Member Spotlight: Eva Davis

Member Spotlight: Eva Davis

Eva Davis is Managing Partner at Winston & Strawn, a global law firm with over 1,500 business professionals across 14 offices and 5 countries. She leads external affairs, focusing on clients, business development, marketing, branding, sales, and firm growth—including lateral partner hiring and acquisitions. Eva is also a seasoned M&A lawyer, advising some of the country’s most active private equity funds and founder-backed businesses across a number of industries with a particular focus on consumer products, technology, and industrials. Her career is driven by curiosity, a “getting to yes” mindset, and a commitment to continuous learning. She resides in Park City, Utah and also spends time in Hermosa Beach, CA, enjoying skiing, hiking, kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding and, most recently, country western line dancing. Eva joined C200 in 2025.

 

Eva Glassman: Please tell us about your role at Winston & Strawn. What do you love the most about your work, and what are some more challenging aspects?

Eva Davis: As one of three Managing Partners, I help guide our Chairman in running a billion-plus-dollar firm with 1,000 lawyers and 500 business professionals across the US, Europe, and South America. My focus is on all things external: clients, business development, sales, client special projects, marketing, and branding—as well as initiatives that drive firm growth. Previously, I chaired our firm’s transactions department, overseeing half the firm’s P&L and talent. Today, I work to solve our clients’ most complex challenges in a rapidly changing world and regulatory landscape.

Alongside my leadership role, I remain an active M&A dealmaker, primarily serving middle-market private equity clients and private companies. Recent highlights include advising Ghost Beverages on its sale to Keurig Dr Pepper and guiding LesserEvil in its sale to Hershey; both deals valued at over $1.0 billion. I thrive on the dynamic nature of M&A, especially in consumer brands, but also for bespoke manufacturing, technology, and lately, AI. If you’d like to hear any of my M&A tips, please check out my podcast “What’s the Deal?” that I post every other week on LinkedIn.

EG: Did you always know that you wanted to go into law?

ED: I’m one of those people who knew I wanted to be a lawyer at age seven. I grew up in the Washington, DC area. My father was a lawyer who worked for the federal government, but not in a big high-profile position. I found lawyers and their work interesting because they were always solving problems.

My early career included a range of legal work, from serving as a gofer, then secretary, and finally paralegal at a three-attorney firm near my childhood home during high school and college. That experience allowed me to learn the ins and outs of running a business from client intake, service, billing, and collections to hiring and managing talent.

I was in law school when LA Law was popular on television, so that became my idea of what it was like to be a lawyer. How wrong was I?! Funnily enough, I ended up in Los Angeles for my career, and all my friends and family were asking, “So is your job like LA Law?” [Laughs] It’s definitely not.

After a decade of practice, in 1999, I joined Kirkland & Ellis, one of the largest, most profitable firms in the US, to start the firm’s private equity practice in Los Angeles. In that role, I helped build the firm’s West Coast transactions practice as a young partner and new mother—a challenging but rewarding leap.

Those first few years at Kirkland were really tough. If you had interviewed me two or three years into that experience and asked me, “Would you have made this law firm and professional change knowing how hard these past few years have been?” I honestly don’t know if I would have said yes. Fast-forward twenty years later, if you ask me the same question, I’d say “Absolutely yes.” Sometimes you wonder, “What the heck did I get myself into?” and you just have to stay the course. And I did, and it worked.

EG: What are some moments you look back on and consider an important pivot point in your career? What were the moves you made to get you to that next step?

ED: Key career pivots included changing firms (twice) and stretching into new areas of expertise, even when uncomfortable. My move to Winston & Strawn eleven years ago was driven by client needs and market fit, and at the time, I selected a firm where I was comfortable with the culture, respected the partners, and had confidence in our own collective ambition.

Running for Chairman two years ago was a significant step. There were six of us who ran—five men and me. I ran because I thought I could do a great job in the role, and I wanted the additional leadership responsibility. I was also aware of my visible role as one of the most senior women at the firm, and I felt responsible to my women colleagues to show that it was possible for a woman to run a global law firm. It was a nine-month process, and I ultimately lost—but I positioned myself well enough that my new Chairman asked me to be one of the three Managing Partners supporting him.

