Pilar Castro Di Carlo, founder and CEO of More Canvas Consulting (MCC), was named a 2026 NJBIZ Leading Women in Business honoree at an awards ceremony held August 18, 2026, at The Palace in Somerset Park, Somerset, N.J. The recognition underscores her leadership and the firm's evolution from a niche consultancy for artists to a multifaceted practice serving diverse industries.
Castro Di Carlo founded More Canvas in 2014 with the premise that innovators with purpose deserve practical support so they can focus on their craft. The initial mission centered on helping creatives navigate administrative and communications work. Over twelve years, the firm has expanded significantly, now partnering with healthcare systems, nonprofits, Ivy League institutions, physician-owned practices, and small businesses across the Northeast. More Canvas operates across three practice areas: Consulting, Creative, and Coaching.
The Coaching practice, formally launched in early 2026 following Castro Di Carlo's completion of a Certificate in Professional Coaching from NYU SPS, reflects an approach that had been part of the firm's client work for years. More Canvas is a WBENC-certified Women's Business Enterprise and currently an all-women team.
"This kind of recognition rarely reflects one person's work alone," said Castro Di Carlo. "It belongs just as much to the clients and collaborators who've trusted our team to help them navigate change over the years." Indeed, the firm's client work spans a wide range of industries, from growing medical practices to established nonprofits. A Chief Operating Officer at a National Healthcare Network noted, "Collaborating with More Canvas has been a pleasure. When implementing a complex initiative — especially one involving multiple departments and stakeholders — More Canvas was exceptional at organizing and synthesizing everyone's input into a clear, logical, and actionable framework."
Across engagements, the common thread is building infrastructure that serves the people using it and exiting strategically so clients can operate independently. Castro Di Carlo's background includes an MBA from The Wharton School, an MFA from NYU Tisch, and a BA cum laude from Princeton. She serves on the board of the United Way of Greater Mercer County and is a founding board member of Princeton Arts Alumni. She regularly mentors founders through Princeton's Entrepreneurship Council START program and speaks at institutions including Wharton on creativity in business and human-centered leadership.
The NJBIZ Leading Women in Business award celebrates women who have demonstrated exceptional leadership and contributions to their fields and communities. Castro Di Carlo's recognition highlights not only her personal achievements but also the broader impact of More Canvas Consulting in supporting organizations to scale with clarity.
