Jana Rose Stewart, M.A.S.S.
Jana Rose Stewart, M.A.S.S. is a health tech founder, women’s health advocate, and former professional athlete dedicated to redefining how workplaces support women through midlife transitions. With over two decades of corporate experience, Jana witnessed firsthand how talented, high-performing women quietly exited leadership roles—often during perimenopause and menopause due to a lack of understanding and support. At age 52, she transformed that lived experience into action by founding VelaHR.ai, an AI-powered, HR-integrated workplace menopause platform designed to help organizations retain, support, and empower their most experienced female talent.
Before launching VelaHR, Jana built a multifaceted career spanning corporate leadership, entrepreneurship, and elite athletics. She brings more than 20 years of experience working with global organizations including IBM, GlaxoSmithKline, Unity Technologies, and SaaS-based companies, alongside deep expertise in account management, customer success, and revenue growth. In parallel, she spent over 30 years in the fitness and wellness industry, founding Jana Stewart LLC in 2008 and helping thousands of women transform their health through strength training, nutrition, and lifestyle coaching. A top-ranked professional fitness competitor from 2003 to 2022, Jana consistently applied discipline, resilience, and performance-driven strategies across every chapter of her career.
A graduate of Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University, Jana holds a Master of Science in Public Administration and a Bachelor’s degree in Business Economics. She is widely recognized for her thought leadership at the intersection of women’s health, wellness, and emerging technology, with a mission rooted in advocacy, education, and systemic change. Today, Jana continues to build solutions that normalize conversations around menopause, reduce stigma in the workplace, and ensure women can thrive professionally and personally at every stage of life.
• PROSPECTUS Business Accelerator program
• Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University - BS, Business Economics
• Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University - MS, Public Administration
• Florida A&M Alumni Association
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to staying determined, focused, and positive, always moving forward regardless of challenges. I am passionate about the AI-powered workplace, developing platforms that support menopause wellness, and applying lessons from my experience as a former professional athlete to drive growth and innovation in everything I do.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
I’ve learned that the best career advice is to ask questions, stay knowledgeable, and be willing to say “yes” even when you don’t have all the answers yet trusting that you can learn along the way. Embracing change, remaining adaptable, and consistently treating others with kindness have also been essential lessons that have shaped my growth and success.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering the industry is to believe there is nothing you can’t do and to always shoot for the stars. Be open to trying new things, have the confidence to walk the walk and talk the talk, and don’t be afraid to step into opportunities that challenge you—those experiences are often where the greatest growth happens.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest opportunities in my field right now is reaching and supporting more women as they navigate life changes, mental stress, and overall wellness. There is a growing need to help women better understand, manage, and feel empowered during their biological transitions, creating solutions and resources that promote both physical and mental well-being while fostering confidence and resilience.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me in both my work and personal life include strong time management, a commitment to learning from others, and the ability to think outside the box. I believe failure is not something to fear but an opportunity to learn, grow, and get back up stronger and more informed than before.
Locations
VelaHR.ai
Southfield, MI 48075