April 2026 Newsletter

Ignite: The Spark That Moves Us Forward 

There comes a moment in every entrepreneur’s journey when something shifts. Not dramatically. Not all at once. But enough to spark something new. An idea. A decision. A bold move forward. That’s ignition. 

As women business owners, we often think growth comes from doing more – more hours, more effort, more responsibility. But true momentum doesn’t come from exhaustion. It comes from alignment, clarity and the willingness to reignite what drives us. 

April Member Spotlight - Ignite

What is something in your business—or within yourself—that’s ready to be ignited? Maybe it’s a bold new idea you’ve been hesitant to pursue. Maybe it’s rediscovering the joy that first inspired you to start. Maybe it’s stepping more fully into your power as a leader—or using your business as a force for good in a bigger way.

What keeps me going every day is the constant need to evolve and innovate. I’m energized by finding new ways to create artistic experiences. I love the challenge of asking: What’s next? How can I delight people in a new way? How can I bring them together through art in a way that feels fresh, meaningful and memorable? That’s what drives me. I also value collaboration. Partnering with other businesses, connecting with people and building something together – that’s where a lot of the magic happens. 



Cheryl Vargas

Founder and Creative-in-Chief

Art Studio 928

Ignite Your Next Big Breakthrough At Women Mean Business®

Get ready for an entire day designed to spark ideas, fuel growth and connect you with the energy of Chicago’s most dynamic CEOs and women business owners. At NAWBO Chicago’s Women Mean Business® Conference & 43rd Annual Fundraiser, the 2026 sessions are built to meet you exactly where you are – and help you rise to what’s next.

This year’s programming topics include business growth, relationship-building, wealth building, legal foundations, smart decision making, long-term value thinking and operational excellence.

Whether you’re seeking your next breakthrough, craving fresh inspiration or ready to reignite your passion for what you do – Women Mean Business® 2026 is where it happens.

What You’ll Experience:

✨ Fresh Perspectives That Challenge the Status Quo: Hear from bold thinkers and industry leaders who are redefining success, leadership and impact. These sessions go beyond theory, offering real-world strategies you can put into action immediately.

🔥 Ideas That Spark Growth: From leveraging emerging technology to strengthening your executive presence, each session is curated to help you unlock new opportunities and think bigger about what’s possible for your business.

💡 Meaningful Conversations That Matter: Engage in honest, energizing discussions about the realities of entrepreneurship – uncertainty, building resilient teams, and leading with confidence in a rapidly changing world.

🌱 Purpose-Driven Business Insights: Explore how to align profit with purpose and use your business as a force for good – creating impact not only for your bottom line, but for your community and beyond.

🤝 Connection That Fuels Momentum: Beyond the stage, these sessions are designed to foster authentic connection. You’ll walk away not just inspired, but supported by a powerful network of women who understand your journey.

Get Down To Business PLUS So Much More At The Conference

Women Mean Business definitely brings the business. But from the New Member Welcome to the Chocolate & Cocktail Reception, it also incorporates fun enhancements to the attendee experience!

The Wellness Lounge is returning to the conference with even more!

😌 Dr. Toya Garnes, Founder and Owner of Ancestral Roots Wellness Center, will bring her mobile chiropractic services to the Wellness Lounge!

✨ Cheryl Gleason, Founder of Glitters and Grace will provide their custom scent bar plus so much more. The goal is for attendees to leave smelling like success!

💆🏽‍♀️Griselle Quinones, Founder of Inner G Health, will offer Ear Seed Therapy, Therapeutic Tuina Chair Experience and an Energy Body Awareness Table Experience.

⚖️ Law experts from Athena Legal Solutions will be onsite providing complimentary legal consultations! Bring your legal business questions and get answers and direction.

📸 Conference attendees are invited to take advantage of complimentary headshots courtesy of Flawless Focus Digital Media!

✓ Attendees may walk up for headshots; no pre-registration is required.

✓ Each headshot session takes up to three minutes per person.

✓ Attendees will receive their images within approximately five minutes of their session.

✓ Final images will be delivered digitally via email to each attendee.

Be sure to stop by the Flawless Focus Digital Media photobooth and capture the moment!

April Is Packed With Free, Quality Programming For CEOs

Owning Your Seat: Confronting Imposter Syndrome As A Female CEO

April 14 from 9:00 - 10:00 am

On Zoom

Even the most accomplished female CEOs leading teams, scaling companies and breaking barriers quietly ask themselves: “Am I really qualified to be here?” You are not alone. Impostor syndrome doesn’t disappear with success - it often grows alongside it. In this candid and empowering virtual panel, female CEOs will pull back the curtain on the moments of doubt no one talks about and the strategies they’ve used to move forward anyway.

Inside The CEO Circle: Real Challenges. Real Solutions.

April 16 from 12:00 - 1:00 pm

On Zoom

Step inside a true CEO mastermind experience—where real challenges are met with real solutions. This interactive roundtable is designed for female business owners who are ready to move beyond surface-level networking and into meaningful, strategic conversation. Come prepared to bring one of your most pressing business challenges—whether it’s growth, hiring, leadership, revenue or something keeping you up at night.

Your Future In Full Bloom: Join NAWBO Chicago Today!

You took the most important step already: you showed up, connected with other women business owners and got a taste of what’s possible inside NAWBO. Now imagine what the experience feels like when you’re officially part of our community:

🌸 Local, national and virtual events that spark new ideas

🌸 A supportive network who cheer for your success

🌸 Business visibility and leadership opportunities

🌸 Tools, perks and partnerships designed to help you scale

Right now, it’s easier than ever to join. Now through April 30 save $75 on the new member initiation fee in honor of NAWBO’s founding in 1975.

Interested In Joining A NAWBO Chicago Mastermind? New Form!

New Groups Are Forming!

Masterminds are small peer-to-peer monthly discussion groups that are FREE to Premier Members. Email Executive Director Melissa Lagowski for more information or to find a group that is a good fit for you.

Are you interested in joining a Mastermind group? Please click the button below and complete a brief questionnaire. New groups are launching in April!

Help Guide NAWBO Chicago In The New Year: Join A Committee

Shape the future of women in business in 2026 and join a NAWBO Chicago committee!

🚀 As we continue to look forward this year, NAWBO Chicago is ready to reach new heights—but we can’t get there without your unique voice and expertise.

🚀 Advocacy: 1st Friday at 12:00 pm

💡 Conference: 3rd Wednesday at 4:00 pm

💪 Membership: 3rd Tuesday at 3:00 pm

Whether your passion is in advocacy, membership or our signature annual event, there is a seat at the table for you. Let’s make 2026 our most impactful year yet. Email info@nawbochicago.org to get involved today!

NAWBO Chicago Newsletter Submissions

NAWBO Chicago newsletters are published monthly. Email May submissions to the newsletter editor by April 17, 2026.