Meet the Women Behind Leading Women RISE
Leading Women RISE is led by a group of women who believe in the power of community, mentorship, and personal growth. Our leadership team brings experience across healthcare, consulting, analytics, operations, project management, and leadership development, but what unites us is a shared commitment to helping women build confidence, create meaningful connections, and pursue their goals with purpose.
We know that growth rarely happens alone. Throughout our careers, we've benefited from mentors, supportive communities, and women who were willing to share their experiences and open doors for others. Leading Women Rise was built on that same belief: when women support one another, everyone rises.
Kristina Kruskol, President
I’m a University of Iowa College of Pharmacy graduate with more than 20 years of professional experience, including 16 years in leadership roles. Throughout my career, I’ve led teams ranging from 4 to 41 colleagues, and today I manage a team of six focused on engagement, leadership development, and colleague growth.
My work centers on helping people thrive. I’ve guided teams through change, built and facilitated development programs, created and updated work instructions, and designed trainings that sets colleagues up for success from day one. I believe leadership is about clarity, consistency, and creating an environment where people feel supported, capable, and confident stepping into their own potential.
I started Leading Women RISE because self‑development isn’t optional, it’s essential. Women grow strongest when we learn from one another, share our experiences, and support each other through the challenges and opportunities of leadership. I’ve seen firsthand how powerful it is when women have community, tools, and encouragement behind them, and I’m committed to creating spaces where women can rise together with courage, connection, and confidence.
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With more than 10 years of professional experience, I've had the opportunity to lead large, complex client engagements, partnering with healthcare organizations to deliver successful data integration initiatives while keeping projects on track, within budget, and aligned with strategic goals. Throughout my career, I've learned that the most rewarding part of my work isn't just solving complex challenges—it's building relationships, mentoring others, and helping people grow.
As a first-generation Latina, I didn't always have a roadmap for navigating corporate life. Many of the lessons that shaped my career came from seeking out mentors, asking questions, and learning through experience. Those opportunities reinforced how important it is to have a community of people who are willing to share their knowledge, encourage your growth, and remind you that you belong.
That belief is what drew me to Leading Women RISE. I'm passionate about creating opportunities for women to connect, learn from one another, and build the confidence to pursue their goals—whether they're just beginning their careers, stepping into leadership, or navigating a new chapter. I believe that when women intentionally support one another, we don't just grow individually—we create stronger teams, stronger communities, and open doors for those who come after us.
My hope is that every woman who becomes part of Leading Women RISE leaves feeling more confident, more connected, and empowered to help another woman rise alongside her.
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Laura Solis, Vice President
Jessica Solis, Marketing
I have more than 12 years of professional experience, primarily in healthcare, with a background spanning operations, consulting, data, project leadership, and cross-functional collaboration. Throughout my career, I have been fortunate to learn from mentors and leaders who have shaped my growth.
As a first-generation Latina, I understand that not everyone begins with the same access, opportunities, or professional networks. That perspective has strengthened my commitment to mentorship, representation, and creating pathways for others.
That passion led me to Leading Women Rise. I am proud to support its growth and transition into an official nonprofit organization. I believe deeply in its mission to create a community where women feel seen, supported, and empowered to pursue their goals. My hope is that we continue opening doors, creating opportunities, and helping women from all backgrounds define and achieve success on their own terms.
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I have over 10 years of corporate experience, with a career spanning operations and analytics. My work focuses on streamlining processes across multiple teams while tailoring solutions to meet each client's unique needs.
I wanted to be part of Leading Women RISE because I've learned how important it is to have a strong community. Some of the greatest lessons I've learned have come from the women around me, and I believe we become stronger when we share our experiences, encourage one another, and celebrate each other's successes. There's so much we can learn from one another, and I truly believe women are unstoppable when we rise together.
Outside of work, you'll usually find me exploring a new creative hobby. Whether it’s embroidery, candle making, sewing, or whatever craft has caught my attention that month, I love learning new skills and expressing my creativity.
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Jessica Mak, Secretary
