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Akorbi Ranked #27 in Dallas Business Journal’s Middle Market 50: Based on revenue nearly tripling in 3 years

Park in Dallas Texas

PLANO, Texas – June 22, 2017 – Akorbi was ranked as the 27th fastest-growing Middle Market Company in North Texas based on their revenue nearly tripling from 2014 to 2016. The award’s ceremony was hosted by the Dallas Business Journal on June 15th at The Ritz-Carlton in Dallas.  The award ranks public and private companies in the Dallas-Fort Worth area with annual revenue of $25 to $750 million.

This award is a welcome acknowledgment of the company’s commitment to aggressive growth (1,267% from 2012 to 2016) fueled by innovation and technology.  It comes on the heels of recognition by the Women Presidents’ Organization and American Express, which ranked Akorbi as the 8th fastest-growing woman-owned/led company globally in its 2017 list (up from 12th place in 2016). The company is also leading its sector as a language service provider. In 2016, Common Sense Advisory ranked Akorbi as the 3rd fastest-growing language services provider in the world.

“It is an honor to be included in this prestigious list with so many respected DFW-based companies,” said Claudia Mirza, CEO and co-founder of Akorbi. “I credit our entire forward-thinking executive leadership team for helping us stay on track with our vision of exponential growth.”

“We appreciate the Dallas Business Journal for encouraging and recognizing outstanding growth in our local community,” said Azam Mirza, President and co-founder of Akorbi. “Although we have a presence around the world and serve a global customer base, we are proud to call North Texas our home.”

About Akorbi

Akorbi is a U.S.-based company that provides enterprise solutions that empower companies to achieve success in the global economy. We help companies connect with employees, vendors and customers in over 170 languages 24×7, in any modality, from any location. Our customizable, enterprise solutions include: technical and multilingual staffing, learning services, multilingual contact centers, video remote solutions, translation/localization and in-person interpretation services. The company holds several certifications including ISO 9001:2008, ISO 13485:2003, EN 15038:2006 and M/WBE Certification.  For more information, visit www.akorbi.com or call 1.877.4.AKORBI.

 About the Dallas Business Journal

Founded in 1977, Dallas Business Journal is the leading source for local business news, research, and events in the DFW area. The publication offers print and digital editions and hosts awards events including Best Places to Work, 40 Under Forty, Women in Business, and the Middle Market 50. For more information, visit http://www.bizjournals.com/dallas.

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50 Female Entrepreneurs Recognized for Strong Business Growth

50 Female Entrepreneurs Recognized for Strong Business Growth

The Women Presidents’ Organization and American Express Recognize 50 Fastest-Growing Women-Owned/Led Companies; 10th Annual Award Ceremony Held in Orlando.

ORLANDO, Fla.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–The Women Presidents’ Organization (WPO), in partnership with American Express, today released the 10th annual ranking of the 50 Fastest-Growing Women-Owned/Led Companies – marking one decade of honorees. The companies on this year’s 50 Fastest list span a range of industries including technology, retail and consulting. The companies generated a combined $7.2 billion in 2016 revenues (mean of $155.6 million) and collectively employed 46,000 people in 2016 (mean of 725). The awardees who took home the top rankings are:

  • Fitness studio franchise Orangetheory Fitness is the fastest growing women-owned business and is appearing on the list for the second time, moving up from the #3 spot in 2016. The seven-year-old Boca Raton, FL-based company, led by Ellen Latham, saw its revenue flourish over the past two years ($86,842,513 in 2014 to $451,101,433 in 2016) and hired 98 employees during that time span. Ellen’s advice to aspiring entrepreneurs is to turn the “I can’t” channels in their brain into “I can” channels.
  • Pinnacle Group, an IT workforce solutions firm based in Dallas, remains at the #2 spot for the second year in a row. Nina Vaca, President and CEO, saw her 21-year-old company approach $2 billion dollars in revenue ($1,887,230,307 in 2016, up from $665,504,491 in 2014). The entrepreneur, who still owns 100% of the firm she founded at age 24 with $300 of startup capital, attributes her company’s success to its ability to meet the ever-changing demands of clientele.
  • IT services firm Technology Concepts Group International, a newcomer to the list, is the third fastest-growing company in the 2017 rankings. Based in Somerset, NJ, the nine-year-old business, founded and led by Avis Yates Rivers, saw its revenue rise from $6,726,000 in 2014 to $49,000,000 in 2016. Avis’ primary strategy for success has been to deliver value and create solutions to respond to customer challenges.

