2024 NAWBO Take Flight Business Conference
Featuring the PropelHER Pitch Competition

NAWBO Orlando Announces Finalists for PropelHER Pitch Competition

The Orlando Chapter of the National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO) is thrilled to announce the finalists for the esteemed PropelHER PitchÒ Competition. This event is set to be a highlight at the upcoming annual Take Flight Women’s Business Conference, scheduled for April 4, 2024, at Full Sail University's Live Venue, located at 141 University Boulevard in Winter Park, Florida.  This event is made possible by Full Sail University and Duke Energy.

After an intense selection process, six outstanding women entrepreneurs – three in the Emerging category and three in the Established category – are set to compete in the PropelHER Pitch Competition. These finalists represent the innovative spirit and diversity of talent within the women business owner community.

Emerging Category Finalists:

• 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.

• Kelly Edmondson of The Memory Box, a compassionate grief gift service, providing personalized support through tokens of remembrance for each milestone of the first year of loss, fostering healing and remembrance.

• 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 Finalists:

• 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.

• Jessica Krupa of Panty Promise – revolutionizing women's health with the first gynecologist-recommended, organic intimate apparel, merging Femtech innovation and style inclusivity for every body.

• 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.

Each finalist will have the unique opportunity to present their business live, competing for cash rewards and in-kind services aimed at accelerating business growth and success.

NAWBO Orlando's President, Christa Santos, emphasizes, "Access to resources is critical for success. The PropelHER Pitch Competition is designed to connect these brilliant women entrepreneurs with the tools, exposure, and capital they need to elevate their businesses – propelling them to next phase of success."

The PropelHER Pitch is more than a competition; it's a launchpad for growth, providing skill development, exclusive networking, and a platform to refine and ignite business plans. These finalists have already demonstrated exceptional vision and leadership, and they will now have the chance to share their aspirations with a wider audience.

Witness the future of women-led business at Full Sail Live, where extraordinary women entrepreneurs will passionately pitch to a panel of seasoned professionals. This event shines a light on their remarkable achievements and underscores NAWBO Orlando's dedication to empowering women to reach their entrepreneurial aspirations. Be part of this inspiring event and see the visionaries of today take center stage to present their business dreams.

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 and to register for the Take Flight Business Conference Featuring the PropelHER Pitch Competition, click below.   NOTE: Early registration discounts are available before March 22!

Breaking Barriers – the Startup Evangelist®

Maryann’s journey into the world of technology and innovation was fueled by a deep-seated passion to make a difference, particularly in the realm of child safety. Despite not having a technical background, she was driven by a compelling need to address the tragic issue of children dying in cars due to being inadvertently left behind. This pressing concern led her to conceptualize and develop the POMM (Peace of Mind Monitor) device. Her commitment to finding a solution stemmed not from a background in tech, but from a heartfelt desire to prevent such tragedies.

It was this drive, rooted in compassion and a desire to help others, that propelled Maryann into the complex world of tech startups, leading her to create a device that could offer a practical solution to a critical problem. Her journey is a powerful example of how determination and a passion for social good can lead to meaningful innovation, transcending traditional barriers and expertise.

POMM has developed into a multifaceted device, offering safety communication solutions across numerous industries. It serves a diverse group of professionals, including service technicians, delivery drivers, field representatives, warehouse clerks, and rideshare drivers, enhancing their safety and security in the workplace. Recognized for its capacity to reduce occupational hazards, POMM has garnered attention from major corporations such as UPS, Amazon, and Duke Energy Corporation, highlighting its effectiveness in various work environments.  It has a paid pilot with an Oil and Gas Company in Brazil.

Maryann's inspiring startup narrative, shared during her keynote speech at the NAWBO Orlando Take Flight PropelHER Women's Business Conference in 2023, captivated Tonja Graham, Supplier Diversity Manager, Diversity Community Engagement FL- Supply Chain at Duke Energy Corporation, leading to a consequential meeting. This encounter sparked a series of discussions and introductions with Duke Energy, laying the groundwork for a prospective business collaboration.

The role of NAWBO in facilitating these pivotal connections was crucial, showcasing the power of networking in expanding business opportunities. Maryann's impactful presentation at the conference not only highlighted her entrepreneurial prowess but also played a key role in broadening her reach within the business community, particularly in initiating talks regarding the integration of the POMM SAFETY device into Duke Energy's operations.

