Pilar Castro Di Carlo, founder and CEO of More Canvas Consulting (MCC), has been named a 2026 NJBIZ Leading Women in Business honoree. The award was presented at a ceremony held August 18, 2026, at The Palace in Somerset Park, Somerset, N.J. This recognition underscores Castro Di Carlo's leadership in building a consultancy that has evolved significantly since its founding in 2014.
Initially, More Canvas focused on helping creatives manage administrative and communications tasks, allowing them to concentrate on their artistic work. Over twelve years, the firm has expanded into three practice areas: Consulting, Creative, and Coaching. Today, MCC partners with healthcare systems, nonprofits, Ivy League institutions, physician-owned practices, and small businesses across the Northeast. The coaching practice, formally launched in early 2026, follows Castro Di Carlo's completion of a Certificate in Professional Coaching from NYU SPS, an ICF-aligned credential. More Canvas is a WBENC-certified Women's Business Enterprise and currently operates with an all-women team.
Castro Di Carlo attributes the honor to the collaborative efforts of her clients and team. "This kind of recognition rarely reflects one person's work alone," she said. "It belongs just as much to the clients and collaborators who've trusted our team to help them navigate change over the years." A testimonial from a client, the Chief Operating Officer at a National Healthcare Network, praised More Canvas's ability to synthesize input from multiple stakeholders into a clear, actionable framework during complex initiatives.
The firm's client work spans diverse industries, from growing medical practices to established nonprofits. The common thread is building infrastructure that serves the people using it and ensuring clients can operate independently after the engagement. Castro Di Carlo's background includes an MBA from The Wharton School, an MFA from NYU Tisch School of the Arts, and a BA cum laude from Princeton University. She serves on the board of the United Way of Greater Mercer County and is a founding board member of Princeton Arts Alumni. She mentors founders through Princeton University's Entrepreneurship Council START program and E-Club Mentorship program, and speaks at institutions including The Wharton School on creativity in business and human-centered leadership.
This recognition not only celebrates Castro Di Carlo's individual achievements but also highlights the growing importance of consultancies that blend strategic, creative, and coaching expertise. As More Canvas continues to expand its reach, this honor underscores the value of human-centered leadership in today's business landscape. For more information about More Canvas Consulting, visit morecanvas.com.
