Message From Our President | | | |
Persist: The Quiet Power Behind Every Breakthrough
Nobody tells you how much entrepreneurship is just showing up again.
After the contract falls through. After the launch does not go as planned. After the quarter that humbles you. You wake up, you regroup and you keep going.
That is persistence. And it may be the most underrated quality in business.
| | July Member Spotlight - Persist | | Persistence is often celebrated—but so is knowing when to pivot. How do you know when to keep pushing forward versus when it's time to change direction? | | | | |
Persistence and pivoting are both essential to entrepreneurship, but the key is understanding what you're working toward. When I opened my event venue, there were plenty of moments when it would have been easier to walk away. The first year brought unexpected expenses, slower seasons, and challenges that tested my faith and determination. But I knew the vision was still sound, so I kept pushing forward. I wasn't facing a problem with the destination, I was simply navigating obstacles on the journey.
Qiana Turner
Owner
Madison Elyse Events
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Persistence gets a lot of good PR. Pivoting? Not so much. We treat changing direction like it's admitting defeat, when sometimes it's the smartest thing you can do.
I've learned that persistence is about staying committed to your purpose, not your original plan. If you're white-knuckling an idea that no longer serves your clients, your team, or your sanity, that's not grit, that's ego wearing a name tag that says "resilience."
As a business owner, I've had to pivot more times than I can count.
Carmen Alvarez
President
The Insurance Pros, LLC
| | | A Fun Evening With Our New Board | | Thank you to everyone who joined us for a fun and memorable evening as we unveiled the NAWBO Chicago Board of Directors! It was a great opportunity to celebrate the inspiring women leaders who will help drive innovation, foster connection and advance our mission of empowering women business owners. We can't wait to see what we'll accomplish together in the year ahead! | | NAWBO Chicago Earns Chapter Of Excellence Recognition | | |
We're proud to share that NAWBO Chicago has been recognized as a NAWBO Chapter of Excellence for the 2025–2026 year! This honor celebrates the dedication, leadership and commitment of our Board, volunteers, members and partners in advancing NAWBO's mission and supporting women business owners.
Thank you to our incredible community for making this achievement possible!
| | NAWBO Chicago Members Featured In BACP Webinar | | |
We’re proud to celebrate our NAWBO Chicago members who were featured in the City of Chicago BACP webinar in June. The panel, featuring our 2026 NAWBO Chicago Award Winners, highlighted their entrepreneurial journeys, leadership and commitment to making an impact.
Moderated by Lynette DeRose, the conversation featured Anna Maria Viti-Welch, Taneka Tucker, Griselle Quiñones and Brandy Riley, who shared insights on resilience, success and the power of women supporting women.
Click here to view the webinar
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Help Us Strengthen Our Sponsor Partnerships
Our corporate sponsors make it possible for us to provide valuable programs, advocacy, education, and networking opportunities for our members. To help us demonstrate the impact of these partnerships - and attract even more sponsor support - we're asking one quick question.
| | Which financial institution do you primarily use for your business banking? | | | Your response will remain confidential and will only be used in aggregate to better understand how our members support our sponsor community. | | Diane Yetter Recognized As Inc. Best Workplace Honoree | |
Congratulations to NAWBO Chicago member Diane Yetter, founder and president of Yetter Consulting Services, on being named one of Inc. Magazine’s 2026 Best Workplaces!
This national recognition celebrates companies with strong workplace cultures, employee engagement and a commitment to growth. As Yetter Consulting approaches its 30th year, Diane continues to lead with values centered on collaboration, trust and creating meaningful impact for both clients and employees.
We’re proud to celebrate Diane and her continued leadership in building a thriving business community.
Yetter Consulting Services for more information
| Sophia Leaguedi’s Inspiring Journey | |
We’re proud to highlight NAWBO Chicago member Sophia Fouzia and the inspiring story of her journey from Morocco to building her path as a leader and entrepreneur. A podcast dedicated to Sophia’s story shares her experiences, challenges and the resilience that shaped her journey.
Her story is a powerful reminder of the courage, determination and impact women bring to our community.
| NAWBO Chicago Summer Social | | Connect with Chicago’s dynamic community of women entrepreneurs for an evening of engaging conversations, meaningful networking and new opportunities. Whether you're a longtime member or joining us for the first time, we look forward to welcoming you for an energizing summer evening. | | Tap Into Visibility Opportunities With NAWBO HQ Right Now | |
Save The Date: 2026 IMPACT Small Business Summit
Mark your calendar for the 2026 IMPACT Small Business Summit on Thursday, September 24, at Malcolm X College. Hosted by the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago (MWRD), this free event offers small businesses, entrepreneurs, contractors and consultants the opportunity to connect with government agencies, prime contractors and business development resources. With educational sessions, networking opportunities and more than 55 exhibitors, it's a great opportunity to grow your network and discover new contracting opportunities.
| | Chicago Labor Law Updates Take Effect July 1 | | |
Chicago has implemented several important labor law updates, including an increase in the city's minimum wage to $17.05 per hour, expanded protections under the Paid Leave and Paid Sick and Safe Leave Ordinance and updated eligibility thresholds for the Fair Workweek Ordinance. The changes also establish employees' right to pursue legal action to enforce paid leave protections. Employers should review the new requirements and ensure compliance with updated posting and workplace policies.
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NAWBO Chicago Newsletter Submissions
NAWBO Chicago newsletters are published monthly. Email August submissions to the newsletter editor by July 15, 2026.
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