A significant part of POMM's journey to market is the collaboration with Siemens Energy Innovation Center in Orlando. Maryann's project, focusing on developing a prototype clip for the POMM device, was the first of its kind at the center. This partnership not only showcases her innovative thinking but also her ability to leverage resources and networks to bring her vision to fruition.

POMM's applicability across various industries, including its temporary pause in the POMM Kids wearable due to operational expenses and the ongoing success of POMM Silver, demonstrates the flexibility and responsiveness of Maryann's leadership. Furthermore, the certification of Pink Lotus Technologies as a women-owned business opens new avenues for government contracts, enhancing the company's growth potential.

In addition to her business acumen, Maryann's personal life is a source of joy and motivation. She eagerly anticipates becoming a grandmother in April, with her daughter Savannah expecting a baby girl. This personal milestone intertwines with her professional life, fueling her passion to help others and ensure safety across communities.

Maryann's journey with Pink Lotus Technologies is not just a story of business success; it's a narrative of passion, resilience, and innovation. As she continues to explore new territories, including the potential expansion through resellers and independent contractors, her story remains a source of inspiration and a testament to the power of strategic partnerships and visionary leadership.

Celebrating Women’s Business Month: A NAWBO Orlando Perspective

October is Women’s Business Month, a time to celebrate the incredible achievements of female entrepreneurs and business owners across the globe. From small startups to large enterprises, women have been breaking barriers, setting new standards, and shaping the future of the business world. In Orlando, the National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO) plays a crucial role in empowering and supporting women in their entrepreneurial journey.

The Importance of Women’s Business Month

Women’s Business Month is not just about celebrating success; it’s about recognizing the unique challenges that women face in the business world and working together to overcome them. It’s about creating an environment where women feel supported, valued, and empowered to achieve their fullest potential.

For NAWBO Orlando, Women’s Business Month is an opportunity to highlight the incredible talent, resilience, and innovation of women entrepreneurs in our community. It is a time to share stories, exchange ideas, and inspire one another to reach new heights.

Celebrating Women Entrepreneurs

The journey of a woman entrepreneur is filled with both triumphs and challenges. NAWBO Orlando believes in celebrating every step of this journey, acknowledging the hard work, dedication, and perseverance that it takes to build and sustain a successful business.

During Women’s Business Month, we take the time to shine a spotlight on the achievements of women entrepreneurs, not just in terms of their business success but also their impact on the community and the economy. Women-owned businesses are a vital part of the economic landscape, generating revenue, creating jobs, and driving innovation.

Member Spotlight: Tracy Rickard

Lucille Ball meets the Dali Lama...that’s Tracy Rickard. You can truly see it in her leadership skills, as she expresses her own uniqueness and allows people to feel safe and relaxed.

Tracy's passion is health and wellness, and is able to inspire other women to see how important their own self care is, and how to easily implement activities and mindset shifts to feel less stress and more creative. As women business owners Tracy's understand how stress management could be the key to a businesses longevity and efficiency. Tracy empowers women to express who they are unapologetically so they can make a true impact in this world, and loves to empower many NAWBO members to help create their own legacy.

You can learn more about her services and approach to wellness at http://www.tracystotalwellness.com/
@tracys_total_wellness

Member spotlight: Jeannie Shanholtzer

Member spotlight Jeannie Shanholtzer is the owner of WOdaisy wellness, a telehealth practice designed for women by women, focusing on the ever- changing health journey of a woman. At our core, we believe that health and wellness looks different for each and every woman; our team is dedicated to providing individualized care that suits where you are in your wellness journey. Whether that be primary care, mental health, postpartum, weight loss, peri-menopause or menopausal care, we are there to support you through each stage in your journey. WODaisy.com recently launched in these states - Florida, Arizona, Kansas, Iowa, Minnesota and Washington.

Jeannie is a passionate entrepreneur who wants to help change the way healthcare is delivered. Jeannie Shanholtzer is a board-certified Women's Health Nurse Practitioner. She received her BSN from St Luke’s College in KC, MO and received her MSN Nursing from University of Missouri KC in 1999. Jeannie has a passion for compassionate and innovative care in every stage of life, specializing in women’s health.

