Terry Bradley Dunn knows the power of having—and using—your voice.

As founder of Tai-Lynn HR Solutions, she set out to support startups and nonprofits with the HR services they often go without.

As a longtime NAWBO member and current public policy chair of the Greater Raleigh chapter, she’s brought that same passion for advocacy from her college sorority days to the state and national stage on behalf of all women business owners.

Now, as the 2025 recipient of NAWBO’s Gillian Rudd Award, Terry shares what advocacy means to her, why this recognition is personal and how she continues to champion others every step of the way. “We have a voice and deserve the right to be heard,” she says.

To learn more about this NAWBO award and others, visit: https://nawbo.org/awards

Suzanne Pease has worn just about every hat in NAWBO—from chapter leader to national board president—and today, she’s considered NAWBO’s unofficial historian.

A 37-year member and the 2025 recipient of the Susan Hager Award, Suzanne reflects on decades of service, leadership and impact.

She shares how NAWBO shaped her journey, why she always stepped up when asked and how she found success by lifting others and then stepping aside.

It’s a conversation full of wisdom, warmth and a deep love for a community that’s still changing the game for women business owners.

To learn more about this NAWBO award and others, visit: https://nawbo.org/awards

Lynda Bishop, VP of National Programs for the NAWBO Institute, believes success shouldn’t be isolating. That’s why she leads the Circle program—a powerful 12-month experience designed exclusively for women whose businesses generate $1 million or more in annual revenue.

In this episode, Lynda shares how the Circle was created to connect and support the top 2% of women business owners who are often leading at levels where peer support is rare.

She talks about what makes the Circle so impactful, what these high-achieving women need most and why community matters even more at the top. Plus, a fun fact: Lynda is one of those rare people who truly loves change.

To explore NAWBO’s Circle and other Institute programs, visit: https://nawboinstitute.org

Aquila Mendez-Valdez didn’t initially envision herself as a business owner—but becoming a mom of two was the spark that lit her entrepreneurial fire.

Today, as founder of Haute in Texas and Haute in Network Agencies, she leads a thriving PR and marketing firm and franchise dedicated to helping female founders build bold, beautiful brands that shine—online and off.

Aquila, a NAWBO San Antonio member and finalist for the 2025 Woman Business Owner of the Year Award, sponsored by Bank of America, shares her journey from small-town farm life to powerhouse agency leader, how storytelling became her superpower and why motherhood was the unexpected catalyst for a career she loves.

To learn more about this NAWBO award and others, visit: https://nawbo.org/awards

Christine E.B. Howard didn’t just stumble into the innovation ecosystem—she built a business to support it.

As founder of E.B. Howard Consulting and a NAWBO Buffalo Niagara member, Christine works with startups and support organizations to find funding and write and evaluate grants that bring breakthrough ideas to life.

A finalist for the 2025 Woman Business Owner of the Year Award, sponsored by Bank of America, Christine shares how she turned her passion for funding innovation into a thriving consultancy, what excites her most about emerging tech and why seeing big visions become reality is the ultimate reward.

To learn more about this NAWBO award and others, visit: https://nawbo.org/awards

Dr. Allison Key never set out to build a business empire—she just wanted to practice medicine her way.

But since opening 3:16 Healthcare in rural Georgia in 2017, she’s grown from 8 employees to 160 and now leads 12 thriving locations, offering everything from family practice and urgent care to infusions, medical spa services and a kids’ corner—and she’s bringing in speech therapy this summer.

A NAWBO Virtual member and finalist for the 2025 Woman Business Owner of the Year Award, sponsored by Bank of America, Dr. Allison shares how she learned to lead, what keeps her grounded and why her story is still being written.

To learn more about this NAWBO award and others, visit: https://nawbo.org/awards

In 1994-1995, Patty DeDominic wasn’t just leading, she was shaping the future of women in business as NAWBO’s National Chair.

From influencing policy at the White House Conference on Small Business to helping launch women’s business enterprise certification and Enterprising Women magazine, she played a pivotal role in breaking barriers.

After scaling her own multi-million-dollar company, Patty became an angel investor, consultant and coach to powerhouse teams. When she’s not advising top leaders today, you might find her tending to her ranch—home to ducks, chickens, mini donkeys, retired horses and a few lucky dogs and cats.

Join us for stories and insights from one of the biggest minds in business.

To learn more about NAWBO, visit: https://nawbo.org/

What does plant-powered perfume have to do with women’s business certification?

More than you’d imagine. Kimberly Snodgrass—NAWBO’s go-to Certification Director and a level 1 aromatherapist—joins us to unpack three decades of WBE innovation.

Thirty years ago, NAWBO and sister organization NWBOC launched the first procurement-focused Women’s Business Enterprise (WBE) Certification program.

Today, WBE and MWBE credentials validate women-owned businesses “beyond a shadow of a doubt,” giving them a powerful marketing edge in any industry.

Tune in as Kimberly reveals what WBE Certification really is, who’s eligible and how this credential can open doors you didn’t even know existed.

Ready to make your business stand out?

Learn more at www.nawbo.org/certification or email Kimberly at certification@nawbo.org.