ABOUT US
According to the American Express 2017 Women Owned Businesses Report, over the past 20 years (1997–2017), the number of women-owned businesses has grown 114% compared to the overall national growth rate of 44% for all businesses. Raleigh, NC is one of the top ten cities showing the highest employment vitality — employment growth rate from 2002 to 2017 and average numbers of employees.
“It is so important that we recognize the women trailblazers in our state’s entrepreneurial community who have made this possible. Our goal is to empower women to open and grow businesses, as well as advocate for women as significant contributors to the business community in our state.”Wendy Coulter, 2018-2019 President NAWBO-GREATER Raleigh
Launched in 2018, the North Carolina Women Business Owners Hall of Fame honors North Carolina’s most successful female entrepreneurs and advocates who have made significant and enduring contributions to impact women’s entrepreneurial development in North Carolina.
Nominations for the 2nd annual event are open through March 15, 2019. This initiative is in coordination with NAWBO-Charlotte, the Small Business Administration and many other North Carolina organizations.
2019 STEERING COMMITTEE
Brenda Harris - Chair
704-200-5881
info@bpnconcepts.com
Wendy Coulter - Founder
2018 STEERING COMMITTEEWendy Coulter - Chair/Founder
Sarah Glova
Lorelai Kraft
Pam Williams
2019 SELECTION COMMITTEE
Brenda Harris
President Elect- NAWBO Charlotte
Olalah Njenga
President Elect – NAWBO Greater Raleigh
2018 Selection Committee Chair
Member, NAWBO Greater Raleigh
Sarah Forney
Member, NAWBO Greater Raleigh
Johnny Bass
Member of NFIB/NC Leadership Council
& NFIB USA/DC Leadership Trust
Natalie Williams
Executive Director |The Women’s Business Center of Charlotte
Rhonda Stokes
Programs Manager
Greater Women’s Business Council
NAWBO-Charlotte 2018-2019 BOARD
Marise Kumar - President
Brenda Harris - President-Elect
Stacey Randall - Past President
Carol Bondy - Secretary
Michelle Smith - Treasurer
Pam Secrest - Education
Suzy Johnson - Education
Lauren Cantor - Member Services
Elaine Piraneo - Chapter Expansion
Laurie Johnson - Chapter Expansion
Carolina Aponte - Public Policy
Donna North - Special Events
Mindy Hinson - PR-Marketing
Vilma Betancourt-O’Day - Community Relations/ Corporate Partnerships
Melinda McVadon - Special Events
Lisa Jordan - Administrator
NAWBO-Greater Raleigh 2018-2019 BOARD
Wendy Coulter - President
Olalah Njenga - President-Elect
Sarah Glova - Past President
Sherry Elliott - Secretary
Jess McLamb - Treasurer
Emily Brennan - Membership Chair
Elyssa Kivus - Corporate Partnership Chair
Myra Ray - Mentoring Chair
Judy Fourie - Programs Chair
Emily Parks - Advocacy Chair
Karen Albright - At Large
Caroline Fisk - Administrator