NAWBO Columbus upcoming events

WBE Training (Tue, May 12, 2026)

Tue, 12 May 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

2026 NAWBO Columbus Visionary Awards: Sparkles & Sneakers Gala (Tue, May 12, 2026)

Tue, 12 May 2026 21:00:00 GMT

REGISTRATION FOR THIS EVENT HAS CLOSED. THERE ARE A LIMITED AMOUNT OF TICKETS AVAILABLE.

Please email arien@nawbocolumbusohio.com to attend.

Join NAWBO Columbus at the Columbus Museum of Art on Tuesday, May 12th, for an evening dedicated to excellence, impact, and inspiration as we shine a spotlight on the trailblazing women business owners of Central Ohio at the 2026 NAWBO Columbus Visionary Awards: Sparkles & Sneakers Gala.

These awards honor incredible leaders who aren't just excelling in their industries—they are driving change in their industries and making our community a stronger place for everyone.

It’s going to be a high-energy, meaningful night of celebration. In the spirit of moving forward and breaking barriers, we’re keeping it stylish and spirited—yes, we’re wearing sneakers with our sparkle!

Come for the inspiration, stay for the connection, and help us celebrate the women shaping the future of Columbus.

Join us to honor the 2026 Honoree and celebrate Advocates, Allies and Champions of Women Owned Businesses!

Meet our 2026 Visionary Honoree

Krista Guagenti, Founder & Visionary, Panacea Luxury Spa Boutique

Krista Guagenti is the Founder and Visionary behind Panacea Luxury Spa Boutique, a dream more than 30 years in the making and now a premier wellness destination redefining the spa experience in Central Ohio. Serving more than 20,000 clients annually with a team of more than 50 employees, Panacea is one of the nation's few luxury spas with a full staff certified in Oncology Therapeutics. Panacea's unique approach blends holistic modalities, traditional spa services, and resort-level luxury amenities in an environment designed to promote relaxation and healing.

Krista's background spans healthcare, business, and entrepreneurship. She holds a bachelor's degree in chemistry, a master's in business, and spent a decade in the healthcare industry before launching her first venture as a Budget Blinds franchise owner. Within just six months, she grew that business to debt-free profitability. Later, she expanded into the beauty industry by opening a Deka Lash franchise-a concept that aligned with her oncology mission by supporting those undergoing chemotherapy and radiation with lash extensions. These entrepreneurial experiences became stepping stones toward her ultimate vision, laying the groundwork for Panacea.

Krista's dedication extends beyond leadership. Before opening Panacea, she became a licensed massage therapist, licensed esthetician, and earned advanced Oncology Therapeutics certifications to fully master the services her spa offers. This hands-on commitment ensures the highest level of expertise and care for all clients, while modeling dedication and excellence to her staff.

In recognition of Krista’s innovations and excellence in leadership, she was named a Columbus Business First Women of Influence Entrepreneur Honoree Winner. With plans for expansion underway, including a second spa location in partnership with Cameron Mitchell Restaurants and Crawford Hoying, Krista continues to elevate wellness experiences and set new standards for luxury spas in Central Ohio and beyond.

Join us to celebrate champions and innovators!

We can't wait to recognize those who champion women business owners.

Awards Include:

Member of the Year
Business Champion of the Year
NextGen Award

Join us to support women owned!

The 2026 Visionary Awards will feature services, food, photography and more by women owned businesses including:

Tickets include Cocktail Hour with drinks, heavy appetizers, admission to 10 galleries and the Awards ceremony.

The "Sparkle & Sneakers" dress code, the goal is to balance celebratory, high-shine cocktail/ formal wear with the comfort and personality of athletic footwear. Allowing for creative expression while maintaining the prestigious atmosphere of the NAWBO Columbus Visionary Awards.

The "Sparkle" represents your visionary brilliance, while the "Sneakers" represent the ground-level work of being a business owner!

Registration closes Friday, May 8th!

