Happy New Year, NAWBO Silicon Valley community,The Year of the Fire HorseAs we step into 2026, we enter the Year of the Fire Horse—a symbol of unstoppable energy, passion, independence, and bold, transformative change. This is a year marked by ambition and momentum, and I am genuinely excited for what lies ahead for each of you and for our collective community at NAWBO Silicon Valley.The Courage to Power ThroughThe start [...]
Six ways to keep your customers’ happiness as your core strategyIn today’s competitive landscape, customer satisfaction isn’t just a goal — it’s a strategic imperative. Businesses that consistently delight their customers do so not by accident, but by embedding operational excellence into their core strategy. At NorthStar Strategic Partners, we strongly advocate that chaotic operations can significantly erode a company’s profitability and customer trust. Our 4 Points of Focus® framework [...]
Stage 1 — Ordinary World This article introduces The Entrepreneur’s Hero’s Journey, a year-long reflective writing series exploring entrepreneurship through a depth psychology and clinical lens. Rather than focusing on strategy or growth metrics, the series centers on the inner psychological journey of building a business. Stage 1 explores the beginning—when the desire to start a business emerges not from certainty, but from restlessness, tension, or a quiet sense that [...]
Dear NAWBO Silicon Valley Members & Friends,Reflect. Refresh. Renew. Closing the Year with Intention December offers a meaningful pause—a time to reflect on our progress, refresh our energy, and renew our vision for the year ahead. As we close out the year, NAWBO Silicon Valley celebrates a season defined by partnership, community, and forward momentum.Time for Reflection & Renewal We hope this season allows you time with family, loved ones, [...]
Dear NAWBO Sisters and Community Leaders, We are off and running this season with incredible momentum and great news! Our members continue to make strides in their businesses—reaching milestones they once only imagined. It’s inspiring to see how women across our chapter are leading with courage, creativity, and community. Member Milestones Worth Celebrating Dr. Mary Mardkhe – Nominated for a Stevie Award for her groundbreaking work as a chemist turned [...]
From Student to Social Entrepreneur: Laura Elena Salgado Perez (BSBA, 2021) “Education has no age limit—and with effort and passion, dreams can become reality.” That belief guided Laura Elena Salgado Perez, a 2021 graduate of CSUMB’s College of Business, on a remarkable journey from the heart of Baja California, Mexico, to becoming the CEO and founder of KAFENS Café de Olla—a socially conscious coffee brand making a difference in [...]
Dear NAWBO Sisters and Community Leaders, We are off and running this season with incredible momentum and great news! Our members continue to make strides in their businesses—reaching milestones they once only imagined. It’s inspiring to see how women across our chapter are leading with courage, creativity, and community. Member Milestones Worth Celebrating Dr. Mary Mardkhe – Nominated for a Stevie Award for her groundbreaking work as a chemist turned [...]
Why It Hurts Team Building and MoraleA thriving company culture isn’t built on perfection but on progress, adaptability, trust, and intentional team building. When leadership sets impossible standards for team building, employees don’t rise to the challenge; they retreat, fearing failure and avoiding innovation. Pursuing perfection stifles creativity, discourages risk-taking, and ultimately erodes morale.At NorthStar Strategic Partners, we believe that a strong company culture encourages excellence, but realistic expectations are [...]
Hello NAWBO Community,This year, our focus is clear: listening to you, acting on your feedback, and creating spaces where women in business can thrive together. The 2024–2025 Member Survey gave us valuable insight into what you need most—mentorship, meaningful networking, and practical resources that fuel growth. We hear you, and we’re building with intention.We also want to be real with each other: this has been a difficult year for many [...]
The courier industry is facing new challenges as UPS and FedEx implement higher fees and adjust to recent U.S.–Canada tariff changes. UPS has added a 2% fee for credit card payments and $25 fees for check or wire transfers, while promoting ACH payments as a no-fee alternative. Late fees have risen to 9.9%, and new fuel surcharges apply to services like address corrections and declared value. Tariffs are also impacting [...]