IFIA Appoints Joelle Flynn to Its Women Inventors Committee and Announces Collaboration with FIRE

The International Federation of Inventors’ Associations (IFIA) is pleased to announce the appointment of Ms. Joelle Flynn, renowned inventor, entrepreneur, founder of FIRE (Female Inventors & Rising Entrepreneurs), and Board Member of the United Inventors Association (UIA), as a Committee Member of the IFIA Women Inventors Department Committee

This appointment marks the beginning of a strategic international collaboration between IFIA and FIRE, creating new opportunities to empower women inventors, innovators, and entrepreneurs around the world.

Joelle Flynn is widely recognized for her achievements as an inventor and business leader. As the Founder of FunkkOFF!® and inventor of the award-winning TeethRefreshers® product line, she successfully transformed an innovative idea into a nationally recognized consumer brand. Her entrepreneurial journey gained international attention following her successful appearance on ABC’s Shark Tank, where she secured a $250,000 investment from Robert Herjavec. Joelle Flynn’s Shark Tank appearance remains one of the most recognized milestones of her entrepreneurial journey, introducing her innovative products to a national audience.

Over the years, she has earned numerous awards and recognition for innovation, entrepreneurship, and leadership while inspiring countless inventors and startup founders through mentorship, education, and advocacy.

In 2026, Flynn founded FIRE (Female Inventors & Rising Entrepreneurs), a global platform dedicated to supporting and connecting female innovators through education, networking, mentorship, investment opportunities, and international collaboration. The initiative seeks to address the significant gender gap that still exists in innovation and entrepreneurship while creating pathways for greater participation and success for women worldwide.
Through her appointment to the IFIA Women Inventors Department Committee, Flynn will contribute to the development of international programs, partnerships, and initiatives designed to advance women’s participation in innovation ecosystems across continents.

Commenting on the appointment, Dr. Alireza Rastegar, President of IFIA, stated:

“We are delighted to welcome Joelle Flynn as a member of the IFIA Women Inventors Department Committee. Her remarkable achievements as an inventor, entrepreneur, and advocate for women innovators make her a valuable addition to our international community. We strongly support her efforts through FIRE and look forward to working together to expand opportunities for women inventors and entrepreneurs around the world.”

As part of this collaboration, IFIA will facilitate connections between FIRE and leading women innovation organizations and leaders worldwide, including partners and members within the global IFIA network.

The collaboration will explore opportunities for joint events, educational programs, innovation initiatives, mentorship activities, and international partnerships that promote the advancement of women in innovation and entrepreneurship.

Both organizations share a common vision of fostering a more inclusive innovation ecosystem where women inventors can access resources, networks, recognition, and opportunities to bring their ideas and inventions to the global stage.

The appointment of Joelle Flynn to the IFIA Women Inventors Department Committee marks another important step in IFIA’s commitment to advancing diversity, inclusion, and international cooperation across the global innovation community.

Together, IFIA and FIRE aim to inspire the next generation of women inventors and entrepreneurs while strengthening international collaboration and creating new pathways for innovation-driven success

The International Federation of Inventors’ Associations (IFIA) is a global non-profit organization dedicated to promoting innovation, supporting inventors, and strengthening international cooperation in the field of invention and technology development. IFIA connects inventors, innovation organizations, universities, research institutions, and industry leaders across more than 100 countries.