We’re thrilled to announce the latest recipient of the AHIG Women’s Entrepreneurship Grant: Katherine Marshall, founder of EmpowHER Wear, based in Roselle, Illinois.

Her story moved our committee deeply—and we’re sure it will inspire you too. Below, you’ll find highlights from our conversation with Katherine, where she shares her journey, mission, and the heart behind her business.

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Katherine: Thank you so much! Receiving this grant means the world to me—not just for the impact it will have on my business, but because the mission behind this grant is the same mission that fuels my company.

I started EmpowHER Wear in memory of my dear friend Kara Sinclair, who passed away suddenly at just 20 years old from a brain aneurysm. Kara was full of life, joy, and purpose. She always said, “Don’t waste a minute of your life,” and I’ve tried to live by that motto ever since. I want to build something that outlives me—something that helps people, especially those in need. This grant brings me one step closer to that dream.

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Katherine: After college, I was eager to join the corporate world—but the job market had other plans. I couldn’t find a job, so I decided to hire myself and build something I believed in.

A few years earlier, I had visited an orphanage in China that cared for children with severe physical and mental disabilities. The children touched my heart deeply. The founders were doing their best, but their budget was stretched thin. I knew I wanted to help them—financially and sustainably.

That experience lit a fire in me. I created EmpowHER Wear with a clear purpose: to meet basic human needs around the world, starting with those children. Today, everything we do is rooted in that mission. And every scarf we sell brings us closer to feeding, educating, and uplifting those who need it most.

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Katherine: Thank you! I’ve combined my passion for fashion and sewing to create handmade infinity scarves for both men and women. They’re available on our website, and each purchase directly supports humanitarian efforts.

I envision EmpowHER Wear as more than just a fashion brand—I want it to become a global movement. We’re taking on big challenges: hunger, lack of clean water, preventable disease, and lack of access to education. It’s a massive mission, but I’m committed to it with everything I have.

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Katherine: Absolutely. I grew up watching my dad build his heating and electrical repair company from the ground up. He loved the freedom, the challenge, and the impact he had on customers. That inspired me.

Now that I’m running EmpowHER Wear, I understand that passion. I love the hustle, the creativity, and the purpose behind every decision. But most of all, I love that I get to help others. Every time we send a donation to fund food, clean water, or education, my heart soars.

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Katherine: Seeking advice from others has been a game-changer. I’ve learned so much from informational meetings with industry experts—marketing strategies, legal insights, product quality improvements, and more. Those conversations have fueled our growth and helped shape our path forward.

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Katherine: Definitely rushing into decisions too quickly. When I first started, I was so excited to grow that I launched a line of crocheted headbands without doing proper research. I created my own patterns, bought materials, and stocked up—only to sell one.

That experience taught me that even good ideas need research, planning, and patience. Now, I take time to understand the market before jumping in.

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Katherine’s story is a powerful reminder that entrepreneurship, when fueled by heart and purpose, can change the world.

We are honored to support her through the AHIG Women’s Entrepreneurship Grant and can’t wait to see what she builds next with EmpowHER Wear.

Applications are now open for the February AHIG Women’s Business Grant. Share your story with us—you never know where it could lead.