It’s no secret that we have some really talented business owners and professionals in Massachusetts. As we approach our third anniversary of Massachusetts Business Network, we wanted to do something special for the local, small business community: give them the opportunity to nominate someone they know (or themselves!) as a Massachusetts Mogul.
The Massachusetts Moguls awards spotlight the boldest, brightest, and most impactful entrepreneurs and business leaders shaping the future of the Commonwealth. With that being said, we’re pleased to announce this year’s Massachusetts Moguls!
An architect of What’s Next and a champion of Massachusetts’ innovation economy, Parna Sarkar-Basu serves as a trusted ally to CEOs, founders and transformational leaders across private and public companies. She provides candid guidance, helping launch, expand, and revitalize companies to drive sustainable growth. Parna advises legacy companies on strategic pivots, develops fundraising and acquisition-readiness strategies and supports startup founders on go-to-market strategies while navigating their unique challenges. She recently launched the Beyond One Million podcast to help founders scale their startups from $1 million to $5 million.
A recipient of multiple awards, including Stevie Awards for Women in Business, Parna has helped propel dozens of tech and non-tech companies into category leaders in highly competitive industries — from robotics and artificial intelligence (AI) to software-as-a-service (SaaS) and professional services.
Parna was named a 2025 Global Impact Maker – the only one from Massachusetts – for her work supporting women in tech and championing underrepresented business owners and students. Parna serves on the boards of health-tech and robotics startups, providing strategic oversight, governance and risk management guidance. She also contributes her expertise to various non-profit and academic organizations, including the Net Zero Institute, Alray Scholars, Boston New Technology and the Fisher College Academic Advisory Committee. As a board member and mentor, Parna shares her business and partnership acumen to drive organizational success and foster the next generation of leaders.
In her spare time, Parna enjoys hiking new trails and improving her golf game. A mother of two, Parna and her husband live in Boston.
Paula Fleming, the dynamic CMSO & Chief Spokesperson is a vibrant voice for the Better Business Bureau serving Eastern Massachusetts, Maine, Rhode Island, and Vermont. With over 20 years of BBB wizardry, she’s helped make the organization a trusted beacon for consumers and businesses alike—while conquering more than 1,000 media interviews and countless community events with her trademark energy and confidence.
A proud Natick native, Paula has spent nearly two decades championing small businesses across New England. She is passionate about aligning consumers with trusted businesses that make up one of the largest member organizations in the region—and you may often see her on the news, educating the public about the latest scams and how to stay protected.
Beyond the boardroom, she’s all about community: Paula is the former chair of the MetroWest Suicide Prevention Walk, and she’s found joy in the pool—trading her lifeguard stand for a more playful role teaching babies to five-year-olds the joy (and safety!) of swimming.
At home, Paula is mom to two amazing young adults who keep her grounded and inspired. When she’s not leading BBB initiatives or cheering on local entrepreneurs, you’ll find her on a long walk to quiet the mental chatter, often with her loyal bulldogs Bella & Bogey.
Whether navigating a crisis, launching new initiatives to empower women in business, or offering guidance to local organizations, Paula brings a mix of professionalism, passion, and just the right dose of fun to everything she does. And one thing’s for sure—you’ll never have to question where you stand with Paula: a true Bostonian and Taurus, she’s always ready to take on a challenge head-on.
Paulette Piñero is an award-winning social entrepreneur, writer, business coach, and speaker who has dedicated her career to closing the opportunity gap for Latinas. Paulette has over 16 years of experience in the social impact field and is skilled in Anti-Racist Business Development, Multicultural Marketing Strategy, and Professional Branding.
Through her company Unstoppable Latina® Marketing Agency, Paulette guides Women of Color and gender-expansive entrepreneurs to harness their strengths, amplify their voice, and live their purpose so they transform into the unstoppable CEOs of their small businesses. Using an equity and justice-focused approach, her marketing operations consulting strive to create a world where entrepreneurship is diverse, purpose-driven, and joyful.
