Message From Our President | | |
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Every year in my business, I try to pick a “word for the year” and this word gets utilized within the company when we are setting goals for the team, it is the theme of our annual Leadership Retreat, and I try to weave bits and pieces of it into our marketing campaigns. For 2025, my word of the year is “antifragile.” Fragile things break when bad things happen. Resilient things keep working despite challenges. Antifragile things (or people) get better when bad things happen to them, like our immune systems or muscles. | |
February Member Spotlight - Focus | |
How do you maintain focus and productivity especially when balancing multiple responsibilities that come with being a woman business owner? Do you have any tips for other female entrepreneurs looking for more focus so they can advance their business? | | |
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As a mom, business owner and graduate student, I’ve learned that maintaining focus isn’t about perfect concentration – it’s about creating systems that work for you. Combining time-blocking with the Motion AI transformed my calendar from overwhelming to intentional. But my real breakthrough came from getting crystal clear on my goals and values—because without clarity, even the best productivity tools fall short. To be intentional about your time, you have to first be clear about where you need to focus and why.
Kate Gory
COO
Individual Tax Service
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A few key components that help establish my focus are time, environment and well-being. Time: Goals are established, and I am realistic about how much time is needed to accomplish each task. Environment: My office has inspiring art, is filled with natural light and is a clutter-free zone. Well-being: I’m realistic about my energy level and what can be done. Circling the same idea and working at a turtle’s pace are cues to take a short break. Getting away from my desk for a walk, yoga stretches, etc., helps reset my focus.
Tracy Kramer
President
BuzzCo
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Running The Insurance Pros, staying active in organizations, being a mom and a hands-on Gigi—I know a thing or two about juggling. But I’ve learned that balance isn’t about doing everything; it’s about knowing what actually deserves my energy. I don’t just hope to be productive—I plan for it. Every night, I set my priorities for the next day so I can hit the ground running. The most important tasks come first, and I protect my time with firm boundaries and time-blocking (because if it’s not on my calendar, it doesn’t exist).
Carmen Londono
President
The Insurance Pros, LLC
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As a woman entrepreneur, balancing business, family and personal priorities can feel like a never-ending juggling act. But I’ve learned that maintaining focus and productivity isn’t about doing more—it’s about managing your capacity. My definition of capacity is the amount of time, energy and resources you have available to manage all the competing priorities in your personal and professional life. Three of my best tips are to Audit Your Capacity, Not Just Your Time, Leverage Delegation, and Stop Multitasking.
Nicole Rhone
CEO & Founder
Flourishing, LLC
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As a creative, I am so easily distracted! So, I have to structure my week intentionally—Mondays and Fridays are reserved for planning, creating and studio tours, which help me set priorities and engage directly with my creative community and customers. Using a CRM like Dubsado is a real game-changer, freeing up time to focus on the strategic aspects of my business by automating routine tasks.
Cheryl Vargas
Founder
Art Studio 928
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NAWBO Continuing To Advocate for WBOs | | |
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NAWBO National CEO Jen Earle and NAWBO National Board Chair Dr. Janis Shinkawa recently met with US Senate and House staff, as well as some of our national partners in Washington D.C. to discuss the importance of supporting women business owners. Click below to read a summary of their visit. They plan to return to Washington D.C. the last week of February. If there is something you want them to discuss with lawmakers or if you would like to be added to our index of potential hearing witnesses, please email epatout@nawbo.org. | |
Last Chance To Register: Learn To Pitch With Confidence! | |
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Empower Your Business: Learn To Pitch With Confidence
February 6 from 9:00 - 10:00 am
Presented with Wells Fargo on Zoom
Attend this virtual event to learn proven strategies for refining your pitch, highlighting the unique strengths of your business and capturing the attention of potential investors and partners. Feel confident and empowered to present your vision and take your business to the next level.
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Take Your Business Dreams To The Next Level | |
Unlock Your Business Potential: Smart Financing For Female Entrepreneurs
February 13 from 11:00 am - 12:00 pm
Presented by CIBC on Zoom
Whether you’re an established business owner or just starting out, this empowering webinar will guide you through the essentials of bank financing tailored to your needs. Join us to gain the tools and confidence to fund your business and achieve your entrepreneurial goals!
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SAVE THE DATE: Behind the Mask Returns On March 6 | |
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Behind The Mask: Stories Of Courage, Growth And Wisdom
March 6 from 6:00 - 9:00 pm
Presented by the DEI&B Committee at Art Studio 928 in Oak Park
Behind The Mask: Stories Of Courage, Growth and Wisdom will feature heartfelt stories from remarkable women who have triumphed over challenges, embraced growth and emerged with wisdom to share. This celebration of women’s resilience and strength is one you won’t want to miss!
Stay tuned for more details and registration information coming soon!
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Apply To Join NAWBO Chicago's Board Of Directors! | | |
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Applications for NAWBO Chicago Board of Directors for the 2025/26-26/27 term are now being accepted. Please submit completed applications by April 4 to info@nawbochicago.org.
If you have questions, please contact Past President Cheryl Vargas at cheryl@studio928.net or Executive Director Melissa Lagowski at melissa@nawbochicago.org.
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NAWBO Wisconsin Receives Award From NAWBO National | |
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NAWBO Wisconsin has been awarded the Distinguished Membership Achievement from NAWBO National for achieving 10% or higher growth during the 2024 Fall Membership Campaign. This is a testament to the chapter's dedication, hard work and commitment to growing our incredible community of women business owners.
This success not only highlights the strength and vibrancy of the NAWBO Wisconsin chapter but also demonstrates a passion for supporting and empowering women in business. We are so proud of what NAWBO Wisconsin accomplished and the lasting impact it will have on the future of NAWBO.
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Diane Yetter, President of Yetter Tax, was featured in an article on Illinois CPA Society. The article states, "Despite her early skeptics, this leading sales tax expert has proven she deserves a seat at any table. Now she wants to help other women do the same." | |
Demystifying Certification: Can It Help Grow Your Business? | | |
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Demystifying Certification
February 20 at 12:00 pm
Presented by the Women's Business Development Center (WBDC) with Joy Broils of Hustle & Ground, Connie Wyatt Winston of S.A.I.D. Strategy Group and Laura Bothe of Bothe Associates Inc.
Wondering whether it makes sense to get certified as a women-owned business? What are the benefits and requirements? Is it a good idea for my business? At this virtual event, sponsored by BMO, the WBDC will guide you through the certification process followed by a conversation with certified women-owned businesses on what they have learned through certifying their business and how they have leveraged for growth
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NAWBO Chicago Newsletter Submissions
NAWBO Chicago newsletters are published monthly. Email March submissions to the newsletter editor by February 21, 2025.
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