I generally find that May is among our more inspirational issues, as this month we’re honored to share the 2025 edition of our annual Women in Business, profiling local women who represent the finest examples of finding success in their chosen fields while uplifting those around them.

Each woman recognized, beginning on page 48, plays a crucial role in the business world, driving innovation, improving financial performance and fostering workplace cultures. They serve as role models, paving the way for future generations of leaders and entrepreneurs. And their guidance and participation contribute significantly to the economic growth and social progress of our community.

Success in business isn’t just about profits and earnings — if financial gain had been her only goal, Anya Freeman could have stayed in her practice as an attorney. Instead, she saw a problem and decided to try fixing it.

More frequent and more powerful storms are devastating for coastal communities and infrastructure. Seawalls can help mitigate the destruction, but the artificial barricades are harmful to marine life when severe weather isn’t raging. Freeman herself didn’t have the education or expertise to create a better solution, but her determination and business acumen drove her to put together a team who did. Her outsider perspective may even have helped, as she was not operating under received wisdom about what was possible: “I wasn’t limited by any previous education,” she says. “I considered the who before the how.”

The results, courtesy of Freeman’s company KindDesigns, are durable seawalls 3D printed out of nontoxic concrete that are shaped to mimic native mangrove root systems, so they provide habitats for algae, mollusks and fish. And so far, the results are cause for optimism.

Freeman’s forward-thinking approach to critical human infrastructure was recognized as a 2025 Edison Awards winner at the annual competition last month in Fort Myers. Read “Printing a Seawall Solution” on page 28 for more about these innovative alternatives that seem viable for hosting native wildlife and protecting humans alike.

We extend our warmest congratulations to the women recognized in this issue, and sincerely hope you’ll enjoy learning more about their inspiring achievements, dedication and leadership.