Jeannie has more than 25 years of experience of providing high quality care with an emphasis on early detection and prevention of chronic diseases. She specializes in providing tele-health care with an emphasis on heart health, diabetic care, mental health, wellness, weight loss, self-care and lifestyle interventions.

Jeannie is an individual who places great value on the importance of family and engages in a diverse range of hobbies. She currently resides in the idyllic setting of Panama City Beach Florida where the stunning beach and beautiful scenery provide the perfect backdrop for her interests. Jeannie is passionate about gardening, painting, biking, and cooking, and is committed to living a well-rounded life.

FUN FACT: Jeannie is a mom of two and grandmother of 4!

Member Spotlight: Mona Lou

Member Spotlight Mona Lou is the owner of Mona Lou International, a consultancy and training business that enables globally diverse corporate work teams and their leaders to function harmoniously with a deep appreciation of the dimension of culture, enhancing productivity, & profitability. Through her business, Mona has also raised awareness about unconscious bias and it”s harmful impact on the business's bottom line, which starts with the hiring process. Mona has designed seminars, workshops, and training to help leaders and their organizations become more culturally competent so they can thrive in the global business environment.

Fun Fact. Mona loves music, and loves to dance and was, at one point, a Zumba instructor!

Mona has been a business owner for over 20 years where she has founded and run multiple businesses. Her main goals have always been to raise awareness, and to create spaces in which people can learn from each other and grow together to foster harmony.

Learn more about Mona Lou at mona@monalou.net, https://www.linkedin.com/in/mona-lou-cherkaoui/
#monalouinternational

Member Spotlight: Angie Ruff

Member Spotlight Angie Ruff is the owner of Flavor Craft Foods, a Small Food Co-Manufacturing company in Sanford. Flavor Craft Foods supports restaurants/food service applications, small/regional/specialty brands and various other businesses in their dry food mix needs. Flavor Craft is solution focused and gives small brands and restaurants access to manufacturing that larger companies would not entertain to help scale their businesses.

Fun Fact. Angie has an affinity for adrenaline activities such as half marathons and off-roading in her 1994 Ford Bronco. She's even won an off- road event while driving an 1995 Oldsmobile Cutlass Ciera - who knew those cars could be such a beast! Her heart is with helping others - as a second chance employer and volunteer with many organizations. She is a special needs mom and a domestic abuse survivor.

Most recently, Angie participated in Empower West Volusia, a Ted-Style talk. She has been inducted into the American Academy of Entrepreneurs and was a previous Sterling Award winner with Florida Makes/Florida Sterling Council.

Learn more about Angie Ruff at:

https://www.instagram.com/angieruff__/

https://www.facebook.com/FlavorCraftFoods/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/angieruff/

Member Spotlight: Spotlight: Stefanie

Member Spotlight: Stefanie started Empower Women Collective after 20+ years working in a male-dominated industry and watching herself and other women struggle to have incredible mentors & sponsors to help them grow, learn, and thrive. After starting three businesses and building her own personal brand, she realized how many women were struggling with starting, scaling, and growing their brands and businesses.

Stefanie coaches successful women entrepreneurs who are ready to take their businesses to the next level with simple, effective strategies for growth. This is why she founded Empower Women Collective. Helping other women see their potential, leap over fear, limiting beliefs, and imposter syndrome is her passion and she gets to live it out every single day.

Fun fact: Stefanie is also a classically trained opera singer!

Stefanie has won awards such as Four Under 40 and GenNext industry leaders in the construction industry as well as being a top performing sales and marketing leader for 10+ years in her corporate career.

Learn more about Stefanie and her company Empower Women Collective at https://empowerwomencollective.com/
@thestefaniecouch

Member Spotlight: Shantel Williams

Member Spotlight: Shantel is an exceptional accountant who not only excels in her profession but also embodies kindness, compassion, and generosity. Her dedication to helping others is truly commendable. She recently received entrepreneur of the year award and opened her 10th location in Downtown Orlando.

Shantel's love for her twins is evident in her commitment to providing them with a nurturing and loving environment. Additionally, her efforts to feed the homeless and mentor young women demonstrate her desire to make a positive impact on her community. In her free time, she loves to go to theme parks and concerts!

