The NAWBO® Annual Awards Program honors the accomplishments and contributions of exemplary women who have led the way in the women's business community and are building a legacy for the next generation of entrepreneurs.
2022 Woman Business Owner of the Year Award
Sponsored by Bank of America
Nominations for the 2022 NAWBO National Women Business Owner of the Year Award will be open March 17 - April 30. The award will be presented during the virtual National Women’s Business Conference (WBC) at the Annual Gala, October 11, 2022.
The Woman Business Owner of the Year Award recognizes and rewards an entrepreneur who excels at strategy, operations, finances, problem solving, overcoming adversity and giving back to her community. It’s not based on business size, but rather overall business excellence.
Congratualtions to the 2022 Woman Business Owner of the Year Award Top 10 Class
- Christina Reger, Law Offices of Christina Reger, LLC - NAWBO Philly
- Christine EB Howard, E.B. Howard Consulting - NAWBO Buffalo Niagara
- Diana Dibble, Design To Delivery Inc. - NAWBO Greater DC
- Jacqueline Baly, BalyProjects - NAWBO Houston
- Kathy Durfee, TechHouse - NAWBO Virtual
- Kimberly Groves, KCW Engineering Technologies, Inc- NAWBO Greater DC
- Laura McHolm, NorthStar Moving Company - NAWBO Los Angeles
- Moira Vetter, Modo Modo Agency - NAWBO Atlanta
- Sandy Heard, Prime Waste Solutions - NAWBO Houston
- Shital Daftari, SNT Biotech & Saris and Things - NAWBO Chicago
The top three finalists receive these exciting prizes:
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Complimentary full WBC conference registration
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Inclusion as a panelist in a Women's Business Conference panel session sponsored by Bank of America
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National exposure on NAWBO social media and communication channels
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Recognition as a finalist during the Awards Gala and a 4-color headshot and bio in the WBC program book
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Profile in NAWBO ONE e-publication article leading up to the conference
Winner recieves:
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Honored at the NAWBO Awards Gala
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Announced as WBO of the Year in NAWBO communications
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National press release announcing Gala honorees through PR Newswire
To qualify, all nominees must:
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Be an active Premier or Virtual NAWBO member in good-standing
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Participate in the day-to-day operations of the company
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Own a minimum of 25% of the company
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Be able to attend the virtual National Women’s Business Conference—October 11, 2022
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Not be a member of the NAWBO National Board of Directors
Members can self-nominate or be nominated by another party. The nomination period closes April 30. Please submit supporting documents to contests@nawbo.org by April 30 @5pm ET.
The top three finalists will be announced on or before July 22 through NAWBO communications.
Awards Selection, Judging & Announcement Process
The Awards Selection Committee is comprised of the current NAWBO National Chair, Immediate Past National Chair, Chair of the Presidents Assembly Steering Committee and other members of the National Board.
The Committee will have exclusive, confidential access to all nomination applications and supporting documents. They judge each nominee using a scoring matrix that outlines the criteria and point system. Once the matrixes are complete, they are submitted to a NAWBO staff member, who then calculates the scores. The top ten nominees are passed to Bank of America for final scoring. If there is a tie, the Awards Selection Committee will submit a confidential vote for the winner.
Nomination Questions:
- Briefly describe the nominee's business and its history
- Please describe the company's growth and how nominee affected/participated in that growth. (Please indicate growth by % or $)
- Please describe how the nominee participates in the day-to-day operations of the business.
- What community organizations has the nominee supported and/or participated in?
- Why did the nominee become an entrepreneur?
2021 Winner: Carla Walker-Miller, Walker-Miller Energy Services – NAWBO Greater Detroit
2020 Winner: Rebecca Fyffe, Landmark Pest Management – NAWBO Chicago
NAWBO Member of the Year Award
- Nomination Link
- Nomination Period: May 1- June 30
Description
The NAWBO National Member of the Year Award recognizes a “champion” member who has demonstrated an ongoing commitment to her chapter and the mission of the organization. She has consistently given her time and resources to the betterment of the NAWBO community and the longevity of the founders’ vision to propel women business owners.
Nominee Requirements
- Must be a NAWBO premier member with an active status
- Can NOT be a member of the National Board of Directors
- Has past or current service on a committee or board at the chapter level
Judging Criteria
Judges may not be familiar with the nominees’ chapter service. Therefore, submissions should contain as much requested information as possible. Judges will consider each nomination based on the following criteria:
The nominee…
- Has demonstrated an ongoing commitment to the vitality and growth of her chapter
- Has consistently given her time and resources to the betterment of the NAWBO experience, locally and nationally
- Has strengthened the image and role of NAWBO in the public and/or private sector
- Gives of herself to individuals within her chapter as well as to the committee(s) on which she serves
- Makes her colleagues glad and grateful that they are in the same organization that as she is
Nomination Questions:
- Briefly describe how you see the nominee's service has impacted her fellow NAWBO members' chapter experience and entrepreneurial journey.
