2022 Advocacy Days | NAWBO

2022 Advocacy Days

 

This year’s Advocacy Days will focus on 4 core policy areas. You can learn more about these policy areas by visiting the Advocacy Days Policy Agenda page

  1. Addressing the Needs of the "Microbusiness" and Encouraging Emerging Entrepreneurs
  2. Hiring Squeeze
  3. Implementation of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Act: Broadband Expansion
  4. Accessing Capital through Increased Financial Literacy Education

registration fees

Note, there is not a fee for Presidents Onboarding Summit, however that event on June 6 is separate from Advocacy Days.

  • member

    $200

    non-member

    $250

 

 

Register Now

The Westin Washington D.C. City Center

1400 M Street NW
Washington, D.C. 20005
Phone: +1 202 429 1700
Room Rate: $239.00/night + tax
Room block ends on May 13, 2022 or when room block is full.

Book Now

 

Get Ready to Advocate With These Two Training Sessions!

Training Session #1: Advocacy 102

Who? If you’ve met with your elected officials or have started building a relationship with their staff and are looking to expand and grow those relationships, then this session is for you.

When? May 17, 2022 @ 12:00 pm ET

What to Expect: All advocates reach a point where they are ready to build on their relationships with policy makers, whether that is to ladder up to something bigger (being called on to testify before a committee, advocating for a specific legislative outcome) or to simply have a stronger connection with staff. In this session we will focus on best practices for writing targeted, goal oriented op-eds/blogs, writing or leading on letters of support (for legislation/nominees, etc), developing advocacy oriented social media strategies, identifying the ‘local sphere of influence at the state level, etiquette for keeping in touch with Congressional staff and more.

While this session will be virtual, that doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t be prepared to interact with your fellow advocates! This session will incorporate a role playing exercise for participants to practice sharing their business story, discuss policies and brainstorm questions in preparation for 1:1 meetings with Congressional staff during Advocacy Day. Following that exercise, we will come back together as a group to discuss the exercise.

REGISTER HERE »

 

 

Training Session #2: Advocacy 101

Who?  If you’re new to advocacy and are hoping to learn more about how to identify policy issues to bring to your elected officials, how to speak with your elected officials and their staff and how to begin building a relationship with them, then this session is for you.

When? May 24, 2022

What to Expect: Everyone needs a starting point. In this session we will cover items in the NAWBO Advocacy Day Policy Agenda, best practices for outreach to Congressional offices, tips for what to say and how to share your business story during your meetings, and guidance for post-meeting follow up.

While this session will be virtual, that does not mean you shouldn’t be prepared to interact with your fellow advocates! This session will incorporate a role-playing exercise for participants to practice sharing their business story, discuss policies and brainstorm questions in preparation for 1:1 meetings with Congressional staff during Advocacy Day. Following that exercise, we will come back together as a group to discuss the exercise.

REGISTER HERE »

 

 

June 6, 2022
  • time
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  • location
  • 8:00 AM - 7:30 PM ET

    PRESIDENTS ONBOARDING SUMMIT

    Note, this summit on June 6 is only for incoming presidents, 2nd year presidents, new IPPs and Chapter Administrators/Executive Directors.

    Click here for full event details and agenda. 

     

June 7, 2022
  • time
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  • 8:00 AM-9:00 AM ET

    ADVOCACY DAYS

    Breakfast at The Westin 

    Come and enjoy breakfast & coffee with NAWBO before we begin Advocacy Days activities

  • 9:00-10:00 AM ET

    Kauffman Foundation Session

    Join the Kauffman Foundation for a conversation on their refreshed America’s New Business Plan.

  • 10:00-11:00 AM ET

    Politics v Policy: Navigating the Political Environment to Deliver Results

    In the current political climate, it can be hard to imagine how members of Congress are able to deliver on behalf of their constituents. For this session, participants will hear from a panel of experienced Congresswomen with proven track records of working across the aisle and getting things done in spite of the sometimes challenging political climate.