“We are proud to announce the 10th class of 50 Fastest honorees. This year, we’re excited to have awardees from a diverse range of industries and locations, including three international winners,” said Marsha Firestone, Ph.D., President and Founder of the Women Presidents’ Organization. “Our partnership with American Express has been crucial in acknowledging the influence women-owned and led companies have in job creation and growing the global economy.”

“Supporting the growth of women-owned and led companies is a true mission for us at American Express, and we are delighted to recognize these trailblazing women for their success,” said Susan Sobbott, President, Global Commercial Payments, American Express. “We hope these awardees and the stories of their business success will inspire others to create and lead prosperous businesses.”

Each of the honored business owners will be offered a congratulatory prize from American Express.

Applicants do not have to be WPO members. All eligible companies were ranked according to a sales growth formula that combines percentage and absolute growth; the top 50 were selected for the list. To be qualified for the ranking, businesses are required to be privately held, woman-owned/led companies and have reached an annual revenue of at least $500,000 as of January 1, 2012.

More about the 2017 50 Fastest:

  • Average honoree age: 50
  • CEOs that founded the business: 92%
  • Started the business with their own funds: 72%
  • CEOs that are active in day-to-day operations: 100%
  • Companies that do business globally: 36%
  • Plan to continue to grow their company: 92%
  • Provide health insurance: 94%

All 50 companies will be honored at a special event hosted by American Express at the 2017 WPO Annual Conference in Orlando, Florida on Friday, May 5, 2017. The lunch and awards ceremony will take place from 12:30 PM to 1:30 PM at the Ritz-Carlton Grande Lakes.

Immediately following the lunch and awards ceremony, American Express will also host a Guide to Growth Panel from 1:30 PM to 2:15 PM. The panel will feature 50 Fastest honorees, who will share insights and advice for WPO members looking to grow their businesses.

The 2017 50 Fastest-Growing Women-Owned/Led Companies include:

