Message From Our President | | | | |
Transform: The Courage to Evolve
Transformation is rarely comfortable — but it is always necessary. As women business owners, we understand reinvention. We’ve transformed ideas into enterprises, challenges into resilience and vision into measurable success. Yet transformation doesn’t stop once the business is stable. In many ways, that’s when it truly begins.
Transformation is the decision to evolve — even when what you’ve built is already working. It starts with leadership.
Before markets shift or strategies change, transformation begins internally.
| | March Member Spotlight - Transform | | Transformation is often required for growth in business and leadership. What is one area of your life or business where you’ve experienced a powerful transformation — such as letting go of limiting beliefs, building confidence, strengthening your executive presence, embracing new technology or redefining your leadership style? | | | | |
Transformation has meant shifting from solving every problem to deciding which problems actually matter. Early in my career, I equated leadership with endurance; pushing harder, carrying more and solving everything myself. I wore competence like armor. It worked. It also kept me in constant reaction. The real shift came when I stopped trying to handle it all and started paying attention to how work actually moves: where decisions stall, where communication breaks down and where leaders get pulled into the weeds. Instead of reacting, I focused on creating clarity.
Barbara Franta
Founder & Principal
WhiteCliff
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One of the most powerful transformations in my life and leadership has been redefining how I show up as an executive. Early in my journey, I carried limiting beliefs that as a woman leading across nonprofit work, real estate development, hospitality and global initiatives. I had to overextend, overexplain and constantly prove myself to be taken seriously. That mindset kept me operating in survival mode instead of strategic leadership. As my work expanded through Survivor’s Journey to Peace and SMS Enterprises Group, that approach became unsustainable. I had to build confidence rooted in preparation and purpose, strengthen my executive presence and fully own my seat in rooms where capital, policy and long-term decisions are made.
Sandy Smith Matthews
CEO
SMS Enterprises Group
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I would say my most powerful transformation was my mindset shift. There was a time when I had big dreams but small belief. I would speak about what I wanted, but deep down I was afraid and I questioned if I could make my dreams happen. The turning point came when I learned that what we think, we speak and essentially what we speak will manifest. I also learned that Faith and Fear can't live in the same house. Once I shifted my mind into believing the power of speaking, so many new doors of opportunity opened for me personally and professionally. I made a conscious decision to align my thoughts with possibility instead of limitation and I began expanding my capacity to match my calling.
Qiana Turner
Owner and Chief Event Planner
Madison Elyse Events
| | Support The Women Who Drive Our Economy: Invest In NAWBO | | |
Did you know there are more than 12.3 million women business owners in the United States – and over 1,200 new businesses are started by women every day?
NAWBO Chicago's Women Mean Business® Conference & 43rd Annual Fundraiser is taking place in Oak Brook on April 29. This signature event brings together hundreds of CEOs, WBOs, small business owners and industry leaders from Chicagoland, Wisconsin and Indiana for a day packed with education, networking, resources and connection.
We need sponsor support more than ever! Get behind the fastest growing force in the US economy: woman owned businesses!
| | Women Mean Business Is Already Taking Shape! Register Today! | | Make Time For YOU In March: Register For A Free Program! | | |
Time Management: From Busy To Intentional
March 10 from 9:00 - 10:00 am
On Zoom
Being busy isn’t the goal—building impact is. In this interactive CEO Roundtable, attendees come together for a candid, high-level conversation about how time is really spent, where it leaks and how intentional leaders reclaim control of their calendars without sacrificing growth, relationships or themselves. Participants will leave with sharper insight into their own time patterns, ideas borrowed from peers who get it and a renewed sense of permission to lead differently.
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Power Circles: Speed Networking
March 19 from 12:00 - 1:00 pm
On Zoom
Join fellow female CEOs for a one-hour speed networking experience designed to spark authentic conversations, strategic connections, and new opportunities. This fast-paced yet thoughtfully structured session allows you to meet multiple women leaders in a short amount of time, making it easy to share what you do, what you’re building and what support or collaborations you’re seeking in 2026. The $100 survey winner will be pulled during this virtual event! Take the member survey (farther down in the newsletter) today!
| | You're Invited: A Special Event On Women & Wealth | | Jeffrey Simon, CFP® and Managing Partner of Tryline Private Wealth of Oxford Harriman & Company and NAWBO Chicago Board Member is hosting "Women & Wealth: The Confidence of a Well Planned Life" on March 26 from 4:30 - 6:00 pm in Chicago. Be a part of an intimate group for connecting. Learn about issues such as: what obstacles are keeping you from having a plan? What is your relationship with money? How can you become more financially empowered and in control? RSVP to Jeff by email at jeff.simon@wfafinet.com or call 847-870-4695 by March 20. | | Celebrate International Women's Day: Mimosas & Momentum | | | | |
Celebrate International Women’s Day with NAWBO Chicago and the Lincoln Square Ravenswood Chamber of Commerce at Mimosas & Momentum on March 28 from 10:00 - 11:30 am with a morning of inspiration, connection and celebration!