EG: I’m curious about your journey to C200. How did you discover the organization? What made you join?

ED: When I lost the Chairman race, I was obviously disappointed—I really went for it. Several months passed before I was eventually offered the Managing Partner role, and during that time, I was planning my next challenge: to sit on the board of directors of a public company. I joined a couple of other women’s organizations that were focused on placing board-ready women on public company boards. While these organizations have some sense of community, none of them were focused on senior women currently running businesses and responsible for P&L. My network needed new connections: amazing senior women leaders who are still active in their careers.

Joining C200 was a combination of seeking my next challenge or chapter, as well as expanding my network to get into spaces with some fantastic senior women leaders. I am also passionate about connecting people, teams, clients, private equity funds, and current and prospective board members in my network with each other to develop innovative solutions, solve problems, amplify voices, and help find the next business, professional, or personal opportunity. I plan to do just that as a Member of C200.

EG: You mentioned that you were the only woman running for the Chairman position. When you first started working at a law firm, what was your experience like finding other women to connect with or aspire to?

ED: I’m one generation right after the generation of “first women”—the first woman partner, the first woman to run a practice group, the first woman to run an office, the first woman to run a firm—so I did see senior women at law firms who were inspirational. However, there weren’t that many. Almost all of my mentors over the course of my career were in fact men—because there were just more of them. I had a collection of people at different levels giving me advice and tips, but never a traditional mentor or singularly instrumental person who was a woman.

I was very conscious of how few women were in the senior ranks at the three global law firms where I have practiced for 35 years. This ties back to a key reason for me running for Chairman—I know how important it was for me to see what was possible, even if it was seeing just one senior woman in a key position.

When it comes to “mentorship” or seeking advice from others, I’m very much someone who subscribes to the “Personal Board of Directors” approach. For me, many of the people on my Personal Board are not within my own organization. Sometimes, I just want to sit down and be really honest, have blunt conversations, and get real tips—which is not always possible within your own organization. These board members have given me great advice on next steps, how I should think about my career progression, what I’m seeing in the market, how I’m handling clients, approaching issues, and so on.

Now that I’m part of C200, I’m excited to get to know the other Members more and hopefully become part of a really great network of Personal Boards.

EG: What does being a “woman in business” mean to you? How does that impact the way you lead and work?

ED: I have always believed that we need more diverse perspectives, gender or otherwise, to come together and solve our clients’ biggest problems. Whether you were trained as an engineer, an English major, or a lawyer, your life experience informs your perspective, and that really matters. I want to promote diverse perspectives in my leadership and day-to-day actions.

While I hesitate to subscribe to stereotypes or over-generalizations, I do feel that emotional intelligence and authenticity are hallmarks of women’s leadership, and I aim to model vulnerability and openness—sharing both successes and struggles.

I also seek to bring out the best in others, especially when meeting in groups—knowing that there are some people who are not going to speak first or be the loudest but may generate our best ideas. That ranges from how I might run a meeting, to whom I might call on, to whom I might seek to form committees or make decisions.

Demonstrating alternative ways to lead is also important. For instance, as a leader, I’m not someone who takes up the room. I contribute and speak when I have something to say. You don’t need to monopolize the conversation in order to get your points across. The loudest voice in the room isn’t necessarily the one with the most authority on an issue.

I also try to be an authentic, vulnerable leader for others to see as an example for how to lead. The “perfect” woman leader was something I saw much more in the 90s that I don’t see as much now. I try to embody a level of authenticity with others, especially so that women don’t see me and think, “She looks like she’s got it all together!” Because I don’t have it all together! I’m very intentional about sharing my struggles with my colleagues and those I mentor. Showing up as an authentic leader with your struggles each and every day can be hard. My goal is to show others that you don’t have to be perfect to make things work. Initiatives I spearheaded like “Candid Conversations” at our firm create space for honest dialogue and visibility for our women.

