Fifty years of championing women entrepreneurs is no small feat, and NAWBO marked the milestone in unforgettable fashion. From June 5-8 in Washington, DC, hundreds of women business owners, corporate partners, exhibitors and other supporters from across the country gathered to honor the past, advocate for the future and strengthen the incredible community that defines NAWBO.
“This was more than a celebration,” says NAWBO CEO Jen Earle. “Together, we honored our legacy, elevated our voices and ignited a vision for the future of women’s entrepreneurship.”
Discussing Critical Issues—Together on the Hill
The celebration kicked off on Thursday with Advocacy Day as over 200 women business owners ascended Capitol Hill. It was a powerful demonstration of unity and purpose where NAWBO leaders and members met with policymakers to discuss critical issues that make up NAWBO’s 2025 Advocacy Agenda, from access to capital to regulatory reform, and directly impact the success of women-owned businesses.
Friday’s Annual Membership Meeting brought the focus inward, offering space to reflect on five decades of NAWBO’s impact. Members paid tribute to the trailblazers who shaped the path and recommitted to carrying their vision forward. Stories were shared from past national presidents/chairs, bonds were strengthened among members old and new and NAWBO’s mission felt more alive than ever.
Sharing Powerful Messages—With Heart and Vulnerability
Saturday was another energizing day. It began with a moving fireside chat with actress and social justice humanitarian Ashley Judd, who opened up about her entrepreneurial roots and passion for small businesses, her personal journey through trauma and trafficking and her global advocacy for women and girls. Her message to every woman in the room was simple yet profound: “Self-care is self-esteem.”
The afternoon featured a vibrant exhibit hall and Leadership, Advocacy and Education-themed sessions packed with insight and innovation. One standout panel brought together a former World Cup and Olympic Gold medal-winning soccer player and WNBA basketball player as well as the first Asian woman to compete in the Explorer’s Grand Slam. Their leadership advice learned from sports? Build strong teams through fun, chemistry, clarity and trust both on and off the field.
Celebrating Sisterhood and Spirit—A Tribute to Our Roots
Then came the 1970s-themed Garden Party. It was a joyful tribute to NAWBO’s founding decade. With music, laughter and retro style, the evening was a celebration of sisterhood and spirit. Raffle winners were announced there for a Dell computer monitor and Bank of America prizes—designer accessories and two NAWBO memberships—that helped raise over $15,000 (and still growing) for the NAWBO Institute for Entrepreneurial Development.
Sunday’s finale was equally inspiring. Cynt Marshall, former CEO of the Dallas Mavericks and founder of Marshalling Resources, delivered a keynote address full of warmth, humor and wisdom. She shared her remarkable journey of rising from childhood adversity and major setbacks on her journey to motherhood to leading one of the most visible business teams in professional sports and transforming it into a 50 percent women-led organization.
Her secret to resilience? “Dream, focus, pray and act,” Cynt encouraged with the four words she personally lives by. “As women, there’s something special about what we do—we lift each other.” Cynt’s authenticity reminded us that leadership is about more than strategy, it’s about heart.
Carrying the Power of This Moment Forward—Awards and Legacy
The event concluded with NAWBO’s Awards Gala, where exceptional leaders were honored for their overall business excellence as well as NAWBO legacy and advocacy. It featured a panel of Top 3 Finalists for 2025 Woman Business Owners of the Year—an award sponsored by Bank of America—that culminated in the announcement of this year’s distinguished award recipients:
• Suzanne Pease received the Susan Hager Award for her enduring contributions to NAWBO’s legacy.
• Terry Bradley Dunn earned the Gillian Rudd Award for her unwavering advocacy on behalf of women business owners.
• Aquila Mendez-Valdez was named Woman Business Owner of the Year for her bold business and community leadership and all-around excellence.
It was a fitting end to a milestone event that celebrated not only where NAWBO has been, but where this first women’s business advocacy organization is headed in the next 50 years. NAWBO’s 50th event wasn’t just a celebration—it was a spark. As NAWBO moves forward into the next chapter of its story, the women who were present will carry with them the passion, purpose and power of this moment.
Keep the Momentum Going: Join Us in Puerto Rico This January!
NAWBO HQ’s Leadership Academy is headed to Puerto Rico this January! Join us for a day-and-a-half to expand your network, elevate your leadership, amplify your impact and have a whole lot of fun in an unforgettable (and warm) setting this winter. This is where growth-minded women leaders come to be inspired, supported and empowered for what’s next. There will be tracks for NAWBO leaders and for all women business owners.