Brave is… I don’t know about you, but fall is my favorite time of the year. I enjoy seeing the leaves changing colors, the weather becomes crisp, and I look forward to enjoying a hot cup of pumpkin latte or eating a pumpkin donut. If we compare our lives to the seasons, 2020 required that each of us also change amid the adversities, the daunting challenges, and for some, the success we had when we pivoted our business. Everything we once considered normal has been disrupted both at home and at work in today's current climate. The way we interact with individuals and society feels unusual and somewhat challenging.
Read MoreRebecca Fyffe, founder and CEO of Landmark Pest Management in Chicago, IL
Read MoreWhat’s Next? I recently spent the day in the city and saw people enjoying the weather, eating at restaurants, and spending time with family and friends. It wasn't a typical day where you would see the streets filled with people, and honestly, it just didn’t feel quite normal. I took comfort in seeing that there were signs of hope for the small businesses that had their doors opened, and I remain optimistic that these businesses will once again thrive.
Read MoreAs each woman embarks on her entrepreneurial journey her voice rings true to her aspirations of contributing to the success of our nation. Today, 12.3 million women-owned businesses generate $1.8 trillion a year guaranteeing our right to control our destiny following in the footsteps of our historical Women’s Suffrage movement.
Read MoreCHICAGO, July 1, 2020 -- The first Latina president of the National Association of Women Business Owners - Chicago Chapter has been preparing for her new role for decades. The oldest of six children growing up on Chicago’s south side Englewood neighborhood, Elizabeth Colón was an early advocate for women. Her parents immigrated to the United States from Puerto Rico. “Advocating for women began with me advocating for my mother. She did not speak English. I was the interpreter when we would go to the doctors, stores, the bank,” says Colón.
Read MoreThis week we will find out who the Democratic Vice-Presidential candidate will be. For the first time ever, historians and political analysts have commented that the “short list” is comprised of Latina, African American and Asian candidates. It’s taken 100 years to get to this potentially historic moment! It is imperative that we continue to find or make our seat at the table!
Read MoreThe 100th anniversary of the 19th amendment couldn't have come at a more purposeful time. While women business owners have always been natural leaders, I implore us to use our voices and actions more boldly and equitably, whether as the only woman in a boardroom or one of many women in a doctor's waiting room. We must collectively use our voices and actions to dismantle systemic racism within our spheres of influence, so women business owners from disenfranchised groups can have unbiased opportunities to succeed.
Read MoreRise up to celebrate and honor our legacy, NAWBO members! This moment in time is where the past meets the future and WE – stronger together – determine the course of history and the legacy of generations to come. 2020 marks the 100th anniversary of the passage of the 19th Amendment that guarantees and protects women's constitutional right to vote. This historic centennial offers an opportunity to commemorate a milestone of democracy and explore its relevance to the issues of equal rights today.
Read MoreWhat a crazy year it has been! We kicked off the first half of the year with an unprecedented virus pandemic that shuttered the economy, sickened thousands, and has kept us indoors for months on end. Just when it appeared that businesses were going to begin reopening, the riots and protesting over the death of George Floyd and Black Lives Matter created another undue burden to those companies affected in one way or another by the looting in or around their own neighborhoods.
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