EG: Giving women the opportunity to bring authenticity to the workspace is so important because we all have the chance to change what being a leader looks like, so that it’s more attainable for everyone.

ED: To that point, I try to show up this way for our men, too. I’m a big believer that if the men are talking about their kids, families, culture, and their issues, women will feel even more comfortable in doing so as well. The obligation to change the workplace culture shouldn’t just fall on the women.

I was actually one of the initial advocates at my firm for equal parental leave for our male and female attorneys. Our parental leave now provides our mothers and fathers with the same amount of time. I also encourage our men to take the full leave because I don’t want any firm partners assuming the men on their teams won’t (and that the women will) take that time, which could impact staffing and promotion decisions. For example, if a partner assumes someone recently married and of a certain age will have kids in the next few years, I want the partner to also assume a man will take just as much parental leave as a woman, so the staffing or promotion decision is truly based on merit, not the risk that a woman might not be here next year.

EG: What is your advice to younger women trying to advance their careers?

ED: Prepare yourself for your next position now. When you have that greater ambition, how are you developing the skills that you need for your next role? Every organization is political—so how do you make your ambition known in ways that service the organization? Having a Personal Board of Directors to consult about these questions is huge.

In law firms and with our clients, I often see women who are at a point in their careers where they’re becoming partners or vice presidents between ages thirty and thirty-five—which is also the time when they’re having children. When experiencing these professional and life milestones, it’s important to figure out ways to stay visible.

While it’s good to be selective and intentional with your time, if you’re seeking that next level, it’s the opportunities you accept that will help you reach it. Say yes to the things that matter and help advance your career, your development, and your learning—even if it’s difficult or uncomfortable. At the same time, give yourself permission to say no to things that aren’t going to matter, whether it’s personal or professional.

 


 

C200 is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with a mission to inspire, educate, support, and advance current and future women entrepreneurs and corporate profit-center leaders. The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the individuals quoted or featured and do not necessarily reflect the views, policies, or positions of C200.

How Leaders Can Scale AI From Pilots to Real Results

How Leaders Can Scale AI From Pilots to Real Results

By Farrah Lakhani | Uber | Member since 2024

If you are an enterprise executive today, it can feel like everyone has an AI story and almost no one has measurable results. Boards hear about pilots, proofs of concept, and new tools almost weekly, yet few enterprises can point to AI programs that deliver sustained, enterprise-wide ROI.

Despite heavy investment in talent, infrastructure, and experimentation, most AI initiatives never scale. According to a McKinsey survey, nearly two-thirds of enterprises remain stuck in the experimental phase, unable to move AI into core operations where it can materially affect performance.

I’ve seen this firsthand while leading enterprise AI transformations across large, complex organizations, often under heavy regulatory constraints, legacy technology platforms, and highly fragmented workflows. The pattern is consistent: organizations attempt to scale AI as a technology initiative, when the real determinant of success is leadership alignment, and an operating model built for enterprise adoption.

Read the full article here.

 


 

C200 is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with a mission to inspire, educate, support, and advance current and future women entrepreneurs and corporate profit-center leaders. The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the individuals quoted or featured and do not necessarily reflect the views, policies, or positions of C200.

Trusting Your Gut Instinct in the Age of AI

Trusting Your Gut Instinct in the Age of AI

By Sharon Whiteley | TRU47 | Member since 1994

As AI becomes more embedded in leadership decision-making, a subtle pattern is emerging.

Leaders are questioning their own instincts more often than they question algorithmic outputs. In the rush to adopt what is new, it can be tempting to treat technology as more objective or reliable than human judgment.

But algorithms can’t sense nuance, tension, or when something looks right on paper but feels off in practice. They reflect the assumptions, inputs, and priorities of the people who build them.

In our latest Forbes article, C200 Member Sharon Whiteley explores why this moment calls for leaders to reclaim confidence in their own judgment. Gut instinct is not a guess or a soft skill. It is human intelligence built through experience, consequence, and reflection.

