The Cozy Cookie Company LLC announced that its founder and CEO Katherine Rodriguez Orbach was honored as the Emerging Woman-Owned Business Leader of the Year by the Los Angeles Business Journal (LABJ). The award was presented during the publication’s annual Women’s Leadership Awards event on June 9.

The recognition celebrates rising women entrepreneurs whose dedication, leadership and entrepreneurial spirit are helping to shape the future of business throughout the greater Los Angeles area. In selecting her as this year’s honoree, the LABJ recognized Orbach’s journey from a successful corporate finance career to entrepreneurship where she transformed a passion into a rapidly growing business serving consumers, special events, weddings and corporate clients.

Over 320 women business leaders vied for this year’s LABJ Women’s Leadership Awards. The day-long event, which attracted over 400 business leaders, was held at the Intercontinental Hotel in downtown Los Angeles. 

In recognizing her achievement, the LABJ wrote, “After nearly a decade building a successful career in public accounting and finance, Katherine Rodriguez Orbach made a bold pivot that reflects both entrepreneurial spirit and bold leadership” when she founded The Cozy Cookie Company.  

A lifelong resident of La Cañada Flintridge, she turned her passion for baking into a thriving business built on quality, craftsmanship and community connection. 

“I am incredibly honored to receive this recognition from the Los Angeles Business Journal,” said Orbach. “Building The Cozy Cookie Company has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. This award reflects not only my journey, but also the support from my family, friends, customers and community who believed in me and my vision.”

In addition to leading The Cozy Cookie Company, Orbach is involved in the local business community. She serves as treasurer of the Montrose-Verdugo City Chamber of Commerce and is an ambassador for the La Cañada Flintridge Chamber of Commerce.

The Cozy Cookie Company LLC is a minority-owned and woman-owned specialty baking company based in La Cañada Flintridge. Founded in 2025, the company was created with a simple mission: to elevate the classic comfort of a cookie through artisanal craftsmanship, premium ingredients, and small-batch quality.