Dear NAWBO leaders, members, and friends,
It is my pleasure to officially welcome you as we kick off NAWBO California's 2021-2022 term. I am honored and privileged to serve as your NAWBO California President.
As leaders we stand on the shoulders of those before us. I would like to thank all of our past leaders for their service and to acknowledge all that Vikita Poindexter and the 2020-2021 board accomplished. I would also like to recognize those who are continuing their leadership on the NAWBO California board. A special thank you to Hilary Lentini who will continue in the Immediate Past President role, to our Treasurer, Jennifer Dizon, and to our Secretary, Lynnette Coverly. We welcome Schenae Rourk onto the executive committee as President Elect. I am truly honored to serve with these fantastic women.
I would like to thank our continuing board members and advisors: Laura Russell-Jones (Director of Corporate Partners), Megan Rios (Co-Director of Education), Shaila Rao Mistry (Business Policy Advisor), and Lori Kammerer (Legislative Advisor). It is my pleasure to welcome to the board Megan Herrity as Director of Membership. She has worked closely with Kathy Clark to create our popular state-wide membership mixers. We look forward to continuing all that Kathy has done during her NAWBO-CA tenure. And I welcome Colleen Meyer as the new Co-Director of education to assist Megan in creating new education and programming opportunities.
The NAWBO California board believes deeply in the work we do every day supporting women business owners. We will continue to celebrate the greatness of diversity and to welcome, celebrate, and support all of our women business owners across the state. I have had the opportunity to connect with many of you about national’s investigation and appreciate how you have reached out with questions and concerns. NAWBO-CA does not play a direct role in the investigation. Like you, we are awaiting the findings. We have shared the urgent need for transparency and a resolution. We will continue to be here for our members, chapter leaders, sponsors, and allies across California. NAWBO-CA's commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion is more important than ever.
The work that NAWBO does has never been more relevant. Women business owners are leading our companies and communities as California continues to navigate the evolving post-pandemic reality. I am eager to put one of NAWBO’s core values, servant leadership, to work. I want to collaborate with each chapter to learn what we can do to better support your leadership and members. I am excited to gather with our leaders for a strategic planning session to chart a shared vision for 2021-22.
We look forward to combining the best of the virtual and in-person experiences this year. Mark your calendars for our next virtual quarterly membership mixer September 16 from 4:00-5:30. And keep an eye out for information on Propel in the spring, when we hope to gather in person in Sacramento to meet with our elected leaders advocate for women in business.
I look forward to creating a shared vision of success to empower and support women business owners across California. I can’t wait to see what we will accomplish together.
In sisterhood,
Amber Wallace
NAWBO-CA President
President & CEO, Dowitcher Designs
Past President, NAWBO Santa Barbara