  • 11:00-11:15 AM ET

    NAWBO Advocate of the Year Award

    Speaker:  Karen Bennetts, NAWBO National Board Member

    Join us as we honor Rohini Dey, Ph.D. with the NAWBO Advocate of the Year Award

  • 11:15-12:00 PM ET

    Fireside Chat with Natalie Cofield, Assistant Administrator, Office of Women’s Business Ownership, The U.S. Small Business Administration

    The Small Business Administration’s Office of Women’s Business Ownership is one of the most influential offices for women entrepreneurs and small business owners in the country, and it works closely with many of the SBA’s important resource partners to develop resources for small businesses. In this session, participants will learn about opportunities for capital access, financial literacy resources and how the Office of Women’s Business Ownership works with resource partners.

  • 12:00-1:00 PM ET

    Lunch Break

    Lunch hosted by Master Your Card at the hotel for all attendees

  • 1:00-2:00 PM ET

    Partner Session with Meta

    Panelists:
    Diana Doukas, Manager, Economic Impact for US Policy Programs
    Lena Graham-Morris, Chief Strategy Officer, HORUS Construction Services, Inc.
    Margaret M. Hernandez, CEO + Founder, SocializeLA.com

    The COVID-19 pandemic and the economic challenges that followed have forced many women business owners and entrepreneurs to pivot in their businesses and has inspired many more to jump into action on important policy issues. Join NAWBO and our partners at Meta as we discuss how women business owners can use digital tools to pivot and grow their businesses, and how these tools can be useful in advocating for your business.

  • 2:00-3:00 PM ET

    Resiliency in the Nation's Capital: What Other Cities Can Learn From Washington, D.C.'s Support of Women-Owned Businesses

    Panelists:
    Angela Franco, President & CEO, DC Chamber of Commerce
    Mary Quillian Helms, Chair, Eastern Market Main Street and Owner, Mr. Henry's
    Ramunda Young, Co-Owner and Co-Founder, MahoganyBooks

    In the Nation’s capital, Washingtonians are spending about 30% less time at local retailers and restaurants compared to pre-pandemic times, which has no doubt created a great deal of pressure on local businesses, especially those owned by women. Join NAWBO, the DC Chamber of Commerce and local D.C. based businesses as we highlight the resilience of Washington’s women owned businesses, discuss lessons learned and best practices for supporting them throughout the pandemic. 

  • 4:00 PM ET

    Buses depart The Westin to go to Capitol Hill for the group photo!

  • 4:45 PM ET

    We are excited to continue one of our most popular Advocacy Day traditions of taking a group photo together!

  • 5:00-7:00 PM ET

    Advocacy Reception - Sonoma Restaurant & Wine Bar

    223 Pennsylvania Avenue SE
    Washington DC, 20003

    Transportation back to The Westin departs at 7:00 pm ET

June 8, 2022
  • time
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  • location
  • 8:00-8:45 AM ET

    ADVOCACY DAYS

    Breakfast

    Come and enjoy breakfast & coffee with NAWBO before we begin Advocacy Days activities

  • 9:00-10:00 AM ET

    Joint Small Business Committee Briefing

    Speaker:  House Small Business Committee Ranking Member Blaine Luetkemeyer

    As in years past, NAWBO is pleased to once again host a joint briefing with leadership of the House Committee on Small Business and the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship. This briefing will allow attendees to hear from the most influential voices on small business in Washington regarding the top priorities for their committees and how they are working on behalf of women entrepreneurs.

  • 10:00-10:45 AM ET

    Fireside chat with Deputy Assistant Secretary for Policy, Economic Development Administration Michele Chang (pre-recorded) led by NAWBO Board Chair Karen Bennetts

    Join us for a fireside chat with Deputy Assistant Secretary Michele Chang, who will dive into how federal agencies such as the Economic Development Agency support micro businesses and emerging entrepreneurs.

  • 11:00 AM-11:45 AM ET

    Intuit Session

    Speaker:  Sarah Paul, Director of Global Public Policy and Regulatory Affairs, Intuit

    Join NAWBO and Intuit for a briefing on the results of our 2022 Advocacy Survey!

