January 2025 Newsletter

Happy New Year, NAWBO Chicago! As we step into 2025, it’s the perfect time to reflect on purpose—the driving force behind why we do what we do. Purpose fuels our vision as women business owners, aligning our goals with our passions, values and the impact we want to make. Whether you’re refining your business strategy, deepening your social responsibility efforts or pursuing bold new milestones, clarity of purpose is the foundation for success.

January Member Spotlight - Vision

Going into 2025, thinking about your purpose, what is your vision for your company and/or goals for your team to have a successful and impactful year ahead? 

As 2025 begins, our vision for the new year is to focus on Once Upon an RFP’s core purpose – what we do best. 

We’re a trusted partner for our clients, helping them navigate the complexities of the Request for Proposals process easily and confidently. Our purpose remains to empower each client’s ability to grow their impact through strategic and effective proposal management and writing. 

Caryn Kent Dean

CEO, Founder & Managing Member

Once Upon An RFP

Going into 2025, my vision is to help more people step into their purpose and share their authentic stories by writing and publishing books. Books are powerful tools—they build businesses, preserve legacies and inspire transformation. I’ve seen this firsthand through my work. I own Pithy Wordsmithery, a company that helps people turn their ideas into something tangible, and this year, I reached a milestone of my own: after ghostwriting 16 books, I published my first book with my name on it. 

Amelia Forczak

Founder

Pithy Wordsmithery

At Cumberland Irving Inc., our purpose in 2025 is to deliver innovative solutions that empower our clients and communities. We are committed to sustainable growth by integrating cutting-edge technology with exceptional service. Our goal is to meet the evolving needs of our customers while prioritizing environmental responsibility and social impact.

Anabel Lopez CPA, PMP

President

Cumberland Irving Inc.

Going into 2025, Danie’s Natural Juice Blends envisions becoming a trusted leader in the natural beverage market by delivering nutrient-rich, all-natural juices that promote well-being and community health. Our purpose stems from my personal journey of overcoming health challenges, and our mission is to transform those experiences into meaningful support for others.

Danielle Marshall

Founder

Danie’s Natural Juice Blends

Going into 2025, my purpose is to lead with authenticity and fairness, inspiring others to thrive in a male-dominated industry. I’ve never seen myself as a victim but as someone committed to creating opportunities for everyone, men and women alike, by fostering respect and accountability across all levels of my companies.

Aneesa Muthana

CEO & Co-Owner

Pioneer Service Inc.

• Name: Lindsey T. Evans
• Company: Liberty Pointe Realty & Consulting
• Role In NAWBO Chicago: Director-at-Large
• Years In Business: Four
• Company Location: Orland Park, IL
• Coffee Order: Hot Caramel Macchiato with a shot of blonde espresso and a pump of liquid cane sugar
• Dream Vacation: Paris

Why does the work of NAWBO Chicago matter?

My Mastermind group changed the entire trajectory of my life. The support that I receive from NAWBO members helped me overcome the most challenging time I experienced as a business owner and I’m forever grateful for their support!

How do you recommend members make the most of their NAWBO Chicago membership?

Join a Mastermind group! The level of support and wisdom helps propel you to a new level in business and life if you’re open to the possibilities!

Unlock Opportunities To Grow Your Business

Unlocking Opportunities To Grow Your Business

January 15, 2025 at 5:00 - 7:00 pm Central

Presented by the Chase Business Team at JPMorgan Chase

Do you want to expand your business in 2025? Would you like to expand your staff? Want to secure new equipment or space? Need financing to increase your inventory? Want funding to develop your technology? Join us to learn about how to leverage access to capital to grow your company and how to prepare to leverage additional funding to your advantage.

The team from Chase will focus on exploring innovative approaches to enhancing capital access for businesses, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises. Attendees will learn how to identify barriers to capital access and develop actionable strategies to overcome these challenges.

Empower Your Business: Learn To Pitch With Confidence

Session 1: January 22 from 9:00 - 10:00 am

Session 2: February 6 from 9:00 - 10:00 am

Presented with Wells Fargo on Zoom

We are excited to announce a special educational session presented by Wells Fargo in partnership with the National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO). This virtual event is designed to empower female entrepreneurs with the confidence and tools to effectively pitch their businesses. During this session, you’ll learn proven strategies for refining your pitch, highlighting the unique strengths of your business, and capturing the attention of potential investors and partners. Our goal is to help you feel confident and empowered to present your vision and take your business to the next level. 

