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Transgender Awareness Week is a time of the year to encourage the public to learn more about the injustices experienced by transgender and non-binary Americans. In this annual observation, activists also celebrated the resilience of their peers and outlined practical steps that allies can take to help them build a safe, just, and fair society. A week, always on the second of November, ends with a Trans Anniversary Day (TDOR). Vigils are held across the country to commemorate the victims of transgender violence who have been killed recently. 

For many people, the end of Transgender Awareness Week can be a little gloomy. However, in the days, weeks, and months that followed, the transgender community drew inspiration from anti-traditionalists and pioneers who were constantly overcoming insurmountable difficulties. There is no doubt that they inspire others to realize their greatest desires. With transgender rights pending, progress still prevails. At a time when civil liberties are being questioned, it is moving towards social and economic stability. These transgender and non-binary entrepreneurs are the epitome of courage, strength and unwavering perseverance, and their success is paving the way for a brighter transgender future.

Carmen Carrera, her/her/her

CC3 Entertainment CEO 

Carmen Carrera is a performance artist, actress and fashion muse. As a drag performer, she began to participate in RuPaul's drag competitions, and later she became the first public transgender model to sign with an elite model management company in New York City. Carrera is also the first model in history to be petitioned by the public to participate in the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show. She made her TV debut with Gina Rodriguez on CW’s popular show "Jane the Virgin" and made her television debut in Jonathan Demme's "Ricki & Lightning" (Ricki & Lightning). The Flash) debuted on the screen with Meryl Streep (Meryl Streep). 

Since then, Carrera has been an outspoken transgender inclusion and physical diversity activist. She has appeared on the pages of Vogue, W, Glamour, Time and Elle magazines, to name a few. Recently, she launched her own digital marketing agency CC3 Entertainment, focusing on creating opportunities for LGBTQ influencers in the digital field.

"One of the biggest advice I can offer to any transgender or GNC individual who wants to become an entrepreneur is to focus on the adversity that he will eventually face, and focus more on establishing his own role model and want to meet the world. It takes a lot of strength to become unshakable, but this is what we need even more. Use all the amazing resources we have to let you focus on your own path!"-Carmen Carrera

K. Kenneth Davis, his/him/his

Chief Executive Officer of Trans Capitalist LLC

K. Kenneth Davis is the CEO of Trans Capitalist LLC, the fastest growing financial knowledge resource for the queer and transgender communities. For the past three years, he has been teaching, mentoring and empowering hundreds of queer and transgender people around the world. His comprehensive, interesting and direct strategies and related life lessons provide concrete results. They develop skills to help people survive the turbulent economic environment of the United States. Davis graduated from Rochester Institute of Technology with a bachelor's degree in civil engineering. He also received a master's degree in finance from the Rubin School of Business at Pace University.

"Being a transgender person is actually an asset of your business and creativity-never lose money. Let your truth guide your work." — K. Kenneth Davis

TS Madison Hinton, she/she/her

CEO of RDE Multimedia Group Co., Ltd.

TS Madison is a pioneer in social media influence and independent platform development. She is a reality TV character, entrepreneur, actress, activist and ultimate pioneer. After being dismissed from multiple jobs due to sex change, Hinton engaged in survival work to meet her basic needs. Since then, she began to get involved in the adult film field, and soon established a successful production company, which later developed into a multimedia brand. The Ts Madison experience on WeTV made Hinton the first black transgender woman to star and produce her own reality show.

The tycoon has recently made the big screen in the Netflix movie "Zola" and the upcoming romantic comedy "Perfect Discovery". She is currently filming the movie "Brothers", which many people think is the first important gay romantic comedy. As an activist who fights against stigma through storytelling, Hinton uses her huge platform to advocate for LGBTQ rights, especially the rights of transgender groups. 

"There is no place your dream can't take you. Don't just dream; wake it up, go get it. Combine your shortcomings with what you think is your greatest asset, and let them have it! Completely imperfect talent Is the true innovator of the future."-TS Madison Hinton

Dr. Elijah Nicholas, he/he/his

Dr. Elijah Nicholas Ministries Inc.

Transgender U.S. Air Force veteran Dr. Elijah Nicholas in his Atlanta apartment with... [] Dogs Zeus and Duke. The 51-year-old Nicholas is the author of a new book "Madoodle", a series of children's novels that tells the story of a 10-year-old girl whose Uncle Pete was her Aunt Mary. Based on Dr. Elijah’s personal experience with family and friends when dealing with his own gender transition. Dr. Nicholas was assigned as a female at birth. He spent more than half of his life in the military and retired as a senior officer in 2012. Turned to a male in 2018 because he was no longer able to realize his core values, he said. His memoir "Don't Ask, Don't Tell: The Life of a Gay Christian Soldier" records Nicholas' life as a sexually traumatized girl who grew up in an African-American community, secrets are often the norm, and is retiring from the U.S. military Before that, she lived as a lesbian for nearly 25 years. 

