Empowering Leaders: NAWBO Orlando Celebrates 2024 | Women Who Win Award Recipients

[Orlando, FL] – Women business owners continue to drive significant growth in the U.S. economy, overcoming challenges and barriers to success. The 2024 Women Who Win Business Awards celebrate those who have not only persevered but also excelled, contributing to their industries and the NAWBO Orlando mission – driving change and innovation.

Emerging Business of the Year - Mona L. Cherkaoui - Mona Lou International LLC
Mona L. Cherkaoui, the dynamic founder of Mona Lou International LLC, has been named Emerging Business of the Year. The business has seen an impressive 18% growth through direct marketing efforts, driven by a strategy of robust lead generation and follow-up, offering short virtual demos to potential clients. Mona’s coaching and consulting services have been the primary driving force behind the company's revenue growth. Operating both nationally and internationally, Mona Lou International has also contributed to the industry by hiring paid interns for research projects and employing a full-time staff member for administrative work. Mona is also actively involved in her community, volunteering with NAWBO and Global Women of Impact, among other local charities.

Established Business of the Year - Christa K. Santos - CKS Marketing Communications LLC
Christa K. Santos, the visionary leader behind CKS Marketing Communications LLC, has been honored as the Established Business of the Year. Over the past year, CKS Marketing Communications has seen significant growth with the addition of two new clients resulting in three-year growth rate of 67%, both in the government contracting industry. The majority of her business income—60%—is derived from local markets, with the remaining 40% from regional markets in North Carolina, Georgia and Maryland. Christa’s contributions to her industry include helping her clients become award-winning organizations, raising their profiles to attract top talent, and stimulating job creation.

Beyond her business achievements, Christa is deeply committed to community involvement, serving as an advisor and mentor to various organizations, including Global Women of Impact (GWOI), NAWBO Orlando and the Alpha Delta Pi Chapter at Rollins College. Despite facing the challenge of a client downsizing, Christa successfully helped them re-strategize and connect with local resources to rebuild their business. Her leadership and dedication have not gone unnoticed; she was recently honored as a community leader by Dr. Harriet in October 2023 at the IMPACTHer event.

Member of the Year - Amber Kelley - M.A.D. Cleaning Services LLC
The Member of the Year award is presented to Amber Kelley, a dedicated and passionate advocate within the NAWBO community. Over the past 12 months, M.A.D. Cleaning Services LLC has experienced remarkable growth, achieving a 19% increase in sales. This success is primarily attributable to Amber's comprehensive redefinition of the sales process, which is now finely tuned to identify and alleviate the specific pain points of her clientele. By focusing on their needs and providing tailored solutions, Amber has not only enhanced client satisfaction but also significantly boosted conversion rates and sales performance. Her company has also made significant contributions to the industry through the development of advanced field management software, professional training for new hires, and the creation of detailed Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for each property. Amber's active involvement in NAWBO Orlando and her tireless efforts to uplift fellow members have made her a standout leader and an inspiration to others.

“These outstanding women—Mona L. Cherkaoui, Christa Santos and Amber Kelley—truly embody the spirit of the Women Who Win Awards. Their remarkable achievements and unwavering commitment to their fields reflect the resilience, innovation, and leadership that define women entrepreneurs today,” says Regine Bonneau, CTPRP, NAWBO Orlando Chapter President.

NAWBO Orlando is proud to support and recognize the achievements of these women, who serve as inspiring role models for future generations of business leaders. As we celebrate their successes, we continue to work towards our mission of fostering economic empowerment and providing valuable resources to women entrepreneurs across Central Florida.

NAWBO Orlando Announces the 2024-25 Board of Directors

[Orlando, FL] - The National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO) Orlando Chapter is pleased to announce its newly elected Board of Directors for the 2024-25 term. This diverse and accomplished group of women leaders is set to guide the organization and advocate for the interests of women entrepreneurs in the Orlando area.

Leading the NAWBO Orlando Chapter as President is Regine Bonneau, CTPRP, CEO of RB Advisory LLC. Bonneau brings extensive experience in business consulting, cybersecurity compliance, and risk management.  She is an award-winning entrepreneur and industry thought leader, recently honored as one of the Top 100 Women-Led Businesses in Florida by The Women’s Edge.  As NAWBO Orlando’s Chapter President, she will provide strategic direction and foster a supportive network for women business owners, emphasizing industry collaboration and creating valuable partnerships.

Joining Bonneau on the Board are several esteemed women business professionals, each bringing unique expertise and creative insights to NAWBO Orlando. The newly elected Board members include:

•  Christa Santos, Immediate Past President – President of CKS Marketing Communications, LLC brings extensive experience marketing entrepreneurship initiatives, high technology, and professional services companies, as well as a deep commitment to empowering women in business.  As NAWBO Orlando’s Chapter former President, she will continue to provide strategic advice and mentoring for the Chapter leaders to continue to provide programming and support to grow and strengthen women owned businesses.

