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November 04, 2020

Houston Online Trading Academy Owner Wins HBJ's 2020 Women Who Mean Business Award



The owner of the Houston location of Online Trading Academy (OTA) was named one of the women honored with the Houston Business Journal’s 2020 Women Who Mean Business Award. Mary Beth Motisi was among hundreds of nominations considered for the recognition. A total of 96 women across nine industry categories were named honorees for the award.



The honorees were recognized in the Houston Business Journal for the October 16 weekly edition. The women nominated for awards were also recognized at a special online awards event on October 15,,2020. The six judges who chose the honorees were:

  • Sofia Adrogue, partner at Diamond McCarthy LLP.
  • Giselle Greenwood, editor-in-chief of the Houston Business Journal.
  • Kimberly McKay, managing partner of BKD.
  • Carlecia Wright, vice president of business development at BiasSync.
  • Jeanna Bamburg, CEO of HCA Health Care Southeast.
  • Scott Silvas, Texas market president of Fifth Third Bank.

The judges based their choices on criteria topics such as contribution to company success, community involvement, and career achievement.

Motisi has been the president and owner of Online Trading Academy in Houston, Texas, since 2010. Her decade of leadership at the franchise location empowers students to trade with confidence. She has made a dedicated effort to stay in close contact with students throughout the changes brought on by COVID-19. When shutdowns occurred, her Houston location worked tirelessly to finish classes before closing doors. The reopening process was slow to ensure safety for students and staff.

“We used our newsletters, virtual lunch-and-learns, and whatever it took to support our students,” says Motisi. “We also teamed together with other centers – like Minneapolis and Atlanta. Once we could open our doors, we started classes right away.”

Her work with Online Trading Academy Houston has been a clear example of leadership. Her location was named a2019 Franchise Rockstar by the Franchise Business Review, a recognition for which more than 27,000 franchises are considered and only 50 franchises make the list. These results were based on franchise leadership, community engagement, and business excellence.

In 2018, Motisi was recognized with the highest Online Trading Academy award – the Above and Beyond Award. This award is given to those who make major contributions to OTA. Online Trading Academy CEO Gene Longobardi said, “We can always count on her to provide great insight and wisdom on our Franchise Advisory Council and to actively participate in business innovations and network events. She is a credit to our entire system!”

Winning a coveted spot on the list of the Houston Business Journal’s 2020 Women Who Mean Business is yet another nod to Motisi’s diligence and dedication. After benefiting as an OTA student herself, she opened up her own franchise in Houston 10 years ago.

“Being a student at OTA changed my life,” says Motisi. “I wanted to bring that same opportunity to others. I am so proud to represent this community and this company. My center is a direct reflection of myself. I love who we are, what we do, and how we do it.”

It is always difficult to choose the very best of the best. OTA is proud to have such a strong leader as part of the OTA family. Regarding the honorees for 2020, theHouston Business Journal noted: “Houston is full of inspiring and amazing women. Of all years, this is certainly one that tested our fortitude. Thank you to all those hardworking women who are working to make Houstonians healthier. And congratulations to our hardworking professional women. You continue to inspire.”

Motisi notes that the success in her life wasn’t a product of chance. When someone once asked Motisi what made her successful, she said, “You need five things – good common sense, a strong work ethic, good people skills, high standards, and a good coach. You have to dig deep, learn and master the skills you need, and have love and passion for what you do.”

This sums up what Motisi brings to the table at her OTA Houston location. She started as a novice and became a confident trader before becoming the franchise owner that today helps thousands of students develop confidence in their trading and investment skills. Landing on the Women Who Mean Business list for 2020 is the result of her commitment to stay on a long path that has brought both challenges and successes. Through the highs and lows, Motisi continues to press forward with the endurance and dedicated passion of a top leader.



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