Recap of the 2025 Take Flight Business Conference featuring the PropelHER Pitch Competition that took place on May 15, 2025.

Orlando, FL — The National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO) Orlando proudly hosted its annual Take Flight Business Conference featuring the PropelHER Pitch Competition on May 15, 2025, at Seminole State College, celebrating the strength, creativity, and vision of Florida’s women entrepreneurs.

A standout moment of the day was the highly anticipated PropelHER Pitch Competition, where nine finalists pitched their business ventures live in front of a panel of expert judges. Winners were announced in three categories:

  • NextGen Winner: Line Cherrelus, Hair Hub, a mobile app empowering Black women with affordable DIY hair care tutorials, product guidance, and a supportive community—all designed to reclaim time, money, and confidence.

  • Established Business Winner: Julie Kostic, JK Creative, a design agency redefining small business branding with high-impact, affordable creative services to elevate from standard use of platforms like Canva.

  • Emerging Business Winner: Tasanee Durrett, Tasanee Art, an art collective using cultural storytelling and public art to foster connection, healing, and economic opportunities for diverse creatives.

"PropelHER is more than a pitch, it's a platform to elevate women changemakers who are redefining business in their communities," says Karen Kurta, PropelHER Chair and President-Elect of NAWBO Orlando and founder/owner of Karen K Photo.

The conference featured dynamic speakers, hands-on workshops, and panels on advocacy, funding, and leadership. Notably, the ELEVATE-HER Advocacy Panel, featuring Representative Anna Eskamani, offered a powerful reminder of the importance of staying politically engaged. Her insight into current legislative challenges and encouragement to protect progress for women-owned businesses left attendees inspired to lead with resilience and purpose.

Ed Ramos, Senior Area Manager at the U.S. Small Business Administration, emphasized the importance of leveraging available resources, stating, “Utilize the tools and support systems in place to navigate and grow your business effectively.”

Debbie Deland, President of the Florida National Organization for Women, highlighted the significance of collective action, noting, “When women unite and support each other, we create a formidable force for change.”

Charley Brooks, Economic Development Officer at Suncoast Credit Union, emphasized personal alignment, noting, “We have to check in with ourselves regularly—what we do, how we lead, and who we serve should align with our values.”

In the How to Compete and Survive business strategy panel, Jo Newell, Founder of Drop the Mic Coaching, spoke on the power of owning your voice: “Your ability to communicate clearly and confidently can shift the entire trajectory of your business.”

Dr. Marceline Girlie of Vivid Minds Mental Care reminded attendees that “Mental wellness isn’t an afterthought—it’s a business strategy. A healthy mind leads a healthy company.”

Arielle Morton, Growth Strategist for Women Entrepreneurs, shared insights on scaling businesses, stating, “Strategic growth requires clarity, consistency, and the courage to embrace change.”

Throughout the day, attendees connected with mentors, investors, and fellow women business owners, all committed to lifting one another and building a stronger entrepreneurial ecosystem in Florida.

Videos and highlights from the event can be found on NAWBO Orlando website. To learn more about NAWBO Orlando or to become a member, visit nawboorlando.org.

About NAWBO Orlando

NAWBO Orlando is a 5-Star Chapter of the National Association of Women Business Owners, representing over 12 million women-owned businesses across the U.S. Through advocacy, education, and community, NAWBO empowers women entrepreneurs to take their rightful place in economic, social, and political leadership. For more information visit us on the web and social media at www.NAWBOorlando.org. NAWBO National is celebrating its 50th anniversary in June.