  • 12:00-1:00 PM ET

    FICO/Small Business Roundtable:  Score a Better Future For Small Businesses - Lunch to be served 

    Join representatives from FICO and the Small Business Roundtable to highlight the importance of educating women, especially small business women to understand how credit scores work and how they can be used to help them grow their businesses and access credit and capital.

     

  • 2:00-5:00 PM ET

    1:1 Congressional Meetings

    For those that signed up to schedule meetings with Congressional staff, depending on COVID restrictions at the Capitol, you will either meet with Congressional staff in person or take your meeting virtually from the hotel.

Michele Chang

Deputy Assistant Secretary for Policy, U.S. Economic Development Administration, Department of Commerce

Ms. Michele Chang was appointed by President Biden to be the first to serve as the Deputy Assistant Secretary for Policy at the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA). She is a seasoned executive with nearly 20 years of experience in the private, public, and nonprofit sectors. Prior to joining EDA, Ms. Chang most recently was the Executive Director of the Rework America Business Network at the Markle Foundation, where she worked with Fortune 500 companies to help American workers without four-year degrees get the skills they need to access quality jobs. Previously, Ms. Chang served in the Obama Administration as Acting Chief of Staff and Deputy Chief of Staff at the U.S. Small Business Administration , where she managed the day-to-day operations of the 3,000+ person agency. Prior to joining the Obama Administration, Ms. Chang worked at McKinsey & Company, where she helped local governments, public school systems and Fortune 500 companies alike tackle some of their most challenging and urgent issues. She has also held roles at PricewaterhouseCoopers and Hope Street Group, a national nonprofit where she led their national workforce development programs. Ms. Chang earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of California, Los Angeles, in Mathematics/Applied Sciences and her MBA from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business. The daughter of Taiwanese immigrants, she was born and raised in San Jose, California, and currently lives in Maryland with her husband and three children.

Natalie Madeira Cofield

Assistant Administrator, Office of Women's Business Ownership

Ms. Natalie Madeira Cofield has been appointed to serve as the Assistant Administrator for the Office of Women's Business Ownership, effective Monday, March 1, 2021. In this role, Ms. Cofield serves as a senior executive providing executive oversight, management, leadership, and championship of female entrepreneurship. As an assistant administrator, Cofield will oversee the largest expansion of the Women's Business Center (WBC) network in the history of the Small Business Administration across its nearly 140 center footprint and more than $70 million in federal grant-making to support the growth of women-led firms. Cofield is a seasoned entrepreneur and executive with over 15 years of experience in securing diverse capital, building strategic partnerships, and leading state and local economic development programs to successfully incubate and scale small business development and expansion initiatives in communities throughout the United States. Cofield brings extensive experience leading business and trade associations and working with corporations, and philanthropic organizations to develop programs to support entrepreneurship within women-led, diverse and urban communities and is responsible for securing over $22 million in capital to invest in entrepreneurial ventures and small business programs and initiatives. Most recently she served as Founder & CEO of Walker's Legacy and the Walker's Legacy Foundation providing entrepreneurship programming to support thousands of multicultural women entrepreneurs. Prior to this role, Cofield held various leadership positions in cities across the nation including Los Angeles, New York and Austin, where she served as the CEO of the Greater Austin Black Chamber of Commerce. She has been named by Entrepreneur Magazine as one of the 100 Most Powerful Women in Business and was selected among 137 cover-story business leaders and entrepreneurs from across the nation for her response to COVID-19 in the magazine’s July/August 2020 edition cover. The Root named her one of the 100 Most Influential African Americans in the country and she has also been named among the list of Women Who Mean Business and one of the 100 Most Powerful Washingtonians by the Washington Business Journal. She is a graduate of Howard University where she received her BBA in Information Systems as a Gates Millennium Scholar and the Baruch School of Public Affairs where she was a National Urban Fellow. She is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

