible healing. As a hypnotherapist and energy medicine practitioner, Sara offers one-on-one Bespoke Transformation Programs, group trainings, workshops and private mentorship. She has a network of 5 highly skilled practitioners whom she has personally mentored and wishes to expand her network and create a platform for the most gifted, respected healers to share their wisdom with the community.

LinkedIn

Company:  Reiki of San Diego