• Karen Kurta, President-Elect - Owner of Karen K Photo, leveraging her creative talents and marketing skills to enhance the chapter's communications strategies and continued collaboration for the upcoming year.

• Tracy Rickard, Secretary - founder of Tracy's Total Wellness, a Certified Health and Life Coach, Yoga Teacher, Licensed Massage Therapist, and Energy Worker. Rickard is dedicated to empowering women to live in a body and life they love through one-on-one sessions, group work, and transformational events.

• Amber Kelley,  Programs Chair for NAWBO Orlando, is the co-Founder and COO of M.A.D. Cleaning Services, a family-owned business specializing in residential and commercial cleaning services. With years of experience in perfecting the craft of creating clean, inviting spaces, Amber is passionate about helping clients improve their quality of living.

• Shameka Allen-Lane, CMP, DES, our Communications Chair is the founder and CEO of Catalyst Event Coaching LLC, where she combines her passion for events and education to empower others with effective event management strategies.  As a chemist who transitioned into the event and hospitality industry, Shameka is a Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) with over 15 years of experience, having successfully managed over 1,200 events for global clients. With her expertise in strategic planning, team engagement, and risk management, Shameka equips her clients with the knowledge and tools to execute events successfully.

• Rose LeJiste, Membership Chair - CEO of RL Engineering & Tech Solutions, LeJiste has a strong background in engineering, data analytics, and business intelligence. She is also a mentor and advocate for diversity in tech, having served as Executive Director of Black Orlando Tech and on the advisory board of BizLink Orange.

• Ansi Fernandes, Treasurer - Founder of Every Penny Solutions, Fernandes specializes in helping small business owners and entrepreneurs manage their finances through services like bookkeeping, payroll, accounts receivables/payable support, and consulting. Her passion is to provide financial clarity and planning for businesses to thrive.

• Shawntia Lee (Emilius), Director - CEO of College Thriver Education, leverages her business connections and acumen, to help NAWBO with its outreach and exposure. Lee's entrepreneurial spirit and expertise in education will contribute to NAWBO Orlando's efforts to attract and grow its membership base. She was the winner of the chapter’s PropelHER Pitch Emerging Business in 2022 as part of its annual Take Flight Business Conference and has gone on to win several business pitch events.

 These outstanding individuals will work collaboratively to drive NAWBO Orlando's mission of empowering women entrepreneurs, facilitating growth opportunities, and advocating for their interests in the business community. The board will leverage their diverse backgrounds and expertise to deliver impactful programs, networking events, and educational resources for NAWBO Orlando members.

NAWBO Orlando is dedicated to fostering the economic empowerment and success of women business owners in Central Florida. The chapter is poised to drive impactful initiatives, promote diversity and inclusion, and provide valuable resources to women entrepreneurs throughout the region.

"We are excited to have such an exceptional group of women leading NAWBO Orlando," says Regine Bonneau, President of NAWBO Orlando Chapter. "Our Board is committed to championing women-owned businesses, fostering their success, and creating a thriving entrepreneurial community."

For more information about NAWBO Orlando and its initiatives, please visit www.nawboorlando.org.  NAWBO Orlando is a partner organization of the National Entrepreneur Center (NEC).   Make plans to attend the upcoming Installation event on August 22 at the Winter Park Civic Center from 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM.  Additional events are also happening on July 1 in partnership with World Orlando, featuring a discussion with an international delegation on Women Making an Impact.  Details and registration available on the NAWBO Orlando website.

About NAWBO Orlando:
A 5-Star Award Recipient, NAWBO Orlando’s vision is to propel women entrepreneurs into economic, social, and political spheres of power worldwide.  Our mission is to strengthen the wealth-creating capacity of NAWBO Orlando’s members and promote economic development; create innovative and effective changes in the business culture; build strategic alliances, coalitions, and affiliations; and transform public policy and influence opinion–makers.  Orlando is home to more than 51K women-owned businesses.

Founded in 1975, NAWBO is the unified voice of more than 12 million women-owned businesses in the United States with more than 5,000 members and 60+ chapters, representing the fastest growing segment of the economy.  It is the only dues-based organization representing the interests of all women entrepreneurs across all industries.   NAWBO will be celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2025.

NAWBO ORLANDO CELEBRATES TRAILBLAZING WINNERS AT PROPELHER PITCH COMPETITION DURING TAKE FLIGHT WOMEN’S BUSINESS CONFERENCE

[Orlando, FL] - The NAWBO Orlando Take Flight Women’s Business Conference, powered by Full Sail University and Duke Energy concluded with a dazzling display of entrepreneurial spirit and innovation, where The Memory Box and Panty Promise emerged as the winners of the 2024 PropelHERÒ Pitch Competition. The essence of the event was perfectly encapsulated in the moment the winners were announced at Full Sail University’s LIVE venue (complete with smoke and special effects), celebrating the triumph of Memory Box's compassionate grief support and Panty Promise's innovative approach to women's health.