Diana Doukas

Manager, Economic Impact for US Policy Programs, Meta

Over the last 15 years, Diana has led teams, initiatives, and campaigns in the public and private sectors. She currently leads Economic Impact for US Policy Programs at Meta. In this role Diana sits at the intersection of Meta's policy priorities and how Meta and its family of apps can empower small businesses to create, build, and grow their business. Diana previously served as the Senior Vice President of Social Responsibility and Government Affairs for the Libra Group, where she managed Libra’s nine philanthropic platforms, which address critical issues including the refugee crisis, educational opportunities for the underserved, and maternal mental health. Prior to Libra, Diana served as Director of the White House Business Council for President Obama where she worked closely with business leaders from Fortune 500 companies as well as small and medium enterprises to identify opportunities for collaboration on the Administration’s policy priorities, including international trade, pay equity, and workforce development. Diana also served as the White House Liaison at the U.S. Small Business Administration. Diana began her career in Democratic politics working on several campaigns including President Obama’s re-election in 2012 and the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee. Diana holds a BA in Political Science from Villanova University and a certificate from the University of Pennsylvania’s Center for Social Impact Strategy Executive Program.

Angela Franco

President & CEO, DC Chamber of Commerce

Angela Franco is the President & CEO of the DC Chamber of Commerce. Her commitment to support and advocate for Chamber members demonstrates passion and vision to grow the organization. Franco joined the DC Chamber of Commerce during civic unrest and a global pandemic and continues to move the organization forward. By working with its executive team and board of directors, Franco creates programs and services that position the Chamber as a valuable resource and leading advocate for businesses throughout DC. An experienced business leader, Franco has strengthened and revitalized organizations, including the DC Health Benefit Exchange Authority and the Greater Washington Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.  Before relocating to the US, Franco held management positions in Bogotá, Colombia. Franco has received many prestigious honors. Most recently, she was recognized with the 2021 Washington Business Journal’s Women Who Mean Business Award. In addition, she is a Board Member at Large for the United Way of the National Capital Region and the Advisory Board of the Pan American Development Foundation, Board Member at Boys Scouts of America, and an appointee to the DC Workforce Investment Council (by the DC Mayor). Franco is a graduate of Leadership Montgomery and Leadership Greater Washington, She holds a Master of Science degree in Finance and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Administration. She is also a Certified Life Coach and a John Maxwell certified trainer, coach and speaker.

Representative Blaine Luetkemeyer

Ranking Member of the U.S. House Small Business Committee

As the Representative of the 3rd Congressional District of Missouri, Blaine is committed to representing the interests of hard-working people by being a strong voice for them in Congress. Representing the 13 counties that make up the 3rd Congressional District of Missouri, Blaine is a native of St. Elizabeth, MO where his family has lived for four generations. Along with his strong agriculture background, Blaine is a small businessman, having been in the banking and insurance industry for over 30 years. He also served as a bank regulator for the state of Missouri earlier in his career. From 1999 to 2005, Blaine was elected to the Missouri State House of Representatives. During his time in the Legislature, he served as Chairman of the Financial Services Committee and was elected by his colleagues to be the House Republican Caucus Chairman. After leaving office, he was appointed by Gov. Matt Blunt to serve as the Director of the Missouri Division of Tourism. Blaine has represented the 3rd Congressional District of Missouri in the United States House of Representatives since 2009. In the 117th Congress, he serves on the House Financial Services Committee, as Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Consumer Protection and as the Ranking Member of the House Committee on Small Business. In the 116th Congress, he served on the House Financial Services Committee, as Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Consumer Protection and Financial Institutions and on the House Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Crisis. In the 115th Congress, Blaine served on the House Financial Services Committee as Chairman of Financial Institutions and Consumer Credit Subcommittee and as Vice Chairman of the House Small Business Committee. In the 113th Congress, Blaine was ranked Missouri's most effective lawmaker. The Legislative Effectiveness Project, run by professors at the University of Virginia and Vanderbilt University, measures how successful a given representative is at getting things done. The average score for members of Congress was 1.0. Blaine received a 2.344. Blaine is a member of the Knights of Columbus, Eldon Chamber of Commerce, Missouri Farm Bureau, National Rifle Association and a lifelong member of St. Lawrence Catholic Church. He is a graduate of Lincoln University in Jefferson City, MO, where he earned a degree with distinction in political science and a minor in business administration. Blaine and his wife, Jackie, have three children and six grandchildren.