AI can inform decisions. Leadership still requires discernment.

Read the full article here.

 


 

C200 is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with a mission to inspire, educate, support, and advance current and future women entrepreneurs and corporate profit-center leaders. The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the individuals quoted or featured and do not necessarily reflect the views, policies, or positions of C200.

How to Scale Your Business with Influencers

How to Scale Your Business with Influencers

By Jennifer Quigley-Jones | Digital Voices | Member since 2024

Influencer marketing has shifted from experimental partnerships to a real growth engine for global brands. As budgets increase and the Creator Economy heads toward an estimated $600 billion by 2030, the question for senior leaders is no longer whether to invest, but how to scale these programs effectively.

C200 Member Jennifer Quigley-Jones outlines how high-growth companies are rethinking teams, tools, and measurement to turn influencer marketing into a scalable business capability.

Our new article for Forbes by Jenny highlights:

  • Why scaling requires leadership alignment, not just bigger budgets
  • The growing role of AI in reducing operational bottlenecks
  • Why measurement frameworks must evolve to capture true impact

The article also features actions leaders can take now to build global programs.

Read the full article here.

 


 

C200 is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with a mission to inspire, educate, support, and advance current and future women entrepreneurs and corporate profit-center leaders. The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the individuals quoted or featured and do not necessarily reflect the views, policies, or positions of C200.

Why Former Athletes Often Become Exceptional Business Leaders

Why Former Athletes Often Become Exceptional Business Leaders

By Maryann Bruce | Amalgamated Bank | C200 Chair Emeritus | Member since 2002

We are excited to celebrate C200 Member Maryann Bruce and her newly published Forbes article, adapted from the keynote she shared with the women student-athletes at Vanderbilt University through our Reachout program.

Maryann highlights how the lessons learned in competition stay with you long after the season ends. Discipline. Focus. Confidence under pressure. These are the same habits that prepare women to lead companies, shape industries, and step into rooms where decisions are made.

This is the heart of Reachout. C200 Members sit down with ambitious undergraduate and MBA women across the country and talk openly about their careers, the turns they took, and the opportunities they created. Those conversations change what students believe is possible for themselves.

Read the full article here.

 


 

C200 is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with a mission to inspire, educate, support, and advance current and future women entrepreneurs and corporate profit-center leaders. The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the individuals quoted or featured and do not necessarily reflect the views, policies, or positions of C200.

2025 C200 Scholar Awards

2025 C200 Scholar Awards

(Left to right) C200 Board Chair Tara Marling Abraham; Scholar Awardees Santana Spearman, Mya Georgiadis, Abigail Hite, Shelbi Briggs, Tiffany Ngigi, Mehak Gadh; C200 CEO Myla Skinner

 

The C200 Scholar Awards recognize outstanding women business students—both undergraduate and graduate—who demonstrate exceptional leadership potential, an entrepreneurial mindset, and a strong commitment to advancing women. Scholars are selected through a rigorous evaluation process that assesses their leadership experience, professional achievements, and dedication to creating meaningful impact in their communities and industries.

Beyond receiving a financial award toward their education, recipients gain unparalleled access to C200’s powerful network of accomplished women leaders. Through mentorship, professional development, and exclusive networking opportunities, scholars connect with executives and entrepreneurs who provide guidance, industry insights, and career support. By becoming part of this influential community, awardees not only receive financial backing but also join a lifelong network committed to fostering success, breaking barriers, and empowering future generations of women leaders.

Our 2025 Scholar Award winners accepted their awards during our Reachout in partnership with Vanderbilt University on October 15, 2025. Read on to learn more about our 2025 Scholar Award winners and how C200’s support will help them advance their professional ambitions.

 

Abigail Hite

Abigail Hite is a student-athlete at Vanderbilt University, majoring in Engineering Science with minors in Data Science and Engineering Management. Balancing athletics and academics has taught her the importance of discipline, leadership, and creativity – qualities she looks forward to carrying into a career that blends technology, innovation, and entrepreneurship.