Event Agenda:

5:00-6:30pm- Cocktail Hour & Galleries
5:30pm- Welcome
6:30-Visionary Awards Ceremony

Parking: Complimentary parking is available at the museum. Click HERE for details.

Click HERE for Sponsorship Packages

Thank You Sponsors!

Silver Sponsor

Red carpet experience Sponsored by:

NAWBO Champion Sponsor:

Dos Hermanos

Russell Sweeney Wealth Management

The Higher Standard Consulting & Education Services, LLC

TMH $trategies

Photo Release:

Registrants agree to the NAWBO Columbus photography release unless they have otherwise notified the communications committee via email to arien@nawbocolumbusohio.com.

May Member Orientation (Tue, May 19, 2026)

Tue, 19 May 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.

Member Chat (Thu, May 21, 2026)

Thu, 21 May 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 VP of Membership, Alison Forche and former VP of Roundtables, Molly Kane.

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

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

NAWBO Boost: The Silent Thief - Financial Abuse (Fri, May 22, 2026)

Fri, 22 May 2026 12:30:00 GMT

NAWBO Boost: The Silent Thief - Financial Abuse

CONNECT WITH NAWBO COLUMBUS & BOOST YOUR BUSINESS!

Protecting your assets is just as critical as growing them. This Boost is designed to help female entrepreneurs recognize the subtle signs of financial abuse and implement proactive safeguards to ensure long-term independence.

Don’t wait for a crisis to build your defenses. Join us to gain the confidence and actionable tools needed to protect your hard-earned success.

Join us To understand:

Characteristics of a Financial Abuser
Types of Financial Abuse
Tools and Tactics

Meet our Facilitator: Erin Bishop, Bishop Divorce Planning

Erin is a Certified Divorce Lending Professional (CDLP®) providing financial clarity and strategy related to the home and divorce. A specialist in one of the most intimidating and confusing areas of divorce guiding clients to a positive future.

Divorce represents a significant transfer of assets and debt with long term financial implications. Divorce Mortgage Planning is much more than numbers, but strategy and resources that reduce emotions and educate clients to effectuate the settlement agreement in relation to future home and financing needs.

Erin works with Divorcing Homeowners as well Family Law Professionals to ensure the most opportune outcome for both the present and the future.

Her certifications & involvement include:

CDLP®
REM-s™
CADP®
Divorce Coach
Certified Mediator
Gray Divorce Specialist (Boomer Break-ups)
Certified Reverse Mortgage Specialist
NAWBO - Communications Committee
Member Ohio Bar Association
Member Columbus Bar Association
Member Ohio Women's Bar
Central Ohio Academy of Collaborative Divorce Professionals - Speakers Committee
Guardian Ad Litem Certification
CDFA Educated
Past Marriage Mentor

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.

Community Cohort Info Session (Wed, May 27, 2026)

Wed, 27 May 2026 16:00:00 GMT

Join NAWBO Columbus for a virtual information session to learn more about Community Cohorts and understand how they can support you and your business.

Join us To:

Understand the purpose of Community Cohorts
See how a Community Cohort can support you and your business
Share your business needs
Get your questions answered

ABOUT Cohorts:

NAWBO Columbus is looking to support women business owners at every stage of their entrepreneurial journey through community cohorts.

The NAWBO Columbus Community Cohorts are facilitated groups for women business owners in similar stages of business that meet for 6 months creating a confidential, supportive community for NAWBO Members. The cohort purpose is to connect members in similar situations together while providing ways for the participants to learn about resources within or outside of NAWBO that can best support them.

Each Cohort consists of women business owners who meet to discuss the individual challenges, concerns and triumphs that come with owning your own business specifically in the NextGen (1-3 years in business) or A.D.E. (Acquisitions, Diversification & Exit) stages of business.

NAWBO Membership is required to participate. The anticipated program length is 6 months with a launch date of May 2026.

Please indicate your interest in participating in a Community Cohort by completing the form HERE.