Entrepreneur Name Company Name City, State/Province/Country
1 Ellen Latham Orangetheory Fitness Boca Raton, FL
2 Nina Vaca Pinnacle Technical Resources, Inc. d/b/a Pinnacle Group Dallas, TX
3 Avis Yates Rivers Technology Concepts Group International Somerset, NJ
4 Dr. Rebecca Thomley Morning Sun Financial Services Golden Valley, MN
5 Catherine Downey CATMEDIA Tucker, GA
6 Elizabeth Hammond Contract Direct Southfield, MI
7 Phyllis Winchester Newhouse Xtreme Solutions Inc Atlanta, GA
8 Claudia Mirza Akorbi Plano, TX
9 Christina Seelye Maximum Games Walnut Creek, CA
10 Debra Gentry Contingent Resource Solutions, LLC Duncan, SC
11 Raegan Moya Jones Aden & Anais, Inc. Brooklyn, NY
12 Jamila Stanford Nugate Group, LLC San Jose, CA
13 Rebecca Cenni Atrium Staffing New York, NY
14 Patti Massey MYCA Material Handling Solutions Cary, NC
15 Kay Ivie Ivie & Associates Flower Mound, TX
16 Tierra Kavanaugh (Turner) Wayne TKT & Associates, Inc. Louisville, KY
17 Pamela Evette Quality Business Solutions, Inc. Travelers Rest, SC
18 Mary Kariotis Merrimak Capital Company Novato, CA
19 Shelly Sun BrightStar Franchising, LLC Gurnee, IL
20 Britt Whitfield The Revel Group Chicago, IL
21 Elizabeth Prim Prim Construction, LLC Fort Worth, TX
22 Elizabeth Scherle Influenster New York, NY
23 Liz Elting TransPerfect New York, NY
24 Margaret Marcucci CorAnet Corp New York, NY
25 Yi Li Renogy Ontario, Canada
26 Katie Conovitz Twelve, Inc. Brooklyn, NY
27 Stacy Knight CA South Atlanta, GA
28 Roberta Roberts Shank “Sissie” Chas Roberts A/C & Plumbing, Inc. Phoenix, AZ
29 Tana Greene Greene-Group Davidson, NC
30 Anjali “Ann” Ramakumaran Ampcus Inc Chantilly, VA
31 Simone Schendel Reese Schendel Mechanical Contracting Ltd Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
32 Jennifer Smith Innovative Office Solutions, LLC Burnsville, MN
33 Michelle Baker Swoon Group, LLC Chicago, IL
34 Patricia Bible Katom Restaurant Supply, Inc. Kodak, TN
35 Karen McPartland TSAC Engineering San Diego, CA
36 Sushumnaa Roy Jalajam Softpath System, LLC Norcross, GA
37 Pamela O’Rourke ICON Information Consultants, LP Houston, TX
38 Margrit Anne Wolff Mercury Freight (PTY), LTD Johannesburg, South Africa
39 Ronia Kruse OpTech, LLC Troy, MI
40 Kathleen Benson Office Remedies, Inc. dba ORI Herndon, VA
41 Victoria Vasques Tribal Tech, LLC Alexandria, VA
42 Cordia Harrington The Bakery Cos. Nashville, TN
43 Linda A Sullivan Administrative Strategies, LLC Fishers, IN
44 Tamara L. Nall The Leading Niche New York, NY
45 Diane Astley Xclusive Staffing Westminster, CO
46 Patty Klein A-Plus Meetings & Incentives Coral Gables, FL
47 Natalie McDonald Create NYC New York, NY
48 Annette Johnson CMT Services, Inc. Hyattsville, MD
49 Cheryl Pia PIA Agency Carlsbad, CA
50 Lindsay McCutchen Reliant Staffing Systems, dba Career Start Rochester, NY

About the Women Presidents’ Organization (WPO)

The WPO is the ultimate affiliation for successful women entrepreneurs worldwide. In monthly meetings across the world, women from diverse industries invest time and energy in themselves and their businesses to drive their corporations to the next level. Local WPO chapters are coordinated by a professional facilitator and meet monthly to share business expertise and experience in a confidential setting. For more information, call 212-688-4114 or visit www.womenpresidentsorg.com. Follow WPO on Twitter (@womenpresidents) and like us on Facebook.

Read the Original Press Release Here

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Exclusive: These Are the 50 Fastest-Growing Women-Owned Companies in the U.S.

50-fastest-growing-women-owned businesses badge

Akorbi has snagged the No. 8 spot on the annual ranking of the fastest growing women-owned or led businesses released by the Women Presidents’ Organization (WPO) and American Express

The list, which is in its tenth year, ranks companies based on both percentage and absolute growth. To qualify, businesses must be privately-held, woman-owned or led, and have reached an annual revenue of at least $500,000 as of Jan. 1, 2012. The 50 companies generated a combined $7.2 billion last year, up from $75 million in 2007, the first year the list was compiled.

Top-ranked Orangetheory is followed by Pinnacle Group, an IT workforce solutions firm based in Dallas, which has remained in the No. 2 spot for the second year in a row. IT services firm Technology Concepts Group International, a newcomer to the list, was ranked No. 3.

