Saluting Women Who Lead
October is National Women’s Small Business Month and we’re celebrating by highlighting ladies in leadership. After all, Women Mean Business.
Tune in as we shine a light on these hard working women all month long!
2026 Spotlight
Kate Faupel Grealish
Kate Faupel Grealish is the owner and operator of Kate Faupel Ford and Henderson Chevrolet GMC in Henderson, KY. Kate got her start in the car business at age 15 when she was answering phones and filing papers in the service department.
After graduating from Indiana University’s Kelley School of business in 2015, Kate pursued a job in corporate retail and worked for Kohl’s department stores for 5 years at their headquarters in Wisconsin. In May of 2020, Kate moved home to Henderson and joined the family business full-time at Henderson Chevrolet GMC, becoming the General Manager in 2021. Kate became the owner and dealer principal of Kate Faupel Ford when the Faupel Automotive team purchased the store in December of 2023. Kate oversees both stores with the mentality of “three brands, two stores, one big team.”
Kate and her husband, Tate live in Henderson and have two little girls.
National Women’s Small Business Month Fast Facts
This month, we’re talking about all of the different ways women small business owners and leaders benefit our community and the world around us. Did you know…
- There are over 13 million women-owned businesses in the United States, employing 9.4 million workers and generating revenue of $1.9 trillion.
- There are 116 Women’s Business Centers that supported 150,000 women last year, helping their businesses make 1.7 billion dollars and creating 17,000 jobs.
- 50 percent of women small business owners are women of color.
- In 2012, 44 percent of women small business owners also had children under the age of 18 in their household. That means, by supporting women-owned businesses, you’re also supporting families.
- In 1972, women only owned 4.6% of all businesses in the United States. Now women own 42% of businesses in the United States.
- There are 114% more women entrepreneurs than there were 20 years ago.
- October 1988 marks the anniversary of President Ronald Reagan’s signing of H.R. 5050, which is the Women’s Business Ownership Act. This legislation increased federal support of women-owned businesses and made it easier for female entrepreneurs to get working capital, business training, and assistance.
- Prior to this bill being signed into law, some states required women to have a male family member co-sign on their business loan applications.
Illusions Bridal and Prom has been helping customers throughout the Tri-State find the perfect look for life’s biggest moments for decades. Owner Lisa McClure joined the business in 1997 and has proudly owned Illusions since 2006.
Located in a beautiful three-story historic building in downtown Vincennes, Illusions offers an extensive selection of bridal gowns, prom and homecoming dresses, tuxedos, special occasion gowns, bridesmaid and flower girl dresses, shoes, jewelry, veils and accessories. From the first fitting to the final alterations, Lisa and her experienced team are committed to making every customer feel comfortable, confident and cared for. With hundreds of styles in stock and an in-house alteration department, Illusions provides a truly personalized experience from start to finish.
Award-winning agency Pink Suitcase Travel was founded by Jenni Ranson in 2019 and she has dedicated herself to curating bespoke, life-changing journeys that bridge the gap between “dreaming” and “doing.” As a female entrepreneur, her mission extends beyond seamless itineraries—she is passionate about championing female economic empowerment, elevating women in leadership, and building networks that support local and global communities.
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Her deep-rooted commitment to community led her to become a Charter Member of Evansville Rotary At Night in 2021. A proven leader within the organization, she is a Past President, current Membership Chair, and a Paul Harris Fellow.
At home, Jenni has been married to her husband, Lafe, for 21 years—a partner who has spent over two decades supporting her entrepreneurial drive, her “habitual” volunteering, and her legendary inability to say “no” to a worthy cause. Together, they are navigating the proud milestones of raising an Indiana University Hoosier and a student at Signature School.
When she isn’t building her business, designing global itineraries, or chairing a local committee, she is likely channeling her energy into baking, mastering a new recipe to share with family and friends. Whether she’s lifting heavy at the gym, perfecting her serve on the tennis court, or catching a flight to a new horizon, Jenni leads with purpose, embodying the Rotary motto of Service Above Self.
For Sandy Quick, Wayne’s Appliance is more than a business—it’s a family legacy and a commitment to the community she calls home. The daughter of Wayne and Alice Forcum, Sandy grew up learning the value of hard work, personal service and treating people like family. After graduating from Indiana State University–Evansville (now the University of Southern Indiana) with a degree in Business Administration, Sandy eventually stepped into the family business and took ownership of Wayne’s Appliance in 2010. For the past 15 years, she has led Wayne’s with the same hands-on approach and strong work ethic instilled in her by her parents, growing the business while remaining true to its roots as a locally and family-owned company. Under Sandy’s leadership, Wayne’s has expanded its product offerings, facility and services while continuing to put relationships and customer service at the center of everything it does.
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Giving back has always been an important part of Sandy’s vision for Wayne’s. She believes that when a community supports a local business, that business has a responsibility to support the community in return. Over the years, Sandy and Wayne’s have supported countless local organizations and causes, with a particular commitment to the Tri-State Multiple Sclerosis Association. Wayne’s has also supported families and children through organizations such as Granted, donating major appliances to help outfit the House of Hope’s kitchen, and continues to find meaningful ways to help local nonprofits. In 2026, Sandy launched the Wayne’s Giveback Project, dedicating each month to a different local nonprofit and providing a $1,000 donation to organizations making a difference throughout the community—including Hope Dot Com, which provides resources and support to individuals experiencing homelessness.
Sandy’s philosophy is simple: success means more when you can share it with the community that helped you get there. Whether she is helping a customer find the perfect appliance, supporting a local nonprofit, or finding another way to lend a hand, Sandy is passionate about keeping Wayne’s Appliance a place where people know they are more than just a customer. Her commitment to local ownership, personal service and giving back has helped make Wayne’s a trusted Evansville business for generations—and she intends to keep that tradition going for years to come.
Stacey is a lifelong builder of experiences that nurture the whole self. She began her career in the pharmaceutical industry, grounding herself in the science of skin and health before stepping into entrepreneurship. For fourteen years, she grew her own business, cultivating resilience, creativity, and a deep love for serving others. She later returned to the education field, reconnecting with her passion for mentorship, growth, and community connection.
Wellness has been the through-line-as a yoga teacher, Pilates teacher, and advocate for the whole-person care. Her fascination with skincare and wellness has shaped every chapter of her journey. Owning Fusion Spa & Salon is the culmination of that lifelong calling.
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Stacey’s commitment extends beyond her business. She is actively involved with Habitat for Humanity Evansville and Global Village. She is a devoted lover of community building-creating spaces, relationships, and experiences that bring people together. Through Fusion and her broader work, she continues top champion connection, compassion, and the believe that nurturing ourselves helps us nurture the world around us.