- Share how the nominee has contributed to the chapter's goals and growth through her committee or board service.
- Describe how the nominee has participated in the monthly operations of the chapter/committee.
- List the committees, board seats, or initiatives the nominee has supported during her time in NAWBO service. If available, include specific chapter, committee, project, and dates.
- Describe how the nominee has positively impacted the NAWBO brand either locally or nationally. Share at least one specific example of her exceptional service to the organization.
Process
Nominations are made by using the survey monkey link provided. Members can self-nominate. Premier level members are eligible for the award. Active National Board Members are not eligible for nomination. Supporting Documents such as letters of recommendation, articles, and proof of service can be submitted before July 31st to contests@nawbo.org.
The Award Committee will score the nominees and submit score cards to one person on the NAWBO staff for totaling. The top three finalists will be notified the week of August 16 to schedule an interview with the awards committee. The winner will NOT be publicly disclosed until the award is presented at the Awards Gala on October 11.
Honoree Receives
- Complimentary WBC registration
- Bio and 4-color headshot in the WBC Program
- Honored during the NAWBO Awards Gala
- Profile in NAWBO One article
- National exposure on NAWBO social media and communication channels
- Customized press release announcing award selection to send to local market
2021 Winner - Sandra Clitter, Your Tech Tamer - NAWBO Philadelphia
NAWBO Rising Star Award
- Nomination Link
- Nomination Period: May 1-July 31
Description
NAWBO Rising Star Award honors a woman business owner that, through creativity and innovation, is building sustainable growth in her economic and social ecosystem. She utilizes her growing platform as a social entrepreneur to propel her generation and future women business owners, regardless of their age or social standing.
Nominee Requirements
- No more than 35 years of age at time of application
- Owner of a registered business that has been operating at least 2 years
- Has achieved tangible and material entrepreneurial success established through revenue and employee growth
- Demonstrates the importance of innovation as a way to effect positive change
- Continues to strive for excellence and advance overall women entrepreneurship in a positive manner
- Shows a commitment to propelling the next generation of entrepreneurs towards greater economic, social, and political spheres of power through mentoring or similar programs
Judging Criteria
Judges may not be familiar with the nominees’ area of expertise. Therefore, descriptions should be written with this in mind and clearly articulate the commercial value and impact of the business model. Judges will consider each nomination based on four criteria:
- Strategy (objectives, planning, execution, budget)
- Design (concept, techniques, development, technology)
- Philanthropy (mission, scalability, results, future goals)
- Results (client satisfaction, visitors, engagement, user experience)
Nomination Questions:
- What is the estimated age of the nominee?
- Is the nominee a NAWBO member?
- How long has the nominee been a business owner?
- What are the business’s social handles? Ex: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, etc.
- Describe how the nominee uses creativity and innovation to build a sustainable business and effect positive change as a social impact entrepreneur.
- Share how the nominee utilizes her growing platform to propel her generation and future women business owners, regardless of their age or social standing.
- Describe how the business has achieved tangible and material success established through revenue and employee growth.
- Share the mission, vision, and/or future goals of the business and how the nominee's long-term business model works toward achieving them.
Process
Nominations are made by members using the survey monkey link provided. Members can self-nominate. Members and non-members are eligible for the award. Supporting Documents such as letters of recommendation, articles, and customer reviews can be submitted before July 31st to contests@nawbo.org.
The Award Committee will score the nominees and submit score cards to one person on the NAWBO staff for totaling. The winner will be notified on or before September 1, 2021. The winner will NOT be publicly disclosed until the award is presented at the Annual Awards Gala on October 11.
Honoree Receives
- Complimentary WBC registration
- Bio and 4-color headshot in the Women’s Business Conference Program
- Honored during the NAWBO Awards Gala
- Profile in NAWBO One article
- National exposure on NAWBO social media and communication channels
- Customized press release announcing award selection to send to local market
Timeline
- May 1 – Nominations open and promoted in on all NAWBO Comms channels and social media
- July 31 – Nominations close and deadline for Nominee supporting documents
- August 23 – Award Selection Committee Score Cards Due
- August 31– Winner must be selected, and name submitted to NAWBO staff
- September 1 – Nominees notified of committee decision / Winner not publicly disclosed
2021 Winner - Anna Welsh, Littlebags by Anna
2022 NAWBO Advocate of the Year Award
The 2022 Nomination Period has closed.
