Felicia Shanken
Felicia Shanken is a dynamic entrepreneur, international keynote speaker, and founder of both Philadelphia Women’s Network Connection (PWNC) and PWNC Foundation, Inc. She specializes in empowering professional women, particularly those over 50, to transition from corporate roles to CEO positions, launch AI-powered programs, and build businesses that leave a lasting legacy. With a career spanning multiple industries, Felicia has successfully built two businesses starting at age 55 and scaled them internationally, earning recognition from USA Today, VIP Global, International Brainz, The Top 100 Magazine, and the International Association of Top Professionals. A passionate advocate for women’s empowerment and community-centered entrepreneurship, Felicia combines her expertise in leadership, strategic brand positioning, and technology adoption to create programs that foster growth, visibility, and confidence. Through PWNC Digital Futures™, she helps women clarify their brand, implement revenue-focused marketing strategies, and leverage AI tools to strengthen their CEO mindset. Her work extends beyond business, including youth programs, community outreach, and initiatives that support women in both personal and professional development. Felicia’s professional journey is grounded in integrity, transparency, and authenticity. She began her medical career in radiology over 25 years ago as a Radiologic Technologist. She went back to school to receive an Associate’s degree in Nursing from Gwynedd Mercy University, and she also holds a degree in Fashion Buying and Merchandising from the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City. She has been recognized as a Top Women’s Empowerment Strategist of 2025 by the International Association of Top Professionals and the National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO) for Trailblazer of 2025. She continues to inspire women globally to build their brands boldly, lead with purpose, and create meaningful legacies.
• NMSDC Capital Readiness Program (CRP) 2024-2025
• Gwynedd Mercy University- A.A.S. Nursing
• Top Women's Empowerment Strategist of 2025 by International Association of Top Professionals
• Goldman Sachs - One Million Black Women: Black in Business, EMSDC
• Living Beyound Breast Cancer organization,
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to vision, resilience, and relationship-building. I started over at 55 and built two thriving businesses during one of the most uncertain times in recent history, COVID. That required adaptability, strategic thinking, and the courage to embrace innovation, especially in digital and AI-driven spaces. I’ve always been committed to continuous learning, staying ahead of change, and most importantly, serving women at a high level. When you combine purpose with consistency and strong partnerships, success becomes sustainable.”
I also attribute my success to walking in faith and persevering through challenging times. Almost seven years later, through the grace of God, we are still here.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received was: bet on yourself. Don’t wait for permission, validation, or the ‘perfect’ time. When I transitioned into entrepreneurship later in life, that advice carried me. It reminded me that experience is an asset, not a limitation. If you stay committed to growth, invest in your skills, and move with confidence, you can build success at any stage. Never quit on yourself, always give yourself grace, believe you can achieve anything you set your mind to, and never take no for an answer.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
One of the biggest challenges in my field was launching and sustaining businesses right before and during COVID. The greatest opportunities now lie in helping business owners over 50 integrate AI into their operations and expanding community-focused women’s empowerment programs. I would tell young women to build both competence and confidence at the same time. Master your craft — whether it’s digital strategy, leadership, or entrepreneurship — but also learn how to communicate your value. Don’t shrink in rooms you’ve earned your way into. Stay adaptable, especially as technology and AI continue to reshape industries. And most importantly, build strong relationships. Your network, your reputation, and your integrity will open more doors than talent alone.”
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
Right now, the biggest challenges in my field are keeping pace with rapid technological change and standing out in an increasingly crowded digital landscape. With AI and automation transforming how we market, communicate, and scale businesses, professionals must continually upskill and differentiate their expertise. At the same time, there’s an enormous opportunity: women have unprecedented access to tools, platforms, and networks that can accelerate impact and growth faster than ever before. Those who embrace innovation, build genuine community, and lead with purpose will win — especially in spaces where authenticity matters.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Integrity, faith, and service are the values that guide both my work and my personal life. Integrity means doing what I say I’m going to do and leading with transparency. Faith keeps me anchored, especially when making bold decisions or navigating uncertainty. And service reminds me that success isn’t just about achievement — it’s about impact. Whether I’m building businesses, speaking on a stage, or spending time with family, I want my work and my life to reflect purpose, consistency, and legacy. I live by the principles of never quitting on yourself, giving yourself grace, believing in your abilities, and never taking no for an answer, both in my work and in life.