Corporate Partner Corner
Special benefits and offers from our corporate partners for NAWBO members.
President’s Message | March 2023
Dear NAWBO Silicon Valley Members & Friends,
March is dedicated to you, the woman you are and to the men who stand by you.
March is a month to celebrate the strength, resilience and courage of all women. March is a month to recognize the incredible accomplishments of women throughout history and to honor our mothers, sisters, daughters, friends and colleagues. March is a month to empower and support each other and to recognize the ongoing fight for gender equality. March is a month to be proud of who you are and to appreciate those around you. Let’s come together to celebrate all the amazing women in our lives.
Join us on March 29th for HERstory in the Making – A Free Virtual International Summit held via Zoom. NAWBO is bringing women business owners from the four corners of the globe together for HERstory in the Making during Women’s History Month with a panel, roundtable discussions and speed networking to explore how to be part of this important transition with global opportunities and impacts.
Save the Date April 21 at 11 a.m. PT/1 p.m. CT/2 p.m. ET NAWBO Certification Open Forum. NAWBO Institute Certification has been up and running for months now. It’s time to reconnect and share what’s happening and what’s still to come with this program that’s giving all women business owners access to WBE and MWBE certification as a tool to grow. Come prepared to listen and ask questions as you consider if certification is the right next step in your entrepreneurial journey!
It’s important to take a break from life’s hustle and bustle to appreciate the beauty around us. Enjoy the moment, appreciate the beauty of nature, and take a deep breath of the sweet scent of the roses. Life is full of moments that are worth savoring, and stopping to smell the roses can be an opportunity to pause and reflect on the beauty in life. Happy Spring.
“Some leaders are born women.” ― Geraldine Ferraro
#NAWBOSV #NAWBO
President’s Message | February 2023
Dear NAWBO Silicon Valley Members & Friends,
This Black History Month, let us celebrate the incredible women business owners who have achieved success in their respective fields. As we honor the countless women of color who have been trailblazers in business, let us use their example to inspire us to strive for greatness. Let us strive to create a more equitable and diverse business world that embraces the unique perspectives, skills, and talents of our communities. Together, we can make history and build a brighter future for generations to come.
Last week I attended the NAWBO Leadership Academy and left inspired. My take-aways:
- My vision – My story.
- Be intentional.
- Vulnerability leads to transformation.
- Ignite your vision by taking action.
- Share your vision.
- Imagine what is possible.
- Own the space that you are in.
- Never give up.
“We remember this and more so that we might imagine a day for the girl without such firsts, Where the wind opens the floodgate for the river of women behind her.” — Angela Gorman, American Poet and Activist
#NAWBOSV #NAWBO
President’s Message | January 2023
Dear NAWBO Silicon Valley Members & Friends,
As we start the new year, I would first like to recognize the Board of Directors who contributed to our success in 2022. Their leadership and commitment is immeasurable.
- Flor Harris, Chair, NAWBO Silicon Valley Education Group
- Maxine Goulding, Communications/Marketing Director
- Robin Fisher, Membership Director
- Lauren Mader, Programs Director
- Wendy Roberts, Treasurer
- Eleonora Tomasello, Corporate Partner Director
- Lorena Camargo, Secretary
- Marina Gatto and Kim Ng, Public Policy Directors
With the continuous support of our corporate partners, we are dedicated to creating a robust calendar of educational, motivational, and informative events and content in 2023.
Our first event is a book launch by Toni Julian “Sacred Eating” on January 31st. Let’s support our NAWBO sister, please join me and be sure to register.
It is an honor and privilege to continue to serve as the Board President. A special acknowledgement for our back office team Amanda Holliday, Communications Committee and Chapter Administrator team at Project Pros.
Our hearts go out to all who have been impacted by the recent storms. Be safe and see you soon!
“True leadership stems from individuality that is honestly and sometimes imperfectly expressed… Leaders should strive for authenticity over perfection.” — Sheryl Sandberg
Wishing you health, happiness and success, Happy Lunar New Year.
#NAWBOSV #NAWBO
President’s Message | October 2022
Dear NAWBO Silicon Valley Members & Friends,
Fall is in the air, my most favorite season in the year.
Thank you to our sponsors and all who attended our Crystal Chair Awards Gala. It was a special night with heartfelt recognitions.
