August 2026 Newsletter

Message From Our President

There is a version of success that looks like effort. Longer hours. Harder work. More hustle.

And there is a version of success that looks like access. The introduction that opened a door. The room you were invited into. The person who said your name before anyone asked.

Both matter. But we do not talk enough about the second one.

Access is not a shortcut. It is not unearned. It is what happens when someone with a seat at the table decides to pull up another chair.

August Member Spotlight - Access

What has been the biggest barrier you've faced in accessing opportunities, funding or networks, and how did you overcome it?

My biggest barrier was limited reinvestment capacity. During my first five years, the business revenue had to support me personally, leaving little to invest in growth. I explored outside funding but realized it wasn't the right solution. Instead, I focused on networking, building relationships, and delivering exceptional service.

When I was ready to hire my first part-time employee, I found that my budget wasn't enough to attract reliable, long-term staff. At times, it felt like the business would never generate the revenue needed to achieve my vision.

Laura Inns

Managing Attorney

LBI Law, LLC

I spent years assuming the door was locked. It was not. I was knocking on the wrong one.

Creole Solutions specializes exclusively in Haitian Creole. That focus is our strength, and it is also what kept us out. Institutional contracts bundle many languages into a single award, so a one-language firm cannot bid. Large multilingual agencies win the contract, and companies like mine do the work behind them.

So I stopped going through procurement and went to the department that feels the problem.

Marleen Julien

Founder and Chief Creolist

Creole Solutions

The biggest barrier to accessing opportunities wasn't funding or connections, it was me.

Early on, I didn't believe I belonged as a business owner. I constantly questioned whether I was making the right decisions, undervalued my expertise, and hesitated to charge what my work was truly worth. Because my confidence was limited, I unintentionally limited my opportunities.

Everything changed when a client introduced me to NAWBO Chicago.

Melissa Lagowski

Founder/CEO/Queen Bee

Big Buzz Idea Group

One of the biggest barriers I faced, was building credibility and a strong professional network after leaving a career as a 911 dispatcher to launch Never Settle Travels. I wasn't entering the travel industry with decades of connections or an established client base. Instead, I had to earn one relationship at a time while learning an entirely new industry.

I overcame that challenge by showing up consistently.

Kendra Wander

President

Never Settle Travels

Summer Social Wraps Up On A High Note

What a wonderful evening at the NAWBO Chicago Summer Social! Set against the beautiful backdrop of the BMO Tower on a perfect summer evening, members and guests came together to celebrate community, connection and the power of women in business.

Thank you to everyone who joined us and helped make the evening such a memorable celebration of the NAWBO Chicago community!

Member, Carolyn Jahnke, Delivers BACP Program

Last month, Carolyn Jahnke of Athena Legal Solutions represented NAWBO Chicago with a presentation for the City of Chicago’s Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection (BACP). Carolyn shared valuable insights to help business owners strengthen their legal foundations, reduce risk, and make informed decisions as they grow.

Click here to view the webinar

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?

BMO Bank

Old National Bank

CIBC

Bank of America

Other (please specify)

Your response will remain confidential and will only be used in aggregate to better understand how our members support our sponsor community.

Tap Into Visibility Opportunities With NAWBO HQ Right Now

Premier Members are eligible for the following benefits:

Apply for virtual and in-person speaking opportunities with NAWBO HQ—fill out the application!
Apply to be a guest on the NAWBO on the Go podcast—fill out the application .
Submit an article to NAWBO ONE—email publications@nawbo.org.
Be a featured member on national social media—fill out the form.

Mark Your Calenders....We Are Bringing Connects Back!

We’re excited to bring back NAWBO Chicago’s Connects Series—a space for women business owners to build relationships, share ideas and strengthen their professional networks. Join us on the second Tuesday of every month from 8:30 – 10:00 am for engaging conversations, meaningful connections and the opportunity to grow alongside fellow entrepreneurs.

More details coming soon—we can’t wait to connect with you!

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.

NAWBO Chicago Newsletter Submissions

NAWBO Chicago newsletters are published monthly. Email September submissions to the newsletter editor by August 14, 2026.

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