Pilar Castro Di Carlo, founder and CEO of More Canvas Consulting (MCC), was named a 2026 NJBIZ Leading Women in Business honoree at the awards ceremony held August 18, 2026, at The Palace in Somerset Park, Somerset, N.J. This recognition underscores the significant contributions of women leaders in New Jersey's business community and the broader impact of Castro Di Carlo's work in strategy, creative services, and coaching.
Castro Di Carlo founded More Canvas in 2014, following 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 the 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 something considerably larger.
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." The sentiment is echoed by clients: "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," said the Chief Operating Officer at a National Healthcare Network.
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 not only helped clients achieve their goals but has also positioned More Canvas as a key player in the consulting landscape, particularly for organizations seeking human-centered and sustainable growth.
Castro Di Carlo 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. She serves on the board of the United Way of Greater Mercer County and is 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 recognition as a Leading Women in Business honoree not only celebrates Castro Di Carlo's individual achievements but also highlights the importance of supporting women entrepreneurs and leaders. As More Canvas continues to expand its services and impact, this honor serves as a testament to the value of purpose-driven consulting and the power of strategic, human-centered leadership. The firm's growth from a niche practice for artists to a multifaceted consultancy serving diverse sectors demonstrates the scalability of its model and the demand for its services. This recognition is likely to inspire other women in business and reinforce the significance of coaching and consulting in fostering organizational resilience and innovation.
