And another year is in the books … just like that.
It has been a privilege to act as NAWBO Phoenix president, bring us back into in-person gatherings after the throes of COVID, and work with an inspiring board of superstars. We continued the local rebranding of the organization; added Happy Hours to the mix; and greeted a whole new group of younger, more diverse members this year. And what is the best part? It only gets better as we roll into the 2022–2023 season.
This year. we did many things differently. We did a photo shoot where we created a more fearless look and brought in speakers who were truly interesting, provocative and created meaningful conversation. Our first speaker brought in an over-capacity crowd: Kari Lake, former newscaster and top Republican gubernatorial candidate. Lake would be Arizona’s fourth elected woman governor, following Jane Hull in 1998, Janet Napolitano in 2003 and Jan Brewer in 2010.
Did I get heat for this? Yes, I did. Do I regret it? Nope. We followed this with talks from a cannabis dispensary owner and speakers who inspired us to live our best lives. Our Women of Vision conference offered a diversity and inclusion segment that drew a great deal of meaningful thought and created a platform for conversation that touches everyday life. We are finishing the year the way we started: a gubernatorial panel of candidates addressing the issues important to women in business.
As we head into next year, more than half our board is continuing. Incoming President Ania Kubicki is planning an even bigger year. We are planning more networking functions, programs at different times of day (hello, breakfast!) and programs with relevant topics that are both educational and inspirational.
Our membership is growing. NAWBO is no longer the “ladies that lunch” crowd. We are bad ass.
We are the face of women business owners.
Won’t you join us?
Rosaria Cain
NAWBO Phoenix President
Rosaria Cain founded Knoodle, a public relations and marketing firm, in 1999, with her very first client, Fulton Homes, after 20 years in television, radio and newspaper. Her company is ranked among the top advertising agencies in the Phoenix Metro area and brands clients such as Sante’ Health, Cal-Am Resorts, Red Development and Prestige Cleaners. She still works with Fulton Homes today.
