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FEATURES

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In The News: Women Business Owners Honored at Virtual National Women’s Business Conference Hosted by NAWBO

FEATURES /

Edie Fraser, CEO of Women Business Collaborative in Washington, DC, honored by NAWBO with the 2020 Gillian Rudd Business Leadership Award – Named After NAWBO's 1987-'88 President
and Honoring Contributions to the Status and Visibility of Women-Owned Firms.

WASHINGTON, Sept. 24, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — The National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO) was proud to honor several trailblazing women business owners during its Virtual National Women's Business Conference (WBC2020) Awards Gala on Wednesday evening, September 23rd.

"Our NAWBO community is brimming with women who are deeply deserving of honors," says Cristina Morales Heaney, 2020-2021 Chair of the NAWBO National Board. "These four women really stood out in 2020 for their overall business excellence; for the legacy of women's entrepreneurship they have created for future generations; for their contributions to the status and visibility of women-owned businesses; and for their 'give-back' attitude and servant focus."

"One of my favorite parts of the conference is honoring our Woman Business Owner of the Year," adds Jill Calabrese Bain, Managing Director, Internal and Corporate Communications, Bank of America, WBC2020's presenting sponsor and sponsor of this preeminent NAWBO award. "This award is not just based on business size, but rewards an entrepreneur who excels at strategy, operations, finances, problem-solving, overcoming adversity and giving back to her community—all aspects of business ownership that are more critical than ever."

NAWBO celebrates the following 2020 NAWBO award recipients:

2020 Woman Business Owner of the Year Award – Sponsored by Bank of America
and Recognizing Overall Business Excellence

Rebecca Fyffe
Rebecca is CEO and director of research of Landmark Pest Management in Illinois, as well as a subject matter expert on policies and programs designed to enable women and minorities to capture a representative share of economic opportunities in corporate and government procurement and contracting.

2020 Susan Hager Legacy Award – Named After NAWBO's Founding President and Honoring Advocacy and Action

Phyllis Hill Slater
Phyllis is a devoted and celebrated business advocate. For over 40 years, she served as president and CEO of the highly successful New-York-based engineering and architectural support firm Hill Slater Group. She currently is a sought-after speaker and provides strategic business consulting and professional development coaching services.

2020 Gillian Rudd Business Leadership Award – Named After NAWBO's 1987-'88 President
and Honoring Contributions to the Status and Visibility of Women-Owned Firms

Edie Fraser
Edie is CEO of Women Business Collaborative in Washington, DC, with a powerful vision: equal position, pay and power for all businesswomen. It engages businesswomen's organization partners and stakeholders to accelerate the advancement of businesswomen. She is managing director of Diversified Search and was founder and CEO of STEMconnector and Million Women Mentors.

2020 Dr. Tererai Trent Award – Named After Dr. Trent and Recognizing a Voice Toward Equality, 'Give-Back' Attitude and Servant Focus

Tammy Renee Butler
Tammy is owner and managing principal of Engaging Solutions in Indiana, where she has successfully managed the company's call center business and co-managed the firm's planning and community outreach sector. She is a proven leader in housing and community development with a deep commitment to improving communities and the lives of women.

Read the full release here.

In The News: Women Business Owners Honored at Virtual National Women’s Business Conference Hosted by NAWBO Read More »

  • In The News: Women Business Owners Honored at Virtual National Women’s Business Conference Hosted by NAWBO

    • Edie Fraser, CEO of Women Business Collaborative in Washington, DC, honored by NAWBO with the 2020 Gillian Rudd Business Leadership Award – Named After NAWBO's 1987-'88 President
    and Honoring Contributions to the Status and Visibility of Women-Owned Firms.

    WASHINGTON, Sept. 24, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — The National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO) was proud to honor several trailblazing women business owners during its Virtual National Women's Business Conference (WBC2020) Awards Gala on Wednesday evening, September 23rd.

    "Our NAWBO community is brimming with women who are deeply deserving of honors," says Cristina Morales Heaney, 2020-2021 Chair of the NAWBO National Board. "These four women really stood out in 2020 for their overall business excellence; for the legacy of women's entrepreneurship they have created for future generations; for their contributions to the status and visibility of women-owned businesses; and for their 'give-back' attitude and servant focus."

    "One of my favorite parts of the conference is honoring our Woman Business Owner of the Year," adds Jill Calabrese Bain, Managing Director, Internal and Corporate Communications, Bank of America, WBC2020's presenting sponsor and sponsor of this preeminent NAWBO award. "This award is not just based on business size, but rewards an entrepreneur who excels at strategy, operations, finances, problem-solving, overcoming adversity and giving back to her community—all aspects of business ownership that are more critical than ever."

