Anastasia Kraft is the founder and chief executive officer of Milwaukee-based Xena Workwear, a line of stylish, comfortable and responsibly-made safety footwear to help professional women express their confidence and personality.
Kraft spent five years in engineering and manufacturing before realizing a more versatile category of workwear for women was needed.
Driven by her entrepreneurial spirit, Kraft created fashionable steel-toed footwear for women.
Her products have directly impacted women in the manufacturing industry. Women across industries have worn her products including women at General Electric, Harley-Davidson, Honeywell Aerospace, General Motors, Johnson Controls and more. Her company is also endorsed by the Society of Women Engineers.
Since she founded the company, Kraft has raised more than $750,000 in venture capital.
In business, she is committed to sustainability – the company has taken steps to lower its environmental footprint through sustainable manufacturing and responsible shipping practices.
She is an official ASTM Committee Board Member, and a board member for Feeding Mouths, Filling Minds, a global nonprofit organization dedicated to creating sustainable food and water sources throughout the world.
The causes that drive Kraft the most are sustainable development, education and maximizing opportunities for women in STEM.