Here is the full list of the 50 below:

  1. Orangetheory Fitness
  2. Pinnacle Technical Resources
  3. Technology Concepts Group International
  4. Morning Sun Financial Services
  5. CATMEDIA
  6. Contract Direct
  7. Xtreme Solutions
  8. Akorbi
  9. Maximum Games
  10. Contingent Resource Solutions
  11. Aden & Anais
  12. Nugate Group
  13. Atrium Staffing
  14. MYCA Material Handling Solutions
  15. Ivie & Associates
  16. TKT & Associates, Inc.
  17. Quality Business Solutions
  18. Merrimak Capital Company
  19. BrightStar Franchising
  20. The Revel Group
  21. Prim Construction
  22. Influenster
  23. TransPerfect
  24. CorAnet Corp
  25. Renogy
  26. Twelve, Inc.
  27. CA South
  28. Chas Roberts A/C & Plumping, Inc.
  29. Greene-Group
  30. Ampcus Inc.
  31. Schendel Mechanical Contracting Ltd.
  32. Innovation Office Solutions

Read the Original Article on Fortune.com

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Akorbi Ranked World’s 3rd Fastest-Growing Language Service Provider

Akorbi's 2016 Common Sense Advisory badge for being the 3rd fastest growing language service provide in the world

Market research firm Common Sense Advisory recognizes Akorbi as an industry leader

PLANO, TX – March 13, 2017 – Independent market research firm Common Sense Advisory (CSA Research) has ranked Akorbi as the 3rd fastest-growing language service provider (LSP) in the world, with a growth rate of 177.27% from 2013-2015, in their report titled, “The Fastest-Growing LSPs 2016.”  The same report, which addresses the $40.27 billion global market for outsourced language services and technology, ranked Akorbi as the 16th largest LSP in North America.

CSA Research, which has published market size estimates and global rankings for the past 11 years, found that the demand for language services continues and is growing at an annual rate of 5.52%. Akorbi’s compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 38.8% over the last few years surpasses the market’s average one-year growth rate.

The Inc. 5000 and Women Presidents’ Organization have also recognized Akorbi’s soaring revenue and fast-growth – an impressive 1,267% in the last 5 years (from 2012 – 2016).  This is mainly due to the company’s rapid expansion of services, making it one of the most diversified LSPs in North America.  Akorbi’s six divisions offer enterprise solutions such as video mobility, staffing, multilingual BPO, translation, interpretation and learning services to support enterprises in the global economy.

Akorbi’s fast-growth business model includes hiring top industry talent, growing its highly experienced senior management team and expanding its global workforce of more than 900 people. The company is 100% entrepreneurial, flexible, owns its entire technology infrastructure and continues to invest heavily in intellectual property. For example, Akorbi currently has a patent-pending delivery platform that will provide enterprise solutions and processes for all language services.  Companies will be able to access a wider range of services and market analytics, so they can better serve clients with limited English proficiency.

“We are extremely honored that Akorbi’s fast growth is being recognized by such a reputable and highly-respected market research firm as Common Sense Advisory,” said Azam Mirza, President and co-founder of Akorbi.  “We’ve come this far because of the hard work, commitment and dedication of our amazing team around the world.”

As organizations address more languages, CSA Research predicts that the language services industry will continue to grow and that the market will increase to $45 billion by 2020.

“The recipe for success doesn’t change much year after year. Fastest-growing companies credit their performance to being sales-driven organizations, developing their existing client base and investing in the future,” adds Don DePalma, CSA Research’s founder and Chief Strategy Officer.

About Akorbi

Akorbi is a U.S.-based company with over 930 employees around the world providing enterprise solutions that empower companies to achieve success in the global economy. We help companies connect with employees, vendors and customers in over 170 languages 24×7, in any modality, from any location. Our customizable, enterprise solutions include: technical and multilingual staffing, learning services, multilingual contact centers, video remote solutions, translation/localization and in-person interpretation services. The company holds several certifications including ISO 9001:2008, ISO 13485:2003, EN 15038:2006 and M/WBE Certification.  For more information, visit www.akorbi.com or call 1.877.4.AKORBI.

