In 1975, a group of pioneering women in Washington, D.C., led by Susan Hager, founded the National Association of Women Business Owners. Their mission was clear: to create a unified voice for women entrepreneurs and to advocate for policies that would enable women to own and operate businesses independently. At that time, women faced significant legal and societal barriers, including the inability to secure business loans without a male co-signer.
One of NAWBO’s most significant achievements came with the passage of H.R. 5050, the Women’s Business Ownership Act. This landmark legislation eliminated the requirement for women to have a male relative co-sign business loans, established the National Women’s Business Council, and created women’s business centers across the country. These centers provided resources, training and support to women entrepreneurs, laying the groundwork for the growth of woman-owned businesses nationwide. This type of program continues to be relevant and needed today, as women’s business outpace the growth of that of men but see only a portion of the revenue. That’s changing.
NAWBO-Phoenix: Growing Money, Members and Mission
The Phoenix chapter of NAWBO has been instrumental in advancing the organization’s mission at the local level. Under the leadership of President Tanaha Hairston, NAWBO-Phoenix focuses on three core pillars: Money, Members and Mission. This triad aims to empower women entrepreneurs financially, expand membership to build a robust community, and stay true to the mission of advocating for women’s economic empowerment.
A flagship initiative of NAWBO-Phoenix is the Wealth Wise Women series, a monthly business-school-style program designed to support women in making money, serving their mission and enjoying the benefits of being part of a growing network. Starting in August, these sessions will continue to be held at the Esplanade at 2525 E. Camelback Rd. in Phoenix. Each session focuses on a different aspect of business growth, from financial planning and investment strategies to leadership development and public policy engagement.
The Power of Networking and Learning
Being part of NAWBO offers women entrepreneurs unparalleled opportunities for networking, client acquisition and continuous learning. The organization’s events and programs are designed to foster connections among members, facilitate mentorship and provide access to resources that can help women scale their businesses.
NAWBO-Phoenix’s commitment to education and advocacy ensures that members are not only equipped with the tools to succeed but also have a platform to influence policies that affect women in business. By participating in programs like Wealth Wise Women, members can stay ahead of industry trends, learn from experts and apply new strategies to their enterprises.
Join the Movement
In August, the new board will be sworn in to hail the coming of the 50th year of NAWBO. As membership continues to grow, so does our board. The committees — ranging from Public Policy to Sponsorship to Mentoring — welcome your involvement. There’s no better time to become part of this dynamic community than when it’s on the rise! Whether you’re looking to grow your business, connect with like-minded entrepreneurs or advocate for women’s economic empowerment, NAWBO provides the support and resources you need. As the incoming president, I welcome new leaders to the table to join in increasing the money, mission and membership of this powerful network of entrepreneurs.
To learn more about NAWBO-Phoenix, become a member, apply to be a speaker, or join our next event, visit nawbophx.org. Together, we can continue to break barriers and build a more inclusive and prosperous future for women in business.
Joanna Horton McPherson is president of NAWBO-Phoenix. She is a leader, speaker and 6x founder. As a coach, she provides expert training to confidently deliver a transformative message that builds a following, drives business and changes lives for the better. A graduate of Harvard University, McPherson has founded and led schools, nonprofits and businesses in the U.S. and abroad since 2005, and has unique expertise as a professional actor and Buddhist meditation guide. To inspire the next generation of global leadership, McPherson serves as strategic advisor on boards in the U.S., Rwanda and Costa Rica.,