What inspired you to pursue your current career path? I’ve always been passionate about problem-solving and creating meaningful change through technology. Engineering allows me to combine analytical thinking with real-world impact, and I’m inspired by the opportunity to use data-driven innovation to make industries more sustainable and inclusive.

 

Which women in business inspire you, and why? Kendra Scott inspires me because she built her business from the ground up while prioritizing authenticity, creativity, and giving back. Her focus on empowering women and her commitment to community impact remind me that success is most powerful when it uplifts others.

 

How will your C200 Scholar Award help you advance in your career journey? The C200 Scholar Award will directly support my education at Vanderbilt and help me continue developing as both a leader and entrepreneur. It will also allow me to invest in future business and innovation opportunities—fueling my long-term goal of creating solutions that empower women and drive positive change.

 

Mehak Gadh

Mehak Gadh is an entrepreneur, researcher, and innovation strategist committed to leveraging business, technology, and data-driven insights to create sustainable impact across industries. A student at Vanderbilt University studying Applied Mathematics, Economics, and Data Science, Mehak focuses on applying analytical and entrepreneurial thinking to solve complex real-world challenges. As a Vanderbilt Wond’ry Innovation Fellow, she explores how interdisciplinary collaboration and evidence-based problem-solving can drive progress in areas ranging from emerging technology to community development and wellness.

Mehak is the founder of Food as Medicine, an initiative that promotes accessible wellness through culturally informed nutrition programs, and the co-founder of PlayAR, an augmented reality sports training program that enhances player performance and safety through immersive design. Her work has been recognized by the Diamond Challenge, the largest global entrepreneurship competition for high school students hosted by the University of Delaware’s Horn Entrepreneurship, which awarded her the Top 100 Emerging Innovator Award and named PlayAR a Global Finalist in the competition. Mehak has competed against more than 1,700 teams from over 70 countries for innovative excellence and social impact.

What inspired you to pursue your current career path? I’ve always been fascinated by the interaction of business with other industries. These interplays may involve advancing healthcare innovation, driving social change, or developing technology that improves everyday life. I see business as the language that connects ideas to real impact. Through ventures like Food as Medicine, which integrates nutrition education into community health programs, and PlayAR, an augmented reality sports training program, I discovered that entrepreneurship combines creativity and strategy to solve meaningful problems. These experiences taught me that business is not only about growth but also about building something that empowers others and creates lasting change.

 

Which women in business inspire you, and why? Candance Nelson inspires me because her journey shows how creativity and persistence can turn a small idea into something transformative. Before founding Sprinkles Cupcakes, she worked in investment banking but felt unfulfilled. Leaving that career behind, she started baking in her home kitchen, often late at night, testing recipes and learning the craft from scratch.

At the time, the idea of a “cupcake bakery” seemed unrealistic to many because cupcakes were viewed as nostalgic treats rather than luxury products. The bakery industry was saturated, and the concept of elevating a simple dessert into a premium experience was unheard of. Candace trusted her instincts and believed that something small and joyful could have the same cultural impact as fine dining. She launched Sprinkles during an economic downturn when investors were hesitant and consumers were cutting back, but she noticed that people still craved moments of happiness. By taking a risk, she built a successful business and sparked an entire movement that changed how people think about food, branding, and experience.

Her story inspires me because it shows that entrepreneurship is about vision and conviction, even when logic says to wait. Candace Nelson’s courage to act on an unconventional idea motivates me to pursue my own ventures with the same blend of intuition, creativity, and purpose.

 

How will your C200 Scholar Award help you advance in your career journey? The C200 Reachout Scholar Award will allow me to learn directly from women who have forged their own paths in business and leadership. Being surrounded by entrepreneurs who transformed ideas into lasting impact will help me understand what it takes to grow a venture with purpose and resilience. I hope to learn from their experiences, hear how they approached obstacles, and apply those lessons as I continue developing my own initiatives.