Congratulations to our awardees:
- Maxine Goulding, California Special Occasions – Lifetime Achievement
- Toni Julian, Soul Potential Institute – Businesswoman of Distinction
- Flor Harris, Benefits Simplified – Woman Business Advocate of the Year
Our community outreach continues to expand we are thrilled to welcome our new affiliate partner, The National Black Entrepreneurs Project. Read more about their mission later in this newsletter.
NEWS FLASH…
Lorena Camargo, Board Secretary and member is the recipient of the NAWBO Rising Star Award which honors a woman business owner that, through creativity and innovation, is building sustainable growth in her economic and social ecosystem and utilizes her growing platform as a social entrepreneur to propel her generation and future women business owners, regardless of their age or social standing. Congratulations, Lorena… you rock!Enjoy the remaining warm weather and be sure to join us at our upcoming events.
“Define success in your own terms, achieve it by your own rules, and build a life you’re proud to live.” — Anne Sweeney, Co-Chair of Disney Media Networks
#NAWBOSV #NAWBO
President’s Message | November 2022
Dear NAWBO Silicon Valley Members & Friends,
Every year Bank of America issues a report on the National Business & Economic Outlook and in the recent 2022 Women & Minority Business Owner Spotlight, small business owners have a positive outlook for their business, as revenue expectations continue to rise and expansion plans have sharply increased.
- Despite the threat of inflation, supply chain and labor shortages, economic confidence has brightened since the spring, with confidence in the national economy increasing significantly.
- Inflation and commodities prices remain the top two concerns for business owners, but concern has decreased since the spring. Ripple effects from inflation have increased concerns around interest rates, consumer spending and credit availability. As the threat of a potential recession looms, business owners are confident in their ability to weather economic challenges.
- Women business owners have a positive overall business outlook, with most expecting revenue growth over the next 12 months and a majority feeling equipped to weather a downturn. At the same time, confidence levels around their business and their broader economic outlook are more tempered than their male peers.
To our sponsors and community partners, thank you for your continued support.
To our members, we strive to create powerful content with our quarterly education series and monthly networking events just for you. We are thankful for you.
To my Board of Directors and our behind-the-scenes gurus who work tirelessly to ensure NAWBO Silicon Valley preservers, my heartfelt appreciation for your dedication. In alphabetical order:
Amanda Holliday
Eleonora Tomasello
Flor Harris
Kim Ng
Lauren Mader
Lorena Camara
Maxine Goulding
Project Pros – Lauri, Katie & team
Robin Fisher
Wendy Roberts
“As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words but to live by them.” –– John F. Kennedy
Happy Thanksgiving to all.
#NAWBOSV #NAWBO
President’s Message | August 2022
Schools are back in session and our support of the Next Generation continues to expand with members and corporate partners embracing the opportunity to participate and cooperate with our wonderful affiliate organizations.
The StartUp Squad, a brand and book series that promotes the belief that entrepreneurship can empower young girls to develop important life skills, follow their passions, and reach their potential.
California DECA, prepares emerging leaders and entrepreneurs in marketing, finance, hospitality, and management in high schools and colleges around the globe. DECA’s industry-validated competitive events evaluate students in both a written component and an interactive component with an industry professional serving as a judge and directly contributing to every student being college and career ready when they graduate from high school. Sign Up to Judge this January 2023.
WorldWideWomen, the global directory of resources for women, and host of the Girls Festival, an annual (pre-pandemic) event for thousands of girls and families in the San Francisco Bay Area.
NAWBO is hosting Motivating and Educating Next Generation of WBOs, a two-day virtual forum on October 25-26, 2022. Designed to develop curiosity, confidence and mindset in young entrepreneurial women who are college or post-college age or high school age with an established business.
Be a part of a young entrepreneur’s journey by sponsoring a NAWBO NextGen Annual Membership. Contact us for more details; info@nawbo-sv.org
“The Entrepreneur always searches for change, responds to it and exploits it as an opportunity” ― Peter F. Drucker
#NAWBOSV #NAWBO
President’s Message | June 2022
- The NAWBO Silicon Valley – Education Group, our 501 (c)(3) non-profit created a quarterly education series.
- The program is a quarterly webinar/seminar for all women business owners, members, and non-members. Why do we do this?
– to empower and educate diverse women to achieve self-sufficiency and independence
– to encourage, support, and educate women who own and operate businesses - The NAWBO Silicon Valley Chapter, a 501(c)6) non-profit created monthly fun and interactive experiences both in-person and virtually.
