2024 INDUCTEES

Ingrid Christensen, President and Founder of INGO International, Edina

Ingrid Christensen is an entrepreneur, business leader, and advocate passionate about providing equal access to information to everyone, no matter what language they speak.

As the President and Founder of INGCO International, Ingrid launched the company in 2006 after witnessing firsthand how translation and interpreting services bridge divides and connects people from different cultures. Today, INGCO provides translation and interpreting services in over 200 languages to companies across the globe in various sectors. Ingrid is also the author of the book The Language of Trust, released in early 2023.

Prior to founding INGCO, Ingrid spent several years as an interpreter after earning a certificate in Translation and Interpretation from the University of Minnesota. She has a BA in US-Mexican Border Studies, Human Rights Law, and Spanish from the University of Minnesota, and an MA in Management from Hamline University.

Ingrid has worked alongside people during some of life’s most vulnerable moments, in hospitals, courtrooms, classrooms, boardrooms, and more. She has observed how trust transforms relationships, empowers the underserved, and gives a voice to the voiceless. A creative and business-minded language lover, Ingrid is active in the Twin Cities business community and is passionate about giving back and engaging in social justice issues.

“Being named to the NAWBO Hall of Fame is an incredible honor that fills me with immense pride and gratitude. It signifies a recognition of my contributions to the world of business, entrepreneurship and language access, as well as my dedication to empowering women in leadership. This achievement is a testament to the unwavering support I’ve received from my mentors, colleagues, friends and family, and I am deeply humbled to be included among such an esteemed organization with a long history of supporting women business owners.” – Ingrid Christensen

Christine Lantinen, President and Owner of Maud Borup, Plymouth

Founded in 1907 by Maud Borup and acquired by Christine Lantinen in 2005, Maud Borup is a 117-year-old woman-owned, veteran-owned, B Corp and Fair Trade certified confections company. Christine transformed the company from a business-to-consumer to a business-to-business model, growing revenues from $100,000 to over $50 million, with a target of $100 million in 4-5 years. Despite the challenges of closing iconic stores, this shift catalyzed growth.

Christine, a former Army combat medic, emphasizes diversity and empowerment within the workforce, with 83% of employees from underrepresented groups and 72% identifying as women. The company supports various languages and religious practices.

Candy connoisseur Christine Lantinen is president and owner of Maud Borup, a family owned B2B B Corp Certified candy & food gift manufacturer employing over 400 team members. With innovation and inclusivity at the forefront, this year the company produced over 17 million units and brought 150 products to market. Zero landfill waste is one of 30+ things the company does to reduce and reuse waste, using business as a force for good.

Parallel to her candy career Christine enlisted in the Army and attended basic training at the age of 17. She went on to become a combat medic, sergeant, classroom trainer, and retention NCO in the proceeding 10 years, closing out her military career cultivating the first deployable Reserve Forward Surgical Team.

Christine has received multiple accolades, including the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year® Heartland winner, and a 2023 & 2024 EOY Heartland judge. Recognized as Minnesota’s 2019 Small Businessperson of the Year, 2020 Woman-Owned Manufacturer of the Year, and made the Inc. 5000 list in 2023 and 2024. In 2024, Maud Borup was recognized by Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal as the seventh largest woman-owned business in Minnesota and the sixth largest employer of women ranked by share of their workforce who identify as women.

“Being inducted into the NAWBO Hall of Fame is the pinnacle of lifetime achievement as a women business owner. This honor recognizes Maud herself as a trailblazer who cleared a path for women in business. In1907, with her gutsy personality and unwavering drive to be successful, she started this company and propelled me to take the reins and continue her legacy. It is with Maud’s inspiration and NAWBO’s support that we’ve grown the company into one of the top candy manufacturers in the nation.” – Christine Lantinen

Sharon Smith-Akinsanya, CEO of The Rae Mackenzie Group (RMG)/Founder of People of Color Career Fair, Minneapolis

Rae Mackenzie Group is an award-winning firm with over 25 years of experience in strategic market engagement and leadership positioning. We specialize in helping companies authentically connect with diverse talent and consumers to drive growth and secure and maintain their market relevance. In a rapidly evolving marketplace, we provide the strategies and insights needed to navigate complex challenges and seize opportunities in the fastest-growing consumer segments. RMG works with corporations ready to lead by developing clear communication strategies, positioning the leaders in the organization effectively, and building talent pipelines that reflect today’s diverse customer landscape.

Sharon Smith-Akinsanya is the Founder and CEO of Rae Mackenzie GroupTM (RMG), an award-winning firm specializing in strategic market engagement and leadership positioning.

In addition to her role as CEO, Sharon is the author of COLORFULL: Competitive Strategies to Attract and Retain Top Talent of Color, a go-to guide for companies navigating an increasingly diverse marketplace. Her innovative strategies and leadership earned her the prestigious 2022 Anthem Award for Product Leader of the Year. One of her most impactful initiatives is Celebrating the Sistas, an annual awards gala that celebrates the Infinite Impact of Black Women during Women’s History Month in Minnesota.

Sharon’s approach to inviting CEOs and regional leaders to be a part of the Joy aligns with her lifetime commitment to creating experiences that get us in the same room as people who don’t look like us. Sharon’s commitment to giving back to the business community is demonstrated through her Business Bridge RESULTS initiative, which connects Black and Latinx business owners with decision-makers from major corporations like U.S. Bank, General Mills, Cargill, and Target. This initiative breaks down barriers for contract ready businesses to get direct access to billion-dollar procurement teams.