Learn more about Shantel and her company at http://www.SassyAccountant.com or www.ALPFirm.com

@thefirmalp @sassyaccountant

Lifting Up Women in Business

At NAWBO Orlando, we understand that the road to success is not always easy, especially for women entrepreneurs who may face additional barriers related to gender bias, access to funding, and work-life balance. That’s why we are committed to providing the resources, support, and network that women need to overcome these challenges and thrive in business.

Women’s Business Month is a time for us to come together as a community, share our experiences, and offer support and encouragement to one another. It is a time to lift up women in business, celebrate their successes, and provide them with the tools and resources they need to continue growing and succeeding.

Collaborating for Success

Collaboration is at the heart of NAWBO Orlando’s mission. We believe that by working together, we can create a stronger, more supportive environment for women entrepreneurs. Women’s Business Month is an excellent opportunity to foster collaboration, build partnerships, and strengthen the network of women in business.

NAWBO Orlando provides a platform for women to connect, collaborate, and learn from one another. Through our Lunch & Learn events, our annual Take Flight Women’s Business Conference and PropelHER Pitch, Wine, Women & Chocolate Networking Event and other special events and programs, we facilitate meaningful connections that lead to business growth, personal development, and community impact.   We are also part of the national organization which offers three major conferences per year, as well as monthly programming and opportunities for shared communications through our official platforms and podcast.

Conclusion

Women’s Business Month is a time to celebrate, lift up, and collaborate with women entrepreneurs. It is a time to acknowledge the challenges, embrace the opportunities, and work together to create a brighter future for women in business. At NAWBO Orlando, we are proud to be a part of this important celebration and are committed to supporting women entrepreneurs throughout their journey. Together, we can create a world where women in business thrive and make a lasting impact.

Duke Energy's Commitment to Diversity and
Impactful Supplier Relations

In the realm of corporate social responsibility and supporting women-owned businesses, Duke Energy stands out as a shining example of commitment and excellence.  As a premier sponsor of the NAWBO Orlando Take Flight Business Conference, featuring the PropelHER Pitch Competition, and contributors to the Lunch & Learn program on certification, Duke Energy's dedication to fostering women's entrepreneurship and empowerment is evident.

One of the noteworthy achievements that underscore Duke Energy's commitment to diversity is their recent induction into the Billion Dollar Roundtable (BDR), a prestigious non-profit organization promoting supplier diversity excellence and best practices. Duke Energy's impressive spend of over $1.8 billion with diverse suppliers in 2022 earned them this exclusive recognition. This achievement reflects the company's dedication to maintaining a diverse pipeline of skilled suppliers, ensuring competitive pricing for commodities and services.

What sets Duke Energy apart is their decades-long dedication to intentionally doing business with veteran-, disability-, women- and other diverse-owned companies, creating a supply chain ecosystem that's both innovative and deeply rooted in the communities they serve. Their Supplier Diversity program not only bolsters relationships with these businesses but also provides them with opportunities within Duke Energy's supply chain and those of its suppliers.

Duke Energy's commitment extends beyond awards and recognition. Their recently published Impact Report for 2020-2022 showcases the economic impact of their diversity spend. In this period, their spend with women-owned businesses alone resulted in more than 8,000 jobs created and $463 million in wages. In Florida, their $564 million spend with minority businesses collectively created nearly 6,000 jobs and $324 million in wages.

These impressive figures exemplify how Duke Energy's commitment transcends corporate responsibility—it's a vital pillar of their corporate strategy, contributing to job creation, economic growth, and community development. (View the complete Impact Report here.)

Diversity is not just a program for Duke Energy; it's woven into their corporate fabric. As they pursue ambitious clean energy goals, they recognize that diversity in their supply chain is essential for success. Duke Energy's Supplier Diversity program, established in 1983, has continually evolved to meet the changing landscape of supplier diversity. It now includes businesses owned, controlled, and managed by minorities, women, veterans, individuals with disabilities, and more.

Duke Energy envisions a best-in-class supplier diversity program that challenges cultural norms, propels its supply chain into a more inclusive future, and supports its clean energy transition. 

Their mission revolves around proactively seeking and building relationships with diverse suppliers to create a more sustainable supply chain, ultimately propelling their ambitious clean energy goals forward.

In recognition of their outstanding efforts, Duke Energy has received numerous awards and recognitions, including the National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO) Orlando Chapter Advocate of the Year Award by NAWBO Orlando member Tonja Graham, Supplier Diversity Manager, Diversity Community Engagement FL- Supply Chain, Duke Energy.