    NAWBO celebrates the following 2020 NAWBO award recipients:

    2020 Woman Business Owner of the Year Award – Sponsored by Bank of America
    and Recognizing Overall Business Excellence

    Rebecca Fyffe
    Rebecca is CEO and director of research of Landmark Pest Management in Illinois, as well as a subject matter expert on policies and programs designed to enable women and minorities to capture a representative share of economic opportunities in corporate and government procurement and contracting.

    2020 Susan Hager Legacy Award – Named After NAWBO's Founding President and Honoring Advocacy and Action

    Phyllis Hill Slater
    Phyllis is a devoted and celebrated business advocate. For over 40 years, she served as president and CEO of the highly successful New-York-based engineering and architectural support firm Hill Slater Group. She currently is a sought-after speaker and provides strategic business consulting and professional development coaching services.

    2020 Gillian Rudd Business Leadership Award – Named After NAWBO's 1987-'88 President
    and Honoring Contributions to the Status and Visibility of Women-Owned Firms

    Edie Fraser
    Edie is CEO of Women Business Collaborative in Washington, DC, with a powerful vision: equal position, pay and power for all businesswomen. It engages businesswomen's organization partners and stakeholders to accelerate the advancement of businesswomen. She is managing director of Diversified Search and was founder and CEO of STEMconnector and Million Women Mentors.

    2020 Dr. Tererai Trent Award – Named After Dr. Trent and Recognizing a Voice Toward Equality, 'Give-Back' Attitude and Servant Focus

    Tammy Renee Butler
    Tammy is owner and managing principal of Engaging Solutions in Indiana, where she has successfully managed the company's call center business and co-managed the firm's planning and community outreach sector. She is a proven leader in housing and community development with a deep commitment to improving communities and the lives of women.

    Read the full release here.

    FEATURES

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    Forbes Feature: On Women’s Equality Day, CEOs Reinforce Importance Of Female Leadership

    FEATURES /

    WBC Board Member Robert Reiss discusses the August WBC CEO Roundtable event in his latest Forbes article. Read an excerpt below.

    On August 26, 2020 Becky Shambaugh and I moderated Women Business Collaborative (WBC) CEO Roundtable to discuss leadership and equity for women. Edie Fraser, CEO, WBC kicked off the event, “Today is Women’s Equality Day, with 2020 marking 100 years since women getting the right to vote.”

    The panelists were:

    • Lt. General Nadja West, recent Surgeon General, US Army
    • Greg Adams, Chairman and CEO, Kaiser Permanente
    • Caroline Feeney, CEO, Individual Solutions, Prudential Financial

    Read the full article on Forbes here.

    Forbes Feature: On Women’s Equality Day, CEOs Reinforce Importance Of Female Leadership Read More »

  • Forbes Feature: On Women’s Equality Day, CEOs Reinforce Importance Of Female Leadership

    • WBC Board Member Robert Reiss discusses the August WBC CEO Roundtable event in his latest Forbes article. Read an excerpt below.

    On August 26, 2020 Becky Shambaugh and I moderated Women Business Collaborative (WBC) CEO Roundtable to discuss leadership and equity for women. Edie Fraser, CEO, WBC kicked off the event, “Today is Women’s Equality Day, with 2020 marking 100 years since women getting the right to vote.”

    The panelists were:

    • Lt. General Nadja West, recent Surgeon General, US Army
    • Greg Adams, Chairman and CEO, Kaiser Permanente
    • Caroline Feeney, CEO, Individual Solutions, Prudential Financial

    Read the full article on Forbes here.

    BLOGS

    Women In the Pipeline

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    Issue Brief: Pipeline Promotion

    BLOGS /

    WBC provides an issue brief on the importance of pipeline promotion: developing mentors, sponsors, and networks as a crucial strategy for women at all career stages, despite women being less likely to receive the mentorship and sponsorship necessary to propel them to leader and executive positions .

    Issue Brief: Pipeline Promotion Read More »

  • Issue Brief: Pipeline Promotion

    • WBC provides an issue brief on the importance of pipeline promotion: developing mentors, sponsors, and networks as a crucial strategy for women at all career stages, despite women being less likely to receive the mentorship and sponsorship necessary to propel them to leader and executive positions .