Paulette is an Amazon Best Seller co-author of the book Extraordinary Latinas and her work has been featured in Telemundo, Instagram, Muse Careers, Ladders News, Hispanic Executive, Ladies Get Paid, and more.
A proud Boricua born and raised in Puerto Rico, Paulette resides in Springfield, Massachusetts. She spends most of her weekends finding the best brunch spots with her children Alex and Sofia.
Known as “The Compassionate Divorce Attorney,” Jolee E. Vacchi is the Founding Attorney of Foundations Family Law and Mediation Center. She is licensed in both Massachusetts and Rhode Island and is a certified Coercive Control Trauma-Informed Attorney by the Coercive Control Consulting Institute.
Jolee emphatically believes that the best outcomes for families in legal conflict most often result from negotiated settlements. She is a Collaboratively-trained attorney and Certified Divorce and Family Law Mediator and leverages her expertise and experience in alternative dispute resolution to obtain optimal results for her clients.
Additionally, Jolee enjoys working on high-conflict cases involving the potential removal/relocation of children out-of-state, representing survivors of domestic abuse and coercive control, and contested guardianships of a minor.
Jolee also prioritizes providing free divorce education and resources to empower clients to make informed decisions. She co-hosts the Divorce Detox podcast and also volunteers her time as a panelist at monthly divorce education webinars with the Vesta divorce organization.
Caitlin Reimers Brumme is the Chief Executive Officer of MassChallenge. Prior to MassChallenge, Caitlin led the Impact Collaboratory at the Harvard Business School, a multi-faceted effort to develop world class academic leadership on the topic of “Investing in the 21st Century” including sustainable, ESG and impact investing. Caitlin holds an MBA with high distinction from Harvard Business School, where she was a Baker Scholar, and a B.A. with honors from The Woodrow Wilson School of Public and International Affairs at Princeton University.
Roxy Rocker is the founder of Embracing Wellness, an intuitive healer and therapeutic bodyworker based in Concord, MA. Her sessions braid together customized hands-on bodywork, energy healing modalities, and intuitive guidance to help you release pain, calm the nervous system, and restore your natural balance. Whether you’re navigating chronic illness, post-surgery swelling, or emotional overwhelm, Roxy is here to help.
Additionally, she’s the founder of Embracing Disability and the Editor-in-Chief of the Embracing Disability Magazine. She has a clothing line and TV show, too!
Melissa Gilbo is the CEO and Founder of the Women’s Business League (WBL), a national community where women in business connect, grow, and thrive, and the Founder of Melissa Gilbo Consulting, where she equips leaders and entrepreneurs with actionable strategies to grow their businesses, community platforms and impact. With a mission rooted in kindness and collaboration, Melissa has built WBL into a thriving platform that empowers female entrepreneurs and professionals through authentic networking, mentorship, and business development opportunities.
A bold and visionary leader, Melissa is known for turning ideas into action and creating spaces where women feel seen, supported, and celebrated. Under her leadership, WBL has become a premier community that helps women expand their influence, achieve sustainable growth, and cultivate lifelong partnerships.
Melissa’s passion extends beyond business success, she is deeply committed to strengthening communities and elevating women’s voices across Massachusetts and beyond. When she’s not building community, Melissa treasures time with her family, enjoys lake life and the outdoors, and finds joy in celebrating life’s meaningful moments.
Sasha Goodfriend is a community organizer, curating feminist & queer experiences through partnerships with statewide government, community organizations & creatives alike. She works to advance this mission through her roles as Executive Director of the Massachusetts Chapter of the National Organization for Women (Mass NOW) and Chair of the Menstruation to Menopause and Advocacy content streams of Our Bodies Ourselves Today. Sasha graduated with a B.A. from the Pardee School of Global Studies at Boston University majoring in International Relations with a minor in Women, Gender & Sexuality studies and received her Masters in Public Policy from Simmons University.