Dr. Elijah Nicholas is a writer, spiritual coach and motivational speaker who has published 11 times. His most precious work is his LGBTQI-friendly children's book series, which promotes love, family, compassion, tolerance, and true gender expression. He spent nearly half of his life in the US military and retired as a lieutenant colonel in 2012. Due to the inability to realize the core values ​​of truth, integrity and transparency, Dr. Nicholas transitioned in 2018. He was a pastor leader at the time. He coached pastors and pastors around the world, but found it appropriate to resign.

Dr. Nicholas holds a Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) from the University of Phoenix, a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, a Master of Arts in Leadership and Operations from the University of Aeronautics, and the Arts in Education Training and Leadership (MAET). He also holds a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Judicial Administration and attended the Harvard Divinity School Executive Education Program in 2021.

Dr. Nicholas is a member of the Mental Health Advisory Committee of the Atlanta Veterans Administration (VA). The entrepreneur is also a member of the TGNC360 (transgender, non-gender compliance) advisory committee of the OUT Georgia business alliance. 

"We are often told to be ourselves. Sometimes it may take a while to manifest, but when we get there it is worth it. The same is true for entrepreneurs, especially transgender entrepreneurs. Take your truest path, you The inner performance will follow." —Doctor Elijah Nicholas 

Erica Ramirez-Olivarez, her/her/her

Owner of Erica Beauty Salon

Erika Ramirez-Olivares is a Mexican-American entrepreneur from Aguascalientes, Mexico. She immigrated to the United States 12 years ago and has no family or friends to help her move towards a better life. Ramirez-Olivarez is alone in a foreign country, working tirelessly to ensure food, housing, and available phone lines to keep in touch with relatives in his hometown. Before starting her own business, Erika studied cosmetology and got a job in another beauty salon for about three years. By the age of 23, she had become her own boss and experienced rapid economic growth.

The beauty salon in Ramirez-Olivares has become a haven for other Latin transgender women seeking safety and stability. She provides opportunities for anyone willing to work hard. The businesswoman attributed her work ethics to the values ​​that her mother instilled in her when she was a child. As a survivor of intimate partner violence that almost took her life, Ramírez-Olivarez used her voice to advocate against the abuse of transgender women internationally.

"Always be aware of the infinite possibilities that life must provide. This country is one of the opportunities. I hope you can make the most of it. Don’t be satisfied with less than what you want. You should work in any field, not just those that make We are in a dangerous field." —Erica Ramirez-Olivarez 

Angelica Rose, her/her/her

Founder and CEO of TransTech Social Enterprise

From the boardroom to the studio and Capitol Hill, Angelica Rose is an outstanding representative of transgender equality and racial equality. She is the President of Miss Ross, Inc. and the founder of TransTech Social Enterprises, a program to help individuals out of poverty through technical training and digital social impact work. The ninth season of Ryan Murphy's FX series regularly broadcasts American Horror Story: 1984, and confirmed that it will return to the currently unnamed tenth season, and Rose is opening a new path.

The performance breakthrough of this University of Florida alumnus comes from Ryan Murphy's award-winning FX hit "Pose" - it follows the blacks and Latinos of New York City in the 80s and early 90s LGBTQ and non-gender-compliant dance hall cultural scenes. The show made television history and has the largest cast of transgender actors in history. 

 One project, her story in the Emmy nominated web series, received special recognition at the GLAAD Media Awards. Rose appeared in "The Daily Show" with Trevor Noah and won the GLAAD Outstanding Talk Show Award. She has also appeared in Transparent (Amazon), Claws (TNT), Doubt (CBS) and Danger & Eggs (Amazon).

 The actors also work behind the camera. She performed production and appeared in the daytime Emmy nominated web series King Ester (2019) and the short film Missed Connections (2017), which later became the official choice of the Outfest LGBTQ Film Festival, La Femme International Film Festival and Baltimore International Black Film Festival. 

"You are your business. Your body is your business. Pay attention to your business and focus on figuring out what you have to offer, and promise to do your best in whatever you choose to do. If something doesn't work , You may need to adjust your direction, but never give up."-Angelica Rose

Jayla Roxx, her/her/her

CEO of The Remidi TV Network and BatMe Cosmetics

As an entrepreneur and media figure, Jayla Roxx is the founder and CEO of BatMe Cosmetics, which makes her the first publicly transgender woman to own and operate a beauty brand. Soon after she founded The Remidi TV network, the network was dedicated to providing digital streaming content to BIPOC LGBTQ consumers. Roxx is also the host and pop culture commentator of E!'s Maria Menounos and Keven Undergaro's platform AfterBuzz TV.

She made her TV show debut on CBS’ "Undercover Boss", where she won the Hamburg Marie’s Grand Prix, where she worked as a performer and choreographer. Since then, she has worked with various drag performers from Robin Antin of The Pussycat Dolls, Fantasia Barrino and Rupaul's Drag Race of VH1.

