Dear NAWBO Silicon Valley Members & Friends, As we start the new year, I would first like to recognize the Board of Directors who contributed to our success in 2022. Their leadership and commitment is immeasurable. Flor Harris, Chair, NAWBO Silicon Valley Education Group Maxine Goulding, Communications/Marketing Director Robin Fisher, Membership Director Lauren Mader, Programs Director Wendy Roberts, Treasurer Eleonora Tomasello, Corporate Partner Director Lorena Camargo, Secretary Marina Gatto and [...]

Dear NAWBO Silicon Valley Members & Friends, Fall is in the air, my most favorite season in the year. Thank you to our sponsors and all who attended our Crystal Chair Awards Gala. It was a special night with heartfelt recognitions. Congratulations to our awardees: Maxine Goulding, California Special Occasions – Lifetime Achievement Toni Julian, Soul Potential Institute – Businesswoman of Distinction Flor Harris, Benefits Simplified – Woman Business Advocate [...]

Dear NAWBO Silicon Valley Members & Friends, Every year Bank of America issues a report on the National Business & Economic Outlook and in the recent 2022 Women & Minority Business Owner Spotlight, small business owners have a positive outlook for their business, as revenue expectations continue to rise and expansion plans have sharply increased. Despite the threat of inflation, supply chain and labor shortages, economic confidence has brightened since [...]

Dear NAWBO Silicon Valley Members & Friends, Schools are back in session and our support of the Next Generation continues to expand with members and corporate partners embracing the opportunity to participate and cooperate with our wonderful affiliate organizations. The StartUp Squad, a brand and book series that promotes the belief that entrepreneurship can empower young girls to develop important life skills, follow their passions, and reach their potential. California [...]

Dear NAWBO Silicon Valley Members & Friends, NAWBO Silicon Valley is nearing the end of the 2021-2022 fiscal year this month and we are thrilled to report on our accomplishments. As a result of our membership survey, our members indicated they are looking for both in-person and virtual networking events for collaboration, camaraderie, business development and opportunities. Working with the CDC guidelines, our robust programming included: The NAWBO Silicon Valley [...]

Dear NAWBO Silicon Valley Members & Friends, “Women seeking to start their own businesses still struggle to access the capital they need. Not only do many entrepreneurs lack access to networks of equity investors and venture capital, but they also receive less than 6 percent of bank loans—even though 43 percent of SMEs are led by women. What steps are financial institutions taking to support women entrepreneurs? Are there new [...]

Dear NAWBO Silicon Valley Members & Friends, Spring has arrived and we are delighted to resume our in-person events. Our Membership Drive Mixer last month was buzzing, and we welcomed 5new members. I am a firm believer in enriching your mind and soul by meeting new people. I would like to thank my new friends Maggie, Savita, and Hung of Rotary 5170 for the invitation to attend their inaugural International [...]

Dear NAWBO Silicon Valley Members & Friends, March is Woman’s History Month, we reflect on the achievements of women who paved the way for others like the United States Mint in their launch of the new American Women Quarters Program, a new four-year coin program honoring the historic contributions of twenty trailblazing American women. Beginning in 2022 and continuing through 2025, the series will feature five notable female pioneers per [...]

Dear NAWBO Silicon Valley Members & Friends, It's Black History Month. Every February, we honor the contributions and sacrifices of African Americans who have helped shape the nation. Black History Month celebrates the rich cultural heritage, triumphs and adversities that are an indelible part of our country's history. While Black History Month is the quintessential time of year to center black voices, that effort shouldn't start and end in February. Black [...]

Dear NAWBO Silicon Valley Members & Friends, Our lives and how we view the world have been forever altered these past two years, but we continue to persevere and approach challenges head on by creating opportunities for growth. 2022 is the Year of the Tiger and by implementing its meaning to our daily lives we too are courageous, enthusiastic, generous, self-confident with a sense of justice, and with a commitment [...]