NAWBO Columbus upcoming events

August Boost- Perfect Pitch: Strategies for Media Visibility & Impact (Fri, August 21, 2026)

Fri, 21 Aug 2026 12:30:00 GMT

Perfect Pitch: Strategies for Visibility & Impact

CONNECT WITH NAWBO COLUMBUS & BOOST YOUR BUSINESS!

Whether you're an entrepreneur, advocate, artist, or expert in your field, getting media coverage can amplify your voice, grow your credibility, and open new opportunities. But great stories don’t tell themselves — they need a perfect pitch. In this interactive webinar, you'll learn how to create clear, compelling pitches that catch the attention of journalists, producers, and podcast hosts. Whether you're trying to get quoted, booked for an interview, or share a powerful story, this session will show you how to position yourself as a trusted source the media turns to again and again.

Don't miss this Boost webinar with Tonisha C. Johnson, L.E.A.P.S. Dream House, LLC designed to empower established small business owners and creatives with the skills and confidence to shine in the media!

Join us To:

Gain the confidence to pitch without second-guessing
Leave with a framework to prep for future pitches and media appearances
Insider strategies on what the media looks for in a pitch and how to build media relationships
Tips on becoming a reliable media expert or go-to guest

Meet our Facilitator: TONISHA C. JOHNSON, L.E.A.P.S. DREAM HOUSE, LLC

Tonisha C. Johnson is an Emmy Award-winning broadcast journalist and dynamic speaker with nearly two decades of experience engaging audiences through powerful storytelling and strategic communication. Known for her warmth, credibility, and commanding presence, Tonisha brings clarity, connection, and energy to every stage she steps on.

Throughout her career, she has covered stories spanning crime, education, politics, community leadership, and human-interest features that inspire action and understanding. She is the founder of L.E.A.P.S. Dream House, LLC, where she helps leaders, entrepreneurs, and organizations cultivate awareness, refine their message, and communicate with confidence and purpose.

Tonisha is also the visionary behind Just Leap Production House, where she is set to write, produce, and direct documentary projects centered on the experiences of women over 40, using storytelling as a tool for community-building, reconciliation, and healing.

She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Mass Communications with a minor in Spanish from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte and a Master of Divinity from Hood Theological Seminary. Currently, Tonisha serves as Vice President of Broadcast for the Columbus Association of Black Journalists and has been recognized in Who’s Who in Black Columbus for her leadership and impact.

Whether moderating panels, hosting conferences, or delivering keynote messages, Tonisha brings authenticity, insight, and a deep commitment to helping audiences feel seen, heard, and inspired to act.

ABOUT BOOST:

Each month a NAWBO member or partner will facilitate and share an area of expertise. Attendees will have the opportunity to introduce themselves learn from our facilitator and bring business challenges to the group. Boost allows for a small-group setting, connection, discussion and the opportunity to work ON your business.

Join whenever you are able.

Non-members may attend up to two times before deciding if NAWBO is the right community for you.
Once registered the Zoom link will be sent in a registration confirmation email.
Are you a subject matter expert interested in facilitating a NAWBO Boost? Members and Partners complete the form HERE.

Sip & Stroll (Tue, September 01, 2026)

Tue, 01 Sep 2026 13:00:00 GMT

NAWBO Cbus Sip & Stroll Events

NAWBO members, guests and partners join us for a monthly Sip & Stroll to connect with the NAWBO Columbus community.

There is no cost to attend, we do ask for an RSVP. Feel free to bring your own beverage.

Parking:

Park & meet near the Water tower. Click HERE for a map of the park.

September Monthly Meeting- Leadership reDEFYned (Thu, September 03, 2026)

Thu, 03 Sep 2026 15:00:00 GMT

September Monthly Meeting: Leadership reDEFYned

Stop managing, stop pretending, and start leading on your own terms.

Join NAWBO Columbus for an interactive monthly meeting with Tami Chapek, executive coach and author of Leadership reDEFYned: Defy the Ordinary to Unleash Your Potential. Join us to step into sustainable success, remove the exhausting complexity from professional growth and build a culture of genuine alignment.

The Rules of Leadership Have Changed! Traditional business culture tells us to look a certain way, mask our doubts, and fit into a rigid box. This collaborative session turns that philosophy on its head. Join us to explore a practical framework centered on the idea that authentic leadership is the ultimate catalyst for organizational and individual growth.

Key Takeaways:

Identify and dismantle outdated leadership myths holding you back
Develop a leadership presence rooted in authenticity and confidence without performing or pretending
Master efficacy, cultivate influence, and create meaningful connections to inspire others

Meet our Speaker: Tami Chapek, Weinspirewe

Tami Chapek, a renowned executive leadership coach and leadership development expert, empowers women to break through barriers and achieve extraordinary results. As founder of WelnspireWe, she developed the "Leadership reDEFYned" platform – now a book – which equips women with the tools and strategies to defy traditional expectations and lead with impact. Tami has coached leaders at organizations like Google, Novartis, and Uber, guiding them to unlock their true potential and create a lasting legacy.

Meeting Agenda:

11:00am- Doors open, Networking & Exhibitors
11:30pm- Welcome, Keynote and Q&A
12:30-1:00pm- Networking & Exhibitors

Registration closes Friday, August 28th at 5pm.

To view boxed lunch choices click HERE

Click HERE for Event Sponsorship Opportunities. Support the mission of NAWBO Cbus and gain exposure for your business!

September Member Orientation (Tue, September 15, 2026)

Tue, 15 Sep 2026 13:00:00 GMT

Our Member Orientation is an opportunity for all members and those interested in membership to meet other NAWBO members as well as our board members and NAWBO Columbus Staff. During the meeting you will learn how to best utilize your membership and how to take advantage of all of the value and benefits that NAWBO Columbus provides.

