August 2025 Newsletter

It is hard to believe that August is already here. With the arrival of this new month, our thoughts turn to back to school – and possibly even back to business – as the kids settle into their routines and fall is just around the corner. This can be a great time to pause and reflect on how we want to finish the year. As your advocate for a strong business, NAWBO Chicago wants to help you wrap up the year with confidence. As women business owners, confidence is a crucial component for achieving success and overcoming the challenges that come with owning and managing your own business. When you exude confidence, you're more likely to inspire trust, build strong relationships and make bold decisions that drive growth. Let’s first explore why confidence matters, then I’ll provide tips to help you build and maintain it.

August Member Spotlight - Confidence

As a woman business owner, what's one actionable step you take to boost your confidence when facing a significant business challenge or opportunity?

When I’m facing a big challenge or opportunity, I boost my confidence by grounding myself in the strength of the women and single mothers we serve at Digs with Dignity. Many of these women have overcome unimaginable barriers-domestic violence, substance recovery, homelessness and the fight to regain custody of their children. Their resilience is a constant reminder and source of inspiration of what true courage looks like. In moments of doubt, I think of them and remember why this work matters.

Kim Hannay

Executive Director

Digs with Dignity

They see a fearless woman riding a lion—strong, in control, unstoppable. What they don’t see is the power it takes to hold on, the silent prayers whispered with every step, and the courage it takes to face the beast every single day. 

Ever since I can remember, I’ve been comfortable with the uncomfortable. Growth was always the goal, and I came to accept that discomfort was a sign I was on the right path. Becoming an entrepreneur, doctor, commissioner, and mother has meant living with high stakes. My confidence is tested daily—I often feel like I’m not doing enough, not growing fast enough, not leading boldly enough.  

Dr. Dominika Hertsberg

Co-Founder

Balanced Flow Wellness

I’ve learned to recognize the voices within me—and to distinguish the noise that isn’t truly mine. When self-doubt creeps in, I’ve started saying aloud: "That is not mine to hold." Speaking that truth breaks the cycle and offers an immediate shift. I breathe. I pause. I remember who I am and what I’ve already overcome. That breath is more than just a pause—it’s an intentional reset. In my line of work, where I guide others through healing, I must also remain grounded and well within myself.

Griselle Quiñones, LMT 

Founder and President 

Inner G Restorative & Holistic Care

Photo Recap: Summer Social 2025

We're still buzzing from the incredible energy from last week's Summer Social at the BMO Tower! Thank you to everyone who joined us for an afternoon of networking, laughter and connection. It was truly inspiring to see so many brilliant women business owners come together.

The event was a powerful reminder that while digital connections are great, there's nothing quite like the magic that happens when we meet in person. We saw new collaborations being sparked, advice being shared and friendships being formed. These are the moments that fuel our growth, both professionally and personally.

Your support and participation are what make the NAWBO Chicago community so special. We're proud to be a space where women can feel empowered to build their businesses and lift each other up.

NAWBO Chicago Annual Board Retreat

(L-R: Director Eileen Lysaught, Director Irene Caminer, Executive Director Melissa Lagowski, Director Dr. Pamela Ellis, President Elect Anabel Lopez CPA, PMP, Director Letticia Flores-Poole, Treasurer Lindsey Evans, President Lynette DeRose and Director Jeffrey Simon. Not pictured: Immediate Past President Angie Noll, Secretary Courtney Smith and Director Ebony Whitson.)

NAWBO Chicago's 2025-26 Board of Directors recently held its annual retreat, a dedicated time for our leadership to focus on the future of our chapter. The board engaged in productive discussions around goals, budget, growing and retaining membership and strategy all for the purpose of laying the groundwork for an impactful and successful year ahead. We are committed to creating an even more valuable experience for our members, offering new opportunities for connection, growth and advocacy.

National's On The Go Podcast Features Two Local Members

NAWBO Chicago Board Member Ebony Whitson and member Sunitha Chandy were both recently featured on NAWBO's On The Go Podcast! Click below to listen to their episodes.

WBDC Marketing Webinar To Feature NAWBO Chicago Member

The Sweet Spot: Marketing To Where They're At

Presented by Vanessa Jackson on August 28 at 10:00 am on Zoom

Hosted by the WBDC

The Women's Business Development Center's Cook County Source Webinar Series will feature NAWBO Chicago member, Vanessa Jackson, Vice President of Sweetness at The LemonAd Stand. Small business owners feel pressure to be everywhere, but the actual solution is to meet your audience where they are. Discover where to allocate marketing efforts to generate sales.

New Members Save $75 During The Fall Membership Drive

Since 1975, NAWBO has powered the dreams of women business owners. This fall, we’re celebrating our golden 50th anniversary with our biggest membership campaign savings ever: $75 off for new members! That’s $75 in honor of our birth year and half a century of women business owner advocacy, leadership, education and connection.

The Fall Membership Drive will run from September 1 through October 31. Utilize these next three weeks leading up to the drive and think about who you know who could benefit from this community. Help NAWBO Chicago reach as many women business owners as possible and invite the female entrepreneurs from your business network to join next month!

The 2026 Leadership Academy Is Headed To Puerto Rico!

The NAWBO Leadership Academy this January in Puerto Rico is more than an event—it’s a one-of-a-kind opportunity to connect, collaborate and cultivate lasting relationships with powerhouse women who are building thriving businesses, leading their NAWBO chapters with vision and purpose and shaping the future of entrepreneurship.

Reserve your spot today for a day-and-a-half to expand your network, elevate your leadership, amplify your impact—and have a whole lot of fun in an unforgettable (and warm) setting this winter. This is where growth-minded women leaders come to be inspired, supported and empowered for what’s next.

NAWBO Chicago Newsletter Submissions

NAWBO Chicago newsletters are published monthly. Email September submissions to the newsletter editor by August 15, 2025.