Celebrating Women’s Entrepreneurship Day: Female Founder Authors Empowering Others With Their Books
By Chris Olsen
Women’s Entrepreneurship Day takes place annually on Nov. 19 to honor women in business. It was founded in 2013 by humanitarian Wendy Diamond to showcase the work of women entrepreneurs, raise awareness about the challenges they face, and promote initiatives that help them succeed.
In celebration of women entrepreneurs, Publish Her is highlighting 10 female founder authors who are empowering others with their books. Add these to your reading list and let us know your favorites.
When you purchase these titles from Publish Her’s online shop on Bookshop.org, in addition to supporting these authors, you help fund publishing and program grants for underrepresented authors.

Photo: Kathryn Finney
“Build the Damn Thing” by Kathryn Finney
Kathryn Finney is the founder of digitalundivided, a social enterprise working to increase the participation of underrepresented individuals—especially women—in the digital space. Her book, “Build the Damn Thing,” is a practical guide for entrepreneurs who want to create successful startups on their own terms. Kathryn offers advice on everything from creating business plans and securing funding to building teams and refining products. She shows women how to leverage their unique strengths and unapologetically pursue their purpose despite a biased system. Learn more.

Photo: Gigi González
“Cultura and Cash” by Giovanna “Gigi” González
The First-Gen Mentor Gigi González is dedicated to empowering students and young professionals of color. Her book, “Cultura and Cash,” is a financial guide that helps those who want to take control of their money and build lasting wealth. A first-generation American herself, Gigi shares personal stories and practical strategies that address the cultural and systemic challenges that often shape financial experiences. She provides tools for budgeting, saving, credit building, debt repayment and investing as a way to use finance as a form of self-care and freedom. Learn more.

Photo: Dr. Amelia Reigstad
“Hello Ms. Perfect” by Dr. Amelia Reigstad
Dr. Amelia Reigstad is a keynote speaker, facilitator and an expert in gender differences in communication styles and their influence in the workplace. The founder of The Women Collective, her book, “Hello Ms. Perfect,” explores ways the patriarchy pushes women to strive for its ideals of perfect—as daughters, sisters, partners, lovers, mothers and more—even though these standards are often unrealistic or unattainable. Chapters conclude with practical advice and reflection questions to help readers buck the system and become agents of change. Learn more.

Photo: Pinky Cole
“I Hope You Fail” by Pinky Cole
A cookbook creator and the founder of Slutty Vegan, Pinky Cole is on a mission to start conversations about plant-based fast food as a healthier option. She believes setbacks are stepping stones to resilience and growth, and her book, “I Hope You Fail,” is a guide that reframes failure as the foundation for success. Pinky shares the ups and downs of her journey—from losing her first restaurant to building a multimillion-dollar empire—and provides lessons to help entrepreneurs use their struggles as inspiration to create a purpose-driven life. Learn more.

Photo: Liz Tran
“The Karma of Success” by Liz Tran
Liz Tran was the only female executive at the top of a venture capital firm for a decade. Today, she is an author, speaker and leadership coach to CEOs and founders of some of the world’s fastest-growing companies. Drawing on wisdom from Buddhism, Taoism, Reiki, astrology and meditation, her book, “The Karma of Success,” guides readers to slow down and look inward. It demonstrates that rather than chasing external validation, true success arises naturally when you align with your authentic self, and genuine fulfillment comes from reconnecting with your inner intuition. Learn more.

Photo: Stacey Abrams
“Level Up” by Stacey Abrams and Lara Hodgson
Bestselling author, political leader and entrepreneur Stacey Abrams and celebrated business leader Lara Hodgson teamed up to write “Level Up,” a practical and motivational guide to starting and scaling a small business. The authors share their hard-earned lessons and strategies from launching their first consulting firm—from hiring thoughtfully to growing sustainably and competing with larger industry players. The book highlights the importance of visionary leadership and resilience and provides tools to help entrepreneurs overcome obstacles so they can achieve success. Learn more.

Photo: Amanda Jane Jones
“Mother / Founder” by Amanda Jane Jones and Jennifer Fernandez
Freelance graphic designer, illustrator and children’s book author Amanda Jane Jones and former print and digital magazine writer and editor Jennifer Fernandez combined their talents to create “Mother / Founder.” This coffee table book highlights more than 60 women who have successfully balanced entrepreneurship and motherhood. Through images and stories, it showcases the creativity, resilience and determination of working mothers across diverse fields. It includes valuable insights on everything from maternity leave and financial planning to overcoming “mom guilt.” Learn more.

Photo: Shellye Archambeau
“Unapologetically Ambitious” by Shellye Archambeau
Shellye Archambeau is the founder of Ignite Ambition, a not-for-profit organization dedicated to accelerating leadership growth by providing mentorship and community for those who may not otherwise have access. In her memoir, “Unapologetically Ambitious,” Shellye shares how she navigated the challenges of corporate America and eventually launched her nonprofit. She provides strategies for building networks, taking calculated risks and overcoming impostor syndrome. She empowers readers to pursue their goals with confidence and make no apologies for aiming high. Learn more.

Photo: Aurora James
“Wildflower” by Aurora James
Through creativity and perseverance, Aurora James transformed her flea market startup into Brother Vellies, a luxury accessories brand rooted in sustainability and African craftsmanship. Her memoir, “Wildflower,” traces Aurora’s journey from troubled teen and disillusioned model to visionary fashion entrepreneur and activist working to make a difference in the lives of others and the world. She launched her nonprofit, Fifteen Percent Pledge, after the murder of George Floyd in 2020, to elevate Black-owned businesses, hold corporations accountable and prove that purpose and profit can grow together. Learn more.

Photo: Arlan Hamilton
“Your First Million” by Arlan Hamilton
Arlan Hamilton is an author, venture capitalist and the founder of Backstage Capital, a firm that invests in women, people of color and LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs. “Your First Million” is her second book and it demonstrates how anyone—especially those from underrepresented backgrounds—can build wealth, independence and impact through entrepreneurship. Driven by her own rise from poverty, Arlan reframes money as a source of freedom and choice rather than status. She provides practical advice on finding market opportunities, raising funds and building sustainable businesses. Learn more.
About the Author
Chris Olsen is a book designer, publisher, educator and the author of “Whyography: Building a Brand Fueled by Purpose.” The founder of Publish Her and Publish Her Story, Chris has helped thousands of women tell their stories and publish their books.
About Publish Her
Publish Her is a female-founded publisher dedicated to educating authors and elevating the words, writing and stories of women. We are passionate about amplifying the voices of women of color, women with disabilities and members of the LGBTQ+ community. We aim to make publishing an attainable, exciting and collaborative process for all.