- Project Pros was hired for administrative services and to provide support to the Board in their individual roles.
- We invested in technology to properly archive documents, simplify internal processes, and broadcast meetings virtually.
- Public Policy page was added to the website to keep an eye on key legislation impacting women business owners.
- We continue to build community partnerships through Affiliations with other organizations and companies to provide added benefits to our members.
- We continue to honor and celebrate women business owners through our signature event – Save the date for our 5thAnnual Crystal Chair Award Gala at the beautiful Triton Museum and Garden scheduled in September.
I’m honored and privileged to have led NAWBO Silicon Valley these past two years through a pandemic and into a robust economy. As I enter my third year as President, I remain committed to work with the new Board of Directors and navigate the chapter through the current economy shift.
I would like to acknowledge my amazing Board of Directors for their commitment and dedication; thank you from the bottom of my heart Maxine Goulding, Lauren Mader, Flor Harris, Wendy Roberts Robin Fisher, and Marina Gatto.
“One never notices what has been done; one can only see what remains to be done.” ― Marie Curie, physicist and chemist, and two-time (1903 and 1911) Nobel Prize winner
#NAWBOSV #NAWBO
President’s Message | May 2022
“Women seeking to start their own businesses still struggle to access the capital they need. Not only do many entrepreneurs lack access to networks of equity investors and venture capital, but they also receive less than 6 percent of bank loans—even though 43 percent of SMEs are led by women. What steps are financial institutions taking to support women entrepreneurs? Are there new strategies yet to be explored, and what policies may be needed to support them?”
Last week, The Milken Institute held their 25th annual Global Conference centered on the theme of Celebrating the Power of Connection, “Throughout the past two years, the pandemic transformed the way we convene, collaborate, and connect—sparking both innovation for what’s next and gratitude for what once was.”
Take a moment and hear firsthand from the fantastic panel on the strategic focus for women owned businesses, Funding Women Entrepreneurs.
Until next time…
“Your value will be not what you know; it will be what you share.” ― Ginni Rometty
From your NAWBO Silicon Valley Board,
Griselda, Maxine, Flor, Wendy, Marina, Robin, and Lauren
#NAWBOSV #NAWBO
President’s Message | April 2022
Spring has arrived and we are delighted to resume our in-person events. Our Membership Drive Mixer last month was buzzing, and we welcomed 5new members.
I am a firm believer in enriching your mind and soul by meeting new people. I would like to thank my new friends Maggie, Savita, and Hung of Rotary 5170 for the invitation to attend their inaugural International Women’s Day event. I had a wonderful time connecting with many amazing women and learning of the remarkable services Rotary 5170 is doing locally and globally.
A big shout out to my friend Anne Freedman for her summary of NAWBO’s HERstory in the Making-Virtual International Summit with participants from 10 different countries. “Who Knew? Recycled Bras and Tequila Bottles = Ways to Save the Planet and Make $$ for Women Business Owners” Recycled bras going to 130 nonprofits worldwide, tequila bottles from Mexico for “to-go” cocktails, Moroccan skincare products, and innovative waste containers all are part of the global environment-conscious “circular economy”– and women business owners are leading the production and sales of these remarkable products and trends.” See here for resources to take your business global.
Let’s celebrate this Earth Day by taking a moment for ourselves and enjoy our beautiful Bay Area trails, parks, lakes, and ocean.
Until the next time…
“The Earth is what we all have in common.” – Wendell Berry
From your NAWBO Silicon Valley Board,
Griselda, Maxine, Flor, Wendy, Marina, Robin, and Lauren
#NAWBOSV #NAWBO
President’s Message | March 2022
March is Woman’s History Month, we reflect on the achievements of women who paved the way for others like the United States Mint in their launch of the new American Women Quarters Program, a new four-year coin program honoring the historic contributions of twenty trailblazing American women.
Beginning in 2022 and continuing through 2025, the series will feature five notable female pioneers per year from a variety of fields including women’s suffrage, civil rights, abolition, government, humanities, science, and the arts. The groundbreaking program is an excellent way to remind future generations what can be accomplished with vision, determination, and a desire to improve opportunities for all.
This year, the women honored are Maya Angelou, a writer and activist; Wilma Mankiller, an activist and first woman elected as principal chief of the Cherokee Nation; Sally ride, a physicist and our country’s first woman astronaut; Anna May Wong, the first Chinese American film star in Hollywood; and Nina Otero-Warren, a suffragist, the first woman superintend of Santa Fe, New Mexico public schools, and in 1992 the first Latina to run for Congress.
