Top 5 Women CEOs Redefining Leadership in 2025

Maria Chavez Brumell: A Leader Forged by Experience

Maria Chavez Brumell’s path to leadership was unexpected but deeply rooted in her passion for education and social impact. Arriving in the U.S. at 14 with no English skills, she overcame adversity, becoming a first-generation college graduate and a driving force in community development.

Her leadership journey began at Kansas State University, where she pioneered programs for first-generation students. Later, as Assistant Dean at Yale, she balanced academic responsibilities with nonprofit initiatives, ultimately founding her consulting firm. She now leads Catch the Next, Inc., committed to bridging educational gaps nationwide.

Guided by the principles of service and integrity, Chavez Brumell embraces diverse experiences, from working with women on welfare to advising Ivy League institutions. A believer in action over accolades, she continues to shape education with resilience and vision.

Leading with Purpose and Vision

Maria Chavez Brumell’s leadership journey has evolved from a transactional focus on structure and accountability to a transformational approach driven by social impact. As CEO of Catch the Next, Inc., she prioritizes mission over personal gain, believing that great leadership stems from humility, teamwork, and a commitment to measurable results.

Navigating uncertainty with data-driven decisions, she values stakeholder input while making tough choices that align with the organization’s mission. By fostering a dedicated, mission-driven team, Chavez Brumell continues to lead with integrity, ensuring lasting impact in education and community development.

Maria Chavez Brumell: Innovating for Growth and Overcoming Challenges

As CEO of Catch the Next, Inc., Maria Chavez Brumell has driven innovation and business growth by embracing adaptability and collaboration. The COVID-19 pandemic pushed her team to transition professional development online, leading to lasting digital expansion and increased geographic reach. By valuing stakeholder input, she has fostered a culture of shared ownership, strengthening the organization’s impact.

Balancing short-term success with long-term vision, Chavez Brumell prioritizes strong team development and strategic planning. Her leadership was tested early when she inherited financial and operational challenges after the founder’s passing. Through fundraising, restructuring, and the creation of the Leadership Fellows Program, she stabilized the organization and strengthened its expertise.

Her resilience was further proven when a partner attempted a hostile takeover. Chavez Brumell’s strong institutional relationships and commitment to educational success ensured continued support from colleges. Today, she leads with integrity, driving Catch the Next’s mission to transform higher education for underserved students.

Breaking Barriers and Championing Inclusion

Maria Chavez Brumell has navigated and overcome significant barriers as a woman in leadership, from facing skepticism at Yale College to breaking gender norms in politics and nonprofit sectors. Despite being viewed as a diversity hire and encountering discrimination, she remained steadfast in her belief in her abilities, using her problem-solving skills, empathy, and resilience to drive institutional change.

As CEO of Catch the Next, Inc., she actively promotes gender diversity and inclusion. She has consistently hired and mentored women, ensuring their advancement within the organization. Her leadership has also shaped a diverse board of directors and influenced college recruitment efforts to support underrepresented male students.

Chavez Brumell advises young women to believe in themselves, stay ambitious, and strive for a seat at the table. She emphasizes humility, continuous learning, and the responsibility to uplift others. Her journey proves that resilience, purpose, and dedication can break barriers and drive meaningful change.

Leading Innovation in Education Amidst Challenges

Maria Chavez Brumell is at the forefront of educational transformation, leveraging digital innovation and policy advocacy to improve student outcomes. As CEO of Catch the Next, Inc., she stays ahead of industry trends by continuously learning, collaborating with experts, and fostering adaptability among her team.

Technology plays a vital role in her strategy, with AI-driven virtual academies expanding professional development opportunities for educators. A new multi-year partnership with Google and a local foundation aims to further enhance their impact.

Despite significant challenges—such as restrictive policies limiting discussions on equity and diversity—Brumell remains steadfast in her mission. Her organization has successfully reformed remedial education in Texas, proving that students from underprivileged backgrounds can thrive with the right support. She continues to advocate for systemic change, ensuring that education remains accessible and effective, even in an evolving and often restrictive landscape.

Maria Chavez Brumell: Leading with Purpose and Empowerment

Maria Chavez Brumell, a visionary leader and CEO, balances the demands of leadership with intentional well-being practices. She emphasizes compartmentalization, ensuring work, family, and personal growth each receive dedicated attention. Music, particularly upbeat Latin genres, helps her stay energized and focused, while seeing the impact of her organization fuels her motivation.

Brumell fosters a strong, flexible company culture, recognizing that personal well-being is key to professional success. Her leadership prioritizes accountability, trust, and a family-like environment, ensuring employees feel valued and empowered.

As a champion for women in leadership, she acknowledges the ongoing struggles against systemic barriers but remains optimistic about the increasing representation of women in decision-making roles. She urges future female CEOs to believe in themselves, take action despite self-doubt, and embrace continuous growth. With resilience and determination, she believes women will flourish and reshape the future of leadership.

Leading with Resilience and Vision

Maria Chavez Brumell envisions a future where leadership and business continue to evolve, driven by resilience, unity, and an unwavering commitment to progress. Inspired by Cesar Chavez’s words, she believes that once change begins, it cannot be undone. Though women may face obstacles, she sees them as temporary detours rather than roadblocks. The key, she emphasizes, is to stay focused on the mission, eliminate obstacles, and never stop striving for dreams.

For Brumell, unity is the greatest strength. She encourages leaders to connect with like-minded individuals, uplift one another, and create lasting change. While challenges will always exist, she remains confident that by working together, future generations of women leaders will rise, shaping a brighter and more inclusive world. Success is not just about personal achievement—it’s about paving the way for others to follow.