We started our fiscal year with a vision to renew, refresh and reinvigorate our chapter. Due to our hard work and efforts, we did it! We put forth some fantastic events such as the “Fashion Disruptors” and “Women in Sports: Changing the Game”, collaborating with inspiring entrepreneurs such as Taylor Jay, Dr. Joan Oloff and Toni Julian, along with U.S. Olympic celebrities, Kristi Yamaguchi and Brandi Chastain.

Because of COVID-19, we reimagined a new way of delivering our events by pivoting to Zoom meetings. On the first Thursday of the month we successfully transitioned to Thirsty Thursdays, so we could hang out to connect, engage and refer business, of course! We touched on topics like “What is leadership during a crisis?”

On the third Tuesday of the month we have a virtual webinar platform; educating and providing resources. We have learned from the best in their industry: Roberta Kiphuth of Detati Digital Marketing. Jill Wesley of Science + Soul of Speaking, Angelo Cabral of John Hancock Retirement Services and Tina White of Franklin Templeton.

  1. As 2019 – 2020 fiscal year comes to a close, we’re proud of our chapter’s accomplishments:
  2. NAWBO National 5 Star Advocacy Award
  3. NAWBO National Leadership Development Workshops at Albuquerque, New Mexico
  4. NAWBO National Women’s Business Conference at Jacksonville, Florida
  5. FCEM 67th Women World Congress in Lima, Peru
  6. Member & Corporate Sponsored Workshops & Presentations Onsite & Virtual
  7. Empowered & Educational Topics, Speakers & Panelists Onsite & Virtual
  8. Special Events:
    Cinnabar Hills Golf Club, Perkins Coie, LLP,  San Jose Sharks, University Club of Palo Alto with Peninsula Symphony
  9. NAWBO Honorees for Women of Influence: Kimberly Tucker of All Reasons Moving
    Flordelisa Harris of Benefits Simplified Insurance Solutions
  10. NAWBO CA Support of ACA 5: Economic & Fair Opportunity

We could not advance our mission and goals without the support of our corporate partners: Bank of America, Detati Digital Marketing, Heritage Bank, Hood & Strong, Farmers Insurance, and Silicon Valley Business Journal. We are deeply appreciative of their belief in NAWBO-SV!

It is with mixed emotions that this is my final president’s message, as I end my two-term as president for our chapter. With this opportunity to become a servant leader, I’ve become a better person and I sincerely want to thank you for taking this journey with me.

Griselda Quezada-Chavez will assume the presidency role, and we could not be luckier! Griselda is a longtime NAWBO member and earned the prestigious NAWBO National Susan Hager Legacy Award (https://www.nawbo-sv.org/congratulations-griselda-quezada-chavez/ ).

Please welcome Griselda and the in-coming Board of Directors (2020-2021) at our NAWBO Silicon Valley Special event on Tuesday, July 21st-
In principle and in practice, NAWBO values and seeks a diverse and inclusive membership as stated in our Diversity clause .

Please stay healthy, safe, and hopeful, as we navigate the ongoing pandemic and current cultural tensions!

Warmest regards,
Flordelisa Harris