The celebration continues with a NAWBO virtual global conversation HERstory in the Making “Minimizing, Maximizing, Rethinking: Women Entrepreneurs Drive a Circular, Sustainable Approach”. Join us and our international sisters on March 30th, 2022, and hear about exporting your services OUT of the U.S. – “The How and Why”.
Let’s celebrate together at our upcoming mixer at Mezcal Restaurant on March 15th, register below (see NAWBO Silicon Valley Events below).
“Well-behaved women rarely make history.” – Eleanor Roosevelt
From your NAWBO Silicon Valley Board,
Griselda, Maxine, Flor, Wendy, Marina, Robin, and Lauren
#NAWBOSV #NAWBO #NAWBONation
Spring Membership Drive 2022
There are so many reasons why women business owners would want to join our NAWBO community of women business owners and supporters and there’s never been a better time— as we kick off our Spring 2022 Membership Drive, which runs March 1-April 30.
Are you thinking about joining or know someone interested in NAWBO? Invite then to one of our webinars where they can learn about the benefits of belonging and how to navigate the NAWBO member experience.
These webinars will be hosted by Deborah Snyder, VP of Membership and Community Outreach.
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WHY NAWBO? Webinars
Tuesday, March 8 at 10 a.m. PT/12 p.m. CT/1 p.m. ET
Register in advance for this meeting here.
Tuesday, March 22 at 10 a.m. PT/12 p.m. CT/1 p.m. ET
Register in advance for this meeting here.
Tuesday, April 5 at 10 a.m. PT/12 p.m. CT/1 p.m. ET
Register in advance for this meeting here.
Tuesday, Apri1 19 at 10 a.m. PT/12 p.m. CT/1 p.m. ET
Register in advance for this meeting here.
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Member Orientation Webinars
Thursday, March 31 at 10 a.m. PT/12 p.m. CT/1 p.m. ET
Register in advance for this meeting here.
President’s Message | February 2022
We are working hard behind the scenes with a lineup of in-person meetings starting in March. Stay tuned!
- NAWBO is a 100% investment in you – best business decision you can make in yourself
- Members say 50% or more of their revenue comes from NAWBO members
- Access to “member only” benefits for you, employees and family members
- Opportunity to give back and pave the way for future business owners
- Join your voice with over 10million women business owners
Griselda, Maxine, Flor, Wendy, Marina, Robin, and Lauren
#NAWBOSV #NAWBO #NAWBONation
President’s Message | January 2022
Dear NAWBO Silicon Valley Members & Friends,
Our lives and how we view the world have been forever altered these past two years, but we continue to persevere and approach challenges head on by creating opportunities for growth.
2022 is the Year of the Tiger and by implementing its meaning to our daily lives we too are courageous, enthusiastic, generous, self-confident with a sense of justice, and with a commitment to help others for the greater good.
And to set you on the right path for financial growth, we have two educational programs starting in February with our next in-person event in the spring.
Not a member yet? Here are the Top 5 reasons to join NAWBO:
- NAWBO is a 100% investment in you – best business decision you can make in yourself
- Members say 50% or more of their revenue comes from NAWBO members
- Access to “member only” benefits for you, employees and family members
- Opportunity to give back and pave the way for future business owners
- Join your voice with over 10million women business owners
Together we make a difference!
“Any person who contributes to prosperity must prosper in turn.” – Earl Nightingale
Griselda, Maxine, Flor, Wendy, Marina, Robin, and Lauren
#NAWBOSV #NAWBO #NAWBONation
President’s Message | December 2021
Did you know? NAWBO Silicon Valley and NAWBO not only have local and national events, but we also have international as well. Peek at our international affiliates and their in-person events here.
Have a suggestion for a program? Let us know by contacting us today.
NAWBO Silicon Valley is a volunteer organization dedicated to meeting the needs of our members, affiliates, and corporate partners. Together we make a difference.Be a part of the conversation and join our leadership team or consider a committee member position and remember, we have YOUR seat at the table.
“Dear optimist, pessimist, and realist – while you guys were busy arguing about the glass of wine, I drank it! Sincerely, opportunist!” – Lori Greiner
Happy Holidays from the Team.
Cheers and see you in 2022!