Post educational sessions, we’ll host an exciting event where you’ll have the opportunity to practice what you’ve learned by participating in the Learn To Pitch With Confidence Showcase.

Benefits of Learn To Pitch With Confidence Showcase:

• Igniting entrepreneurial excellence by showcasing your business.
• Great opportunity to practice presenting your pitch, receive feedback and learn from others.
• Make it fun by having the best pitch that demonstrates innovation, market potential, scalability and presentation skills.
• Top 3 pitches, across all NAWBO chapters, will receive tickets to the NAWBO National 50th Anniversary Celebration and Conference in Washington DC in early June. They will sit on a panel there and present at the conference.

Register for either or both virtual sessions by clicking the session that works best for your schedule below.

Unlock Your Business Potential: Smart Financing For Female Entrepreneurs

February 13 from 11:00 am - 12:00 pm Central

Presented by CIBC on Zoom

Are you ready to take your business dreams to the next level? 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. Discover:

• The fundamentals of loans, lines of credit and financial resources designed to help women-owned businesses thrive.
• Insider tips to navigate and access funding options that work for you.
• How the BACP Entrepreneur Certificate Program can open doors to unique financing opportunities, including CIBC Bank USA’s Entrepreneur Loan.

Join us to gain the tools and confidence to fund your business and achieve your entrepreneurial goals!

Members In The News

NAWBO Chicago President Angie Noll, Founder of Reconciled Solutions, wrote a blog post titled, “9 Questions to Build Profitability Into Your Accounting” for the NAWBO National Monthly Newsletter.

Jaime White, co-founder of Believe Crew and member of NAWBO Wisconsin submitted a blog post for the NAWBO National Monthly Newsletter titled, “The Power of Vacations: Using Breaks to Reassess, Innovate and Grow.”

Patty Dominguez, founder of More Leverage Solutions, was featured on NAWBO On The Go, a podcast hosted by the staff and leadership of NAWBO National and features NAWBO members from across the U.S. The episode is titled, “The Truth About AI: Does It Help or Hinder?”

Amelia Forczak, founder of Pithy Wordsmithery, and Jaqueta King co-authored a book that was recently published titled, “You Are a Bad B*tch: A Guided Journal for Self-Love and Empowerment in Relationships.”

Attend This BACP Webinar On January 17

Employment Law Updates For 2025

January 17 at 9:30 am CST

Presented by Eileen Lysaught, of Counsel - Laner Muchin LTD

In this webinar we will discuss the new 2025 Illinois employment laws that went into effect January 1, 2025. We will also touch on the status of the Corporate Transparency Act and some federal updates and requirements.

Take The NAWBO Membership Survey To Drive Advocacy Efforts

Please take just 10 minutes to complete this important survey from NAWBO National. Your participation will help drive advocacy efforts for our businesses on the federal level.

As an added incentive, should NAWBO Chicago manage the most responses of any chapter, we’ll have prime seating on Capitol Hill during Advocacy Day as part of the 50th anniversary celebration during NAWBO Days this June!

The deadline to complete the survey is January 15, 2025.

Maximize Your Membership In 2025

Join a Mastermind

Premier Members are eligible to participate in one Mastermind as a Member Benefit. A Mastermind group is an intimate consortium of women that meet on a regular basis to provide peer-to-peer discussions. Email to learn more.

Activate Your Account

With the new National membership platform, all members need to activate their GrowthZone account. Activation emails are sent from memberservices@nawbo.org.

Please email lora@nawbochicago.org with any questions. 

Get Involved with a Committee

NAWBO Chicago hosts four active committees: Advocacy, Diversity, Membership and Women Mean Business® Conference. If you’re interested in joining a committee or would like more information, please contact the office at info@nawbochicago.org.

Attend a Monthly Event

Connects are monthly small-group meetings that allow our members to come together regularly throughout the Chicagoland region. Find future events here.

NAWBO Chicago Newsletter Submissions

NAWBO Chicago newsletters are published monthly. Email February submissions to the newsletter editor by January 17, 2025.