Renée got an early start working with small businesses. She grew up in a family-owned business. She learned all aspects of marketing, as well as the hurdles and challenges that business owners go through. From working for the family business to expanding her work into other small businesses on the island and Boston, from real estate to event planning, Renee gained invaluable insight into what it takes to make a small business thrive in their communities.
Renée’s focus is to help her clients develop a full understanding of the different strategies and approaches businesses can take for their marketing and aid them in finding a plan that is right for their business and goals. She has made it her mission to help businesses on the East Coast grow.
During her time in college, Renée played Division II College Soccer while attending Bentley University, a business school outside of Boston, where she earned two Bachelor of Science Degrees in Marketing and Environmental Sustainability.
Outside of running Blue Seven Studio, Renée serves on several boards including the Alumni Council for Lawrence Academy, Women’s Alumni for Bentley University and as a Next-Gen Board Member for Sustainable Sport Foundation.
For nearly a decade, Rolanda Ross-Le has been bringing fresh vision and energy to family-owned TLC Supply, Inc., a hardscape and masonry supply company serving contractors, landscapers, and homeowners throughout Massachusetts.
TLC Supply was established in 2001 by Don Ross and from the start, Rolanda was often by her father’s side at the business. She grew up immersed in hardscape and masonry – learning all about types of bricks and even helping to build their patio at home. During summer breaks, Rolanda helped out in the office filing paperwork and assisting in TLC’s weekly Customer Appreciation Day, never imagining that it would one day become her career and she would shape the company. Rolanda graduated from Bentley University with a Bachelor’s degree in Marketing and continued her professional studies at Babson College and Harvard Business School online. She gained valuable experience as an intern at Quincy District Courthouse and by working at a local bank.
Rolanda has worn many hats at TLC Supply, from operations, sales and marketing to her current position of Vice President and General Manager. She combines her business education with a passion for design to help customers bring their outdoor living spaces to life. Rolanda leads TLC Supply from their new three-acre facility in Braintree, which features a 5,000 sq. ft. showroom and expansive outdoor patio display designed to inspire and showcase innovative building solutions. Over time, what began as a small business evolved into a true father–daughter success story, with Rolanda stepping into leadership.
Working in a traditionally male-dominated industry has not always been easy, but Rolanda was motivated to break barriers and prove that leadership, vision, and expertise know no gender. Her goal is to inspire women and demonstrate that obstacles can be met with resilience, and challenges can become stepping stones to growth, no matter the industry.
Rolanda is a member of the Braintree and South Shore Chamber of Commerce. She is actively involved in the Braintree community, supporting local initiatives and building connections that strengthen the Massachusetts small business community.
Outside of work, Rolanda enjoys uncovering the charm of small towns, discovering unique culinary experiences, and traveling with her husband. She also enjoys taking her corgi, Zuko, on adventures. Zuko accompanies her to work every day and has become a cherished TLC Supply mascot, delighting both customers and staff.
Tammi McBrayer is an entrepreneur, mentor, and co-founder of CandleLux, a luxury candle-making studio & gift shop on Newbury Street in Boston, that blends wellness, artistry, and community. Her career began in the beauty industry, where she owned and operated a full-service salon for nearly two decades. After years of exposure to harsh chemicals took a toll on her health, she shifted her focus to creating intentional products and experiences that honor both creativity and well-being. Along the way, she has navigated physical and mental health challenges – experiences that once felt isolating but that she now shares openly to inspire others with resilience and hope. Her community work includes collaborating with schools, health organizations, and local programs to foster wellness, creativity, and entrepreneurship.
Liz Theresa helps entrepreneurs find clarity and market themselves online with confidence. She’s been in business for more than a decade creating powerful, high-converting websites, memorable brands, and coaching business owners on how they can be more visible online. She wants every entrepreneur to rise and be the star of their own business because let’s face it – a big break isn’t something you wait for – it’s something you make.
