President & Founder, Women Presidents’ Organization

Marsha Firestone graduated with a Masters degree in Communication from Teacher’s College of New York and finished her Doctorate in Communication at Columbia University. Dr. Marsha Firestone’s social involvement spans different functions across the years as director, consultant, professor, and writer. One of the highlights of her early career includes her term as Executive Director of The Women’s Economic Summit in 1998. Under her leadership, a blueprint that focused on aiding the development of women’s business ventures was created. In 1999, this commendable plan was submitted to Congress and presented to the public.

For her expertise and experience in helping women entrepreneurs become more successful and fulfilled, Marsha Firestone was appointed to the National Women’s Business Council in 2003. (This body serves as a representative for women at the helm of their own companies. Its main task is to report to the President and Congress on matters of significance for women entrepreneurs in the country.)

Dr. Marsha Firestone has been recognized by several distinguished institutions. The Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC) conferred upon her the Applause Award 2002. In 2003, she was given the Outstanding Alumna Award by the Sophie Newcomb College of Tulane University. She received the Manhattan Chamber of Commerce’s WMBE Outreach Award in 2004. Dr. Marsha Firestone was also among the three national finalists selected for the coveted Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year distinction in 2006. For her organization and personal dedication to the improvement of businesses, she was acknowledged in the Supporter of Entrepreneurship Category.

Dr. Marsha Firestone also penned The Busy Woman’s Guide to Successful Self-Employment for women presidents worldwide.

With the growing number of entrepreneurial women taking the lead as CEOs, presidents, and owners of their companies, more peer advisory organizations have sprung up as well. One such group is the Women Presidents Organization (WPO) which was established in 1996 and whose select 1500 members in over 80 chapters are presidents of businesses that have annual gross revenues of over two million dollars. This prominent organization was founded and is still chaired by the renowned Dr. Marsha Firestone.