Now in their second year, the New Era of Leadership Awards recognize and celebrate executive women shaping the future of business 

Chief, the nation’s most influential network of senior executive women, named Marisa Calderon, president and CEO of Prosperity Now, as a winner of its 2025 New Era of Leadership Awards. Now in its second year, the awards celebrate 100 executive women who are transforming the business landscape through innovative, purpose-driven leadership. 

Calderon’s recognition underscores Prosperity Now’s role as a catalyst for economic opportunity and financial resilience across communities nationwide. Under her leadership, Prosperity Now has championed initiatives that strengthen small businesses, expand homeownership pathways, and build lasting financial security by translating inclusive leadership into real-world outcomes for families and local economies.  

“This recognition affirms what we’ve always known: that leadership grounded in empathy, innovation, and purpose is not a luxury – it’s essential for driving meaningful change,” says Calderon. “I’m honored to be recognized among such a dynamic group of leaders, and I see this as an opportunity to continue collaborating with our partners and funders to advance our shared mission.”  

Winners were selected by a panel of judges representing organizations, such as Morgan Stanley, Squarespace, The Walt Disney Company, National Geographic, Axios, Tripadvisor, Etsy, and others. The selection criteria focused on: 

• Innovation: Demonstrating disruptive thinking to drive mission-aligned results 
• Empathy: Leading with compassion and a focus on opportunity  
• Creativity: Reimagining traditional practices with original solutions 
• Purpose: Positively influencing their industries, teams, or communities 
• Resilience: Navigating adversity and uncertainty with strength and vision 

“The New Era of Leadership honors the trailblazing women who are redefining what it means to lead — driving transformation, breaking barriers, and shaping the future of business,” says Alison Moore, CEO of Chief. “We are thrilled to recognize another 100 exceptional executives and 25 standout honorees in the second year of these awards — a reflection of the powerful impact women are making across industries every day.” 

Marisa’s recognition reinforces Prosperity Now’s commitment to innovation, collaboration, and economic growth. It also demonstrates the power of mission-driven leadership to create opportunities that funders and partners can invest in. 

To learn more about the accomplishments that contributed to Marisa’s recognition, visit https://thenewera.chief.com/winners/marisa-calderon/.