Celebrating Excellence: Women Who Win Awards
Recognize Outstanding Achievements

Women business owners are the fastest growing segment of the U.S. economy, and yet, continue to face unique challenges in starting, scaling, and growing our businesses—from accessing capital to winning contracts with government and large corporations to juggling caregiving responsibilities. Those who rise above these challenges to shine brightly are truly inspirational.

NAWBO Orlando’s Women Who Win Awards proudly honors exceptional women who have exhibited remarkable dedication and accomplishment in their respective fields. This prestigious award program celebrates women who have risen above challenges, demonstrated outstanding leadership, and made a positive impact in their industries advancing the NAWBO mission.

Established Business of the Year - Rose LeJiste - RL Engineering & Tech Solutions
Rose LeJiste, the visionary founder of RL Engineering & Tech Solutions, has been named the Established Business of the Year.  RL Engineering & Tech Solutions is an industry-leading engineering and technology solutions and consulting firm, recognized for its commitment to partnering closely with clients to assess, identify, and enhance critical aspects of their businesses. With a rich portfolio spanning over 16 years, the firm has accumulated extensive engineering and technology expertise in small business, commercial, and government sectors. This well-deserved recognition is a testament to Rose LeJiste's unwavering dedication to excellence and innovation.

Over the past 12 months, RL Engineering and Tech Solutions has achieved substantial growth across a multitude of crucial areas, from strategic partnerships and expanded service offerings to a larger workforce, an expanded client base, increased revenue, and successful procurement of government and corporate contracts.

Emerging Business of the Year - Marlyn Bonzil-Juste - Top Choice Medical Transport
Marlyn Bonzil-Juste, the dynamic force behind Top Choice Medical Transport, has been named Emerging Business of the Year.  Top Choice Medical Transport is a distinguished non-emergency medical transportation company serving Central Florida. Renowned for their exceptional service, quality care, reliability, and cost-effectiveness, Top Choice Medical Transport sets the standard for excellence in the industry. With a fleet consisting of state-of-the-art, industry-approved equipment, meticulously maintained to ensure luxury and comfort, Marlyn Bonzil-Juste's visionary leadership has elevated the company to new heights.

Top Choice Medical Transport has experienced tremendous growth – nearly 30 percent in the past 12 months, a feat accomplished through strategic relationship building, gaining deeper insights into clients' needs, and substantial investments in nurturing and empowering a dedicated team.

Member of the Year - Maryann Kilgallon - POMM® Safety Platform
Member of the Year award is presented to Maryann Kilgallon, a shining star within the NAWBO community. Her exceptional contributions, dedication, and commitment to advancing women entrepreneurs in support of the NAWBO Orlando mission have greatly impacted many others and solidified her as an exemplary member with a far-reaching impact.

 A pioneering woman-owned business in the USA, Maryann draws inspiration from her role as a mother of two, channeling her passion and determination into crafting a suite of wearable tech products that address issues like heatstroke, kidnapping, and caregiver abuse, which have tragically affected our most vulnerable. Fueling her resolve is a fervent desire to put an end to such heart-wrenching stories, thus creating the groundbreaking POMM® concept, integrating connected apps and wearable technology to provide comprehensive solutions for families. Her dynamic leadership has earned her the moniker "Startup Evangelist," a role she embraces with zeal.

Recognized for her trailblazing vision, Maryann served as the keynote speaker at this year's NAWBO Take Flight Business Conference, and she was prominently featured in "Founding in Color," an illuminating docuseries by Comcast NBCUniversal LIFT Labs, spotlighting the journeys of eleven Black and Latino startup founders navigating the complexities of entrepreneurship while addressing critical issues of race, identity, family, and mental health.

“These remarkable women, Rose LeJiste, Marlyn Bonzil-Juste, and Maryann Kilgallon, stand as beacons of inspiration, embodying the Women Who Win Awards' values of excellence, leadership, and empowerment. Their remarkable achievements serve as a testament to the limitless potential of women in business and their ability to drive meaningful change,” says Christa Santos, NAWBO Orlando Chapter President.

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

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.  It is the only dues-based organization representing the interests of all women entrepreneurs across all industries with chapters across the country.