Be A Boss: Participatory Dining Experience at The Kitchen (Thu, June 04, 2026)

Thu, 04 Jun 2026 20:30:00 GMT

Be A Boss: Participatory Dining Experience at The Kitchen

We are headed back to The Kitchen for a night of mixing, mingling, and making magic!

NAWBO Columbus invites Members & Partners to our June Be A Boss event — and this one’s going to be delicious. Join us at The Kitchen, a fabulous women-owned spot where food meets fun in the most interactive way possible.

At this Participatory Dining Experience, you won’t just be eating — you’ll be hands-on in creating the night’s bites! Guided by The Kitchen’s expert team, we’ll make and taste three appetizers together. No stress, all flavor — and plenty of opportunities to connect with the amazing NAWBO Columbus community.

Bring your appetite, and let’s cook up something unforgettable!

Registration is required- Space is limited.

Registration is limited to members & partners. Members and partners may bring a guest.

Agenda:

4:30- Arrival, grab a bite from the Cheese & Charcuterie Board and a beverage from the cash bar.
5:00- Ready, Set, Cook!
5:30-6:30-pm Apps are served, time for food & community

About The Kitchen:

The Kitchen is proud to host Columbus’s first and only full-scale Participatory Dinner Party. It is not a cooking class; it is an opportunity to create memories as you prepare a great meal as a group. Elevate a normal night out and turn your dinner into a collaborative and memorable evening as you and other guests are guided by our staff to create a beautiful meal together.

Space is limited. Registration Closes Monday, June 1st

June Monthly Meeting- In Her Words: NAWBO Celebrates Authors (Thu, June 11, 2026)

Thu, 11 Jun 2026 15:00:00 GMT

In Her Words: NAWBO Celebrate Authors

Join NAWBO Columbus for our June Monthly Meeting, dedicated to the intersection of authorship and entrepreneurship. This monthly meeting provides a forum for women business owners to engage with a diverse group of authors as they discuss their publication journeys and areas of specialized expertise.

Event Highlights:

Expert Insights: Our featured authors will discuss the inspiration behind their work and provide actionable insights tailored to the challenges of business ownership.
Author Interaction: Following author introductions, attendees are invited to visit exhibit tables for direct engagement with each author.
Networking: Connect with NAWBO Columbus members, guests, and partners to grow your network.

Featured Authors include:

Monica Dominic, Ferocious Ambition
Alice Foeller, The Art of Compassion: Supporting Friends Through Dark Times
Andrea Kefalos, 100 Days of Gratitude / 30 Days of Manifestation
Catherine Lang-Cline, The Rules of the Game for Women in Business
Ruth Milligan, The Motivated Speaker (Wiley, 2025)

Don't miss our 4th annual event celebrating women authors!

See below for key takeaways, links to purchase books and to learn more about our authors.

Meet our Authors:

Monica Dominic, Ferocious Ambition

BOOK KEY TAKEAWAYS:

Failure isn’t a warning sign, it’s the strategy. If you’re not failing, you’re playing too small. Use it, learn from it, and move faster.
You don’t need permission to take up space. Decide you belong and show up like it.
Motivation is a liar, discipline is what actually changes your life.

ABOUT Monica Dominic:

Monica Dominic has over 20 years of sales, marketing, & management experience. She has held various sales/marketing positions with several Fortune 1000 companies and small-mid size corporations. She is the Chief Client Officer and co-owner at a Columbus Ohio based tech firm, PSI. She works daily with industry leaders, business owners, and movers and shakers in the IT community. She provides leadership training & education and develops sales & marketing plans to continually grow the company she co-owns. Monica delivers top-notch support to her clients and makes a point to develop deep relationships to have a full understanding of what her clients need. She often becomes the first call the client makes.

Monica is also passionate about helping others grow and acts as a mentor to many. Monica believes in supporting and promoting her community and serves as a Board Member for several organizations in Columbus. She is a speaker, a writer, a champion for women in tech, a competitive ballroom dancer, and glitter is her favorite color.

