July 2025 Newsletter

Hello NAWBO Chicago! 

I am excited to take the helm for the year ahead as we navigate together through what promises to be another challenging year. As your President for the 2025-26 term, my primary goal is to guide each of you to leverage NAWBO as a powerful tool to champion your own business. Did you know that women business owners now constitute over 40% of all business owners in America—a statistic I love and one that underscores our collective strength. 

July Member Spotlight - Champion

As a woman business owner and community leader, how do you leverage your voice and unique position to champion specific causes or drive meaningful change within your community, and what impact have you observed from these efforts?

As a Latina founder, I feel it is imperative to use my platform to give a voice to Latino consumers. Many companies and organizations just assume that they are effectively targeting Latino consumers by translating their messaging into Spanish. It is often said that the U.S. Latino population is not a monolith. In fact, we are a mosaic of different cultures, countries of origin, and ironically even language to a degree. As someone in marketing research and consumer insights, I have a unique opportunity to help organizations better understand how unique and different we are. 

Diana Leza Sheehan

Founder & Principal

PDG Insights

Summer Social – Connect, Celebrate & Build Community!

Summer Social

BMO Tower, 320 S. Canal Street in Chicago

July 30 from 4:30 - 6:30 pm

Join the chapter for one of the most anticipated events of the year! The Summer Social is an in-person networking event that brings together women business owners from across the region for an evening of meaningful connections, conversations and community.

Whether you’re a longtime member or new to NAWBO Chicago, this is the perfect opportunity to build relationships and celebrate summer with fellow female entrepreneurs. Don’t miss it!

National Implementing Change To Membership Payments

Effective as of July 1, 2025, NAWBO has discontinued the option for new members and reinstatements to pay dues on a monthly installment plan. New members will be required to pay annually to join.

Existing members already paying monthly can continue with that option as long as they remain current.

If a membership lapses, members are required to pay annually to reinstate.

Call For Venues: NAWBO Chicago Refreshing Event Venue List

NAWBO Chicago is requesting your help! Do you know of venues in Chicago and the suburbs that could host chapter events and programming?

The organization is building our list of venues and would like to refresh it with some new options.

Please submit the form linked in the button below if you have a venue recommendation. You may also email details to info@nawbochicago.org.

Informational Meeting: Bally's Casino Contracting Opportunities

The Chatham Business Association is hosting an in-person meeting on July 8 from 9:00 - 10:30 am at the Discover Shine Bright Community Center, 8560 S. Cottage Grove Ave., in Chicago, to share details regarding contracting opportunities related to the Bally's Casino development. Information will be presented by Miguel d’Escoto and Gerri Harris of the Chicago Community Builders Collective on Bally’s Casino Development. Nonmembers are welcome to attend.

NAWBO Leadership Academy

January 25-27, 2026

Rio Grande, Puerto Rico

The upcoming Leadership Academy is a one-of-a-kind opportunity to connect, collaborate and cultivate lasting relationships with other powerhouse women! This is where growth-minded women leaders come to be inspired, supported and empowered.

NAWBO Chicago Newsletter Submissions

NAWBO Chicago newsletters are published monthly. Email August submissions to the newsletter editor by July 18, 2025.