For Immediate Release:
Dateline: Washington,
DC
Monday, May 19, 2025
Healthy Horizons Breastfeeding Centers, based in Burlingame, CA, is a leading provider of breastfeeding support services aimed at empowering mothers and supporting gender equity in the workplace. The company offers a range of services, including lactation consulting, education, and workplace solutions to help new mothers balance their professional and personal lives. By partnering with businesses across various industries, including Fortune 500 companies, Healthy Horizons creates environments where working mothers have access to the resources they need to thrive, ultimately promoting a healthier and more equitable workplace culture. The company’s focus on supporting mothers through every stage of their breastfeeding journey has earned it recognition as a key player in maternal health advocacy.In the 2024 Stevie Awards for Women in Business, COO Cassi Janakos and CEO Sheila Janakos each won a Silver Stevie Award for Social Change Maker of the Year - Gender. Sheila Janakos: Visionary Leadership Driving Growth and Empowering Mothers Under the leadership of Sheila Janakos, Healthy Horizons has achieved remarkable success, including being recognized on Inc. 5000’s prestigious list for two consecutive years in 2023 and 2024. This recognition highlights the company’s exceptional growth, including a 146% revenue increase in 2023 and an impressive 300%+ growth in 2024.
Sheila's commitment to empowering women extends far beyond Healthy Horizons, as she actively advocates for new mothers through various speaking engagements, webinars, and partnerships. She has also mentored aspiring lactation consultants, shaping the future of the industry.
Sheila is particularly known for her work in educating employers on legislation like the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act, helping companies implement more supportive practices for female employees. Through initiatives such as milk drives and collaborations with academic leaders from institutions like Stanford University and the University of California, Sheila is bridging the gap between scientific research and practical applications in maternal health care. Her dedication to community engagement and gender equity has positioned her as a transformative figure in the maternal health space.Cassi Janakos: Championing Women in STEM and Workplace Equality As the Chief Operating Officer (COO) of Healthy Horizons, Cassi Janakos plays a critical role in the company’s growth and strategic direction. With a background in engineering and business management, Cassi has led the company to expand its reach, supporting Fortune 500 clients like Ford, PayPal, and PG&E. She has impacted over 2 million employees, mothers, and children by creating equitable workplaces that provide essential support for working parents.
Beyond her work at Healthy Horizons, Cassi is deeply committed to empowering women in STEM. For over 18 years, she has mentored women in the Society of Women Engineers and worked with the TechWomen Initiative, a program of the U.S. Department of State. Her leadership also extends to her role in the U.S. Breastfeeding Committee, where she has worked on developing clear tools and policies around U.S. lactation laws to help employers implement inclusive practices.In 2023, Cassi founded Workplace Lactation Week, a national platform that celebrates the contributions of nursing parents in the workplace. The event, which is now observed annually, aligns with Labor Day and serves to highlight the vital role that parents play in the workforce. Cassi’s exceptional dedication to fostering positive change for working parents, especially women in STEM, makes her a standout leader in both the maternal health and workplace equality sectors.Through the efforts of both Sheila and Cassi Janakos, Healthy Horizons continues to lead the charge in providing transformative support for new mothers, driving systemic change in employment practices and empowering women in both the workplace and beyond.Cassi and Sheila Janakos each won a Silver Stevie Award for Social Change Maker of the Year - Gender in the 2024 Stevie Awards for Women in Business. Interested in entering for 2025? 
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