This award will also help me strengthen my strategic foundation of my ventures, such as Food as Medicine and PlayAR. I want to learn more about scaling operations, building strong teams, and creating sustainable business models that balance growth and community impact. Most importantly, it will connect me to a network of women who lead with integrity, collaboration, and vision. I see this award both as an opportunity for mentorship and a reminder of the responsibility to help others rise as I continue to grow.

 

Mya Georgiadis

Mya Georgiadis is a senior at Vanderbilt University, majoring in Human and Organizational Development with a minor in Business. Mya is also a Division I Track & Field athlete and an international 400m hurdler for Team Greece.

Beyond her athletics, Mya is passionate about digital content marketing and brand strategy within the world of professional sports. She has gained relevant experience through internships with Vanderbilt Media, the Tennessee Titans, and NIL marketing companies, as well as developing her own personal brand with over 55,000 followers and 6 million + likes across social media platforms. Mya’s goal is to continue building authentic connections between athletes, brands, and fans through creative storytelling, social media, and content creation.

What inspired you to pursue your current career path? My mom inspired me to pursue social media marketing for professional sports. Ever since I was a young girl, I could never put a camera down, I was always vlogging family vacations or documenting my favorite moments at track meets like New Balance Nationals. I’ve always had an eye for storytelling and creativity through content, but it wasn’t until college that I realized I could turn that passion into a career. Once I discovered that social media marketing was a legitimate path, I fell even deeper in love with photography, videography, and creative content strategy. 

 

Which women in business inspire you, and why? I’m deeply inspired by women like Taylor Rooks. I had the privilege of hearing her speak during my internship with Instagram, and her story truly moved me. She spoke about working her way up from journalism to becoming a powerful voice in sports media. Her intelligence, work ethic, creativity, and authenticity shine through everything she does, from her interviews to her on-screen presence. Taylor reminds me that perseverance, confidence, and staying true to your voice can open incredible doors. 

 

How will your C200 Scholar Award help you advance in your career journey? As a first-generation college student, this award means so much more than financial support, it’s a stepping stone toward the future I’m building for myself. I don’t come from generational wealth, so every opportunity like this helps me move closer to achieving my goals. This award is helping me turn my dreams into reality, from pursuing a master’s degree to one day becoming a Chief Marketing Officer in the sports industry. 

 

Santana Spearman

What inspired you to pursue your current career path? Taking a course on corporate social responsibility inspired me to seek a career in the business industry and spearhead integrity and social impact in organizations. I realized the role that business and corporations play in shaping society and considered what good leadership in business encompasses. Since then, I have been motivated to intersect my passions for health and wellness in a career in business.  

 

Which women in business inspire you, and why? My business and entrepreneurial spirit is inspired by Olamide Olowe, founder and CEO of Topicals. She is deliberate, innovative, and ambitions… qualities I strive to embody in my future career. I also admire Katlin Smith, found of the snack company Simple Mills. Not only are her products delicious and wholesome, I look up to Smith’s commitment to deliver clean, nutritious snacks to consumers while advocating for environmental sustainability. These women are both purpose-driven and dedicated to making a difference through their products. 

 

How will your C200 Scholar Award help you advance in your career journey? This award will help further my education beyond my undergraduate degree. After curating some work experience, I aim to pursue my MBA to develop my leadership and strategic skills in business, taking my career to the next level. I am beyond grateful for C200 for investing in ambitious, driven women. This scholarship has inspired me to dream big and deeply consider my future role in the business industry.

 

Shelbi Briggs

Shelbi Briggs is a junior at Vanderbilt University, triple majoring in Climate Studies, Political Science, and Culture, Advocacy, and Leadership, with a minor in Business. Guided by the principles of servant leadership, Shelbi aspires to become a social entrepreneur, building a mission-driven career through her own social venture. 

