Message From Our President | | | | |
Integrity: The Foundation of Leadership, Community and Advocacy
As women business owners, integrity is more than a principle—it’s our guiding force in leadership, relationships and advocacy. It’s about keeping our commitments, leading by example and standing up for what matters. At NAWBO Chicago, one of the most impactful ways we do this is by ensuring women entrepreneurs have a seat at the table—whether in boardrooms, financial institutions or the halls of Washington, D.C. But advocacy doesn’t happen by chance. It requires intention, effort and financial support.
| | April Member Spotlight - Integrity | | How do you uphold integrity in your business, even when faced with difficult decisions or challenges? | | | | |
Evolve HR & Leadership Consulting was founded in March 2023 to address a gap in HR resources available to both English and Spanish-speaking small business entrepreneurs. As an HR practitioner with 18 years of experience, I’ve seen firsthand how critical integrity is in building lasting relationships and driving meaningful change. Integrity is not just a value, it is the foundation of every decision I make.
Arely Lagunas
CEO
Evolve HR & Leadership Consulting
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Integrity in business is something I hold dear, especially when faced with difficult decisions or challenges. One of the ways we uphold integrity at our company is through the open book management process. This means we share our financial numbers transparently with our employees, teaching them how to understand and analyze them.
Jennifer Masi
CEO
Torque
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At Frame Chicago, integrity has been the foundation of our business for more than 44 years. As a trusted source for custom framing, we believe in transparency, honesty, and delivering exceptional quality for our clients. Even when faced with difficult decisions or challenges, we remain committed to our core values by honoring our commitments, offering fair pricing and providing outstanding customer service.
Alisha Rajani
Vice President of Operations
Frame Chicago
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There's a lot that goes on inside the fold at Women Mean Business®: NAWBO Chicago's Regional Entrepreneurial Conference and 42nd Annual Achievement Luncheon. Networking, connection, growth and support is occurring in every corner among old acquaintances and new faces. The avenues to uplift the women who own their own businesses are endless.
Top 10 Ways To Support Female Entrepreneurs:
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Attend or sponsor NAWBO Chicago's annual conference on April 25!
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Donate to organizations that support women entrepreneurs: Nonprofits and initiatives provide funding and resources to help women succeed.
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Invest in women: support crowdfunding campaigns, venture funds, or angel investing for women-led startups.
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Mentorship: If you have experience and knowledge from your journey as a WBO, identify a woman who is just starting and guide her.
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Hire women-owned businesses: Choose them for services, corporate contracts or freelance work.
- Support the companies that have retained their DEI initiatives amid an ongoing shift in this landscape.
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Advocate for policy change: support movements that break down barriers for women in business.
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Amplify their voices: share, like and engage with their content on social media. Word of mouth matters.
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Encourage & nominate them for awards: recognition can open doors to new opportunities.
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Believe in the potential: simply showing encouragement and support can go a long way in empowering women entrepreneurs.
Register today for the conference on April 25 in Oak Brook!
| | There Are Countless Reasons To Support WBOs: Hear Why! | | |
We Mean Business® at NAWBO Chicago! Hear from Chapter President Angie Noll, Founder of Reconciled Solutions, on why sponsoring our annual signature event is an excellent investment and the data that backs it up:
- WBOs own 39% of small businesses in the United States (14 million firms).
- WBOs employ around nine million workers.
- WBOs contribute approximately $2.7 trillion to the economy.
| |  | As conversations around diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) shift, many nonprofits that champion these values are facing uncertainty over future funding. NAWBO Chicago is on the frontlines, creating opportunities, advocating for its members and supporting WBOs—but we can’t do it alone. Listen as Vanessa Jackson, VP of Sweetness at The Lemon Ad Stand and DEI Committee member, explains why now is the time to step up and invest in NAWBO Chicago as it works to create lasting change. | | Individual Donations Make A Huge Impact At The Conference | | | | |
Did you know Women Mean Business is NAWBO Chicago's only annual fundraiser?
Donations fuel the Women Mean Business® conference, uplifting and educating WBOs, ensuring they have the tools to thrive in a business world where access to capital and support is still unequal. Every dollar contributes to closing the gender gap in entrepreneurship.
NAWBO Chicago's Zelle account is linked to Executive Director Melissa Lagowski's email address: melissa@nawbochicago.org.
| | Now Accepting Auction and Chocolate Donations | | | | |
Two fun ways to support Women Mean Business® is by donating:
- Desserts to be enjoyed by attendees at the Chocolate and Cocktail reception at the conclusion of the conference.
- Items for the auction including gift baskets, tickets to sporting events or museums or something that promotes your company or brand.
| | Women Mean Business® Ticket Tracker 2025 | | | |
- Name: Cheryl Vargas
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Company: Art Studio 928
- Role In NAWBO Chicago: Immediate Past President
- Years In Business: Seven Years
- Company Location: Oak Park
- Coffee Order: Iced oat milk brown sugar shaken espresso
- Dream Vacation: An immersive art and cultural tour of Nigeria and the Great Pyramids to connect with my roots and discover local artistry and satisfying lifelong curiosities.
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Why did you join NAWBO Chicago and what has been your experience belonging to the organization?
I joined NAWBO Chicago to connect with other women business owners who share a passion for building impactful businesses. My experience has been transformative—I’ve grown both personally and professionally through the incredible mentorship, resources and collaborations that NAWBO Chicago offers.
| | | | NAWBO Chicago Board Member Heather Polcaster, owner of tori grace outfitters, was recently featured on WGN's Spotlight Chicago. Heather debuted her new Chicago Transit Line designs. | | Applications Due Friday to Join The NAWBO Chicago Board | | Are You A Creative Entrepreneur? Apply For This Program/Grant | | | | |
Allies for Community Business is offering the Artisan Entrepreneurs Academy, a virtual program providing creative entrepreneurs with capital, coaching and connections to help grow their businesses. A4CB will welcome 100 existing creative business owners who are passionate about sustainability and growth.
A4CB believes that entrepreneurs who build their businesses on a solid foundation will be more likely to succeed over the long term. Program applicants must commit to attending all six interactive webinars held July 15-August 21. Webinars will last approximately one hour per week.
| | Spring Into The Next 50 Years of NAWBO By Joining Today | | |
NAWBO isn’t just a network—it’s a dynamic community of powerhouse women business owners who get you, support you and help you thrive. Whether you’re looking to expand your connections, gain valuable insights, unlock new opportunities or use your voice to create a better future, NAWBO is the place to be.
Now is the perfect time to join! For a limited time, save $50 on your new member initiation fee during the months of March and April.
Be unstoppable in your business with a membership to NAWBO Chicago.
| | Know Before You Go: Hear All Details Ahead Of The 50th Event | | Are you registered for NAWBO's 50th event from June 5-8 in Washington, D.C.? National is hosting a "Know Before You Go" virtual session on April 23 at 2:00 pm that will cover the agenda, sessions and a sneak peek on what's in store from sponsors and exhibitors. | |
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NAWBO Chicago Newsletter Submissions
NAWBO Chicago newsletters are published monthly. Email May submissions to the newsletter editor by April 18, 2025.
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