Chapter About
The National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO) is the voice of America's 10.6 million women-owned businesses. Since 1975, NAWBO has helped women evolve their businesses by sharing resources and providing a single voice to shape economic and public policy.
NAWBO is a non-profit organization of more than 5,000 members that represents women business owners across all industries. NAWBO San Diego is one of about 60 chapters across the U.S.
NAWBO History
NAWBO traces its origin to a small group of Washington, DC businesswomen who began meeting informally in 1974 to talk about mutual experiences, exchange information and develop business skills. Recognizing the value of the group, they incorporated as the National Association of Women Business Owners on July 5, 1975. Two years later, they began recruiting members from across the country; in 1978, the first chapters were formed. The San Diego chapter has been in existence since 1991.
NAWBO propels women entrepreneurs into economic, social and political spheres of power worldwide by:
- Strengthening the wealth-creating capacity of members and promoting economic development within the entrepreneurial community
- Creating innovative and effective change in the business culture
- Building strategic alliances, coalitions and affiliations
- Transforming public policy and influencing opinion makers
Decisions about NAWBO San Diego operations are made by our volunteer Board of Directors, which meets monthly. The NAWBO year runs from July to June; members are invited to apply for Board positions in April of each year.
President
Felena Hanson, Hera Hub
Past President
Mindy Bortness, Communication Works, Inc.
Secretary
Kathryn Busch, California Bank & Trust
Treasurer
Lindsay Wiley, Wiley Financial Services
Membership Director
Yali Bair Ruiz, Bair Ruiz Enterprises
Membership Co-Chair
Citadel Penn, Edward Jones
Member at Large
Nan McKay, Nan McKay Connects LLC
Retention Director
Lee Anne Davis, Promoventures, Inc
Retention Co-Chair
Vacant
Corporate Liaison
Vacant
Advocacy Director
Jill Roughan, Sciencia Consulting
Governance Director
Vacant
Program Director
Felena Hanson, Hera Hub
Marketing Director
Debra Feinberg, Jumpstart San Diego
BRAVA Awards Chair
Nikkie Achartz, Snap Savvy Strategies
Sponsor Representation
Karen Harrison, Bank of America
Chapter Administrator
Helna Correll, San Diego Site Pros, Inc.
Our chapter is building a committee for Marketing, Programs, Advocacy and Sponsorship. Interested? Please email president@nawbosandiego.org.
2020 BRAVA Awards
NAWBO celebrated the achievements of female entrepreneurs at its first ever LIVE broadcast award show on Friday, October 23. Congratulations go out to our six BRAVA Award winners:
Woman Business Owner of the Year Award
Renee Zau, DonationMatch
Women's Advocate of the Year Award
Janedra Sykes, Arboreta Group LLC
Trailblazer Award
Cindy Lin, Hey Social Good / HOVE Social Intelligence
Rising Star Award
Emily Goodson, CultureSmart
Resilience Award
Nichole MacDonald, Sash & Lash.Live
Corporate Leader Award
Sarah Hassaine, Qualcomm
Click here to view Announcement of Winners.
Click here to view Full Finale.
Click here to view Highlight of Winners.
Click below to view past winners:
2019 BRAVO! Award Winners
2018 BRAVO! Award Winners
2017 BRAVO! Award Winners
2016 BRAVO! Award Winners