Congratulations to Dr. Rohini Dey, NAWBO Advocate of the Year!
Description
NAWBO Advocacy Award honors a woman business owner who advocates for the advancement of the women business owner community in a bipartisan spirit. She is a voice of collaboration and effectively presents or moves legislation, regulation reform, or new initiatives forward. Her efforts as a public servant are not limited to the issues that directly affect her business or community. Instead, she uses her platform to bring to light the needs of those who may not have a similar opportunity to raise their voices. The vision and goals of her advocacy set the stage for further advancements for women business owners now and in the future.
Award Criteria
- Advocates for and positively impacts the women business owner community by working to affect policy and legislation at local, regional and/or national levels
- Provides verifiable evidence that the advocacy activities directly resulted in a significant and advantageous impact on the women-business-owner community;
- Demonstrates bipartisan activities and spirit;
- Engages in volunteer efforts beyond professional responsibilities to advance women entrepreneurship at local, regional and/or national levels; and
- Shows a long and consistent history of commitment to propelling women business owners into greater economic, social and political spheres of power.
Process and Key Dates
Nominations are made by members or non-members using the survey link provided. Members can self-nominate. All NAWBO members in good standing are eligible for the award. Supporting documents such as letters of recommendation, articles, and peer reviews must be submitted before February 28 to contests@nawbo.org.
The nominees must confirm they can accept their award in Washington DC during the Advocacy Days event June 7-8. Nominees will be notified of the committee’s decision before April 15, 2022.
Honoree Receives
- Complimentary Advocacy Days Registration
- Honored with Award during Advocacy Days Event in Washington DC
- Profile in NAWBO One June article
- National exposure on NAWBO social media and communication channels
- Customized press release announcing award selection to send to local market
Past Winners
- 2021 – Lisa Fullerton, A Novel Idea, LLC – NAWBO San Antonio
- 2020 – Linda Forman CPA P.C. – NAWBO Chicago
The Susan Hager Legacy Award
The NAWBO award named in honor of NAWBO’s founding president, Susan Hager (1974-75). The women’s community lost a great visionary when she passed away in 2008 as Susan was a stalwart champion of women’s economic empowerment and someone who built a legacy for others to follow. The Susan Hager Legacy Award gives honor to a person or group of persons who, through their advocacy and actions, have helped to establish the legacy of women’s entrepreneurship for future generations. Recipient is a current or past NAWBO member.
The Gillian Rudd Business Leadership Award
The NAWBO Gillian Rudd Business Leadership Award recognizes a women business owner who has made a significant contribution to the status and visibility of women-owned firms and to the empowerment of women entrepreneurs both nationally and internationally. This award was named after Gillian Rudd, who served as NAWBO’s national president (1987-88) and contributed both strategy and personal charm to NAWBO’s early political advocacy activities. Gillian was also instrumental in helping NAWBO establish the National Foundation for Women Business Owners—now known as the Center for Women’s Business Research. Recipient is a current or past NAWBO member.
Dr. Trent Award
Dr. Trent’s life has been an incredible story of pushing beyond the reality of her circumstances and making dreams come true through hard work, perseverance and grit. Her achievements and initiatives bring the highest level of measure when we look at what women can overcome and bring forth. Those honored with the Dr. Tererai Trent Award should have similar triumphs and traits as Dr. Trent and exemplify “Tinogona – It is achievable!”
NAWBO Hall of Fame Awards
Every year, during the National Women’s Business Conference hosted by NAWBO, our organization is proud to present Hall of Fame Awards to some of the most dynamic and significant women business owners and advocates in the U.S. Every honoree is a trailblazer in her own right and reflects the legacy of power and success of the women’s business community at large.