NAWBO BOARD MEMBERS FEATURED ON
“WHAT’S THE SCORE?” PODCAST

Three NAWBO Orlando board members were recently interviewed on the SCORE Orlando “What’s the SCORE?” podcast. Each talked about their realm of expertise and offered tips and tricks for the listening audience. Catch the episodes here:

Cathy Levendoski - Actionpoint Marketing - Marketing Your Business

LISTEN HERE

Tracy Rickard - Tracy’s Total Wellness - The Importance of Wellness

LISTEN HERE

Karen Kurta - Karen K Photo - Why Businesses Need Professional Photography

LISTEN HERE

NAWBO Orlando Announces the 2023-24
Board of Directors

The National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO) Orlando Chapter is pleased to announce its newly elected Board of Directors for the 2023-24 term.

“NAWBO Orlando is committed to championing women-owned businesses, fostering their success, and creating a thriving entrepreneurial community.”

— Christa K. Santos, NAWBO Orlando Chapter President

ORLANDO, FL, UNITED STATES, July 11, 2023/EINPresswire.com/ -- The National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO) Orlando Chapter is pleased to announce its newly elected Board of Directors for the 2023-24 term. The diverse and accomplished group of women leaders will play a pivotal role in guiding the organization and championing the interests of women entrepreneurs in the Orlando area.

Leading the NAWBO Orlando Chapter as President is Christa Santos, president of CKS Marketing Communications LLC. Santos 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 President, she will provide strategic direction and foster a supportive network for women business owners emphasizing industry collaboration and creating valuable industry partnerships.

Joining Santos 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:

• Regine Bonneau, CTPRP, CEO of RB Advisory LLC, assumes the position of President-Elect. With her strong leadership skills and expertise in business consulting for cybersecurity, compliance, and risk management, Bonneau will play a key role in shaping the chapter's initiatives and advocating for women entrepreneurs.

• Cathy Levendoski, founder of ActionPoint Marketing, assumes the role of Immediate Past-President, leveraging her extensive experience with the chapter and industry knowledge in marketing to provide valuable insights and continuity to support the board's ongoing initiatives.

• Deanna Novak of The Write Journeys has been re-elected as Secretary. Novak's expertise in professional writing and content creation, along with her roles as Director and Treasurer on the NAWBO Institute for Entrepreneurial Development board, and her past experience on the South Florida NAWBO Chapter board, equip her to advance compliance and facilitate effective communication among NAWBO Orlando board members in contributing to the advancement of its goals.

• Tracy Rickard, founder of Tracy's Total Wellness, has been re-elected as Program Chair. Rickard's expertise in wellness, health education and her dedication to personal development will contribute to the chapter's educational programs and events.

• Karen Kurta, owner of Karen K Photo, will serve again as Communications Chair, leveraging her creative talents and marketing skills to enhance the chapter's communications strategies and outreach efforts.

• Shawntia Lee Emilus, CEO of College Thriver Education, a pioneering organization dedicated to helping first-generation and minority students navigate college admissions and career readiness, will serve as Membership Chair.
Emilus'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.

• Vanessa Clark, an Estate Planning and Personal Injury Law attorney (founder of Clark Law PLLC) will take on the role of Sponsorship Chair. With her legal expertise and business acumen, Clark will spearhead efforts to secure sponsorships and partnerships to support the chapter's activities.

• Mona Lou Cherkaoui (aka Mona Lou) an expert in cultural intelligence and diversity, has been elected Director at NAWBO Orlando. As the founder of Mona Lou International, she provides consulting, training, and coaching on cultural intelligence worldwide. Additionally, she is the founder/CEO of World Properties Group, a real estate boutique serving global investors for more than 20 years. Lou's expertise in cultural intelligence, marketing, and international sales, along with her commitment to empowering women entrepreneurs from all backgrounds contributes to NAWBO Orlando's mission of fostering diversity and inclusivity in the business world.

Together with the existing board members, 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. With the newly appointed board members, 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 Christa Santos, President of NAWBO Orlando Chapter. "Our Board is committed to championing women-owned businesses, fostering their success, and creating a thriving entrepreneurial community. Women Owned Small Businesses are on the rise in the nation but especially in Florida and our organization is focused on providing support, education, and resources to help them succeed."

