This Event is SOLD OUT!

NAWBO SV Business Acceleration Summit

Connections & Capital Access for Wealth, Growth, and AI Innovation

Thursday, October 23rd | 5:00 PM – 7:30 PM

Location: Bank of America | 560 S Winchester Blvd., San Jose, CA

Download the digital program and moderator & panelist bios >

The NAWBO Silicon Valley Education Group invites you to an inspiring evening celebrating a landmark in women’s entrepreneurship, the passage of the Women’s Business Ownership Act of 1988 better known as HR 5050. This pivotal legislation forever changed the business landscape by eliminating discriminatory lending practices and establishing essential resources for women entrepreneurs across the nation.

That same year, NAWBO Silicon Valley was founded, carrying forward the mission of advocacy, empowerment, and opportunity for women business owners. As we honor this legacy, we are proud to welcome two founding members who will share their journey and reflect on decades of progress, leadership, and innovation.

The evening will feature a keynote speaker and three dynamic sessions designed to provide actionable insights and real-world strategies for business growth.

Our upcoming panel brings together a distinguished group of leaders and entrepreneurs who have made significant contributions across diverse industries. Each panelist offers unique expertise and perspective, ensuring a thoughtful discussion on the challenges, opportunities, and future of women in business.

Access to Capital & Connections: Learn how to secure funding, build strong banking relationships, leverage CDFIs, and use strategic connections to unlock new opportunities for growth.

Wealth Growth & Financial Strategies: Gain practical guidance on strengthening credit, understanding credit score importance, planning for long-term financial success, and building wealth with confidence.

AI Innovation in Action: Discover how AI tools can transform businesses by boosting profitability, improving efficiency, and driving sustainable growth.

And don’t miss a special highlight of the evening: the announcement of the Basic Membership Grant Winner, giving one deserving business owner the opportunity to join NAWBO Silicon Valley and access valuable resources, connections, and community support to help grow their business.

Together, we celebrate the trailblazers of the past, the leaders shaping the present, and the opportunities ahead for stronger connections, greater capital access, financial empowerment, and innovation in action.

Everyone’s welcome, but space is limited. Please be sure to register in advance as walk-ins can’t be accommodated.

AGENDA:
5:00 PM Guest Arrival & Welcome Reception
5:30 PM Opening Remarks
5:45 PM Keynote
6:00 PM Sessions Kick Off
7:30 PM Raffles, Closings Remarks & Networking
8:00 PM Event Concludes

Keynote Speaker:
Margaret Smith, NAWBO SV Founder

Access to Capital & Connections Panelists:
Moderator: Kayla M. Gonzalez, SVP, West Business Banking Merchant Region Executive, Bank of America
Panelist: Leonardo Hernandez, Community Development Officer, TMC Community Capital (CDFI)
Panelist: Margaret Smith, President-Founder, Domus Los Gatos
Panelist: Martha Hernandez, Co-Founder-CEO, ESO Ventures

Wealth Growth & Financial Strategies Panelists:
Moderator: Annelise Kettmann, Financial Advisor, Merrill Lynch Wealth Management
Panelist: Lisa Schader, Founder, Money Fit Moms
Panelist: Janice Chen, Leads Coach J Financial
Panelist: Xiomara Vielman, Owner-Founder, Clarity Financial Management
Panelist: Eleonora Tomasello, President-CEO, Corinthian Wealth Management

AI Innovation in Action Panelists:
Moderator: Gloria Maceiko, Founder-CEO, Silicon Valley Advantage
Panelist: Leslie Murdock, Founder-CEO, DeZigning Digital & Pause-On-Positive
Panelist: Otilia Barbuta, Principal, HP Tech Ventures
Panelist: Polina Tarnopolsky, Managing Partner-Head of Product Innovation & Strategy, 5D Global

Cost: $0