NAWBO has always been powered by women who choose to show up—not just for themselves, but for future generations of women business owners.

In this episode, NAWBO National Board Member Janet Kendall White sits down with Judi Firestone-Roth, a NAWBO Lifetime Member of 40 years, to share exciting news and reflect on what lasting impact truly looks like.

Together, they announce the return of NAWBO’s Legacy Lifetime Membership, a prestigious, limited-time opportunity being offered for only the second time in NAWBO’s 50-year history.

Available to just 100 members, this membership honors those willing to stand with NAWBO at a pivotal moment—one where advocacy must turn into real access. It’s a powerful reminder that legacy isn’t about how long you’ve been involved, but about the impact you choose to make.

To learn more about Legacy Lifetime Membership: nawbo.org/membership/lifetime2026 

Psychotherapist, speaker, author and coach Kim McLaughlin, MA of Feed Your Soul and NAWBO Sacramento Valley believes caring for mental health isn’t just a luxury, it’s essential for women business owners.

In this episode, she explores the hidden costs of internalizing emotions and how emotional suppression is often mislabeled as strength in business culture.

Kim invites women to reflect on how honoring their full selves—emotions included—can lead to better leadership decisions, deeper creativity and more authentic connection. Join her as she reimagines what it means to show up as a woman in business.

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

The restaurant business is one of the toughest there is, and Sarah White knows that firsthand. As the owner of four restaurants in Northern Virginia, her journey is defined by grit, heart and an unshakable belief in herself.

Diagnosed at 18 with a rare medical condition and advised to go on disability, Sarah chose a different path, following her passion for hospitality. Along the way, she learned the power of surrounding herself with the right people, showing up fully for her team and refusing to let setbacks define her story.

In this episode, Sarah shares what it takes to persevere in a demanding industry, why relationships matter and advice that has guided her every step of the way.

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

After years in hospital and health system leadership, Michal Waechter launched Waechter Consulting Group to help healthcare organizations grow through strategy and engagement.

But it’s her volunteer leadership with the Ranch Chic Fashion Show—a fundraiser for the American Cancer Society in San Antonio, TX, that was started by a small group of women—that truly reflects her heart for service. Michal shares how community work and purpose-driven giving can renew your energy and build a stronger, more balanced business and life.

“There’s so much more to what rounds us out as humans and as women,” she says about her volunteer work in her community and gardening era at home.

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

Emily Rogers of NAWBO Greater Tampa Lakeland has spent her life refusing to “walk behind.” Growing up in Saudi Arabia, a simple childhood question—why women and children always followed the men—sparked a lifelong passion for women’s development.

In this episode, Emily shares how that early spark of independence helped carry her through one of the biggest crises of her life: losing everything she owned in Hurricane Milton. She talks about the shock of starting over, the power of accepting help and the moment she finally recognized the post-traumatic stress stored in her body and began the work to release it.

Emily’s story is one of community, collaboration and the surprising opportunities that can emerge after the storm.

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

Jodi Segal, founder of Equitable Employee Handbooks and a member of NAWBO’s Columbus Chapter, is on a mission to change the way businesses think about handbooks.

Too often, these documents are written to protect the company instead of the people, quickly becoming something employees sign and then forget. But Jodi sees handbooks as so much more: they’re the DNA of a business, telling its story, values and vision for how leaders and employees can succeed together.

In this episode, Jodi shares why a handbook should build trust, support equity and help companies keep their best people—not just check boxes.

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

Bonnie Chavez, CEO of Building Beloved Communities in Roanoke, VA, grew up in a small town in Southern New Mexico where economic opportunity was scarce.

Her family often relied on food boxes, and just as often, served on the other side of the line—sorting, packing and distributing food. Those early lessons in service and connection shaped her life’s work and leadership. In this episode, Bonnie shares how deep listening, compassion and a simple cup of coffee can create space for partnership and belonging.

She unpacks the inspiration behind her company’s name, drawn from Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s vision of a world without poverty, bigotry or racism, and challenges us to ask: How do we translate vision into everyday actions that move us closer to a truly beloved community?

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

Shawnda Sparks isn’t just a seasoned wealth advisor at Perspective Financial Group—she’s also a certified scuba diver of 13 years.

In this episode, she takes a deep dive into smart financial strategies for business owners. From choosing the right retirement plans to maximizing tax deductions and structuring compensation, Shawnda shares expert insights to help you and your employees build lasting wealth.

Don’t miss these game-changing tips that could transform your financial future!

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

After a historic 43-day government shutdown, NAWBO’s Advocacy Director Elle Patout returns with an inside look at a productive week on Capitol Hill.

She breaks down what unfolded during the shutdown and what women business owners can expect as Congress heads into late-January negotiations. At the center of it all? The unresolved future of Affordable Care Act subsidies, and the potential impact rising healthcare costs could have on individuals and small businesses.

Elle also shares what she’s seeing in the current political climate: renewed energy around accountability and transparency and very different dynamics in the Senate and House. As always, she offers a nonpartisan look at what’s at stake now that we’re back in business, and what comes next.

To fill out the survey, visit: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/NAWBO_General_2025

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

For many women entrepreneurs, the world of WBE and MWBE certification can feel confusing—like a box they’re not sure they fit into.

Dr. Lena Graham and Molly Gimmel, members of the NAWBO Institute Certification Committee, are here to clear things up. In this episode, they share why certification is always a good thing for business, from establishing credibility to opening doors with corporations and government entities.

They also explore how certification serves as a powerful business development tool and why it’s still highly relevant today and even share a few fun facts, including Lena’s past as a celebrity makeup artist and Molly’s HGTV obsession.

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