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. This recognition underscores the growing influence of women leaders in New Jersey's business landscape and the importance of supporting purpose-driven innovation.
Castro Di Carlo founded More Canvas in 2014 with the premise that innovators with purpose deserve practical support so they can focus on what they do best. The initial mission centered on helping creatives navigate administrative and communications work that often pulls them away from their craft. With roots in New Jersey's arts scene, what began as practical help for artists and arts organizations has grown over twelve years into a multifaceted consultancy.
Today, More Canvas works across three practice areas: Consulting, Creative, and Coaching, partnering with healthcare systems, nonprofits, Ivy League institutions, physician-owned practices, and small businesses across the Northeast. 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 before it became a named offering. 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." Her leadership style emphasizes collaboration and practical support, which is evident in client testimonials. One 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."
Client work spans a wide range of industries and organizational types, from growing medical practices to established nonprofits. Across engagements, the common thread is the same: build infrastructure that serves the people using it, and exit strategically so clients can operate independently. This approach has positioned More Canvas as a trusted partner for organizations navigating change.
Castro Di Carlo's background is as diverse as her client base. She holds an MBA from The Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania, an MFA from NYU Tisch School of the Arts, and a BA cum laude from Princeton University. She completed her Certificate in Professional Coaching through NYU SPS, an ICF-aligned credential. Her commitment to community is evident through her service on the board of the United Way of Greater Mercer County and as a founding board member of Princeton Arts Alumni, a nonprofit network connecting arts creators and entrepreneurs. She regularly 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.
The NJBIZ Leading Women in Business award celebrates women who have demonstrated exceptional leadership and achievement in their industries. Castro Di Carlo's recognition highlights the importance of supporting women entrepreneurs and the impact they have on their communities. As More Canvas Consulting continues to expand, its founder's vision remains clear: to help innovators with purpose thrive by providing the strategic and operational support they need.
