Cortney Lebens, CEO and Partner of Austin-Based Muy’Ono Resorts, Makes Inc.’s 2024 Female Founders List
Inc.’s seventh annual Female Founders list highlights entrepreneurs with world-changing companies
AUSTIN, TEXAS (April 9, 2024) – Inc. announces today its seventh annual Female Founders list, honoring a bold group of 250 women whose innovations and ideas are shaping the world into a better place. The founders cross all industries and bring with them unique stories of success from each stage of the entrepreneurial journey — from startup to going public, being acquired by big buyers, or spending decades at the helm of an organization. They are reinventing everything from shoes to food and are challenging issues like financial literacy and reproductive health.
“I am thankful for the dedication and collaboration of my colleagues and partners who have played a crucial role in bringing our ambitious ideas to fruition. At Muy’Ono Resorts, we strive to provide unparalleled vacation experiences that honor the rich heritage of Belize,” says Cortney Lebens, CEO/Partner of Muy’Ono Resorts. “Being acknowledged as a leading female founder inspires me to further innovate in our philanthropic and sustainable initiatives, as well as in our commitment to celebrating culture and fostering innovation. Our goal is to offer every traveler the chance to elevate their travel experiences and create lasting memories.”
From a small town in the Texas Hill Country, Cortney possesses a strong work ethic that propelled her to become the CEO of two significant Austin-based businesses before the age of thirty. In 2014, she co-founded Muy’Ono Resorts and successfully expanded the company from a single resort to the largest hospitality entity in Belize. Cortney’s diverse career extends beyond Muy’Ono, as she also launched Delicious Digital Marketing in 2020, a female-led marketing agency specializing in hospitality and lifestyle brands. As a leader, Cortney drives the mission, vision, and values of her companies, leveraging her expertise to provide the necessary tools and knowledge for driving business growth.
Important achievements recognized by Inc. include Muy’Ono Resorts’ prioritization of sustainability and giving back through their ‘Travel Better’ promise. In the last year, Muy’Ono Resorts has donated $183,000 BZD to various Belize schools and non-profit organizations. Muy’Ono Resorts has made it a priority to safeguard the local environment by incorporating sustainable practices throughout all of its resorts. These initiatives encompass utilizing natural power sources, implementing rainwater catchment systems, constructing furniture from reclaimed materials, sourcing food locally (including the establishment of their own farm), engaging in waste reduction efforts, and more.
In the last year, Muy’Ono Resorts has also grown with the addition of Slickrock Belize Adventures, an all-inclusive multisport private island, and The Watermark Belize Hotel, the newest hotel in San Pedro, as part of their collection. Cortney also led the introduction of a new eco-luxury accommodation option, the Signature Treehouses, at their Sweet Songs Jungle Lodge. These tree houses were constructed without cutting down any trees; instead, all wood was harvested from sustainable forests, with the structures built beneath the existing canopies.
Each year, Inc. editors review thousands of applications highlighting female founders who are challenging the status quo and tackling some of the world’s biggest problems. The list features women who have overcome challenges and lifted those around them, while leading impactful organizations across the country. They join the ranks of previous honorees including Jessica Alba, Tracee Ellis Ross, Rihanna, and Shonda Rhimes.
“The past year, for many, will go down as one of the hardest ever—between a funding freeze and ad-spending pull back,” says Diana Ransom, Inc. Executive Editor. “The female founders on this year’s list are a testament to what triumph over adversity looks like. They should all be proud of this singular accomplishment.”
To see the complete list, go to: https://www.inc.com/female-founders
After launching in 2018, the Female Founders list is one of Inc.’s most esteemed franchises. Inc. magazine’s Female Founders issue (April 2024) will be available online on April 9 at https://www.inc.com/magazine and on newsstands on April 16.
To learn more about Muy’Ono Resorts, please visit muyono.com or follow along on Instagram at @muyonoresorts.
About Inc.
The world’s most trusted business-media brand, Inc. offers entrepreneurs the knowledge, tools, connections, and community to build great companies. Its award-winning, multiplatform content reaches more than 50 million people each month across a variety of channels, including websites, newsletters, social media, podcasts, and print. Its prestigious Inc. 5000 list, produced every year since 1982, analyzes company data to recognize the fastest-growing privately held businesses in the United States. The global recognition that comes with inclusion among the 5000 gives the founders of the best businesses an opportunity to engage with an exclusive community of their peers, and the credibility that helps them drive sales and recruit talent. The associated Inc. 5000 Conference is part of a highly acclaimed portfolio of bespoke events produced by Inc. For more information, visit www.inc.com.