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 Thursday, August 24 at Full Sail’s Treehouse from 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM – details are available at the NAWBO Orlando website. Additional events are also happening on July 21 featuring the Breaking the Glass Ceiling book launch event – at the NEC along with a speed networking mixer event on July 27. Again, details and registration are 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.

Founded in 1975, NAWBO is the unified voice of more than 11.6 million women-owned businesses in the United States, 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 with chapters nationwide.

take flight business conference recap: 2023 PROPELHER PITCH COMPETITION WINNERS ANNOUNCED!

The Take Flight Business Conference featuring the PropelHER Pitch Competition was nothing short of inspirational.

We heard from the motivational keynote from Maryann Kilgallon, Startup Evangelist and founder of the POMM® safety platform. There were insightful discussions on raising capital, featuring experts Yanyn San Luis - founder and CEO of The Win Woman, Kathy Chiu - co-founder and general managing partner of DeepWork Capital, Amy Kirkland - Director, Center for Business Development, Seminole State College, and Cherrise Wilks - President & CEO of Affinity Consulting Group (moderated by Rupert Meghnot - Founder of Burnout Game Ventures). Moderator and NAWBO Orlando Immediate Past President, Lena Graham-Morris asked lots of questions as panelists Tara Parker, RN, BSN, MHA of Drip Vibe Infusions and Valerie Carmel of Valerie Carmel Therapy shared their tips for avoiding burnout and practicing self-care. Afrin Khan, Business & Leadership Consultant and owner of Red Elephant shared a “flight plan” for building our businesses while Wendy Lyn Phillips of Wendy Lyn Unlimited kept us entertained with tips and tricks for leading from the inside.

The culmination was the exciting pitches from our finalists in the PropelHER Pitch Competition. All six of our finalists, three in the Emerging and three in the Established categories delivered engaging presentations and cutting-edge ideas in their pitches. The judges had their work cut out for them! Congratulations to Jessica King of FlowIntell (Emerging Category) and Lisa Francoeur of Crypto Tutors on their winning pitches!

It was a day of inspiration, motivation, and camaraderie as women business owners of all levels came together to grow, network, and learn more about propelling their businesses forward. If you missed it, you missed a great event and we hope to see you next year!

Congratulations to our
2022 propelher pitch competition winners!

Congratulations to our winners of the 2022 PropelHER Pitch Competition: Shawntia Lee of College Thriver (Emerging Category), and Dr. Kristal Cunningham of Bold Kulture Beauty (Established Category). All of our seven finalists had amazing presentations and business potential, but these two walked away with the top spots at the final competition held on May 13 at Full Sail Live.

For the first time, NAWBO Orlando’s PropelHER Pitch event also included the Take Flight Business Conference, with speakers and panel discussions covering key topics in Leadership, Economics, Wellness, and Advocacy. Watch for details about the 2023 event coming soon!

Congratulations to our 2021 award winners!

This year’s annual holiday luncheon contained something new - NAWBO Orlando’s first annual awards recognition for Established Business of the Year, Emerging Business of the Year, Member of the Year, Advocate of the Year, and Sponsor of the Year. Congratulations to this year’s winners!

Established Business of the Year:
Demetria Hill Sloan, Vantage Point Consulting LLC

Emerging Business of the Year:
Karen Kurta, Karen K Photo

Member of the Year:
Wendy Lyn Phillips, Wendy Lyn Unlimited, Inc.

Advocate of the Year:
Diane Sears, I-4 Magazine

Sponsor of the Year:
Tonja Graham, Duke Energy

media 101: roundtable with experts

The digital landscape is saturated. And the competition for space is overwhelming. Too many businesses don’t have a marketing budget or limit themselves to social media or newsletters. While these are great strategies to connect with your audience, leveraging the media to promote you and your business is even more powerful. Yet it seems to be a lost art … one that is waiting to be rediscovered.

NAWBO Orlando hosted the first of a three-part series to better prepare you with the tools and resources that Women Business Owners need to embrace MEDIA to propel their businesses. Part one featured an interactive session with five experts with a vast amount of experience and helpful lessons about leveraging the media effectively. Catch the recap here.

Then, watch for parts 2 and 3 of this series, which will build on this knowledge to help you get the attention from TV producers, radio hosts, and influential podcasters that you deserve! Stay tuned for details!