NAWBO Columbus upcoming events

Women, Wisdom & Wine (Thu, April 09, 2026)

Thu, 09 Apr 2026 21:00:00 GMT

Join us for a casual evening of women, wine and connection!

Women, Wisdom & Wine: The Art of the "Out of Office"

Get ready to pour a glass of inspiration! NAWBO Columbus is thrilled to invite you to our highly anticipated biannual signature recruitment event—Women, Wisdom & Wine! ✨

This isn't just another networking mixer; it’s an unforgettable evening designed to connect you with one of the top women-in-business groups in the country. Whether you’re a long-time member or curious about joining our vibrant community, this is your chance to discover how the power of NAWBO can empower your entrepreneurial journey.

As women business owners, we are experts at "doing it all," but when was the last time you truly stepped away? This year, our Wisdom segment focuses on the essential cycle of Rest, Reset, and Ritual.

We’re diving deep into three high-impact areas with actionable takeaways and networking prompts:

The Red Flags: Recognizing the burnout signs that scream you need a vacation.
The Hand-Off: Practical strategies for preparing your team to thrive while you're away.
The Mental Shift: How to prep yourself to actually disconnect and stay OOO.

Join us to hear firsthand from members about the incredible value of our Columbus Chapter—one of the largest in the nation—and learn how to grow your business without losing your peace.

For every guest a member & partner brings they will be entered into a drawing for a complimentary event registration!

Registration includes: 2 glasses of wine and light bites.

Registration Closes Monday, April 6th.

Interested in Membership? Join and Save!

NAWBO has been powering the dreams of women business owners since 1975 and new Basic and Premier members save $75 off March 1st-April 30th (in honor of NAWBO’s founding year—1975)!
Learn more and join at: https://nawbo.org/membership

Click HERE for Sponsorship Opportunities!

NAWBO Columbus is proud to support Women Business Owners! Women, Wisdom & Wine features women owned wine, food and exhibitors.

Event Partners

Exhibitors

NAWBO Columbus is proud to support women owned businesses!

Member Chat (Thu, April 16, 2026)

Thu, 16 Apr 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- Discover the Blueprint of YOU: Your Human Design Advantage (Fri, April 17, 2026)

Fri, 17 Apr 2026 12:30:00 GMT

NAWBO Boost- Discover the Blueprint of YOU: Your Human Design Advantage

CONNECT WITH NAWBO COLUMBUS & BOOST YOUR BUSINESS!

What if your next breakthrough — personally or professionally — wasn’t about doing more, but about aligning more?

You’ve built success by leading well, showing up consistently, and navigating challenges with strength. But even the most capable women can feel it when something shifts… when the old strategies feel heavier, when the rhythm that once worked no longer fits, and when you sense you’re meant for a more aligned way of operating.

This Boost participants into a transformative conversation about Human Design — an energetic framework that reveals how you’re UNIQUELY wired to create, connect, make decisions, and use your energy with clarity and more ease… yes, it’s possible.

Instead of forcing strategies that drain you, Human Design helps you distinguish between what’s truly yours and what’s conditioning… the expectations you’ve carried, the pressure you’ve endured, and the ways you’ve adapted to environments that weren’t built for your design.

Join us To:

Understand how they are naturally designed to operate
Recognize aligned decision-making versus overthinking
Identify where energy is being wasted — and where it wants to flow
Build businesses, careers, and lives that feel authentic instead of exhausting
Shift from strain into ease by honoring their innate wiring

Meet our Facilitator: Karen Baldridge, Founder, The Experience Project

Karen Baldridge is the founder of The Experience Project. After a career in public relations and client-facing leadership, she realized she was living a version of success that no longer aligned with who she was becoming. Determined to pivot toward a more purpose‑filled career, She embraced what she now calls the “flow of her design.” She blended her love of inspiring, meaningful growth oriented experiences and lifestyle events with Human Design principles to help others realign their lives from the inside out—just as she has.

“Purpose isn’t what you do—it’s what happens to the people around you when you do what you’re designed to do.”

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.

April Member Orientation (Tue, April 21, 2026)

Tue, 21 Apr 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.

Leather and Lace: A Music Tribute to the Women of Rock (Thu, April 30, 2026)

Thu, 30 Apr 2026 23:30:00 GMT

connect with the NAWBO Columbus Community!

Join NAWBO Columbus and women-owned Shadowbox Live to celebrate the trailblazers and powerhouses who shattered ceilings and rewrote the rules of rock and roll. Leather and Lace shines a musical spotlight on 20 fearless female artists whose voices, talent, and unrelenting spirit transformed not just music—but the entire industry.

From iconic anthems to revolutionary performances, this show honors the bold women who inspired generations, broke barriers, and continue to shape the soundtrack of our lives. This is a fierce, electrifying music tribute to their legacy—raw, unapologetic, and utterly unforgettable.

Special ticket pricing for this event is $40 for members and $50 for guests. Registrants will be seated together in a reserved block in tier C.

Registration closes April 16th (2 weeks prior to the event).

Event Details: The show is 120 Minutes with one intermission | Want the full menu? Arrive no later 30 minutes before the show.

For the Leather and Lace: A Music Tribute to the Women of Rock Spotify Playlist click HERE

Click HERE for more on Shadowbox Live.

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 & Sneaker Gala (Tue, May 12, 2026)

Tue, 12 May 2026 21:00:00 GMT

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 & Sneaker 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 celebrate the 2026 Nominees and celebrate women owned!

Meet our 2026 Visionary Honoree

Krista Guagenti, Founder & Visionary, Panacea Luxury Spa Boutique

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

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 Tuesday, May 7th!

Event Agenda:

5:00-6:30pm- Cocktail Hour & Galleries
7:00-8:00pm- Visionary Awards Ceremony

Click HERE for Sponsorship Packages

Thank You Sponsors!

Silver Sponsor

Red carpet experience Sponsored by:

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

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

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

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