Corporate Partner Corner
Special benefits and offers from our corporate partners for NAWBO members.
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
President’s Message | September 2021
Welcome back… we hope you had a wonderful summer.
In August we kickstarted our hybrid programming and are happy to share our first in-person mixer was a success! There was plenty of networking and many happy raffle-prize winners.
Our upcoming events are sure to impress, and we look forward to seeing you.
- September 21 a virtual Estate Planning Essentials meeting.
- September 22 our new Revitalize meetup with lunch at the beach or a Redwood hike on ASkyline-to-the-Sea Trail.
- October 7 is our inaugural Pop-Up event where we take NAWBO to you, hosted by Gioia Company
We are proud to announce our new Chapter Executive Kaity Van Amersfort. Kaity is a seasoned NAWBO advocate and will be managing our back-end processes. Welcome Kaity!!
NAWBO Silicon Valley is dedicated to meeting the needs of our members and corporate partners and is continuously reinventing. We would love to hear your suggestions about topics that are of interest to you as we build our events for the next year.
Together we can 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.
“We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.”
–Winston Churchill
From your team Griselda, Megan, Marina, Robin, Maxine, Flor, Wendy, and Lauren.
#NAWBOSV #NAWBO #NAWBONation
ALOM Named to 2021 Top Workplaces for 8th Year by Bay Area News Group
Global supply chain leader recognized for commitment to corporate social responsibility
ALOM, a global leader in supply chain management, has been selected for the eighth consecutive year as one of The Bay Area News Group’s Top 100 Workplaces. The honor, based solely on employee feedback gathered through a third-party researcher, recognizes the company’s commitment to staff safety, job security and flexibility throughout the pandemic. The company was also rated very highly by staff for its demonstrated engagement in environmental sustainability and corporate social responsibility initiatives including diversity and community philanthropy.
The anonymous survey, conducted by Energage, LLC, measured 15 culture drivers that are critical to the success of any organization: including alignment, execution, and connection.
“ALOM is enormously proud of our employees. Their dedication and commitment over the past 18 months elevated our company by expertly delivering essential supply chain programs and supporting community-based organizations committed to ending hunger and homelessness. Today, I believe ALOM is at its strongest position in our company history as being the leading employer of choice I always envisioned we would be,” said ALOM president and CEO Hannah Kain, who founded the company nearly 25 years ago that today delivers comprehensive, technology-driven supply chain solutions for Fortune 500s including medical solution providers, automakers, tech companies, life science leaders and consumer brands. “Companies experience a talent crisis, and it is a significant competitive advantage, being able to attract and retain top-notch employees. It is also more gratifying to lead a company where employees enjoy their work and the work environment,” she added.
The average staff tenure at ALOM exceeds seven years….
Business Sale Blunders
Submitted by Wendy Roberts, CFO & CVO
NorthStar Strategic Partners, Inc.
Have you ever gone through the process of selling your own car? If you have, then you know you must get your ducks in a row before you sell. There are many questions you will consider before advertising the sale of the vehicle. For instance: Does it run properly? Is it the clean, well-oiled machine that you are ready to advertise to potential buyers? Will someone help me sell my car? How do I value it? Do I have all the proper documents to provide to the new owner? This list of questions can keep going, and though it might not take a person too long to answer these when selling a car, a great many of these questions need to be considered when you decide to sell your own business.
Like with selling a car, many costly mistakes can be made when deciding how you will go about selling your business. But here at NorthStar Strategic Partners, we have a great deal of experience assisting business owners in readying themselves and their businesses to sell. Because of this, we would like to offer a few helpful tips to our NorthStar family and friends.
1) Mistakenly believing your business will sell overnight. One key thing to remember…
President’s Message | August 2021
Thank you to all who joined and supported our recent 4th Annual Crystal Chair Awards held virtually. It was a spectacular night of appreciation, admiration, and sisterhood as we honored three amazing women in our community:
- Mimi Hernandez of Prosperity Lab, as Woman Business Advocate of the Year
- Robin Fisher of Bright Bird Creative, as our Businesswoman of Distinction
- Celeste Ford of Stellar Solutions, as our Crystal Chair – Lifetime Achievement Award
As President of NAWBO Silicon Valley I would like to introduce you to our new Board of Directors for fiscal year 2021-2022. I’m truly humbled and privileged to be working alongside a dynamic group of women, who have already hit the ground running.
Meet our team:
Robin Fisher, Marina Gatto, Maxine Goulding, Megan Herrity, Lauren Mader, Wendy Roberts, and our Past President, Flor Harris.
