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June 2024 Newsletter

Message From Our President

As I reflect on my tenure as President of the NAWBO Chicago chapter, I am filled with immense gratitude for my experience.

Our journey together has been marked by growth, resilience and an unwavering commitment to empowering women entrepreneurs.


Today, I want to share some thoughts on the importance of having a voice, and how leadership and influence shape our paths.

Having a voice is not merely about speaking up; it’s about being heard, respected and making an impact.

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June Member Spotlight - Voice

Share a time in your career as a woman business owner when you utilized your voice. Why was it important for you to use your voice in that specific moment to advocate for yourself or your company, and what impact did that have on your role as a leader?

As a first-time mom transitioning from the corporate sector to entrepreneurship, I faced numerous challenges, particularly after a difficult birth and post-partum recovery. Returning to my corporate role, I encountered a significant lack of support and understanding for new parents, both birthing and non-birthing. This experience fueled my determination to create a more supportive workplace.


Clarinda Avila

Managing Director

Olive Park Consulting Group, LLC

While I am still early in my journey as a business owner, I understood quickly that it would be important to build assets that could undergird our business should we need to grow or face financial challenges. I decided, just two years into owning my business, to purchase an office space.


I heard lots of opposition to this choice and questions about my capacity to manage this investment from financial institutions and peers. But by using my voice to ask questions, challenge the doubt I was facing and finding the right partners, I could purchase our space.


Jessyca Dudley

Founder & CEO

Bold Ventures

This prompt led to some great introspection and conversation, and I’m interested in your thoughts, NAWBO Chicago Community (email me here).



In my experience, using my voice in the literal sense to advocate for self or others has produced minimal results. Optimal results – those that spark change – are achieved with choices, behaviors and actions that challenge the status quo.


Christy Floriani

Owner & Steward

Freadom Promotions

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Board of Directors Spotlight

Anabel Lopez CPA, PMP

Cumberland Irving, Inc.

Chicago, Illinois (Logan Square)


Role: Director


Years In Business: 10 years



Coffee Order: Iced Hazelnut Espresso


Dream Vacation: Any place without Wi-Fi

Why does the work of NAWBO Chicago matter?

I view this as my way of giving back: offering my support and perspective while receiving feedback, support and cooperation.


What is a NAWBO Chicago member benefit that you enjoy and take advantage of? Members can benefit from Masterminds. I love my Mastermind group.


How do you recommend members make the most of their NAWBO Chicago membership? Get involved and attend at least one activity per month.

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Join Your Friends For NAWBO Chicago's Annual Meeting

NAWBO Chicago invites you to the Annual Meeting on June 26 from 4:00 – 6:00 pm at Pazzo’s, 311 S. Wacker Drive, Chicago, IL 60606.


All women business owners are encouraged to join us as we celebrate the dynamic leadership team of NAWBO Chicago for 2024 – 2025. We will recognize the hard work of our outgoing board members and learn about upcoming initiatives during this event.

REGISTER

2024-2025 Board of Directors Slate

President

Angie Noll

Reconciled Solutions


Directors at Large

Lindsey Evans

Liberty Pointe Realty


Letticia Flores-Poole

BMO Bank


Jeffrey Simon

Tryline Private Wealth Of The Princeton Group


Courtney Smith

Smith Legal Group, LLC


Ebony Whitson

Whitson Wonder Productions

The following Board members have continuing or automatic terms and these offices are not up for a vote at this time:


Immediate Past President

Cheryl Vargas

Art Studio 928


Treasurer

Lynette DeRose (Second year of a two-year term.)

Supporting Strategies | Chicago Southland


Directors at Large

Irene Caminer (Second year of a two-year term.)

Caminer Law, LLC


Anabel Lopez CPA, PMP (Second year of a two-year term.)

Cumberland Irving


Heather Polcaster (Second year of a two-year term.)

tori grace outfitters

Mark Your Calendars For Our Summer Social!

Save the date on your calendar today for the NAWBO Chicago Summer Social on July 31 from 4:30 – 6:30 pm! This annual chapter event is a favorite among members and guests, so secure your ticket today! Location information is coming soon.

REGISTER

Members In The News

NAWBO Chicago member, Chef Lisa Shaw, Lisa's Boutique Catering, was on WGN’s Daytime Chicago morning show on Tuesday, May 14, doing a cooking demonstration for an easy, elevated week night dinner recipe. Watch the segment at the link below.

WATCH

Opportunities To Get More Involved With NAWBO Chicago

Are you interested in fulfilling a leadership position with NAWBO Chicago? Both Chicago Connects and North/West Connects seek co-leaders for the groups.


  • Chicago Connects group meets on the third Tuesday of each month, either in the morning or after work.



  • North/West Connects group meets on the third Thursday of each month in-person at Tryline Private Wealth in Arlington Heights.


Contact info@nawbochicago.org for more information about this exciting chapter leadership opportunity!

Hear From Our 2024 Award Winners At Upcoming BACP Webinar

Spotlight On Success: Learn Insights To Grow Your Business

June 21 at 9:30 am

Presented by the NAWBO Chicago 2024 Award Winners Panel


NAWBO Chicago invites you to hear from this panel of our 2024 award winners who are catapulting their businesses to new levels. Isoken Ogbomo, Mary Balistreri, Melissa McAtee, Cathie Van Wert, Lindrea Reynolds and Trisha Beltran are leading their companies to remarkable growth.


Take advantage of this opportunity to learn valuable lessons from these growth-minded business owners when they share what helped them rise to the top.

REGISTER

Sign On For NAWBO Empower Hour - Every Thursday On Zoom

Every Thursday at 4:00 pm


In this small-group, mastermind-style setting, you’ll address two questions per week. Connect, discuss and work ON your business. Join whenever you are able. Non-members—please attend up to two times before deciding if NAWBO is the right community for you. 

ZOOM

Maximize Your Membership In 2024

Whether a solopreneur or a million-dollar business, NAWBO Chicago gives women-owned businesses of all levels the resources and support needed to help them grow and thrive. A NAWBO Chicago membership offers the power and benefits of an established community of women entrepreneurs.

Join a Mastermind

Premier Members are eligible to participate in one Mastermind as a Member Benefit. A Mastermind group is the same small group 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 delivery@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 Celebration of Achievement 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 July submissions to the newsletter editor by June 21, 2024.

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