VCWoman Achieve 2025 Mentor Spotlight – Abby Willroth

Name: Abby Willroth | Business/Profession: Owner, Willroth Consulting

Please share a little about your background, personally and/or professionally.

I have a dedicated career in the field of addiction services. As a qualified Substance Abuse Professional (SAP), I work extensively with individuals and organizations, including all six operating administrations of the Department of Transportation, to help those struggling with addiction through assessments and guidance. I also run Willroth Consulting, where I provide personalized addiction support services, alongside offering guidance for entrepreneurs transitioning from traditional employment to entrepreneurship.

In addition to my consulting work, I serve as the Mid-South Regional Vice President of NAADAC, the Association for Addiction Professionals. My role involves promoting ethical standards, cultural competence, and compassionate, confidential support for both clients and professionals in the field.

On a more personal note, I served in the U.S. Navy (honorable discharge), I love being a wife to my husband close to 10 years and I am a middle child of the GenX period.

Please share more about your current position and place of work. How have you grown professionally/personally in this role?

In my current role, I work as a Substance Abuse Professional (SAP) and run my own consulting business, Willroth Consulting. I help people who struggle with addiction by doing assessments and guiding them through a process that can lead to recovery. I work closely with safety-sensitive employees that fall under the Department of Transportation, which involves helping people in safety-sensitive jobs to follow certain guidelines if they have issues with substance use.

In this role, I’ve grown a lot both professionally and personally. Professionally, I’ve developed my skills in counseling and addiction support, and I’ve gained a better understanding of the policies that help keep workplaces safe. Personally, I’ve learned how to connect with people in challenging situations with empathy and respect. I’ve also learned to balance my time and manage my own business, which has made me a stronger and more organized leader.

What drew you to being a mentor for an entrepreneurial group curated for non-men? How has being a woman or non-binary individual impacted your professional journey?

My motivation for mentoring an entrepreneurial group curated for non-men stems from a strong commitment to fostering inclusive environments where diverse voices are valued and empowered. I believe that entrepreneurship should be accessible to all, regardless of gender, and I’m passionate about helping individuals from underrepresented groups find their footing and thrive in what can often be male-dominated spaces.

Being a woman in my professional journey has had a significant impact—it has taught me resilience, empathy, and the importance of advocating for equitable opportunities. Within the specialized service that I provide, there are more men than women, where at times I have had to compete to be heard and recognize in the room.

What are three things you enjoy doing outside of work?

What is your go-to piece of advice for professionals, entrepreneurs, or anyone looking to you for guidance?

A quote by Jay Danzie, “Your smile is your logo, your personality is your business card, how you leave others feeling after having an experience with you becomes your trademark.”

What is a professional achievement that you are most proud of, and why are you proud of it?