Women of Excellence Empowerment Gala

As one of NAWBO's "Top 10 Chapters," NAWBO Richmond takes pride in its commitment to leadership, education, and encouragement of women-owned businesses in and around the Richmond region. NAWBO Richmond's strength comes from the diversity of its membership—women from all backgrounds, regardless of race, religion, age, sexual orientation, national origin, or disability.NAWBO features chapters in almost every metropolitan area in the United States, including the Richmond Chapter. NAWBO Richmond was founded in 1982 by a group of like-minded women who understood the need for an association that would support the growth of women-owned business in the metropolitan area.Through events such as theWomen of Excellence Awardsand monthlyevents, NAWBO Richmond Virginia are designed to:Create business opportunities within the communityBuild strategic alliances through partnerships and networkingEducate the public about women-owned businessesInfluence public policy, presenting a unified frontPromote leadership within the civic and business communities

NAWBO Richmond

NAWBO Richmond’s signature event that celebrates the 2025 accomplishments of successful women entrepreneurs and community leaders in RVA.

The Dominion Club

Join us for the Women of Excellence Empowerment Gala, the signature annual celebration by NAWBO Richmond recognizing outstanding women entrepreneurs and community leaders in the Greater Richmond area. This year’s gala features our awards program across five categories: Entrepreneur of the Year, Rising Star, Community Leader, Student Entrepreneur of the Year, and Woman in STEM.In addition to honoring these remarkable finalists and their stories, the event will include a silent auction. Proceeds support NAWBO Richmond’s educational programming and community outreach to empower women business owners in the region.Get involved as an auction donor or event sponsor: info@nawborichmond.org. //<h4>Nominations are in, here are our finalists!</h4> ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEARKatie Santoro, Lift Business ResourcesBrittany Schmid, The Bunny HiveNoelle Parent, Blue Sage Bridal RISING STARAshley Redwood, Trap CardioMarisa Manriquez, Soul Witness CraniosacralSoliél Lindsey, Sol Rise Essentials® COMMUNITY LEADERDanielle Gilbert, Women Can Inspire FoundationHeather Lyne, 1717 CollectiveTaylor Scott, RVA Community Fridges WOMAN IN STEMLeslie Beltowski, The Aesthetic Era STUDENT ENTREPRENEURAvery Schlosser, Hue//<h4>Interested in Sponsoring?</h4>Join us as a sponsor of the Women of Excellence Empowerment Gala &amp; Silent Auction. Your partnership will support NAWBO Richmond's ongoing efforts to provide educational programming, scholarships, and community outreach that equip women business owners with the tools and resources they need to grow, thrive, and scale their businesses. In the process, you'll engage a highly connected and motivated audience of Richmond's top business leaders and their networks via an extensive list of benefits including social media, email, and on-site event activations.Take a look at our Sponsorship Packet <a href="https://www.canva.com/design/DAG2_WgChs0/dqZQW-1zNdC2yf22c3FLYA/view?utm_content=DAG2_WgChs0&amp;utm_campaign=designshare&amp;utm_medium=link2&amp;utm_source=uniquelinks&amp;utlId=hd1b9d2f7d1" title="https://www.canva.com/design/DAG2_WgChs0/dqZQW-1zNdC2yf22c3FLYA/view?utm_content=DAG2_WgChs0&amp;utm_campaign=designshare&amp;utm_medium=link2&amp;utm_source=uniquelinks&amp;utlId=hd1b9d2f7d1" target="_blank" data-msys-clicktrack="0" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">HERE!</a>Find the link to our Sponsorship Interest Form<a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf97bhvZteaIlXm_pYsojIjrvkG9ZmTnYw8_7IIFr6eNbFmOg/viewform?usp=header" title="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf97bhvZteaIlXm_pYsojIjrvkG9ZmTnYw8_7IIFr6eNbFmOg/viewform?usp=header" target="_blank" data-msys-clicktrack="0" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer"> HERE!</a>//<h4>Want to participate in our Silent Auction?</h4>NAWBO Richmond is seeking donations in the forms of tangible items, experiences, and services to be auctioned off at our silent auction!We are looking for items such as (but not limited to) gift cards, tickets, gift baskets, giveaways, etc, with a range of price points. This is a fantastic opportunity to have your business spotlighted and shared with the NAWBO community! If you or your business would like to contribute to this event, please complete the form below by Friday, December 26th.*Please note that ALL item donations must come with a physical certificate or the item itself provided by the donating organization. Items must be dropped off with a NAWBO representative by Friday, January 2nd. We will be in touch to collect items.Find the link to our GALA Donation Form <a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSe9MuUPpqPZMOgDP3PcXqFRAjx4x4WBBge-K79zMXINGTnUMw/viewform?usp=header" title="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSe9MuUPpqPZMOgDP3PcXqFRAjx4x4WBBge-K79zMXINGTnUMw/viewform?usp=header" target="_blank" data-msys-clicktrack="0" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">HERE!</a>//What is the dress code?Dress in winter cocktail attire and prepare to network, celebrate and raise a toast to bold leadership and meaningful impact in Richmond’s business community. Your ticket includes a cocktail hour and plated dinner.//Agenda for the Evening 6 - 6:45PM: Welcome &amp; Networking Happy Hour<ul><li>Upon arrival, guests will be greeted with their choice of champagne or sparkling water. An open bar featuring beer and wine will be available throughout the evening.</li><li>Guests are encouraged to check out the silent auction &amp; purchase tickets for the orchid raffle. The orchids were generously donated by <a href="https://chadwickorchids.com/tags/arthur-chadwick" title="https://chadwickorchids.com/tags/arthur-chadwick" target="_blank" data-msys-clicktrack="0" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">Art Chadwick of Chadwick Orchids </a>- thank you for your thoughtful contribution!</li></ul> 6:45 - 7:30PM: Guests Find Seats &amp; Plate Food<ul><li>Guests will enjoy warm, elegant dining experience featuring freshly baked dinner rolls with whipped butter, preset ice waters, and a refreshing iced tea and coffee station, complete with dessert to finish.</li><li>Entrée selections include your choice of: Lightly breaded buttermilk chicken breast topped with a lemon caper beurre blanc sauce OR mushroom ravioli served in a rich tarragon cream sauce.</li><li>Each entrée is accompanied by the chef's choice of seasonal vegetable medley and garlic whipped potatoes.</li></ul> 7:30 - 8:30PM: Award Banquet &amp; Presentation//More about NAWBO RichmondThe National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO) is the unified voice of over 10 million women-owned businesses in the United States representing the fastest-growing segment of the economy.Since 1975, NAWBO has been the only membership organization representing the interests of all women entrepreneurs across all industries; with chapters across the country. With far-reaching clout and impact, NAWBO is a one-stop resource that propels women business owners into greater economic, social, and political spheres of power worldwide.Our MissionNAWBO is an organization that works to:<ul><li>Strengthen the wealth-creating capacity of our members and promote economic development</li><li>Create innovative and effective changes in the business culture</li><li>Build strategic alliances, coalitions, and affiliations</li><li>Transform public policy and influence opinion</li></ul>

//<h3>Thank you to our sponsors!</h3>

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Women of Excellence Empowerment Gala

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