Deanna Novak Hosts Intimate Fundraising Dinner Benefitting the NAWBO Institute
When women come together, incredible things happen.
Deanna Novak (pictured in the center) had seen it happen countless times as a member and leader of NAWBO, and she couldn’t wait to see what would unfold when she brought together 20 members, non-members and corporate women for a dinner that raised money for the NAWBO Institute.
NAWBO’s Role in Deanna’s Success Story
Deanna joined NAWBO South Florida in 2008 after starting her first business. She always loved to write and originally went to school for journalism, and after having an idea when her daughter was born, she left her career as a tax attorney and launched a business in 2005 writing personalized children’s books that celebrated and bridged heritages. In her daughter’s case, a book that would showcase her Italian heritage from Deanna and her Polish and Czech heritage from Deanna’s husband.
“I was on my own trying to figure it all out in an industry that barely existed,” she says. “When I joined NAWBO, I felt less alone. It was my saving grace.”
Deanna met one of her dearest friends—who attended the dinner last month—while in the registration line at her first NAWBO chapter event. She quickly connected with other amazing women, too, and almost immediately stepped up to serve on the board. It was through those connections and service that Deanna was invited to attend a business conference where she met someone who worked for Disney. Two years later, she had a contract to sell her books at Disney’s Epcot.
“NAWBO opened the door, and it was a huge one to open, but then I walked through it,” she says. “What happened was all based on my connections with NAWBO.”
While Deanna sold her books for four years at Disney’s Epcot and wrote other books during that time, it ultimately didn’t work out. “It was a great idea, but didn’t work financially…even with Disney.”
From Children’s Book Author to Ghostwriter
Deanna was at a crossroads. She didn’t want to return to law and had moved her family to Orlando for the Disney opportunity. Her friend that she met at that very first NAWBO meeting so many years earlier told her she needed to get back to writing and reminded her of a South Florida NAWBO member with a ghostwriting business who was looking to exit and refer clients elsewhere.
Later that day, Deanna and the ghostwriter had a phone conversation. “I had a new business with my first client that same day because of NAWBO and it has not stopped ever since,” she says about The Write Journeys. “I am going on six years with this business and love every second of it! I have the privilege of helping so many people get their stories out of their heads and hearts and onto paper. Every client has been a referral, most of whom originated at some point from NAWBO. That’s one of the many reasons why I want to give back.”
Deanna served in nearly every role at the chapter level, with South Florida as well as NAWBO Orlando, before joining the NAWBO Institute Board two years ago. She is now Chair Elect.
“I had served in so many positions locally and was looking to make more of an impact,” she shares. “I went to Leadership Academy and was talking to [Past National and Institute Board Chair] Teresa Meares about it and she said she wanted to nominate me.”
Deanna has received so much from NAWBO that she was excited for this new opportunity to give back.
A Night of Personal and Financial Impact
The idea for the NAWBO Institute fundraising dinner came from brainstorming together with her fellow Institute Board members. Everyone liked the idea and Deanna, who loves to have people in her home for good food, wine and conversation, volunteered to host the first one. She turned to close friends to help, including a Disney culinary director who brought a sous chef and catered an amazing meal, as well as a friend at Caymus who donated all the wine.
For Deanna, it was also important for her guests to spend time with NAWBO’s CEO Jen Earle and hear from her about what’s happening at the national level. This happened during an intimate fireside chat around Deanna’s outdoor firepit following dinner.
“These fundraising events don’t have to be the same for everyone who would like to host one—they should do whatever is most comfortable to them and where they think they can have the biggest impact,” says Deanna.
Despite two major hurricanes hitting in the weeks leading up to the dinner, Deanna stayed committed to holding it…and the outcome was well worth it: They raised several thousand dollars for the NAWBO Institute and made lasting connections with one another.
A friend of Deanna’s who came from South Florida, Luly B, made a connection and is now speaking at NAWBO 50th event. Two brand-new business owners also came and are now members. One has a restaurant and connected with NAWBO Orlando’s past president who was looking for a venue to host 50 women for lunch. The other, with a boutique downtown, will have a pop-up store at a NAWBO event.
And Deanna? She’s meeting next week with a connection from the dinner who is interested in writing a book! “This is what NAWBO is all about and why I will always give back to this amazing organization,” she says. “All these connections came from just one evening of women coming together. It is never lost on me how powerful that it!”
It’s Never Too Early to Give!
NAWBO has been powering the dreams of women business owners for 50 years. And now, with your support, we can continue this vital mission for the next 50 years and beyond. Giving Tuesday and Year-End Giving are the perfect times to make a difference. Donate today here.