Additionally, Sharon organizes the People of Color Career Fair, the largest career fair in Minnesota focused on connecting Professionals of Color with leading corporations. Through these efforts, Sharon has been instrumental in helping corporations maintain their focus on expanding diverse talent pipelines despite external pressures to retreat from DEI initiatives.

“This honor holds deep personal significance for me. Over the years, I’ve admired the incredible women who were recipients of this award before me. Throughout my career, my focus has always been on lifting others up—whether it’s helping Black professionals find their dream jobs, supporting corporations as they build authentic relationships with diverse communities, or celebrating the incredible contributions of Black women through events like Celebrating the Sistas. It’s been my mission to make sure others feel valued, appreciated, and celebrated.” – Sharon Smith-Akinsanya

The 2024 Achieve! Award Winners

Babette Buckner, CEO of Moltron Builders, Minneapolis

Disrupter of the Year: A women business owner who successfully operates in a typically male-dominated industry, challenging the status quo. She may have created products or services that significantly disrupt their industries. She is a pioneer who breaks down barriers for women, broadening opportunities for future women business owners.

Babette Buckner has over 30 years of experience in business and construction. Under her leadership, Moltron is becoming a powerhouse in the construction industry, offering services in Construction Management, General Contracting, Project Management, and Design Build Services. Her career includes expertise in business policy, organizational development, operations, and corporate finance, accounting, IT, crucial for company growth.

A champion for diversity and inclusion, Babette has served on the board for the National Association of Minority Contractors (NAMC) and is involved with Women Venture, contributing to initiatives that empower and support women in business. Her leadership extends to MnDot’s DBE & Workforce Collaborative Steering Committee and Hennepin County’s Workforce Leadership Council, where she plays a pivotal role in shaping inclusive growth strategies. As a member of several organizations, including NAWBO and the Association of Women Contractors (AWC), she actively supports women in business and fosters opportunities for underrepresented communities.

“This award is significant to me because it provides recognition of the work I have done in this industry since 1996. Construction isn’t an industry that has had women working in the roles and wearing the hats that I’ve worn for 3 decades. I’m thankful for the recognition and support that NAWBO provides to Women.” – Babette Buckner

Georgia Fort, President and Founder of BLCK Press, Saint Paul

Georgia Fort is a two-time midwest Emmy award winning journalist. She was one of two journalists in the courtroom for the sentencing of Derek Chauvin. Her reporting has been published on national networks like CNN, ABC and NBC affiliates. Her mission as a storyteller is to change the narrative by amplifying truth, citing diverse sources, and contextualizing social justice issues.

In 2023 Georgia Fort’s company BLCK Press launched an independent TV news program called “Here’s the Truth” which won 2 regional Emmys and has received a total of 12 nominations.

Fort’s leadership and innovation has been recognized by the business community, she’s been awarded the 40 under 40 and Top Woman Business Leader by the Business Journal.

BLCK Press has been recognized nationally as a pioneer in developing news products that inform and serve Black and brown communities. The company has received regional and national investments to support and expand its ability to continue innovating ways to reconnect news to Black culture.

Congratulations to all the award winners!

We extend our heartfelt congratulations to each of these outstanding individuals. Their contributions have not only excelled in their respective domains but have also made a lasting positive impact on society. Let us celebrate their achievements and be inspired by their extraordinary journeys. The 2024 inductees have made significant contributions to supporting women in business.

Mark your calendar!

If you have never attended the NAWBO-MN Hall of Fame celebration, now is your time. This is one of the most inspiring and motivational women’s business ownership events.

Tickets prices are $195. Sponsored tables are available for $1,750 (benefits include 8 VIP tickets to the event, logo sign on the table, and digital logo recognition during the program). Visit www.mnhalloffame.org for more information.

2024 Minnesota Women Business Owners Hall of Fame Event Details:

Date: November 14, 2024

Time: 5:30 PM – 9:00 PM

Location: Metropolitan Ballroom and Clubroom, 5418 Wayzata Blvd, Golden Valley, MN 55416

About: Everyone is invited to this gala celebrating the substantial contributions of three powerful women of influence as they are inducted into the Minnesota Women Business Owners Hall of Fame and two ACHIEVE! Award winners. This grand, fun-filled event will feature appetizers, seated dinner, dessert reception and cash bar. Cocktail attire. Miss Shannan Paul (comedian, speaker, host, voiceover artist, auctioneer, social instigator) will serve as our marvelous emcee.

Cost: Individual tickets $195. Sponsored tables are available for $1,750 (benefits include 8 VIP tickets to the event, logo signage on the table, and digital logo recognition during the program). Other sponsorship opportunities are available, learn more at www.mnhalloffame.org

Estimated Attendance: 300+

The National Association of Women Business Owners – Minnesota Chapter (NAWBO-MN) since 1977 provides a local avenue for women entrepreneurs to connect with their peers. Women business owners, large and small, join together for regular networking, educational programs, mentorship and support. Nationally, NAWBO was founded in 1975 to open doors for women entrepreneurs by transforming public policy and leveling the playing field.