Liz is also the host of the acclaimed Liz on Biz® podcast. Named one of 12 Small Business Podcasts That Will Help You Sell More by Forbes, Liz on Biz® is a high-energy show that combines real stories from successful entrepreneurs with lots of laughs in a 30-minute format that keeps listeners coming back each week. Episodes air every Monday and are streaming wherever you podcast.
She has been a featured woman business owner in WE USA and credited in The Patriot Ledger, Business News Daily, Elephant Journal, and CEO Blog Nation. She’s been interviewed on a variety of podcasts including So Money with Farnoosh Torabi, The Online Genius Podcast, The Kara Goldin Show, among countless others.
Liz lives with her son Leo and husband James, a US Air Force Veteran, in the Boston area. When she’s not working with clients, she’s either recording episodes of her podcast Liz on Biz®, buying things she doesn’t need at Target, or dancing like no one is watching (except they are) at Zumba class.
Liz holds a Master of Arts degree in English from Bridgewater State University in Bridgewater, Massachusetts where she also was honored with the prestige of being a graduate assistant both years she attended. Liz completed her Bachelor of Arts degree cum laude at Stonehill College in Easton, Massachusetts with a degree in English and Theatre Arts.
Dr. Robert Nossa, Founder and Director of Contemporary Dermatology, is a board-certified dermatologist with many years of experience providing specialized dermatology services for individuals of all ages. He is a graduate of Stony Brook University, as well as a published researcher who has led clinical trials on a wide range of topics, including skin cancer, atopic dermatitis, and psoriasis.
With an eye for detail and extensive training in the latest treatment techniques, Dr. Nossa specializes in medical dermatology, skin cancer surgery, and cosmetic rejuvenation treatments.
Contemporary Dermatology’s state-of-the-art offices in Pinehills, Marstons Mills and Hyannis serve greater Plymouth, Cape Cod and the Islands. The practice treats patients of all ages.
Justin Moran is an entrepreneur and board leader with a passion for building community-driven businesses. He is the founder of Workspace, a hospitality-inspired flexible office brand with five locations in Massachusetts, designed to serve solo entrepreneurs, small teams, and professionals seeking more than just a desk — but a welcoming, productive environment to grow their businesses.
In addition to leading Workspace, Justin serves on the Board of Directors of Aubuchon Realty Company (ARC), where he contributes to strategic governance, capital planning, and organizational growth, with a focus on long-term value creation.
An advocate for entrepreneurship, collaboration, and local community, Justin combines a hospitality-first mindset with business strategy, ensuring Workspace is as much about people as it is about place. Outside of work, he is a family-first leader who enjoys cycling, hiking, and supporting his children in their pursuits — including a son aspiring to study civil engineering.
Tom Ricciardelli founded SelecTech in 1993 with the mission of creating valuable products from recycled materials. He has over 30 years’ experience with developing unique polymer blends to meet demanding technical requirements and holds several patents for products and processes using recycled materials. Tom was the first to conceive of and develop an adhesive-free, interlocking static-control flooring system that paved the way for the StaticStop line of industry-leading ESD flooring products.
In addition to SelecTech, Tom serves as chairman of the ESD Association’s flooring committee. The committee just issued ESD guidelines for healthcare facilities. He’s also been an active participant in a mentoring program at his alma mater, MIT.
Tom earned an MBA from the Sloan School of Business Management and also has an MS degree in Chemical Engineering from MIT. Prior to founding SelecTech, he managed the design, installation, and start-up of a $5 million facility to recover and recycle plastics from medical waste. Mr. Ricciardelli also worked at the Business Development Group at Air Products and Chemicals, Inc., and as an environmental consultant with HMM Associates.
Congratulations to all! We look forward to seeing what you continue to achieve for the remainder of 2025 and beyond.
If you’re a business owner and there’s anything we can do to support you, please don’t hesitate to fill out our contact form.
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