About Common Sense Advisory

Common Sense Advisory is an independent market research company specializing in translation, localization, interpreting, globalization, and internationalization analysis and consulting. www.commonsenseadvisory.com / @CSA_Research CSA Research Media Contact: Melissa Gillespie / Melissa@commonsenseadvisory.com

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Akorbi Receives Prestigious Women Business Enterprise of the Year Award from the Women’s Business Council – Southwest

Akorbi Receives Prestigious Women Business Enterprise of the Year Award from the Women’s Business Council - Southwest

DALLAS, TX – February 7, 2017 – The Women’s Business Council – Southwest (WBCS) honored Akorbi with its prestigious Women Business Enterprise of the Year Award (over $5 million in revenue) on February 2 at its 2017 Parade of Stars Awards Gala.  The event was held at the Embassy Suites in Frisco, Texas and was attended by hundreds of Dallas/Fort Worth-area entrepreneurs, as well as corporate and community leaders.

The event honored Women’s Business Enterprise (WBE) and Sustaining (Corporate) Members who go above and beyond with their advocacy, volunteer and sponsorship efforts to ensure that women-owned businesses succeed.  It also recognized the corporations and government agencies that provide Women’s Business Enterprises with growth opportunities.

Since being founded in 2003 by Claudia and Azam Mirza, Akorbi’s revenues have soared an impressive 758% in the last three years.  The company plans to continue growing by expanding its translation and interpretation services, worldwide contact centers and learning services, as well as by launching new proprietary technology, which will revolutionize the translation and interpretation industries. The company also plans to continue hiring top industry talent and expanding its global workforce of more than 750 people.

“We are incredibly honored to receive this award and are very grateful for the support we’ve received from the WBCS over the years,” said Claudia Mirza, CEO of Akorbi.  “WBENC certification and WBCS membership have been instrumental in our growth due to the valuable relationships it’s helped us establish with corporate members and other business owners.”

About Akorbi

Akorbi offers global and multilingual business solutions in more than 170 languages to some of the largest companies in the world. The company offers a full range of language, localization and global marketing solutions, including: professional staffing, translation, interpretation, multilingual call centers, business process outsourcing, video remote technologies, sign language interpretation, alternate formats, transcription, eLearning and eDiscovery. The company holds several certifications including ISO 9001:2008, ISO 13485:2003, EN 15038:2006 and M/WBE Certification.  For more information, visit www.akorbi.com or call 1.877.4.AKORBI.

About WBCS
Headquartered in Arlington, Texas, WBCS is dedicated to increasing mutually beneficial procurement opportunities between certified woman-owned businesses, corporations, businesses, government entities, institutions and other organizations. With more than 1,000 WBE members and nearly 100 Sustaining (Corporate) Members, WBCS is in its 21st year of providing national certification to women-owned businesses. To find out more about the WBCS, please visit http://www.wbcsouthwest.org. WBCS is a regional affiliate of the Women Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC) covering Oklahoma, north central Texas, Arkansas and New Mexico. Founded in 1997, WBENC has become a powerhouse organization for women entrepreneurs across the country.

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Akorbi Ranked as the #33 Fastest-Growing Company in the Dallas Area in the SMU Cox Dallas 100

Akorbi Ranked as the #33 Fastest-Growing Company in the Dallas Area in the SMU Cox Dallas 100

Only translation, interpretation, contact center and e-Learning provider to be included in prestigious list for 2nd year in a row

DALLAS, TX – December 5, 2016 – Akorbi was ranked as the 33rd fastest-growing company in the Dallas area (up 13 spots from its #46 ranking in 2015) at SMU Cox’s 26th Annual Dallas 100 Awards ceremony on November 29th.  For the second year in a row, Akorbi was the only translation, interpretation, contact center and e-Learning provider to be recognized in the impressive list of fast growth companies, which spanned just about every industry.  Hundreds of entrepreneurs, community leaders and business executives were part of the prestigious event, which took place at the Omni Dallas hotel.

Since being founded in 2003 by Azam and Claudia Mirza, Akorbi’s revenues have soared.  Earlier this year, the company competed with the fastest-growing companies across the U.S. and secured the #501 spot on the 2016 Inc. 5000 with 758% growth in the last three years.  The Women Presidents’ Organization also ranked it as the #12 fastest-growing woman-owned/led company globally.