The Memory Box, founded by Kelly Edmondson, offers a yearlong memorial gift service to support those grieving by delivering thoughtfully curated and personalized tokens of remembrance throughout the year. This unique service acknowledges the ongoing nature of grief and aims to provide consistent support, reflecting the departed's life and legacy with each gift.  The Memory Box plans to use the winnings to invest in developing a wider range of personalized and meaningful memorial gift options.

Jessica Krupa’s Panty Promise revolutionizes women's health with the first gynecologist-recommended organic intimate apparel. Combining Femtech innovation with style and inclusivity, Panty Promise is set on becoming a household name that women trust for comfort and health.   Panty Promise aims to direct its winnings towards accelerating product development and expanding its market presence.

Both winners, celebrating remarkable achievements, took home $25K in cash and in-kind prizes from the competition, affirming their potential to transform their industries and the way we address human experiences so intimately linked to life and wellbeing.

"At Duke Energy, we believe in powering not just homes and businesses, but the innovative spirit of the women leading them. We're proud to illuminate the path for emerging entrepreneurs, watching them shine at events like the PropelHER Pitch Competition," says Tonja Graham, Supplier Diversity Manager, Duke Energy.

The conference was electric with synergy and excitement as attendees gathered to witness powerful keynotes and panel discussions. The keynote address delivered by Angie Ruff captivated the audience with inspiring tales of resilience, while Dr. Haifa Maamar and Teresa Rand illuminated the transformative power of embracing change and the rise of women entrepreneurs in the digital age.

Two pivotal panel discussions, “Getting the Word Out” and “Navigating the Financial Landscape for Growth,” brought together a dynamic range of experts who provided invaluable insights into marketing strategies and financial acumen for business growth.  The vibe was more than just electric; it was a testament to the power of community, innovation, and the sheer determination of women entrepreneurs.  As the event wrapped up, the sense of unity and empowerment was palpable, with every participant taking away not just insights and connections but a reinforced belief in the impact of women in business.  Additional event sponsors included Orlando Health, Bank of America and the Orlando Business Journal.

"Empowering women entrepreneurs to take flight in business is not just an event, it's a movement. The Take Flight Women’s Business Conference Featuring the PropelHER Pitch Competition is our commitment to lifting each other up to new heights of success," says Christa Santos, Chapter President of NAWBO Orlando

The second and third place winners were as follows:

Emerging Category:

• Emily Warner of Saddle Up Burger Barn, an Orlando-based, women-owned food truck offering locally sourced grass-fed burgers and fresh, quality meals, committed to excellence in flavor, cleanliness, and community engagement.

• Leah Stiles of SEA WAVES, a groundbreaking 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to addressing the critical and underrecognized issue of eating disorders within the military community.

Established Category:

• Buffy Barrott of Residential Matchmakers streamlines the daunting relocation process for newcomers to Central Florida, offering expert guidance and resources for finding housing and essential services, significantly reducing settlement time.

• Patricia Tanner of Get Real Estateblished combines education and play, offering a dynamic real estate board game that cultivates financial knowledge and strategic acumen through property development and investment simulation.

In a new twist this year, NAWBO Orlando presented the Winner’s Circle Update – A Celebration of the Success of Former Winners from the PropelHER Pitch Competition.  This is a tapestry of success stories that exemplify the power of belief, the strength of an idea, and the transformative impact of the right support at the right time. From College Thriver Education securing over $130,000 in funding and prestigious program acceptances to Alluvionic achieving a staggering 256.36% revenue increase and expansion across the United States, the journey of these entrepreneurs is nothing short of inspiring.  Apolla's leap from dancewear to securing a Shark Tank deal and Crypto Tutors' remarkable $275k award from the National Science Foundation reflect the catalytic effect of the competition. Each story is a testament to the unyielding pursuit of growth and the pivotal role of NAWBO in nurturing the entrepreneurial spirit. These narratives are not just success stories—they are beacons for future participants, illuminating the path to what is possible when vision is met with opportunity.

NAWBO Orlando is committed to fostering an environment where women entrepreneurs can flourish. This conference is a testament to our dedication to supporting the growth and success of women-led businesses in our community.  For more information visit us on the web and social media at www.NAWBOorlando.org.

About NAWBO Orlando:
A 5-Star Award Recipient, NAWBO Orlando’s vision is to propel women entrepreneurs into economic, social, and political spheres of power worldwide.  Our mission is to strengthen the wealth-creating capacity of NAWBO Orlando’s members and promote economic development; create innovative and effective changes in the business culture; build strategic alliances, coalitions, and affiliations; and transform public policy and influence opinion–makers.  Founded in 1975, NAWBO is the unified voice of more than 12 million women-owned businesses in the United States, representing the fastest growing segment of the economy.