"One day, in a cosmetics store, I found that there were more than 100 different brands of red lipsticks on sale. Then it hit me. Each brand has enough space to showcase their talents, which is equivalent to their own Success. You are your own brand and someone is waiting to invest in your product. You just need to be willing to show yourself. Scarcity cannot coexist with success in the same field"-Jayla Roxx

Alsandi Mirova, they/they/their

Founder and jewelry designer of Automic Gold

Al Sandimirova is an indigenous, queer, transgender, non-binary refugee, activist, founder and jewelry designer behind Automic Gold. In 2009, they immigrated to the United States to pursue careers in metal forging and jewelry design. Sandimirova felt that most jewelry was designed for thin, wealthy, and cis-style women-so they created their own company, centered on accessibility. The young entrepreneur has created an honest brand that includes all genders, skin colors and sizes. Sandimirova deliberately hires models that meet these values, and never retouch their photos.

"In industries, you have the ability to speak for yourself, and these industries will do their best to speak for you or silence you. Starting your own business allows you to speak for yourself, but also for everyone who needs to hear a voice like them. Talk." —Al Sandimirova 

Rain Valdez, she/she/her

Founder of ActNOW & Co-founder of Now>Ever

Rain Valdez is the founder of ActNOW, this is the first and only acting course in Los Angeles, giving priority to providing a safe space for LGBTQIA actors to teach content beyond binary. She is also the co-founder of Now>Ever, an Emmy nominated and GLAAD media award winning production company. Valdez was recently nominated for her first Primetime Emmy Award for being the protagonist in the Razor Tongue she created, crowdfunded and produced. She is the second trans actress to be nominated for the Primetime Emmy Awards and the first Filipino-American trans actress to be nominated. 

The Emmy nominee is also the Pioneer Award winner of the Outfest Legacy Awards in 2021. Valdez started playing "Coco" in the second season of TV Land's Lopez, and doubled as the on-screen "Miss Van Nuys" and behind-the-scenes producer in Amazon's Transparent. The romantic comedy short film Ryans starring in her premiere at Outfest has been screened at more than 15 film festivals around the world and won the Jury's Best North American Short Film Award at NCGLFF. 

Valdez's short film Hexed was nominated for Best Director, Best Comedy and Best Actress at the Madrid International Film Festival. She recently starred in a freeform TV half-hour comedy pilot directed by Paul Feig, and has a cameo appearance in Amazon’s Sneaky Pete, and can also be seen in CBS All Access’s new show "Why Women Kill" arrive. 

"To be clear about your vision, you must do your inner work and face the hard facts you are avoiding. Only in this way can your true purpose be revealed to you. So take your time and be excited about it. We all have a Purpose."-Rene Valdez

Mary Washington, his/him/his

Founder and CEO of gc2b 

With his experience in product design and textiles, gc2b's founder, CEO and designer Marli Washington designed and obtained the first batch of patents for clothing designed for gender-affirming chest straps. Established in 2015, gc2b is a chest clip company originally founded and led by transgender people to accommodate and celebrate the vast community. 

"I want to use my design background to create a binder that considers transgender and non-binary people. A chest clip can help you stay aligned with yourself. When you are aligned with yourself, you have the ability to do whatever you want. This is what we all deserve." —Mary Washington 

Leon Elias Wu, him/him/his

Founder and CEO of Sharpe Suiting and SharpeHaus 

Leon Elias Wu started designing suits for the LGBTQ community on the sofa in his living room. Today, Good Morning America says he is making history and considers him a major figure in the LGBTQ community and fashion industry. Fashionista magazine also refers to his company as a destination for the queer community. Wu holds a bachelor's degree in economics from the University of California, Los Angeles and an MBA from the Stern School of Business of New York University, focusing on marketing, change leadership, technology and operations management, and luxury retail. 

His company's clothing is designed based on a trademark system called Andropometrics™, which is a way to measure Sharpe Suiting customers based on their style or identity. From the Oscars to the Emmy Awards and the Cannes Film Festival, Leon’s classic and personalized designs show ubiquitous modern aesthetics. In addition to his artistic performance on the red carpet, Wu has also become a force for good with his charity work and strong activism. The CEO was named one of the top ten designers of USA Today, and provides advice to college students, startups, aspiring entrepreneurs and youth in his spare time. Wu's mission is to create positive impacts and opportunities to support women, people of color, and LGBTQ communities through philanthropic channels through visual radicalism in fashion and entertainment.

"We exist in the universe for creation. When I founded Sharpe, I dreamed of building a more inclusive fashion industry and world, so that underrepresented communities would gain more visibility, respect and equality. As a transgender person And benefactor, we can provide so much creativity because we envision things that other people cannot do, starting from our true identity. So if you are thinking about creating something, I will be the first to tell you that it is definitely worth it !" —Leon Elias Wu