Akorbi’s impressive growth has been largely due to the launch of a wide range of multilingual business services (such as staffing, contact centers and e-Learning), which support clients around the world.  The company’s impressive client base includes many government agencies and Fortune 500 companies.

Annually, SMU Cox ranks the top 100 Dallas entrepreneurial companies based on sales growth during a specific period of time. These companies must be privately-held and based in the Dallas Metroplex. This year, SMU Cox looked for a high percentage in sales growth from 2013-2015 as the main criteria for the Dallas 100. Akorbi’s impressive 758% growth in recent years makes the company highly deserving of this recognition.

“It’s an honor to be recognized among so many impressive and fast-growing companies in the Dallas area,” said Azam Mirza, President of Akorbi. “We are incredibly grateful for the support of our community, SMU Cox, as well as our outstanding team, which works tirelessly to serve our clients and distinguish Akorbi in such highly competitive industries.”

About Akorbi

Akorbi offers global and multilingual business solutions in more than 170 languages to some of the largest companies in the world. The company offers a full range of language, localization and global marketing solutions, including: professional staffing, translation, interpretation, multilingual call centers, business process outsourcing, video remote technologies, sign language interpretation, alternate formats, transcription, eLearning and eDiscovery. The company holds several certifications including ISO 9001:2008, ISO 13485:2003, EN 15038:2006 and M/WBE Certification.  For more information, visit www.akorbi.com or call 1.877.4.AKORBI.

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Akorbi Ranks #501 in Inc. 5000 Based on Impressive 3-Year Growth of 758%

inc5000 logo

PLANO, Texas – November 8, 2016 – Akorbi, a leading provider of multilingual business solutions, has been ranked by Inc. magazine as #501 in its prestigious Inc. 5000 list, making it one of the fastest-growing private companies in the U.S.  The ranking was based on a remarkable growth rate of 758% from 2012 to 2015.  Since 1982, the Inc. 5000 has highlighted the nation’s most successful private companies and has become a symbol of entrepreneurial success.  Akorbi received the award during the three day conference in San Antonio, Texas, which took place October 21-23.

 

Akorbi’s fast-growth can be attributed to the fact that it’s one of the most diversified companies in the language services industry.  In the last few years, the company has expanded globally and added a variety of new services, including multilingual staffing, business process outsourcing, multilingual call centers, eLearning, interpretation, video remote technologies and so much more.

 

Akorbi also continues to improve its competitive edge by developing proprietary technology.  This year, the company introduced its Unified Multilingual Communication’s Platform (UMCP) which, among other things, is helping companies in the healthcare industry be compliant with Section 1557 of the Affordable Care Act.  Section 1557 prohibits using non-certified interpreters, except in emergency situations.  Akorbi’s UMCP gives healthcare providers access to certified interpreters and translators, from any service provider, in every mode of communication (voice, video and in-person) through a single, secure platform.

 

“We are extremely honored to be part of this exclusive list with so many impressive and fast-growing companies,” said Azam Mirza, President and co-founder of Akorbi. “Our growth wouldn’t be possible without the support and dedication of our more than 600 team members around the world, including our co-founder Claudia Mirza, who work tirelessly to support our global clients and make Akorbi an industry leader.”

 

The Inc. 5000 is the most competitive list of fast-growing private companies.  This year, the average three-year growth rate was a staggering 433% and the aggregate revenue was $200 billion.  The companies generated 640,000 jobs from 2012-2015 – about 8% of all jobs created in the entire economy during that time. The complete results of the Inc. 5000 can be found at www.inc.com/inc5000.

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AKORBI RANKS #501 IN INC. MAGAZINE’S 2016 INC. 5000

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About Akorbi

Akorbi offers multilingual business solutions in more than 170 languages to some of the largest companies in the world. The company offers a full range of language, localization and global marketing solutions, including: professional staffing, translation, interpretation, video remote technologies, multilingual call centers, business process outsourcing, sign language interpretation, alternate formats, transcription, eLearning and eDiscovery. The company holds several certifications including ISO 9001:2008, ISO 13485:2003, EN 15038:2006 and M/WBE Certification.  For more information, visit www.akorbi.com or call 1.877.4.AKORBI.