Additionally, you will be introduced to the board of directors, learn how to navigate the website and sign up for programs and events, and discuss how you can get involved in a committee!

Once registered, the zoom link will be sent with your confirmation email.

WBE Training (Tue, September 15, 2026)

Tue, 15 Sep 2026 14:00:00 GMT

WBE Training

Learn how to become a certified woman-owned business and gain access to government and corporate contracts and capital.

About this event:

Learn how contracts can significantly add to your company's sales volume and how to leverage diversity certifications to acquire contracts.

In this webinar, we will discuss:

Major certifications available to Ohio-based businesses (including MBE, WBE, EDGE, DGE and SBA certifications)
Certifying agencies
Basic eligibility requirements of each certification
How to use certifications as a competitive advantage

"There is opportunity with no limit for success for women business owners!" ~ Merry Korn, President & CEO, Pearl Interactive Network.

Watch Merry's video to learn more on certifications and contract opportunities and advice she has for WBOs.

"Share your certifications and credentials to let your client know that you have made an investment in your company and the market that you serve." ~ Theresa Harris, President & CEO, TMH Solutions

Watch Theresa's video for her tips on government and corporate contracts.

Seats are limited. Register for this event to reserve your spot. Feel free to email anna@aventienterprises.com with any questions. We look forward to meeting you!

Hosted by NAWBO Columbus & Presented by Aventi Enterprises

Member Chat (Thu, September 17, 2026)

Thu, 17 Sep 2026 13:00:00 GMT

Our Member Chat is an opportunity for all members and those interested in membership to have a virtual meet and greet with the NAWBO Columbus board member Molly Kane and Alison Forche, past Membership VP.

Bring your questions, connect and learn more about NAWBO membership and roundtables.

Once registered, the zoom link will be sent with your confirmation email.

September Boost- Micro-podcasts: How to be the Go-To Voice in Your Industry (Fri, September 18, 2026)

Fri, 18 Sep 2026 12:30:00 GMT

How to be the Go-To Voice in Your Industry One 4 Minute Episode at a Time

CONNECT WITH NAWBO COLUMBUS & BOOST YOUR BUSINESS!

Discover how micro-podcasts are designed for today’s attention spans. Short, focused episodes designed to help you build trust, authority, and visibility fast. In this session, you’ll learn why constraint boosts clarity, how to curate what your audience needs right now, and how to leverage micro-episodes across your entire sales process. Perfect for experts, creators, and service-based entrepreneurs who want big impact without a big production schedule.

Join us To:

Understand what a micro-podcast is and why it works.
How to create content that supports your sales efforts.
Why constraint can make you a better communicator.

Meet our Facilitator: Phyllis Nichols, Founder CEO, SoundAdvice Strategies

Phyllis Nichols is the founder and CEO of SoundAdvice Services, a podcast production company that helps service-based businesses turn their expertise into client-generating content. With over 100 podcast launches and 16,000 episodes published, she knows exactly what it takes to transform listeners into loyal fans and paying clients.

Phyllis combines sharp strategy with a love for storytelling, a passion she’s had since her “talks too much” school days, to help business owners create podcasts that grow their influence and their bottom line. In 2026 that also means understanding the impact and opportunities AI brings to business owners.

Phyllis is passionate about leveraging technology for better outcomes, easier processes and a larger impact for her clients.

ABOUT BOOST:

Join whenever you are able.

Non-members may attend up to two times before deciding if NAWBO is the right community for you.
Once registered the Zoom link will be sent in a registration confirmation email.
Are you a subject matter expert interested in facilitating a NAWBO Boost? Members and Partners complete the form HERE.

October Monthly Meeting: Candidate Forum (Thu, October 01, 2026)

Thu, 01 Oct 2026 15:00:00 GMT

October Monthly Meeting: Candidate Forum

Amplify your voice, connect with policymakers, and ensure your business has a seat at the table!

Join NAWBO Columbus and our community partners to connect with your 2026 candidates from across the ballot! Our October Monthly Meeting is a non-partisan Candidate Forum designed to connect you with policymakers and give you insight into how this year's election could shape and affect your business.

NAWBO members and Ohio businesses are diverse in many ways, including the size of their business, the sectors and communities they serve, the stage of business development, race, ethnicity, geographic business areas, and political leanings that determine policy views. We recognize the ever-present need to represent all members while creating the avenue and environment to build sustainable women-owned and diverse businesses. Join us to connect with and hear from this election's candidates.

AGENDA HIGHLIGHTS (SUBJECT TO CHANGE):

MEET THE CANDIDATES:

The 2026 U.S. Senate & House candidates as well as the 2026 Ohio Gubernatorial and Ohio House & Ohio Senate candidates representing Central Ohio in Congress and at the Statehouse have been invited to attend. Participation will be confirmed when received.

CONNECT WITH OTHER COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS:

Network with several community organizations that represent and elevate businesses throughout Ohio and beyond.

GET INVOLVED:

Find out how your non-partisan Public Policy Committee is working to level the playing field for your business, how to hold policymakers accountable, and how you can get involved.

The following candidates have confirmed their participation: (subject to change):

Don Leonard - U.S. House District 15
Stacie Baker- Ohio Senate District 3
Latyna Humphrey- Ohio Senate District 15
Bill DeMora- Ohio Senate District 25
Beryl Brown Piccolantonio- Ohio House District 4
Charity Martin King- Ohio House District 2

Registration closes Friday, September 25th at 5pm.