Each year, the business media company Inc. recognizes 500 of the top female leaders across the globe from a wide array of industries.

Two Alabama women were named to the 2026 list including:

Julie Schumacher | KODA Technologies
Tiffany Whitlow | Acclinate

“Despite all the odds working against them, the female founders on this year’s highly competitive list pushed their categories forward and won over investors and customers.”
Inc.

Keep reading to learn more about both women + why they made the prestigious list.

Julie Schumacher

Julie Schumacher is the founder and CEO of KODA Technologies. Inc. listed her as a “trailblazer” for breaking barriers in typically male-dominated fields.

KODA was founded in 2017, doing work in space and missile defense field with:

Analytical solutions in on-site labs
Developing hypersonic
Propulsion
Test innovations through internal research and development

Inc. said Schumacher made the list “for expanding the engineering and defense company’s reach through winning a GSA OASIS+ Unrestricted Contract.”

Tiffany Whitlow

Whitlow was born in Birmingham and was adopted out of Montgomery before spending time in Anniston, Phenix City and Madison.

Now, she’s helping build a lasting impact on the state.

The Acclinate co-founder and Chief Development Officer was recognized by Inc. for her work in the healthcare and medical industry. The outlet highlighted Whitlow’s work for “increasing membership by 26 percent for the health care platform, hosting 90 in-person events, and investing $1.62 million back into the community.”

“I am deeply honored to represent Alabama on the Inc. 500 Female Founders list. Building a business here has shown me the incredible power of community and resilience. This recognition belongs to my entire team and the mentors who supported us along the way. I’m proud to show the country what Alabama entrepreneurs are capable of.”
Tiffany Whitlow