Griselda, Maxine, Flor, Wendy, Marina, Robin, and Lauren
#NAWBOSV #NAWBO #NAWBONation
President’s Message | November 2021
National Gratitude Month in November encourages us to embrace the power of gratitude. Research has shown that gratitude can enhance our moods, decrease stress, and drastically improve our overall level of health and well being.
This month we give thanks to our corporate partners for their continued support throughout the year, and to our members for their dedication and participation with NAWBO Silicon Valley.
Personally, I am grateful for my health and for the dynamic board of directors who work beside me to develop new opportunities to grow the chapter and enhance years of hard work by past Chapter Presidents. Thank you, Maxine, Flor, Marina, Robin, Lauren and Wendy. I could not continue my second term without you.
Also, a special recognition for our NAWBO cheerleaders who work behind the scenes, thank you Amanda, Verenice and Kaity.
The giving continues with available funding for your business. See below for available grants.
Did you know? NAWBO Silicon Valley and NAWBO not only have local and national events, but we also have international as well. Peek at our international affiliates and their in-person events here.
Have a suggestion for a program? Let us know by contacting us today.
NAWBO Silicon Valley is a volunteer organization dedicated to meeting the needs of our members, affiliates, and corporate partners. Together we make a difference.
Be a part of the conversation and join our leadership team or consider a committee member position and remember, we have YOUR seat at the table.
“So, let’s do our part and become something that others can be grateful for.” -Unknown
We’ll see you soon!
From your team Griselda, Wendy, Lauren, Marina, Robin, Maxine, Flor, Amanda and Kaity.
#NAWBOSV #NAWBO #NAWBONation
President’s Message | October 2021
Dear NAWBO Silicon Valley Members & Friends,
FALL is here, my most favorite time of the year. Enjoy the last bit of warm weather, relish our golden hills of California, and the many vineyards embellished with vibrant colors.
Last month we had our inaugural Revitalize “Business Time Out” in Santa Cruz. It was fun and refreshing and we enjoyed a casual lunch on the beach and a relaxing stroll through the Redwoods. Thank you, Robin Fisher and Megan Herrity for coordinating and hosting. It truly was a marvelous day.
This month we celebrate National Women’s Small Business Month. Listed below are some interesting statistics in the recent Bank of America 2021 Small Business Owner Report conducted by Ipsos Public Affairs.
The online survey between March 11th and May 1st, 2021 included a national sample of 995 small business owners in the United States with annual revenue between $100,000 and $4,999,999 and employing between two and 99 employees, as well as 300 interviews of Hispanic small business owners, 300 interviews of Black small business owners and 100 interviews of Asian American small business owners.
Women small business owners were asked about the impact of the pandemic, their goals and priorities, and the effect of the community on their business. Despite challenges of the past year, women business owners predict economic growth and a strong business outlook for the year ahead. Most women business owners expect their revenue to increase over the next year and are optimistic for the future of their business.
- 61% in 2021 expect revenue to increase vs. 31% in 2020
- 57% in 2021 believe their local economy will improve vs. 32% in 2020
- 50% in 2021 believe the national economy will improve vs. 28% in 2020
- 20% in 2021 plan to hire vs. 11% in 2020
- 50% of women entrepreneurs have changed, or plan to change, their approach to employee wellness and benefits as a result of the pandemic
- 48% of women entrepreneurs cut their own pay to keep employees on staff, amid the pandemic
The Power of Community Support reflects almost half (46%) of women entrepreneurs have volunteered to help their local communities throughout the pandemic. In light of the social justice movement, 29% of women business owners are looking to partner with more minority- and women-owned vendors.
Let us all do our part and support each other and other women’s businesses.
Did you know? NAWBO Silicon Valley and NAWBO not only have local and national events, but we also have international as well. Peek at our international affiliates and their in-person events here.
Have a suggestion for a program? Let us know by contacting us today at info@nawbo-sv.org.
Be a part of the conversation and join our leadership team or consider a committee member position and remember, we have YOUR seat at the table.
NAWBO Silicon Valley is a volunteer organization dedicated to meeting the needs of our members, affiliates, and corporate partners. Together we make a difference.
“I attribute my success to this: I never gave or took an excuse.” … Florence Nightingale
From your team Griselda, Wendy, Lauren, Marina, Robin, Maxine, Flor, Amanda and Kaity.
#NAWBOSV #NAWBO #NAWBONation