About - Greater DC | NAWBO

About our Chapter

Our History

In 1974, an informal group of women business owners in the Washington, DC area met to trade information about federal contracts, bank credit, and other business issues.  Every few weeks, more women began attending the group and it became clear that there was a great need for a formal organization devoted to helping women business owners grow their businesses.  By 1975, our founders were organized, named and charged as a national organization.​

From this rich beginning, our chapter has served the ambitions and needs of the women of the Greater DC area.

 

For more information please call us at 703-646-0224.

Our Vision and Mission

NAWBO Greater DC is a strong and vibrant network of highly skilled women business owners, building their businesses through collaboration without the fear of covert competition.

We achieve this vision by:

  • Providing opportunities to connect and collaborate
  • Providing relevant programming to increase business acumen and foster business growth
  • Strategically aligning with partners who share our vision and seek to engage women business owners in the DC metro area

2019 - 2020 Board of Directors

President President - Elect
Diana Dibble Lisa Nicholls
Design To Delivery Inc. Tira! Strategies
   
Treasurer Membership Chair
Dawn McGruder Queirra Fenderson
The McGruder Group CPAs The Ambition Studio
   
Secretary Governance Chair
Melissa Henry Gosia Bochenek
Melissa Demple Photography Cochran Allan
   
Strategic Partnerships Strategic Partnerships
Dana Hutson Rene Wells
Cancer Champions Apus Media
   
Governance Chair  
Betsy Luxenberg  
Holland & Knight  

 

Past Presidents

2018-2019

Alcia Russman
Undeniable Boutique

2016-2018

Dana Hutson
Cancer Champions

2015-2016

Debrah Farnell
DKM Planners

2014-2015

Mina Fies
Synergy Design and Construction

2013-2014

Jennifer Brand
Brand Solutions Group

2012-2013

Heidi Kallett
Dandelion Patch

2010-2012

Leslie Curran
Plave Koch

 

Woman of Distinction

In 2011, our chapter developed a Woman of Distinction Award to honor accomplished women business owners who demonstrate strong leadership in the advancement of women in business in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area as a way to thank those who strengthen our members and the women's business environment.  Honoring three women and revealing the winner of the award is one of the highlights of our annual luncheon held in June.

​Early each year, an announcement and application appear on our website and a call for nominations goes out by email.  Applications for the award are encouraged and accepted for candiates who are:

  • Located in the greater Washington, D.C. Metropolitan area
  • A female business owner or decision-making executive responsible for business performance
  • A woman whose works shows her contribution to the advancement of women in business
     

2016

Woman of Distinction

Honorees

  Nikki Trowbridge Tina Johnson
  The Statements Brand JP Events & Consulting
    Krysta Jones
    Virginia Leadership Institute

2015

Woman of Distinction

Honorees

  El Brown Kristina Bouweiri
  Kinder Jam Reston Limousine
    Gwen McKinney
    McKinney & Associates

2014

Woman of Distinction

Honorees

  Renee Lewis Amy Anda
  Pensare Group Credence Management Solutions
    Ginger Miller
    Women Veterans Interactive

2013

Woman of Distinction

Honorees

  Frederique Irwin ​Bev Gray
  Her Corner Exhibit Edge
    Doreen Rainey
    RADICAL Success Coach

2012

Woman of Distinction

Honorees

  Sam Horn Louisa Jaffe
  The Intrigue Expert TAPE
  Watch video Watch video
    Cindy Tonnesen
    SwimKids Swim Schools
    Watch video

2011

Woman of Distinction

Honorees

  Kathy Korman Frye Nadja Giuffrida
  Hot Mommas Project Dextro, LLC
  Watch video Kristina Tanasichuk
    GTS Coalition

 

President's Award

Each year at our annual luncheon, our chapter president presents this award to a member of our chapter who exemplifies our mission and has made the greatest contribution to the success of our chapter during her term. 

2016

Kathy Benson
ORI

2015

Linda Ensign
Yellow Hare, Inc.

2014

Debrah Farnell
DKM Planners

2013

Kathy Benson
ORI

2012

Tina Johnson
JP Events & Consulting

2011

Jennifer Brand
Brand Solutions Group
Watch video

2010

Kim Lysik di Santi
Total Strategy