October 2025 Newsletter

This month we are talking about the “E” for Education in our new C.L.E.A.R. NAWBO Chicago vision: Confidence, Leadership, Education, Advocacy and Relationships. 

As business owners, we're often driven by the mantra "Always Be Closing" (ABC), which emphasizes the importance of closing deals and generating revenue. However, in today's fast-paced business landscape, it's equally crucial to adopt a complementary mindset: "Never Stop Learning" (NSL). By prioritizing continuous education and skill-building, business owners can stay ahead of the curve, drive innovation and achieve long-term success.

October Member Spotlight - Education

As a busy women business owner, how do you make continuing education part of your journey? What educational tools or resources have you found most helpful to grow yourself, your business and your team?  

As a woman business owner, I view continuing education as a cornerstone of both personal and professional growth. Running a business can be demanding, yet I make learning an intentional part of my journey by integrating it into my daily and weekly routines. For example, I regularly leverage platforms such as Masterclass and LinkedIn Learning to strengthen specific skills and explore emerging trends. These resources allow me to learn on the go, fitting seamlessly into my schedule. 

Perla Castro 

Founder & CEO 

Alpha PM Consulting 

Join NAWBO Chicago & CIBC To Learn About Smart Financing

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, led by Annette Vega, Managing Director for CIBC Bank, will guide you through the essentials of bank financing tailored to your needs.

Richards Graphic Communications Marks 100 Years

Richards Graphics, a trusted name in print and mail solutions, proudly marks its 100-year anniversary in 2025. Established in 1925, Richards has grown from a small family shop into Chicago’s only fourth-generation, family-led printing company, uniquely blending tradition and innovation.

Richards’ legacy of leadership is also a story of inclusion: women have led the company for 44 of its 100 years, shaping its culture of excellence, innovation and resilience. NAWBO Chicago member Mary Lawrence is President of Richards Graphics.

“While we’re proud of our history, we’ve always believed the best way to honor our past is to keep looking forward,” said Lawrence. “We consider ourselves a tech company that prints - combining innovation, security, and customer-first service with the skilled craftsmanship that has been the backbone of Richards since day one.”

New Mastermind Groups Are Forming: In-Person And Virtual

Two new NAWBO Chicago Mastermind groups are starting to take shape. Now is your opportunity to take advantage of this free benefit available to premier members!

Interested? Below are the meeting details for the two new groups.

Email Melissa Lagowski at melissa@nawbochicago.org for more information.

• The second Tuesday of each month from 12:00 - 2:00 pm on Zoom. Participants must make $750,000 in annual revenue for this group.

• The third Tuesday of each month from 6:00 - 8:00 pm. This is an in-person group and it will meet at rotating locations (restaurants, etc.) on the north side of Chicago.

Nominations Are Being Accepted For The 2026 SBA Awards

Nominations are open for the National Small Business Week Awards through December 8, 2025.

Click the button below to view all the awards.

Women, Wealth & Wellness Event Hosted By Board Member

Join NAWBO Chicago Board Member Jeffrey Simon, CFP, Managing Partner of The Princeton Group, on either October 15 from 4:30 to 5:45 pm or October 18 from 11:30 am - 12:45 pm for "Women, Wealth & Wellness" at Blossom Family Medicine, 4256 N. Arlington Heights Road, Suite 100, in Arlington Heights. Attendees will learn how to make a plan for wealth and health, how to feel better financially and physically and how concierge medicine works.

RSVP to Jeffrey by emailing him at jeff.simon@wfafinet.com.

Join Today And Save $75! The Fall Membership Drive Is Here!

NAWBO Chicago is offering some special promotions for people who join the chapter during the 2025 Fall Membership Drive!

If you join between now and October 31, you will be entered to win a free ad in a NAWBO Chicago email. (Three free ads to be given.) Take advantage of all these great perks, including saving $75 when you join as a new member! Invest in yourself and you business - join NAWBO Chicago today.

The 2026 Leadership Academy Is Headed To Puerto Rico!

The NAWBO Leadership Academy in Puerto Rico January 25-27, 2026 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 and save $100 by registering before December 19.

NAWBO Chicago Newsletter Submissions

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