Meet the 2026 High Five Grant for Moms Top 8 Finalists
Eight moms. Eight businesses worth knowing.
The 2026 High Five Grant for Moms Top 8 finalists shared the experiences that inspired their businesses, their plans for the future, and what this recognition means to them. Get to know each founder—and then cast your vote for your favorite.
Valerie Bernal | Parker & Talia
When Valerie Bernal’s daughter refused to wear socks for an entire year and her son struggled with clothing that physically hurt him, the mom of two knew something needed to change.
With more than 20 years of fashion design experience, she founded Parker & Talia, a sensory-friendly clothing company that has sold more than 50,000 pairs of socks. The company is now expanding into adult sizes, recognizing that sensory struggles continue beyond childhood.
Valerie has built her business while juggling motherhood and a full-time job, often working when everyone else was sleeping. She applied because she appreciated the High Five Grant’s recognition of what moms are building.
“More than anything, I'm grateful for the opportunity to share our story and hopefully reach another mom who's struggling with the same things I once was.”
Hanya Hu | HerPower AI
Before moving to the United States, Hanya Hu was a group manager in China and earned a master’s degree in international marketing in the United Kingdom. In California, she repeatedly heard that she was overqualified and spent years rebuilding her career.
She founded HerPower AI in July 2025 to teach women without technical backgrounds how to use AI for job searches, side businesses, and leadership. The community has grown to more than 1,000 members through word of mouth.
The Palo Alto mom applied because moms returning to work and exploring side incomes were already showing up in her classes. Much of her own work happens after her daughter goes to bed.
“Being a finalist tells me I picked the right room.”
Lara Vu | Mila’s Keeper
During a UNICEF project, Lara Vu discovered that a lack of cold storage meant the end of breastfeeding for thousands of working moms. A public health professional and certified lactation educator, she created a product to address that need.
Lara founded Mila’s Keeper, a certified B Corp, and invented the MilKeeper, a portable, insulated breast milk cooler that keeps milk cold for 20 hours. Her career includes 12 years at UNICEF, and she now uses her business to advocate for paid parental leave and workplace pumping rights.
The Los Angeles mom of two also lectures at UCLA and enjoys snowboarding with her husband and sons.
“I feel grateful, appreciated and seen to be a finalist.”
Veronica Tirado | Acro Gravity Academy
Veronica Tirado is the founder and co-owner of Acro Gravity Academy in North Miami, Florida. Through circus arts, movement, and creativity, she creates opportunities for children and families to discover their potential.
She applied for the High Five Grant because she believes in what the academy is building and wants to create more opportunities for children in her community. She has the ideas and passion; finding the resources to bring them to life can be the challenge.
Being named a finalist makes the hard work and sacrifices feel recognized. As a mom, she also wants her daughter to see her pursuing her own ambitions.
“You can still go after what you want while helping others discover what they’re capable of.”
Melanie Hval | Compass Rose Care
After two decades in Alberta’s publicly funded health care system, Melanie Hval launched Compass Rose Care in Calgary. A master’s-prepared registered nurse, she founded the company to provide nurse-led home care for seniors and adults with life-limiting illnesses, including those with complex needs.
She has since added a private-pay Adult Day Program. Her team is also collaborating on a pilot using AI and ambient sensors to address preventable causes of emergency visits for seniors.
A mom of three, Melanie applied to learn from women who have walked this road before her and connect with other driven moms building businesses.
“And when someone tells me ‘it can’t be done,’ that’s usually when I get to work. There is almost always a way.”
Ashley Blake | Carolina Crew Football Club
Ashley Blake is a mom, full-time detective, and owner of Carolina Crew Football Club, a women’s semi-professional soccer club in Fayetteville, North Carolina. She is creating opportunities for female athletes to compete and develop beyond youth and collegiate soccer.
Under her leadership, the club won the 2025 UPSL-W Mid-Atlantic Championship undefeated, finished second in WPSL Division II in 2026, and earned promotion to WPSL Division I for 2027.
Ashley’s goal is a sustainable professional women’s soccer organization. Seeing athletes earn college scholarships and pursue professional opportunities reminds her why she keeps going through late nights, sacrifices, and financial challenges.
“Regardless of the final outcome, being a finalist is already a victory for our organization, our athletes, and the Fayetteville community.”
Devida McLemore | D Mac-N Enterprises
Devida McLemore is the founder and CEO of D Mac-N Enterprises, a woman-owned trucking and logistics company established in 2018. With more than 22 years in transportation, she has built her business on determination, resilience, and a commitment to excellence.
Her vision extends beyond delivering reliable transportation services. She wants to create employment, mentorship, and economic opportunities for women, single mothers, and people seeking a fresh start.
After nearly two years of applying for grants, Devida was excited to reach the Top 8. Learning that all eight finalists would receive an award made the moment even more meaningful.
“I have been applying for grants for close to 2 years and this is my first win.”
Anna Myers | Dirty Birdy
While renovating a 1970s fixer-upper in the Santa Cruz Mountains, Anna Myers kept wearing through her pants. She struggled to find women’s workwear that was durable enough without sacrificing fit, comfort, or style.
The mom of two boys founded Dirty Birdy to create functional, well-fitting gear for women who work with their hands, from tradeswomen and farmers to DIYers.
Anna applied because she wanted to be part of a community of mom entrepreneurs. The opportunity to find support, guidance, and camaraderie among women walking a similar path was a major draw.
“Running a business as a mom is something you can only fully understand when you’re living it.”
Give Your Favorite Mom-Owned Business a High Five
You’ve met the Top 8—now help cheer them on! Cast your vote for your favorite finalist, and share their story with friends and family so they can vote, too.
