It’s one thing to power your dream on your own. It’s quite another to power it alongside hundreds of talented and diverse women business owners who have also started and are working to grow their businesses in different stages and sectors of the U.S.
These women came together virtually last month to connect, learn, be inspired and so much more during NAWBO’s National Women’s Business Conference 2021—presented by our partners at Bank of America for the ninth consecutive year.
This year’s theme was “Power Your Dream.” After all, every entrepreneurial journey starts with a dream. To create something new, better or more meaningful. To be your own boss and leader. To enjoy a more flexible lifestyle. To leave a legacy for the next generation. To give back to a community. To change the world in positive ways.
For 2021, there was a major conference focuses are technology and sustainability. The world has changed in ways we never imagined possible. An overnight shift to remote work forced incredible innovation and progress that we will no doubt carry with us and evolve as we move into the future. This focus was woven throughout the conference days.
While there were countless conference highlights, this year’s keynote speakers shined. Jessica Matthews, a young inventor, venture capitalist and co-founder of the Uncharted Power, shared why it’s important to question the status quo, go against the grain and create something that works for you…no matter your location, background or circumstances. “The concept of uncharted is going off the map…going to the place people think is too dangerous to go,” she said. “How are you stretching beyond your comfort zone?”
Diana Nyad, an athlete, sports journalist, author and co-founder of EverWalk, was the first person to swim from Cuba to Florida on her fifth attempt in 35 years. She shared her story of perseverance and encouraged women business owners to live fearlessly too. “Never ever give up,” she said. “It doesn’t matter how tough things are. You may be raising a difficult child, fighting a health issue that’s really tough or be in a tough spot in your business. Just don’t give up. If you’re knocked down, get back up, and if you’re knocked down again, get back up again. If you just don’t quit, you will make it to your other shore…whatever it is.”
Following several days of networking, breakouts, workshops and more, NAWBO wrapped up this year’s conference by revealing its 2021 Woman Business Owner of the Year, along with other award winners. Congratulations to all of this year’s recipients:
- Woman Business Owner of the Year Award: Carla Walker-Miller, Walker-Miller Energy Services – NAWBO Greater Detroit
- Member of the Year Award: Sandy Clitter, Your Tech Tamer, LLC – NAWBO Philadelphia
- Rising Star Award: Anna Welsh, Littlebags by Anna – NAWBO NextGen
- Susan Hager Legacy Award: Joy Lutes, former vice president of external affairs – NAWBO National
- Gillian Rudd Business Leadership Award: Irene Natividad, GlobeWomen Research & Education Institute (Global Summit of Women)
- Advocacy Award: Lisa Fullerton, A Novel Idea, LLC – NAWBO San Antonio
Gift Yourself This Season: An In-Person WBC in 2022!
Registration is now open for NAWBO’s National Women’s Business Conference 2022!
October 9-11, 2022
The Galt House
Louisville, Kentucky