DeeBee's Organics
Dionne Laslo-Baker, Founder and CEO of DeeBee's Organics, transformed a serendipitous kitchen moment with her children into a thriving business that produces hundreds of millions of organic freezies annually. As a medical scientist specializing in maternal-fetal toxicology, Dionne had the expertise to create clean-label treats parents could trust, but faced significant barriers scaling her business in the consumer-packaged goods industry.
Despite having a PhD and a clear vision, Dionne encountered gender bias in fundraising and lacked traditional business experience. "Like many women founders, I didn't come from a business background. I knew how to structure research projects and analyze data, but I had no idea how to raise capital, build a sales team, or scale a brand," she recalls. In meetings with potential investors, she was told, "Your husband is successful—why are you doing this? Just go home and take care of your family."
The Forum became an essential partner in Dionne's journey through mentorship, educational programming, and The Odlum Brown Forum Pitch. "The Forum gave me a roadmap," she says. "Through their programs, I learned how to present my business to investors, negotiate deals, and build a strong foundation for scaling. The relationships I built through The Forum were transformative. I met advisors who helped guide me through international expansion, investors who opened doors, and peers who became lifelong collaborators."