In her spare time, you will always find Monica surrounded by her loving husband & family, her wonderful friends, and ALWAYS in the kitchen. She holds an M.S. in Marketing and Communication from Franklin University. Monica’s knowledge of the Columbus area makes her a great resource and champion for her city. She is passionate about her community and is often found helping local non-profit agencies in town. You can learn more about Monica and purchase Ferocious Ambition HERE.

Alice Foeller, The Art of Compassion: Supporting Friends Through Dark Times

Book Key Takeaways:

The really bad stuff doesn't usually come with advance warning - protect your business
When someone you are close to is grieving, it's not so much about saying the right thing - it's just about being present, holding still and being a neutral space
Grief and the Oscillation Theory

ABOUT ALICE Foeller:

Alice Foeller, a powerhouse professional and dynamic speaker, is a businessowner, marketing expert and community leader in Columbus, Ohio.

She makes her living running SiteInSight, a company that improves the web presence of organizations and businesses. Her communication skills make her a master manager of client relationships and enable her to relay her clients’ core message to their customers. Her company specializes in website design, search engine optimization (SEO) and automated digital marketing.

Alice, a 3-time Ironman, graduate of Northwestern University, and a community leader in north Columbus, is the author of “The Art of Compassion,” a book about her journey through grief after her life partner of nine years died by suicide in 2023. Alice’s 2024 TEDx Talk was chosen as a TEDx Editor’s Pick and published to an international audience in 2025.

You can learn more and purchase The Art of Compassion: Supporting Friends Through Dark Times HERE.

Andrea Kefalos, 100 Days of Gratitude / 30 Days of Manifestation

BOOK KEY TAKEAWAYS:

Journaling is a subconscious reprogramming tool, not just a reflection habit. Learn how consistent, intentional journaling works at the level of thought patterns and belief systems, helping rewire the narratives that quietly shape decisions, confidence, and momentum.
You don't need the right words to start. You need the right prompts. Walk away understanding how structured prompts remove the friction that keeps most people from journaling consistently, and how even five minutes a day can begin shifting patterns that have been running on autopilot for years.
Clarity doesn't come from thinking harder. It comes from writing it out. Discover how putting thoughts on paper externalizes mental noise, creates distance from limiting beliefs, and makes it possible to see what you actually want and what's been getting in the way.

ABOUT Andrea Kefalos:

Andrea Kefalos is a certified HypnoBreathwork® facilitator and subconscious coach who helps people move through burnout, self-doubt, and feeling stuck into clarity, confidence, and aligned momentum.

Her work blends science-backed tools including breathwork, hypnosis, NLP, and subconscious reprogramming with a warm, grounded approach that makes transformation feel both practical and accessible. She believes lasting change doesn't come from pushing harder. It comes from doing the inner work that shifts how you think, feel, and show up.

Alongside her coaching practice, Andrea has created a library of guided audio and video experiences, runs group programs including the 12-week Unblock Your Purpose® journey, and hosts breathwork and mindset events for individuals, professionals, and organizations.

Her journals are designed as companions to that same inner work: simple, intentional tools to help you reflect, release, and reconnect with yourself one page at a time.

To learn more or explore her full range of resources, visit andreakefalos.com.

You can learn more and purchase 100 Days of Gratitude / 30 Days of Manifestation HERE

Catherine Lang-Cline, The Rules of the Game for Women in Business

BOOK KEY TAKEAWAYS:

Why business operates like a competitive sport—and why that matters for leadership.
The invisible dynamics that often hold women back in professional environments.
How understanding the real rules of the game helps you accelerate your success.

ABOUT Catherine Lang-Cline:

Catherine Lang-Cline was the co-founder and longtime CEO of PortfolioCreative, where she was recognized for her leadership as Columbus CEO’s Most Admired CEO for five consecutive years, as well as Most Influential Entrepreneur, Smart Woman - Progressive Entrepreneur Award, Smart 50 Award, Business First Influential Women to Know, six years honored as an Inc. 500-5000 Fastest Growing Companies, WELD "Women You Should Know", Columbus Chamber Entrepreneur of the Year, and six years awarded the Business First Fast 50.

