Women business owners are the fastest-growing segment of the U.S. economy. Yet, we continue to face unique challenges when it comes to launching, scaling and growing our businesses—whether it’s securing capital, landing government or corporate contracts or balancing caregiving responsibilities. Those who rise above these hurdles to shine are nothing short of inspirational.
The NAWBO Woman Business Owner of the Year Award—proudly sponsored by Bank of America—celebrates a NAWBO entrepreneur who stands out for her excellence in strategy, operations, financial management, innovation, problem-solving, resilience and community impact. This prestigious award isn’t about the size of her business; it’s about her remarkable leadership and commitment to making a difference.
We’re thrilled to introduce the 2025 Top 10 Class for this award! These extraordinary women have set a high bar, and in March, the group will be narrowed to three finalists. The ultimate winner will be revealed at NAWBO’s 50th Anniversary Event Awards Gala on June 8th in Washington, DC. Meet this year’s trailblazers below!
Consider honoring these women with tribute ads in the printed 50th event program book that will be in every conference bag! Get started here.
Karen Albright, founder and CEO of BodyLase Med Spa – NAWBO Greater Raleigh
Karen is founder and CEO of BodyLase® Med Spa. A Dartmouth College and UConn Law graduate, she practiced law before relocating to Raleigh, North Carolina, in 1994. She launched BodyLase in 2002 with her husband, Dr. Daniel Albright, growing it into a multi-million-dollar business with locations across the Triangle. Karen’s leadership has earned her numerous accolades, including the Triangle Business Journal’s Women in Business Award, NAWBO-Greater Raleigh’s Business Woman of the Year and EO Raleigh Durham’s Member of the Year. BodyLase has also been named Raleigh’s Best Med Spa for three consecutive years. Karen lives in North Raleigh with her husband and their rescue dog, Bear.
Amy Grulke, founder and owner of Arbor Therapy – NAWBO Phoenix
Amy is a visionary entrepreneur and leader in multidisciplinary healthcare, specializing in innovative outpatient therapy services. As founder and owner of Arbor Therapy, she has built a thriving practice committed to empowering clients and transforming lives through patient-centered care. A dedicated speech-language pathologist, Amy blends clinical expertise with strategic leadership to inspire her team and drive excellence. She is also the proud mother of two accomplished daughters in healthcare, reflecting a shared family commitment to making a difference. A top ten finalist for Female Business Owner of the Year, she leads with intention, growth and courage.
Christine E.B. Howard, founder of E.B. Howard Consulting – NAWBO Buffalo Niagara
Christine is a visionary entrepreneur and founder of E.B. Howard Consulting (NYS/SBA WBE), a firm specializing in non-dilutive funding, grant writing and evaluation. With over a decade of expertise, Christine has empowered startups, higher education institutions and consortiums to secure millions in funding and demonstrate measurable impact. A cancer survivor and advocate for women in business, Christine serves as Board Chair for CCNY and actively supports innovation ecosystems. Known for her meticulous attention to detail and strategic insights, she is a sought-after speaker and trusted advisor, helping organizations achieve growth, reduce risks and make a lasting difference.
Neetu Jhaj, founder and CEO of Rehna Raiya – NAWBO Bakersfield
Neetu is founder and CEO of Rehna Raiya, an empowerment clothing line for women and girls, which donates a portion of all proceeds to nonprofit causes. An entrepreneur for over a decade, Neetu holds a patent and is an Amazon best-selling author of two books. Neetu is co-owner of Countryside Corporation, which owns and operates retail centers and franchise brands inclusive of Shell, Subway, Pizza Hut and Taco Bell. Neetu serves on numerous boards, including on NAWBO California’s Executive Board and as Vice Chair of TODN, which helps homeless families and single mothers with housing and job opportunities.
Dr. Allison Key, founder and primary physician/medical director of 3:16 Healthcare – NAWBO Virtual
Dr. Allison is founder and primary physician/medical director for the 3:16 Healthcare family of practices. She is board certified in Family Medicine and has sub-specialty training in Aesthetic Medicine. She enjoys seeing patients of all ages, from newborns to octogenarians and beyond. Her husband, David, is a civil engineer by trade and a cattle farmer by love. They are raising their two children, Ada and Luke, on their farm, and sell their farm-raised, grass-fed beef at their storefront, Key Farms Meats & Mercantile, in Carrollton. In her spare time, Dr. Allison enjoys reading, interior decorating, spending time at the lake and traveling, especially to our nation’s National Parks!
Aquila Mendez-Valdez, founder of Haute in Texas and Haute in Network Agencies – NAWBO San Antonio
Aquila is founder of Haute in Texas, an award-winning PR and marketing agency. She’s been asked to speak to audiences across the U.S., Europe and Asia, and has been featured in Forbes, Newsweek and The Telegraph, in addition to numerous TV appearances and podcasts. Her blog collaborations and client roster feature some of the world’s biggest brands, including Vogue, Prada, Lincoln, Neiman Marcus, Kendra Scott and Orangetheory. She is also founder of Haute in Network Agencies, a franchise model to help other women own their own agencies, and was named a San Antonio Business Journal 40 Under 40 honoree.
Amy Mucha, founder of Daisy Pops and Daisy Makes – NAWBO Northeast Ohio
Amy, founder of Daisy Pops, lives in Kent, Ohio, with her husband, Nate, and their three children, Peter, Charlie and Daisy (the business namesake). A former high school math teacher, Amy now runs a cake pop bakery where her team of pop artists produces 3,000 pops weekly, delighting customers with each bite. Faced with the challenge of scaling production, Amy turned to 3D printing as a way to develop custom cake pop tools. Today, this second company, Daisy Makes, operates forty 3D printers, supplying cake pop tools globally and revolutionizing the industry with innovative solutions for bakers everywhere.
Mariyah Saifuddin, co-founder and CEO of Innovative Solution Partners – NAWBO Greater Detroit
Mariyah is co-founder and CEO of Innovative Solution Partners, an IT consulting firm helping enterprises leverage data for growth. In addition to creating custom analytic and reporting solutions to drive informed decision-making, her team supports clients in their AI and Cloud initiatives. Mariyah was instrumental in establishing the firm as an SAP Services Partner. She serves as president of NAWBO Greater Detroit and as a Board director for CARES in Farmington Hills. She was recognized as one of the Top Women in Tech in 2024 by Purpose Jobs, a Notable Nonprofit Leader by Crain’s Business Detroit and an Enterprising Women Honoree.
Janna Willoughby-Lohr, founder of Papercraft Miracles – NAWBO Buffalo Niagara
Janna is an artist, writer, speaker and entrepreneur from Buffalo, New York. Her business, Papercraft Miracles, is an eco-friendly handmade paper art company. Featured on discovery+, she’s worked with Lowe’s, Pinterest, Twitter and Capital One. She is the host of Reach the Stars Podcast, which features inspiring stories of persistence, passion and purpose. Janna is a Board member and chair of the DEI&B Committee for NAWBO Buffalo Niagara and is a founding member of their Diversity & Inclusion Task Force. Janna is also an accomplished poet, rapper and musician and she is a proud mama to three little kiddos.