After arriving in Las Vegas with only $20 in her pocket, Jo Cato never imagined she would one day lead a multimillion-dollar enterprise. Today, she is president and CEO of The Periwinkle Group, a nationally recognized communications and branding firm that has advised Fortune 500 companies, government agencies and community organizations for more than 20 years.
Her entrepreneurial drive has led to multiple ventures, including Cruzin Vegas, Nevada’s only Black woman-owned mobile billboard company, and a workforce placement agency connecting underserved communities to jobs. Beyond business, Cato has helped more than 200 minority-owned businesses gain DBE and MBE certifications, mentored women re-entering the workforce and organized Military, Veterans and First Responders Appreciation Day in North Las Vegas, which welcomes more than 5,000 attendees each year.
This year, Cato was named to Forbes’ 50 Over 50 list, a national recognition that celebrates women whose influence and impact grows stronger later in life. She continues to use her platform to open doors, elevate voices and create lasting impact across Nevada and beyond, proving that success is strongest when shared with the community.