A respected thought leader, Catherine sold her business and is now sharing her insights through Catherine Lang-Cline, LLC, on navigating business as a female business owner through her speaking engagements, articles, and her book, The Rules of the Game for Women in Business.

You can learn more and purchase The Rules of the Game for Women in Business HERE.

Ruth Milligan, The Motivated Speaker

BOOK KEY TAKEAWAYS:

We all have a speaking habit that we developed for a reason but as our careers grow, it doesn’t support us anymore (think : filler words). It’s critical to know what they are and work at finding new habits.
Giving yourself feedback is the most important way to improve. But listening to yourself on a recording is hard, but worth it.
No one is a natural speaker - it takes steady, regular practice to level up your influence.

ABOUT Ruth Milligan: FOUNDER, MANAGING PARTNER & EXECUTIVE COACH

As an executive speech coach and trainer, I live at the intersection where professionals from science, research, medicine, and data and analytics come to make their messages more engaging, compelling, and impactful. Helping leaders from these diverse fields meet their goals marks the culmination of my nearly 30 years practicing some form of communications.

I founded Articulation in early 2010 after hosting one of the first TEDx events — TEDxColumbus — which is also one of the longest-running TEDx programs in the world. Since then my team and I have coached over 750 people in TEDx or TED-style talks and trained thousands through my company’s classes on message method, storytelling, public speaking, executive presence and accessing science and coaching for rising executives.

My professional passion is to help organizations of all sizes create storytelling cultures that elevate the opportunities for associates and executives to practice and deliver great presentations. I believe that a great talk can come from a nervous, reluctant or beginning speaker, given the right feedback and development environment. You can learn more about Ruth HERE. You can purchase The Motivated Speaker HERE.

To provide more resources for the NAWBO Columbus community and celebrate female writers, we are pleased to feature additional authors and books alongside our Featured Authors, including:

Love After Death by Jayaira Grhim-Harvey
Weeds To Wishes - Blossoming Into The Leader You Were Meant To Be by Sheryl Brown

Meeting Agenda:

11:00am- Doors open, Networking, Author Meet & Greets, Book Signing
11:30pm- Welcome & Author Introductions
12:15-1:00pm- Networking, Author Meet & Greets, Book Signing

Registration closes Friday, June 5th 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!

Member Chat (Thu, June 18, 2026)

Thu, 18 Jun 2026 13:00:00 GMT

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

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

NAWBO Boost- Aligned & Unapologetic: Branding That Feels Like You (Fri, June 19, 2026)

Fri, 19 Jun 2026 12:30:00 GMT

Aligned & Unapologetic: Branding That Feels Like You

CONNECT WITH NAWBO COLUMBUS & BOOST YOUR BUSINESS!

This session dives into the power of building a brand that truly reflects who you are and not just what you sell. Attendees will explore how alignment between personal values, vision, and brand presence fosters confidence, trust, and meaningful connections with clients. Over a decade of experience helping women entrepreneurs craft brands that reflect their authentic selves, observed patterns of disconnect when personal values aren’t aligned with brand messaging, and insights from coaching clients on confidence, visibility, and authentic self-expression in their businesses.

Join us To:

Recognize the impact of personal alignment on brand perception and client attraction
Identify strategies to communicate authenticity visually, verbally, and digitally
Gain tools to confidently show up and maintain consistency without compromising values

Meet our Facilitator: Teah Ojeda, Scene Creative

Teah Ojeda is a branding photographer, visibility coach, and founder of The Scene Creative, where she helps business owners show up boldly, confidently, and unapologetically. Through her signature mix of strategy, storytelling, and creative direction, Teah empowers women to build brands that not only look powerful but feel aligned with their purpose. Whether behind the camera or on stage, she’s on a mission to help women stop hiding, start shining, and achieve the reach, leads, & revenue they deserve.

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.

June Member Orientation (Tue, June 30, 2026)

Tue, 30 Jun 2026 13:00:00 GMT

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.