Congratulations to the following Hall of Fame Awards recipients:
2021
- Jessica Matthews - Hall of Fame
- Diana Nyad - Hall of Fame
- Cleo Wade - Hall of Fame
2020
- Glennon Doyle - Hall of Fame
2019
- Tiffany Dufu - Hall of Fame
- Sophia Amoruso- Hall of Fame
2018
- Elizabeth Gilbert - Hall of Fame
- Shabnam Mogharabi- Hall of Fame
2017
- Gayle Lemmon - Hall of Fame
- Blair Milo- Hall of Fame
- Kristin Haffert- Hall of Fame
- Erin Brockovich- Hall of Fame
- Carolyn Rodz- Hall of Fame
2016
- Jenn Lim - Hall of Fame
- Kim Reynolds- Hall of Fame
- Charleta B. Taveras- Hall of Fame
- Jennette Bradley- Hall of Fame
- Dr. Tererai Trent- Hall of Fame
2015
- Bonnie St John - Hall of Fame
- Leigh Anne Tuohy - Hall of Fame
- Suzanne Pease - Unsung Hero Award
2014
- Erin Andrew, assistant administrator for Women’s Business Ownership U.S. Small Business Administration
- Muffy Davis, Paralympic gold medalist and motivational speaker
- Susan Duffy, executive director of the Center for Women’s Entrepreneurial Leadership at Babson College
- Katherine Kallinis Berman, co-founder of Georgetown Cupcake and star of TLC’s DC Cupcakes
- Sophie Kallinis LaMontagne, co-founder of Georgetown Cupcake and star of TLC’s DC Cupcakes
- JJ Ramberg, host of MSNBC’s Your Business and co-founder of Goodsearch.com
- Susan Solovic, THE Small Business Expert
2013
- Charlotee Beers, first-ever woman CEO of top advertising agency and author of I’d Rather Be In Charge
- Alexis Maybank, co-founder of the Gilt Groupe
- Gina Rudan, president and CEO of Genuine Insights, Inc.
- Alexandra Wilkis Wilson, co-founder of the Gilt Groupe
2012
- Kathy Ireland, chief designer and CEO of Kathy Ireland Worldwide
- Katrina Markoff, owner, founder and chocolatier of Vosges Haut-Chocolat
- Karen Mills, administrator of the Small Business Administration
2011
- Azure Antoinette, poet, spoken word artist and millennial and arts education advocate
- Janice Bryant Howroyd, founder and CEO, ACT-1 Group
- Koni Kim, president and CEO, Koni Corporation
- Maria de Lourdes Sobrino, founder and CEO, Lulu’s Dessert Corporation
- Lynda Weinman, co-founder, lynda.com
2010
- Honorable Mary Landrieu, chair, U.S. Senate Committee on Small Business & Entrepreneurship
- Virginia Littlejohn, president, CEO and co-founder of Quantum Leaps and past NAWBO National president
- Honorable Nancy Pelosi, speaker of the House of Representatives
- Honorable Olympia Snowe, ranking member, U.S. Senate Committee on Small Business & Entrepreneurship
The Susan Hager Legacy Award
- 2021: Joy Lutes, Meridian 77 Consulting
- 2020: Phyllis Hill Slater, Hill Slater Group
- 2019: Teresa Meares, DGG Uniform and Apparel
- 2018: Griselda Quezada-Chavez, GQC Global Group
- 2017: Darla Beggs, Abba Staffing and Consulting LLC
- 2016: Dottie Gandy, The Up To Something Group
- 2015: Patty DeDominic, DeDominic & Associates
- 2010: Virginia Littlejohn, Quantum Leaps, Inc.
The Gillian Rudd Business Leadership Award
- 2021: Irene Natividad, GlobeWomen Research and Education Institute
- 2020: Edie Fraser, Women Business Colaborative
- 2019: Jill Calabrese Bain, Bank of America
- 2018: Dr. Patricia Greene, Babson College
- 2017: Monica Smiley, Enterprising Women
- 2016: Laura Yamanaka, teamCFO
- 2010: Dr. Terry Neese, Institute for the Economic Empowerment of Women (IEEW)
Woman Business Owner of the Year
- 2021: Carla Walker-Miller, Walker-Miller Energy Services - NAWBO Greater Detroit
- 2020: Rebecca Fyffe, Landmark Pest Management – NAWBO Chicago
- 2019: Gail Becker, Caulipower - NAWBO Los Angeles
- 2018: Francine Friedman Griesling, Esq., Griesling Law – NAWBO Philadelphia
- 2017: Kim Heathcott, Clarion Security LLC - NAWBO Memphis
- 2016: Didi Discar, Carling Communications – NAWBO San Diego
Dr. Trent Award
- 2020: Tammy Renee Butler, Engaging Solutions, LLC
- 2019: Tinesha Cherry, She Strong International
- 2018: Dana Marlowe, I Support the Girls
- 2017: Heather McCarthy, Someone Special Uniquely Personalized Books
Advocacy Award
- 2021: Lisa Fullerton, A Novel Idea, LLC - NAWBO San Antonio
- 2020: Linda Forman, Linda Forman CPA P.C. – NAWBO Chicago