 

More about Inc. and the Inc. 500|5000

The 2016 Inc. 5000 is ranked according to percentage revenue growth when comparing 2012 to 2015. To qualify, companies must have been founded and generating revenue by March 31, 2012. They had to be U.S.-based, privately held, for profit, and independent—not subsidiaries or divisions of other companies—as of December 31, 2015. (Since then, a number of companies on the list have gone public or been acquired.) The minimum revenue required for 2012 is $100,000; the minimum for 2015 is $2 million. As always, Inc. reserves the right to decline applicants for subjective reasons. Companies on the Inc. 500 are featured in Inc.’s September issue. They represent the top tier of the Inc. 5000, which can be found at http://www.inc.com/inc5000.

 

Contact:
Veronica Thomison
MPR Source, Inc. for Akorbi
214.893.3740
vthomison@mprsource.com

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The U.S. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Names Akorbi CEO Claudia Mirza 2016 Businesswoman of the Year

Claudia MIrza

Plano, TX – Oct. 12, 2016 – Claudia Mirza, CEO and co-founder of Akorbi, received the U.S. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce’s (USHCC) 2016 Businesswoman of the Year Award. Hundreds of Hispanic business, corporate and community leaders from across the U.S. attended the awards’ luncheon, which took place at the USHCC’s National Convention in Miami.

Every year, the USHCC recognizes a female entrepreneur who exemplifies the best of America’s business community through her outstanding leadership, pioneering spirit and social and economic contributions.

“Claudia is a steadfast businesswoman whose enterprise continues to reach new heights, and she inspires business leaders everywhere,” said Javier Palomarez, USHCC President and CEO.  “We are proud to recognize her as the 2016 Businesswoman of the Year.”

Claudia founded Akorbi in 2003 as a home-based translation business.  Today, the company is a global provider of multilingual business solutions with locations around the world and more than 600 employees.  The company serves some of the largest companies and organizations in the world including MoneyGram, Aetna, Health Services Corp. and Fossil, as well as leading technology companies.

“I am incredibly honored to receive this award from the USHCC – an organization that does so much to support Hispanic entrepreneurs across our country,” said Claudia Mirza, CEO and co-founder of Akorbi.  “As an immigrant from Colombia, this is proof that the U.S. is truly the land of opportunity, where we can live the American Dream through hard work, a clear vision and the support of amazing organizations like the USHCC.”

Akorbi’s vision and leadership has led Akorbi to experience explosive growth in recent years.  This year, Akorbi landed the #501 spot in the 2016 Inc. 5000 with 758% growth, and the #12 spot in the Women Presidents’ Organization’s 2016 list of fastest-growing woman-owned/led companies in the world.  The company has also been recognized as the fastest-growing language service provider in the world.

Claudia also does much to give back and help her community and other entrepreneurs.  She’s served two terms on the Board of The Greater Dallas Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and has joined the Board of the Women Presidents’ Organization.

About Akorbi

Akorbi offers global multilingual business solutions in more than 170 languages to some of the largest companies in the world.  The company offers a full range of language, localization and global marketing solutions, including:  multilingual staffing, translation, interpretation, multilingual call centers, business process outsourcing, video remote technologies, sign language interpretation, alternate formats, transcription, eLearning and eDiscovery.  The company holds numerous certifications including ISO 9001:2008; ISO 13485:2003, EN 15038:2006 and M/WBE certification.  For more information, visit akorbi.com or call 1.877.4.AKORBI.

About the USHCC

The USHCC actively promotes the economic growth, development and interests of more than 4.1 million Hispanic-owned businesses that, combined, contribute over $661 billion to the American economy every year.  It also advocates on behalf of 260 major American corporations and serves as the umbrella organization for more than 200 local chambers and business associations nationwide.  For more information, visit ushcc.com.  Follow the USHCC on Twitter @USHCC.

CONTACT:       Veronica Thomison
MPR Source, Inc.
vthomison@mprsource.com
214.893.3740