This year we will introduce our hybrid program of events that will be alternating between virtual meetings, mixers and the new Pop-Up events. Our first in-person mixer Let’s Get Back Together, so join us on August 17th for a night of reconnecting and great conversations. The event will be held at the beautiful Silicon Valley Capital Club. See below to register. We would love to see you after all this time.
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. Together we can make a difference. To learn more email info@nawbo-sv.org.
“Innovation is the ability to see change as an opportunity – not a threat” – Steve Jobs
From your team Griselda, Megan, Marina, Robin, Maxine, Flor, Wendy, and Lauren..
#NAWBOSV #NAWBO #NAWBONation
President’s Message | June 2021
Dear NAWBO Silicon Valley Members & Friends,
We continue to work hard behind the scenes by adapting and innovating ways to ensure the success of our chapter and our business members. This coming year we are transitioning to a hybrid program and will introduce the NAWBO Silicon Valley Pop-Up. We are bringing NAWBO to you! Stay tuned for details.
Our Public Policy committee has streamlined the latest Bills of interest from the 2021–2022 California Legislative Session plus other bills NAWBO is tracking.
Follow our social media channels and visit “Legislation to Keep an Eye On” on our website.
- Business Regulation & Economic Development
- Financial Services & Banking
- Government Regulations & Contracts
- Labor & Employment
- Privacy / Consumer Protection
- Taxation
Much more…
Details found here: https://www.nawbo-sv.org/public-policy/
The virtual Crystal Chair Award Gala is just around the corner and we hope to see you on July 20th as we acknowledge extraordinary women in our community who have made a commitment to dedicate themselves not only to their businesses, but to the success of other women business owners by awarding the Businesswoman of Distinction and the Woman Business Advocate of the Year.
Register here: https://www.nawbo-sv.org/events/
Together we can make a difference. Be a part of the conversation and join the NAWBO Silicon Valley leadership team or consider a committee member position. Contact us for details: info@nawbo-sv.org
Your opinion matters! We want to hear from you on topics that are of interest as we continue to build our calendar of events for 2021-2022. If you have ideas, thoughts or concerns, contact us at info@nawbo-sv.org.
“Innovation is the ability to see change as an opportunity – not a threat” – Steve Jobs
From your team Griselda, Randi, Marina, Robin, Maxine, Flor, and Megan.
#NAWBOSV #NAWBO #NAWBONation
Fraught with Fraud
Submitted by Wendy Roberts, NorthStar Strategic Partners, Inc.
https://northstar-sp.com/
Suspicious of an email you received asking for private business information?
Alarmed when someone calls you claiming to be your local bank, but you are unsure?
Receive a pop up claiming your computer has been hacked?
All of these are questions that you should think about as a business owner before you provide any confidential information to a third party. Now is especially the time to be wary, as scams are on the rise. Of late, here at NorthStar, we have been receiving calls from a fair number of clients experiencing fraud attempts or scamming games. One such instance is fresh in my mind as it occurred just this week.
President’s Message | May 2021
Dear NAWBO Silicon Valley Members & Friends,
We are thrilled to see our beloved Bay Area continue to build and grow our economy past COVID. Our chapter remains committed to our members, corporate partners, affiliates and the women business community at large.
There are extraordinary women in our community who have made a commitment to dedicate themselves not only to their businesses, but to the success of other women business owners. This is their time to be acknowledged. Please consider submitting your nomination for the Businesswoman of Distinction Award (must be NAWBO SV Member in good standing) and the Woman Business Advocate of the Year Award (can be a NAWBO SV Member or any woman business owner).
Recently I attended the Global Coffee Date hosted by The Female Factor on behalf of NAWBO National. There were 100 women from different countries that came together to share the impact of COVID in their organizations and highlight what they are doing to persevere. The goal of the meeting was to unite, collaborate and support one another and the organizations we support. After the 2-hour event which started at 4:25am Pacific – 1:25 CET I felt empowered, motivated, and ever so committed to this wonderful organization that I humbly represent.
Join me and let us make a difference together. Our elections are just around the corner and I would truly enjoy serving with you in the wonderful NAWBO Silicon Valley leadership or as a committee member. Please consider being a part of the conversation and solution for you, for other women and the generation that follows. You can find more information here: nawbo-sv.org/volunteer-opportunities/
Your opinion matters! We want to hear from you on the different topics that are of interest to you as we continue to build our calendar of events for 2021. Contact us: info@nawbo-sv.org
“Nothing liberates our greatness like the desire to help, the desire to serve.” — Marianne Williamson.
From your team Griselda, Maxine, Flor, Megan, Randi, Marina and Robin.
#NAWBOSV #NAWBO #NAWBONation