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 the firm's evolution from a niche practice helping creatives to a multi-faceted consultancy serving healthcare systems, nonprofits, Ivy League institutions, and small businesses.
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 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. 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, such as the Chief Operating Officer at a National Healthcare Network, who 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."
The recognition comes at a time when the firm is expanding its coaching services, reflecting a broader trend in consulting toward holistic support. Castro Di Carlo's background, including 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, positions her uniquely at the intersection of business and creativity. 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 University's Entrepreneurship Council START 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 made significant contributions to their industries and communities. For More Canvas Consulting, this honor not only recognizes Castro Di Carlo's leadership but also highlights the firm's commitment to building infrastructure that serves the people using it, and exiting strategically so clients can operate independently. As the firm continues to grow, this recognition serves as a testament to the impact of its work across diverse sectors, from growing medical practices to established nonprofits.
