TCC Team
Lani Basa, Founder
Lani Basa is a driving force in the business community, dedicated to empowering women in business through access, education, and support. She founded The Circle Community (TCC), a nonprofit committed to providing accessibility and resources that help women business owners thrive. Lani is also the Owner & Co-founder of The Business Women’s Circle (The BWC), the for-profit sister org to TCC, where she cultivates a dynamic community for women business owners, leaders, and young professionals. Beyond her role in community building, Lani is a skilled Coach, Consultant, and Facilitator, guiding businesses and individuals toward meaningful growth and success.
Rachel Vassar, Executive Director
Rachel Vassar is the Founder of Ops Consulting & Project Management firm, Alongside You Operations LLC. Through a burnout prevention and recovery approach, Rachel partners with Founders and Executives to be resilient in the face of uncertainty. As a certified Project Management Professional (PMP ®) and integrative modality guru, Rachel comes to life when blending human-centered approaches with operational excellence.
Rachel’s personal mission to build communities centered around mutual thriving and reciprocity led her to became the Fractional Executive Director of 501c(3) nonprofit, The Circle Community (TCC) in 2024.
Why We Do This Work
Business ownership for women is fraught with issues like access to funding, gender bias, lack of support and managing work-life priorities. Women business owners often say that loneliness is a big concern as well. It is estimated that 20% of new businesses close in their first year and roughly 50% of new businesses close within 5 years.
At The BWC, we’ve always believed in the power of connection and community. By creating spaces for women to build relationships, share wisdom, and access support, we’ve helped women grow their businesses - and themselves.
But we want to do more. We know that investing in women micro-business owners has a powerful ripple effect - strengthening families, creating jobs, and fostering economic stability. By expanding access to education, peer support, and financial resources, we are creating a self-sustaining cycle of community and prosperity. That’s why we created The Circle Community (TCC) - to do more, sustain this impact, and harness the power of our community to uplift women in business.
Women business owners tend to reinvest their success back into their communities. In fact, a study from Women Venture found that female small business owners reinvest up to 90% of their income back into their communities and local economies.