ABOUT NAWBO ORLANDO
Where Women Entrepreneurs Rise and Thrive
ABOUT NAWBO ORLANDO
Where Women Entrepreneurs Rise and Thrive
A Trusted Circle for Central Florida's Women Business Owners
NAWBO Orlando is for women business owners who want a trusted circle of relationships, resources, and belonging—so they can transform themselves and their businesses through clarity, confidence, empowerment, and practical guidance.
Entrepreneurship doesn't have to be a solo climb. Whether you're launching your first venture, scaling an established company, or navigating everything in between, you'll find a community here that understands the work and is ready to help you take the next step. In Central Florida, you never have to grow alone.
Part of a National Movement
NAWBO Orlando is the local chapter of the National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO). Founded in 1975, NAWBO is the unified voice of more than 11.6 million women-owned businesses in the United States—the fastest-growing segment of the economy.
As the only dues-based organization representing the interests of women entrepreneurs across all industries, NAWBO is a one-stop resource that propels women business owners into greater economic, social, and political spheres of power worldwide. Respected among elected officials in Washington, D.C. and state capitals, recognized as a thought leader on women's business issues, and joined by corporate partners who share its mission, NAWBO is the country's premier women's business organization.
When you join NAWBO Orlando, you plug into that nationwide network—while building the local relationships that move your business forward right here at home.
vision
To propel women business owners into greater economic, social and political spheres of power worldwide.
Mission
NAWBO Orlando advances the national mission locally by:
Strengthening the wealth-creating capacity of our members and promoting economic development within the entrepreneurial community
Creating innovative and effective change in the business culture
Building strategic alliances, coalitions, and affiliations
Transforming public policy and influencing opinion makers
What Belonging Looks Like Here
Membership in NAWBO Orlando is built around four things every woman business owner needs:
Connect — Build real relationships with women entrepreneurs that lead to collaborations, referrals, and lifelong friendships.
Learn — Access quality education on today's most important business topics through in-person events, leadership training, e-learning webinars, and public policy calls.
Grow Your Business — Get the connections, ideas, and resources you need to take your business to the next level, locally and nationally.
Use Your Voice — Help shape the policies that affect women entrepreneurs in Central Florida and across the country.
Along the way, you'll gain access to dynamic programming, mentorship, and signature experiences like our annual Wine, Women & Chocolate event—plus the clarity, confidence, and practical guidance that come from a circle of women who genuinely have your back.
Diversity & Belonging
In principle and in practice, NAWBO values and seeks a diverse and inclusive membership. NAWBO seeks full participation by all business owners who support our mission to empower women entrepreneurs—regardless of race, religion, age, sexual orientation, national origin, or disability. Our goal is to represent the full diversity of the women business owner community and to expand access to leadership across the full spectrum of our membership.
Ready to Find Your Circle?
Explore upcoming events, membership benefits, and the many ways NAWBO Orlando can support your journey. Whether you're here to grow your business, expand your network, or find a community that truly gets you—we're glad you found us.
Board of Directors
Meet the Members of the 2024-2025 Board
Board of Directors
Meet the Members of the 2024-2025 Board
karen kurta
President
Karen Kurta is the founder of Karen K Photo, a professional photography studio specializing in headshots, branding, and architectural photography for businesses and professionals across Greater Orlando. With over 25 years of experience in photography and a background in corporate marketing, Karen combines creative expertise with strategic insight to deliver images that elevate her clients’ brands. She leads with clarity, empathy, and a strong attention to detail—building trust through a seamless process and a commitment to excellence.
Deb Dietz
President-Elect
Deb Dietz is the Founder and CEO of SMB Value Partners, Inc., a digital media and EdTech company pioneering Agentic AI, VR, and 3D technologies for global skills-based education through SMB Digital Education and Futee.TV. She also connects global markets by producing five international business conferences for female and minority entrepreneurs — VC LatinX, VC EuropeX, VC MEAX, VC APAX, and the BRICS Marketplace Conference — and hosts four television shows on business, health/wellness, character, and faith. Deb has prior board service at NAWBO Chicago and the Northbrook Symphony Orchestra.
vannessa Weber
Treasurer
Vannessa Haydeé Weber is the founder of Veracity Research Solutions, a family-operated consultancy that helps organizations turn data and compliance requirements into clear, actionable strategies. With 15+ years of experience and a master's degree in Research Psychology and Data Analysis, she translates complex research into real-world impact. She's been honored by the Western Association of Veterans Education Specialists for her contributions to improving systems and services for veterans.
nICOLE pERPILLANT
Secretary
Nicole is a digital strategist, licensed real estate expert, and business coach with over 20 years of experience in IT, cybersecurity, digital marketing, and entrepreneurship. She is the co-founder of Design Theory LLC - an Orlando‑based design agency specializing in websites, digital marketing, and photography services tailored for small businesses and solo‑entrepreneurs since 2008. Nicole uses her expertise in branding, automation, and communication to support organizations in expanding their reach and impact.
Angie Ruff
Programs Director
Angie Ruff is the COO & Co-Owner of CANI Property Management, where she helps investors create calm, constant cash flow through operational excellence. A 24-year operations and manufacturing leader, she has built multimillion-dollar systems from scratch, turned chaos into clarity for growing companies, and now applies that same discipline to real estate portfolios. Angie is also the Founder of Retail Rebel Revolution and CEO of Rebel MFGX. Known for her direct, high-energy style, she teaches owners how to turn relationships into results with simple, repeatable processes.
DANA WELLS
Membership Director
Dana Wells is a seasoned entrepreneur, business strategist, and certified executive coach. As co-owner of Levee Liquor—a multi-award-winning retail business in St. Cloud—she’s led her team to become a recognized community hub known for innovation and service. With more than 20 years of experience in entrepreneurship, marketing, and economic development, Dana brings both strategic insight and hands-on leadership to the board. She is also the founder of Sunshine Coaching Group, where she blends positive psychology with real-world business experience to help high-achieving professionals and entrepreneurs flourish. Through her coaching, Dana empowers clients to build resilience, lead with purpose, and thrive in both business and life.
JENSINA GRAYDON
Communications Director
Jensina Graydon is the Founder and CEO of Purple Ivy Digital Marketing, a strategy-first agency that helps businesses grow through digital marketing. With nearly 30 years of experience in marketing, sales, and business development, she has led initiatives for globally recognized brands, including The Walt Disney Company and Universal Orlando Resort, and small businesses alike, before founding Purple Ivy. Today, Jensina partners with businesses to align marketing with their growth goals through digital marketing. She is passionate about empowering business owners with the strategies they need to grow sustainably, building lasting relationships with their customers and communities, while supporting the continued growth of the Central Florida business community.
sponsors & partners
sponsors & partners
