August 2022 Newsletter
A Message From Our President
I am delighted to be back serving as board president this year and can’t wait to jump right in! We’ve celebrated many successes over the past few years that we hope to continue, and I have big aspirations for NAWBO Chicago. Our momentum continues to build, and it is truly inspiring and exciting to be a part of it!

For example, last Wednesday, more than 50 women business owners gathered for our Summer Social. I attended this fabulous annual event for some much-needed facetime with other members and I couldn’t help but notice the diverse group of women.
Membership Spotlight: Defining DEI&B
As a woman business owner, how have you approached DEI&B (diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging) at your company? What steps have you taken to implement diverse hiring practices? What role do employees play in furthering DEI&B?
Historically, the production industry hasn’t been very diverse! I noticed quite quickly in my career that men were being promoted and respected more. I made it a point, when I started my business, to actively recruit women. It also became quite obvious that there was little to no minority representation on set or in a design studio. Now, when recruiting, I always reach out to other minority and women business owners for referrals first.

Elise Jaffe
CEO
NAWBO Chicago Membership Mingles At The Summer Social
There was a great turnout for the annual NAWBO Chicago Summer Social last week! The Chicago Riverfront could hardly contain the excitement and joy of being together. Our chapter is comprised of so many women business owners from a wide array of industries and backgrounds. We hope you all made new connections and enjoyed the beautiful Chicago summer afternoon.

Previously that day, the newly instated Board of Directors spent time together at the annual retreat to strategize for the year ahead. Leadership is committed to increasing membership engagement and expanding the reach of NAWBO Chicago in meaningful ways.
Meet Cailey Davern, NAWBO Chicago's Summer Advocacy Intern
Cailey Davern is a research intern with the NAWBO Chicago Advocacy Committee this summer. She worked closely with the committee to develop a survey regarding challenges women business owners face today, and will present results of this survey to members of the NAWBO Chicago Board and Advocacy Committee in mid August. Findings will help the committee to guide and prioritize its advocacy work going forward.
 
Cailey is a junior at DePaul University studying Communications and Media, with a minor in Public Relations and Advertising. Cailey’s past internship experience includes podcast production, marketing and social media/content curation. This summer she is also a Strategic Communication and Marketing intern at the nonprofit CHOICE Humanitarian, and the Digital Media Director of a political publication called “Our National Conversation.” Additionally, she is the Communications Director for “The Cities Project” through DePaul University. 
Cailey’s career goals include working in communications or a related field within industries such as, but not limited to, music, politics, nonprofits or emerging technology. Her skill sets and interests include digital marketing, brand development, project management, leadership, interpersonal communication, copywriting and content curation. Cailey is actively seeking contract work and internships for the fall semester specifically related to communications, social media and public relations.
NAWBO Supports Bipartisan Passing Of The CHIPS Act
NAWBO applauds the bipartisan efforts by the U.S. Senate to address long-standing concerns, including supply chain disruptions that were exacerbated by the pandemic and boosting U.S. manufacturing capacity, by passing the The Creating Helpful Incentives to Produce Semiconductors (CHIPS) for America Act.

“The benefits from this legislation will be felt across several key economic sectors, from construction, technology, research, etc., and there is a real opportunity for women-owned businesses to tap into those benefits,'' said Lisa Coppola, Chair-Elect, NAWBO National Board of Directors and Chair, NAWBO Advocacy Committee, of the Senate passage of the CHIPS Act.
Connect With NAWBO Chicago Women Businesses - Buy An Ad
New Mastermind Group To Begin Meeting In September: Survey
NAWBO Chicago will form a new Mastermind group in September and we want to hear from premier members when you want to meet.

If you are interested in joining this new Mastermind, please fill out the survey so we can determine the best day, time and location.
A Mastermind is a regular gathering of the same small group of women that meets privately to confidentially discuss business matters in a more in-depth, supportive and consultative manner in a peer-to-peer setting. Over time, as familiarity builds, these groups often serve in an advisory manner for members.
US Patent & Trademark Office To Host Free Invention-Con 2022
The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) will host Invention-Con 2022, a free, online conference on August 10-12 from 12:00 - 4:00 pm daily. Join successful inventors, accomplished entrepreneurs and expert USPTO staff as they demonstrate how intellectual property protection is key to your success.
Women Business Collaborative To Host Annual Summit This Fall
Women Business Collaborative Action for Impact (A4I) Annual Summit will take place virtually September 21-22, 2022. Participate in two days of high-level panels and speakers discussing how best to create equal position, pay and power for all businesswomen.
Maximize Your Membership in 2022
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 four active committees: Advocacy; Diversity; 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. Email September submissions to the newsletter editor by August 19, 2022.
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