Passionate about empowering women, Shelbi actively contributes to Vanderbilt’s campus community. She serves as an executive member of Studio V, an all-female fitness organization that promotes women’s physical and mental well-being through health education and off-campus group workouts. Additionally, as the Vice President of Community Outreach for Vanderbilt Women in Business, she forges partnerships between Vanderbilt students and women-focused nonprofits across the Nashville community. Beyond campus, Shelbi dedicates her summers to mentoring as an annual volunteer with the American Legion Auxiliary Maryland Girls State, where she guides over 100 rising high school seniors in developing leadership, citizenship, and civic engagement skills. 

What inspired you to pursue your current career path? My inspiration to pursue my current business path began when I was five and dreamed of helping people experiencing homelessness after hearing one of my mother’s stories from her HR job. Years later, while interning on Capitol Hill, I spoke with constituents facing housing insecurity and realized how urgent the need for systemic change is. These experiences inspired me to combine my passions for business and public service to create social enterprises that address housing insecurity and empower vulnerable communities. 

 

Which women in business inspire you, and why? I am deeply inspired by Laura Zapata, the CEO and Co-Founder of Clearloop, a climate solutions company that helps businesses offset their carbon footprint. After hearing her speak at an event last fall, I had the opportunity to meet her for coffee, where she shared invaluable advice. She challenged me to think differently, asking, “What would happen if you didn’t follow the traditional path? What if you paved your own?” Her words resonated deeply, inspiring me to embrace an entrepreneurial mindset and pursue opportunities that align with both my curiosity and my desire to make an impact.

 

How will your C200 Scholar Award help you advance in your career journey? I am so honored to receive this award as I begin pursuing my entrepreneurial aspirations. This opportunity will not only help me lay the foundation for my future business but also support my growth as a leader committed to creating measurable social change. With this support, I will be able to turn my passion into practical impact. 

I plan to use part of the award to pilot my service in two neighborhoods to test and refine the logistics model. I will dedicate additional funding toward developing a brand identity and social media outreach strategy to attract early partners and build community awareness. 

Ultimately, this award will serve as a launchpad for transforming my ideas into action and building a venture designed to create lasting social impact. 

 

Tiffany Ngigi

Tiffany Ngigi is a Human and Organizational Development student at Vanderbilt University with a passion for people, purpose, and pastries. She founded a bakery in Nairobi that blends her love for baking with her commitment to social impact, donating part of the bakery’s profits to support girls’ education. That experience has inspired Tiffany to pursue Human Resources, where she hopes to build workplaces that prioritize both performance and well-being.

When Tiffany is not attending class or deep in her studies, she enjoys exploring coffee shops around Nashville while brainstorming how else she can connect community and creativity through her ideas.

What inspired you to pursue your current career path? Both my parents are entrepreneurs, so that mindset has always come naturally to me. I was inspired to start my bakery because of my love for baking and creating a “third space” where people could pause and have a better day. That experience opened my eyes to how much people’s experiences within an organization can shape their sense of belonging, which inspired me to pursue a career in Human Resources, where I can help build environments that value people just as much as performance.

 

Which women in business inspire you, and why? Every time I come across a woman in business or entrepreneurship, I draw a lesson from her journey. But as cliché as it may sound, my biggest inspiration is my mother. Watching her resilience, adaptability, and problem-solving skills especially during tough times showed me what true leadership and perseverance look like.

 

How will your C200 Scholar Award help you advance in your career journey? This award will be a meaningful step toward my long-term goals. The funds will be placed into a reserve dedicated to future advancements for my bakery such as equipment upgrades, product development, and expanding its philanthropic reach to support girls’ education. This will allow me to plan and grow sustainably when the time comes to scale.

 

Give a donation to C200 in honor of our Scholar Awardees

Donations from people like you are what give us the ability to celebrate, honor, and elevate talented women like these each and every year through our Scholar Awards.

Small donations add up to big impact. Help us continue advancing the next generation of women business leaders by donating to C200 today.


 

C200 is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with a mission to inspire, educate, support, and advance current and future women entrepreneurs and corporate profit-center leaders. The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the individuals quoted or featured and do not necessarily reflect the views, policies, or positions of C200.