This exclusive networking event is designed for women entrepreneurs, business leaders and professionals looking to expand their networks in a welcoming and empowering environment. Enjoy fresh pastries, mimosas (alcoholic & non-alcoholic), and coffee while engaging in meaningful conversations with fellow businesswomen.
| | Whether you’re a seasoned entrepreneur or just starting your journey, this is the perfect opportunity to exchange ideas, foster collaborations and gain momentum for your business. Space is limited—register today! NAWBO Members can use code NAWBO26 for $10 off. | | Back The Boldest Women In Business: Apply For The Board | | Your Voice Matters! Take This Chicago Member Survey Today! | | | | As a valued member of NAWBO Chicago, your voice is our most important asset. Could you spare five minutes to take this survey and tell us about yourself and your business? By taking this member survey you’re providing the data NAWBO Chicago needs to take programming and sponsorship to the next level. Everyone who completes this survey will be entered for a chance to win $100! You must be present at the Power Circles virtual networking event on March 19 when the winner will be announced. | | Savings Have Sprung! Join NAWBO Chicago Today! | | |
The NAWBO Spring Membership Drive campaign 🌺 Your Future in Full Bloom 🌺 is officially underway now through April 30! New members save $75 on their initiation fee (NAWBO’s best-ever savings!), unlocking a world of opportunities designed to propel their businesses forward which includes:
💡 A Powerful Community: Connect with like-minded women who understand the unique challenges and victories of women’s business ownership.
💡 Advocacy That Matters: NAWBO champions bipartisan policies that support women entrepreneurs.
💡 Opportunities to Lead & Be Heard: Gain a platform to amplify your voice, share your expertise and take on leadership roles within NAWBO.
💡 Education & Inspiration: Access virtual and in-person programs and resources designed to support you through every stage of your business journey.
💡 Exclusive Savings & Perks: Enjoy discounts on travel, office supplies, vehicles and even access to healthcare plans tailored for small business owners and solopreneurs.
| | Join NAWBO Wisconsin In March For An Entrepreneur Reset | | | | |
The Entrepreneur's Energy Reset
March 24 from 11:30 am - 1:00 pm
On Zoom
Entrepreneurial burnout often shows up quietly — through stress, exhaustion and our relationship with food. In this interactive conversation, mindful living expert Petra Beumer explores the connection between stress, energy, and emotional self-regulation habits, offering practical mindfulness strategies to protect your vitality, set healthy boundaries and build sustainable self-care into your business and life.
| | Interested In Joining A NAWBO Chicago Mastermind? New Form! | | | | |
New Groups Are Forming!
Masterminds are small peer-to-peer monthly discussion groups that are FREE to Premier Members. Email Executive Director Melissa Lagowski for more information or to find a group that is a good fit for you.
Are you interested in joining a Mastermind group? Please click the button below and complete a brief questionnaire.
New groups are launching in April. Submit your form by March 31!
| | Help Guide NAWBO Chicago In The New Year: Join A Committee | | | | |
Shape the future of women in business in 2026 and join a NAWBO Chicago committee!
🚀 As we continue to look forward this year, NAWBO Chicago is ready to reach new heights—but we can’t get there without your unique voice and expertise.
Our committees are the engine room of our chapter.
By joining one, you aren’t just volunteering; you’re directly influencing the resources, advocacy and community that help Chicago’s women entrepreneurs thrive.
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Chapter committees meet virtually once a month:
🚀 Advocacy: 1st Friday at 12:00 pm
💡 Conference: 3rd Wednesday at 4:00 pm
💪 Membership: 3rd Tuesday at 3:00 pm
Whether your passion is in advocacy, membership or our signature annual event, there is a seat at the table for you. Let’s make 2026 our most impactful year yet. Email info@nawbochicago.org to get involved today!
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NAWBO Chicago Newsletter Submissions
NAWBO Chicago newsletters are published monthly. Email April submissions to the newsletter editor by March 20, 2026.
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