W.E. Build Cohort 3: Ten Innovative Women Founders Begin Their Journey in Tulsa

Tulsa will be the birthplace of new solutions in health tech, education, consumer goods, and financial systems—ventures designed not just to succeed, but to make a difference.

Written by Kristopher Dobbins
Last updated Aug 29, 2025

On August 8, 2025, Build in Tulsa welcomed ten extraordinary women founders to the third cohort of the W.E. Build accelerator. The launch party at Build in Tulsa’s headquarters celebrated a group of visionary women founders whose ideas have the potential to redefine industries and strengthen Tulsa’s role as a hub for innovation and opportunity.

In the heart of our city, these founders are building companies that can transform industries, create jobs, and generate lasting economic impact. Their presence here matters. It means Tulsa will be the birthplace of new solutions in health tech, education, consumer goods, and financial systems—ventures designed not just to succeed, but to make a difference.

Ashli Sims, managing director of Build in Tulsa, greets the Tulsa community. Photo by Neek Films for Build in Tulsa.

A Launch Filled With Energy and Vision

The evening brought together entrepreneurs, investors, ecosystem partners, and community members to welcome the new cohort. The room buzzed with anticipation as each founder shared her vision, passion, and the problem their company is determined to solve.

It was clear from the very first introductions: these women are not here to play small. They are here to build scalable companies, push boundaries, and demonstrate that world-class innovation can grow right here in Tulsa.

Brianna Arps delivers her pitch to the Tulsa community at the W.E. Build Launch Party in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Photo by Neek Films for Build in Tulsa

"I’m absolutely energized by this group of W.E. Build founders. They are already gaining impressive traction, and I can’t wait for them to share their businesses with our thriving Tulsa ecosystem. This is the kind of talent and innovation that keeps our city’s entrepreneurial heartbeat strong.” - Hunter McFarland, Build in Tulsa’s Investor Relations Manager,

Meet the W.E. Build Cohort 3 Founders

  • Antoinette Redmond, Neuru – A digital health platform that streamlines care for families navigating developmental diagnoses.

  • Brianna Arps, MOODEAUX – An award-winning fragrance brand redefining scent as a tool for self-expression and emotional well-being.

  • Devin Patterson-Igwe, CerTracker – An AI-powered credentialing platform simplifying compliance for nurses and healthcare professionals.

  • Ila Corcoran, Sengo – A capital access hub offering tools, grants, and events to democratize early-stage fundraising.

  • Kanicka Joseph, K&K Smiles – A clean oral care brand combining holistic products with in-person whitening services.

  • Kora-Lynah Abelard, Orijin – A clean skincare line that blends Caribbean botanicals with modern science.

  • Monique Shuler, Vericore Systems – A mortgage tech platform optimizing compliance and quality through smart workflows.

  • Deanna Oliver, Psyflo – AI-driven mental health agents offering scalable SEL support for K–12 educators and students.

  • LaToya Staten, KinnectedCareIQ – A culturally responsive care coordination platform for families and caregivers.

  • Kristen Wells-Collins, Black to the Lab – A STEM toy and experience brand introducing young girls to cosmetic chemistry.

W.E. Build Cohort 3. Photo by Neek Films for Build in Tulsa

Why W.E. Build Matters for Tulsa

W.E. Build was launched in 2023 with the support of the Goldman Sachs One Million Black Women Initiative to ensure women entrepreneurs, especially those historically underestimated, have access to the same high-level resources and opportunities as any other founder in the world.

In just two years, the program has served 17 companies, awarding over $425,000 in business grants and fostering ventures that are already creating jobs and impacting lives. Cohort 3 builds on this momentum, proving that Tulsa is a place where ambitious women founders can scale their businesses and make an impact far beyond our city limits.

Lauren Hodrick, entrepreneur engagement coordinator, gives the W.E. Build Cohort 3 founders a tour of Build in Tulsa’s headquarters. Photo by Neek Films for Build in Tulsa

The Road Ahead

Over the next 15 weeks, these founders will gain strategic mentorship, operational resources, and capital to help them accelerate their growth. The journey will culminate in Demo Day on November 6, 2025, when they will showcase their ventures to investors, partners, and the Tulsa community.

We invite you to follow along as they turn their visions into reality right here in Tulsa.

Subscribe

Hear about upcoming Build In Tulsa events and programming!

Build In Tulsa provides entrepreneurs with a network of accelerators, mentoring, education, networking, and direct financial assistance to build community and strategic partnerships.
Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
© Build In Tulsa, Inc. 2025. Site by Further Faster