Founder and Executive Director

Donna Gutman is the founder and executive director of Women of the World, a 501(C)(3) non-profit organization committed to connecting, empowering, and assisting women through strategic relationships and opportunities, while generating worldwide awareness and prevention of violence against women. 

Noted for her enthusiasm, networking and social media connectedness, Donna holds a strong belief in the power and potential of women as leaders. She is a huge proponent of women helping women -empowerment through partnership.

Donna’s vision for Women of the World is to provide opportunity and visibility for women through collaboration, networking and mentoring - locally and globally. By sharing thought leadership, collective tools and knowledge, Women of the World will open new corridors for success.

Prior to founding Women of the World, Donna held a senior membership position at the Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce; before that she worked at the Deerfield Bannockburn Riverwoods Chamber of Commerce. She also worked in sales, marketing and events for an upscale catering company.  Donna began her career running a successful wholesale & retail gift business with her mother, where she mastered all aspects of running a small business and creating relationships with women dedicated to supporting non-profit organizations.

Currently, Donna has been selected to hold a second term as a Director at National Council of Jewish Women (NCJW). She chairs the Women-to-Women Empowerment Initiative in Israel and co-chaired a Mission in 2009. She was chosen as an honoree at the Biz-Over that recognizes a select group of unique, successful and style savvy professional women with an equally firm commitment to their respective communities. In 2009, Donna received the Annual Entrepreneurial Achievement Award from the Network of Women Entrepreneurs at the East Bank Club in Chicago. She was featured in the September issue of Me: In Focus as one of Chicago’s influencers.

Donna is a contributing writer for Red in Chicago. She is currently writing a book entitled, From Bras to Spas: How Women Support and Inspire Each Other. She aspires for completion & publication in 2012.

Nicole Lynn Hernandez

Director of Social Media

Nicole Hernandez began her role at Women of the World in October of 2010 where her love for social media became evident in all her endeavors. At 22 years old, her self-motivation has always given her a persistent mindset to achieving all of her goals. In February she launched the new site for Women of the World and continues to keep a strong online presence for the organization as well as in her personal life. Prior to working at Women of the World she obtained a B.A. in Communications at DePaul where she majored in Public Relations and Advertising with a minor in Journalism.

While attending DePaul University, Nicole actively embraced campus life. She was elected as Chair of Advocacy for the UNICEF-DePaul chapter, was a Vincentian leader in 2010 and in 2011 on Vincentian Service Day and was an active member of PRSSA. In 2009 she joined the cheerleading team where she learned the importance of collaboration, cooperation and sportsmanship.

Previous internships have paved the way for her continuing success at Women of the World. Her experience includes, but not limited to, internships at the San Jose Group Advertising Agency and YouSwoop.

Nicole is a people person who is passionate about taking action to help others in need. She is a dedicated coffee drinker who resides on the North side of Chicago.

You may follow Nicole on Twitter at @Nicolelynnhdz or connect with her on LinkedIn