Central Florida women business owners step forward to lead, serve and inspire the next generation of entrepreneurial leadership.
ORLANDO, Fla. — July 15, 2026 — The National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO) Orlando installed its 2026–2027 Board of Directors Wednesday evening during She Reigns: A Leadership Shower, a reimagined board installation experience celebrating the women who have stepped forward to lead the organization and the community it serves.
Held at Heller Hall in historic downtown Winter Garden, She Reigns moved beyond a traditional installation ceremony to recognize the courage, commitment and community behind leadership. Part celebration and part call to action, the evening welcomed NAWBO Orlando’s incoming board while inviting women throughout Central Florida to consider where they, too, are being called to step up.
“Leadership isn’t about having every answer or waiting until you feel completely ready,” said Karen Kurta, incoming President of NAWBO Orlando. “It’s about being willing to serve, to learn and to move forward alongside women who believe in what is possible. This board represents women who said yes to that opportunity, and She Reigns is our chance to celebrate them.”
The 2026–2027 NAWBO Orlando Board of Directors includes:
Karen Kurta, President — Founder of Karen K Photo, Kurta brings more than 25 years of photography experience and a background in corporate marketing to her work helping businesses and professionals elevate their brands. She is known for leading with clarity, empathy and a commitment to excellence.
Deb Dietz, President-Elect — Founder and CEO of SMB Value Partners, Inc., Dietz is an entrepreneur in digital media and EdTech, pioneering applications of Agentic AI, virtual reality and 3D technologies in global skills-based education. Her leadership experience also includes prior board service with NAWBO Chicago.
Vannessa Haydeé Weber, Treasurer — Founder of Veracity Research Solutions, Weber has more than 15 years of experience helping organizations turn research, data and compliance requirements into actionable strategies. She holds a master’s degree in Research Psychology and Data Analysis.
Nicole Perpillant, Secretary — A digital strategist, licensed real estate professional and business coach, Perpillant brings more than 20 years of experience in IT, cybersecurity, digital marketing and entrepreneurship. She is co-founder of Orlando-based Design Theory LLC.
Angelia Ruff, Programs Director — CEO and Co-Owner of CANI Property Management, Ruff is a business strategist and operations executive with 27 years of experience building systems that help organizations grow with confidence. A sought-after speaker and community leader, she is passionate about creating connections that transform businesses and the people behind them.
Dana Wells, Membership Director — A seasoned entrepreneur, business strategist and certified executive coach, Wells brings more than 20 years of experience in entrepreneurship, marketing and economic development. She is the founder of Sunshine Coaching Group.
Jensina Graydon, Communications Director — Founder and CEO of Purple Ivy Digital Marketing, Graydon brings over 20 years of experience in marketing, sales and business development. After leading initiatives for globally recognized brands including The Walt Disney Company and Universal Orlando Resort, as well as small businesses, she founded Purple Ivy to help businesses align digital marketing with their growth goals and build lasting relationships with their customers and communities.
The chapter’s Board of Directors is entrusted with guiding NAWBO Orlando’s vision and strategy while supporting financial stability, organizational effectiveness and value for its members. Board service reflects NAWBO Orlando’s commitment to leadership rooted in humility, integrity, a servant heart, collaboration and a willingness to inspire others.
During She Reigns, former NAWBO Orlando board members also shared candid stories from their own leadership journeys — including the risks, lessons and defining moments that shaped them. The evening was designed to remind women that leadership is not reserved for someone else.
“Women business owners spend so much of their lives building, solving and showing up for others,” Kurta said. “We want women to know there is a place for their voice and their leadership. You don’t have to lead like anyone else. There is room at the table for you.”
NAWBO Orlando is dedicated to fostering the economic empowerment and success of women business owners throughout Central Florida. The chapter works to strengthen the wealth-creating capacity of its members, create innovative change in business culture, build strategic alliances and help propel women business owners into greater economic, social and political spheres of power.
She Reigns: A Leadership Shower took place July 15, 2026, at Heller Hall at the Winter Garden Heritage Foundation in Winter Garden, Florida.
About NAWBO Orlando
NAWBO Orlando is a chapter of the National Association of Women Business Owners and is dedicated to fostering the economic empowerment and success of women business owners in Central Florida. NAWBO Orlando’s vision is to propel women business owners into greater economic, social and political spheres of power worldwide. The chapter provides community, education, connection and leadership opportunities for women entrepreneurs at every stage of their business journey.
For more information about NAWBO Orlando, visit nawboorlando.org.
Media Contact:
Karen Kurta, President
president@nawboorlando.org
321-277-7853