December 2021 Newsletter
It's been too long since we've been able to eat, drink and be merry! NAWBO Chicago members are invited to bring a friend (and their holiday spirit) to this upcoming holiday cocktail party at the Merrill Lynch office in the Bank of America Tower. This in-person event is hosted by BBV Wealth Management Group.

Questions? Email Melissa at melissa@nawbochicago.org.
Membership Spotlights: Year in Review
Please share with us your proudest milestone of 2021, and what you are looking to accomplish in 2022.
"As a minority- and woman-owned independent subcontractor, our proudest milestone of 2021 was to stay in business providing quality services in the construction trade. Due to the pandemic, workflow was drastically reduced as existing contracts and projects were put on hold or canceled."

Lilly Aguilar
"My proudest milestone was to revive my business and keep all three restaurants open, rehiring three employees and gaining two new hires."

Mary Aregoni
Saigon Sisters, Bang Chop
"Since the pandemic began, it has been very difficult for our clients – and most businesses – to predict the direction of things due to rising material costs, shipment delays, business closing and staff reductions."

Yaribel Tirado
"My proudest milestone of 2021 was finally giving up corporate employment to pursue my entrepreneurial journey full time; the result was six-figure revenue growth by learning how to market my 4-year-old business and pay myself, which was significant to the success of the company this year."

Brandy Watson
"My proudest milestone of 2021 has been servicing the Green Era Renewable Energy and Urban Farming Campus. Adelante provided electrical construction services on this innovative project, which is a redevelopment effort in the underserved Auburn Gresham area on the south side."

Jessica Wolak
NAWBO Invites Members to Share NAWBO Experience
Related to DEI&B
We want to hear from you! The DEI&B Committee is dedicated to transforming NAWBO into the most diverse women’s business organization in race, religion, age, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, etc. by 2025. Please take this survey to share your NAWBO experience as it relates to diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging. This will allow us to set the baseline for where we are now, determine where we go from here, and then track our progress on our way to meeting this goal. 
NAWBO Chicago Earns 5-Star Chapter Status
For the third year in a row, NAWBO Chicago was recognized as a 5-Star Chapter of Excellence at this year’s Annual Membership Meeting. Thank you to all of our members for your dedication and involvement with NAWBO!
Members in the News
Congratulations to the following NAWBO Chicago members who were recently recognized for their amazing achievements!
Congratulations to Mary Aregoni (Saigon Sisters, Bang Chop), who was recently highlighted on WBEZ Chicago's "Food Friday" feature!
The Global IP Matrix recently published an article by NAWBO Chicago member Michele Katz. This is a must-read for companies managing their websites due to strict ADA rules. Check out her article on pages 6-7.
Mae Whiteside-Williams (CKL Engineers, LLC) was featured in Beyond Basketball. The article details Mae's personal story and her experience as a minority business owner in Chicago. Congratulations, Mae!
NAWBO Advocacy Updates
Click here to find updates about NAWBO's advocacy efforts and relevant developments on Capitol Hill.
Maximize Your Membership
Whether a solopreneur or a million-dollar business, NAWBO Chicago gives women-owned businesses of all levels the resources and support needed to help them grow and thrive. A NAWBO Chicago membership offers the power and benefits of an established community of women entrepreneurs.
Join a Mastermind
Premier Members are eligible to participate in one Mastermind as a Member Benefit. A Mastermind group is the same small group of women that meet on a regular basis to provide peer-to-peer discussions. Email to learn more.

Update Your Profile
Your profile is how you are represented to other members. By including details about your business, your interests and yourself, you have a better opportunity to be seen. Click here to update.
Get Involved with a Committee
NAWBO Chicago hosts five active committees: Advocacy, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion; Marketing; Membership; and, Celebration of Achievement Conference. Please find the descriptions and committee leaders here. 

Attend a Monthly Event
Connects are monthly small-group meetings that allow our members to come together regularly throughout the Chicagoland region. Find future events here.
NAWBO Chicago Newsletter Submissions

NAWBO Chicago newsletters are published monthly. Submit January information to the newsletter editor December 19, 2021.

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