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Yamilet Strauss: Winner – Women Leader in Merchant & Payment Services | International Women Awards 2026

  • Writer: Great Companies
    Great Companies
  • Mar 23
  • 2 min read

The 8th International Women Awards 2026 by Great Companies recognizes women leaders who are building impactful, scalable, and purpose-driven businesses across the globe.


Among this year’s distinguished winners is Yamilet Strauss, President & CEO of Merchant Processing Solutions, Inc., honored as Winner – Women Leader in Merchant & Payment Services.


Based in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, USA, Yamilet has built a trusted financial services company focused on transparency, education, and long-term business partnerships.


Company Overview

Founder: Yamilet Strauss

Business: Merchant Processing Solutions, Inc.

Location: Fort Lauderdale, Florida, USA

Founded: 2006

Category: Merchant & Payment Services

Industry: Financial Services


Simplifying Merchant & Payment Systems

Merchant Processing Solutions, Inc. (MPS) helps businesses securely accept and manage payments across multiple channels.

The company offers:

  • Credit Card Processing (In-store, Online, Mobile)

  • POS Systems & Payment Gateways

  • Virtual Terminals

  • Business Funding Solutions


MPS is built on a clear mission:👉 Educate, protect, and empower business owners in a complex payment ecosystem.


A Relationship-Driven Approach

What sets MPS apart is its consultative and transparent approach in the merchant and payment services space.

Key differentiators include:

  • Full transparency – No hidden fees

  • Customized solutions – Tailored to each business model

  • Direct leadership access – No call center dependency

  • Merchant advocacy – Cost optimization and insights

  • Long-term partnerships over transactional service


Clients choose MPS not just for payment processing—but for clarity, trust, and strategic partnership.


Leadership Built on Integrity

Yamilet’s leadership journey reflects resilience and purpose.

  • Built credibility from scratch in a male-dominated financial industry

  • Focused on education-first selling, even when growth was slower initially

  • Established a company culture rooted in integrity, service, and empowerment

As a Latina entrepreneur, she has transformed challenges into strength—building a brand defined by trust and long-term value.


Overcoming Industry Challenges

Her journey includes overcoming:

  • Entering a competitive industry without an established network

  • Navigating a sector known for lack of transparency

  • Managing financial uncertainty and market shifts

  • Overcoming self-doubt while stepping into leadership


Each challenge strengthened her commitment to building a business grounded in ethics, clarity, and advocacy.


Purpose Beyond Transactions

Merchant Processing Solutions operates with a broader mission:

  • Supporting small businesses and entrepreneurs

  • Promoting financial literacy and transparency

  • Driving ethical practices in payment services

  • Contributing to community and nonprofit initiatives


The philosophy remains simple yet powerful:👉 “Build relationships, not just transactions.”


Advice for Women Entrepreneurs

Yamilet shares impactful advice:

  • Own your expertise and take action

  • Build relationships, not just revenue

  • Understand your numbers and financials

  • Set boundaries and value your time

  • Stay resilient through challenges

She emphasizes:

“Confidence is built through action, not perfection.”

The Future

Merchant Processing Solutions aims to:

  • Expand innovative merchant and payment technologies

  • Support more businesses with financial clarity

  • Strengthen strategic partnerships

  • Continue advocating transparency in financial services

The vision is to create a more ethical, efficient, and business-friendly payment ecosystem.


Official Recognition

Yamilet Strauss has been honored as the Winner – Women Leader in Merchant & Payment Services at the 8th International Women Awards 2026 by Great Companies, recognizing her outstanding contribution to financial services and business empowerment.



About the Awards

The International Women Awards by Great Companies celebrates women leaders who are driving innovation, impact, and excellence across industries worldwide.


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