Cherie Hoeger is doing her part to change the world, one girl at a time, through Saalt. The women-owned consumer brand creates reusable menstrual cups, discs and leak-proof underwear that replace pads and tampons, providing a sustainable alternative that is better for female bodies and the planet.
Cherie Hoger

As a certified B-corp, the company works to end period poverty through its 1% give-back mission that distributes long-lasting sustainable products to areas of high need. In addition, it has funded $1.3 million in educational scholarships for girls and funds direct environmental cleanup efforts. To date, Saalt has diverted more than 35 million pounds of waste from landfills and waterways.

Hoeger said, “I believe servant-leaders can shape a high-performance culture that can also be flexible and family-friendly.”

She’s demonstrating that commitment to servant leadership by being not just being one herself but also integrating flexibility into Saalt’s culture. For example, because the company has an 80% female team, many of whom are mothers of young children, there is a flexible PTO option and a free in-office preschool that working parents can use five days a week.

Under Hoeger’s leadership since its beginning in 2018, the company has grown to eight figures within the second year of business, with the launch of Saalt Menstrual Cups in all Target stores nationwide. Today, Saalt’s product is still the best-selling menstrual cup in Target and Amazon, and it’s now in other large stores like Walmart, Costco.com, Walgreens, and more. In addition, Saalt has donated more than 160,000 products to women and girls in need around the world.

“A leader needs to continually learn and challenge themselves to scale a company to the next level,” Hoeger shared. “That’s why I take part in Entrepreneur’s organizations and strategic coaching programs that help stretch my professional and intrapersonal skills as a leader. Because the person you are translates into the kind of leader you are, I try to ensure each team feels loved and valued so they can look back at their time with Saalt with gratitude.”

Outside of work, Hoeger is also active in local organizations. She’s been the governance chair for Idaho for Good since 2019, and has also been involved in events, trainings, volunteering and community conversations held at Inspiration Alley downtown.

Hoeger said, “I feel honored to have been nominated anonymously. As a female-founder in a stigmatized category, I work hard to provide high quality, leak care products that overturn stigmas and offer women real solutions that are both good for our bodies and sustainable for our planet.”