    FEATURES

    Diversity Equity and Inclusion

    1600345311199 Diversity as a CEO Priority edited scaled

    Forbes Feature: Diversity As A CEO Priority During This Singular Time In Our History

    FEATURES /

    Edie Fraser and WBC Board Member Robert Reiss talk about the importance of Diversity for today's CEOs in Robert's latest Forbes article. Read an excerpt below.

    As I speak with CEOs every day, so many are truly pained and deeply want racial harmony. In considering the state of diversity today, I thought it would make sense to talk with one leader who has a history of building true movements: Edie Fraser, CEO, Women Business Collaborative. Edie has already built Million Women Mentors (MWM) with 2.5 million commitments.

    Robert Reiss: Talk about diversity today.

    Edie Fraser: Robert,  Diversity is a number one issue for the private sector, right up there with return on investments and CEO Leadership.  This moment is singular and provides an opportunity to create sustainable change. The time is NOW! Platitudes are no longer acceptable. Talent is key and so, too, are investments in diverse suppliers and our communities. I was engaged in the civil rights movement early and  have spent my career working to accelerate the position of women and minorities in business. It has been nearly only 17 months since we founded Women Business Collaborative (WBC) together as a non-profit, focusing on increasing parity and power and with it 25% advancement of diversity changes in every action initiative taken. The private sector’s awareness of the disparities in corporate America have only heightened in 2020. It is business that is showing courage to take action, and the private sector must ACT NOW!

    Focus on the importance of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DE&I) on our economy and our national wellbeing. COVID-19 and the recession combined with tensions over the continued racism in America have created an unprecedented economic and human crises and highlighted inequities further fueling unrest. In corporate America, our CEOs and Chief Diversity Officers (CDOs) and CHROs are crucial to successfully navigating the current social challenges along with the others in the Executive Suite. Bottom up and top down, all  must work together to change what has been the status quo. We want results.

    Read the full article on Forbes here.

     

    Forbes Feature: Diversity As A CEO Priority During This Singular Time In Our History Read More »

  • Forbes Feature: Diversity As A CEO Priority During This Singular Time In Our History

    • Edie Fraser and WBC Board Member Robert Reiss talk about the importance of Diversity for today's CEOs in Robert's latest Forbes article. Read an excerpt below.

    As I speak with CEOs every day, so many are truly pained and deeply want racial harmony. In considering the state of diversity today, I thought it would make sense to talk with one leader who has a history of building true movements: Edie Fraser, CEO, Women Business Collaborative. Edie has already built Million Women Mentors (MWM) with 2.5 million commitments.

    Robert Reiss: Talk about diversity today.

    Edie Fraser: Robert,  Diversity is a number one issue for the private sector, right up there with return on investments and CEO Leadership.  This moment is singular and provides an opportunity to create sustainable change. The time is NOW! Platitudes are no longer acceptable. Talent is key and so, too, are investments in diverse suppliers and our communities. I was engaged in the civil rights movement early and  have spent my career working to accelerate the position of women and minorities in business. It has been nearly only 17 months since we founded Women Business Collaborative (WBC) together as a non-profit, focusing on increasing parity and power and with it 25% advancement of diversity changes in every action initiative taken. The private sector’s awareness of the disparities in corporate America have only heightened in 2020. It is business that is showing courage to take action, and the private sector must ACT NOW!

    Focus on the importance of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DE&I) on our economy and our national wellbeing. COVID-19 and the recession combined with tensions over the continued racism in America have created an unprecedented economic and human crises and highlighted inequities further fueling unrest. In corporate America, our CEOs and Chief Diversity Officers (CDOs) and CHROs are crucial to successfully navigating the current social challenges along with the others in the Executive Suite. Bottom up and top down, all  must work together to change what has been the status quo. We want results.

    Read the full article on Forbes here.

     

    PRESS RELEASES

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    Press Release: The American Staffing Association, Staffing Industry Analysts and TechServe Alliance Join Staffing Industry Experts to Form Staffing Leadership Council

    PRESS RELEASES /

    The Women Business Collaborative today announced the creation of the WBC Staffing Leadership Council to accelerate diversity, equity and inclusion in the staffing industry. The council was created in collaboration with the American Staffing Association, Staffing Industry Analysts and the TechServe Alliance.

    “The staffing industry needs data to identify gaps among women of all backgrounds at all levels in the industry,” said Teresa Creech, council co-chair and CEO TalentWave. “With the caliber of organizations involved in the council, we have an opportunity to make a significant impact and pave the way for the next generation of industry leaders.”

    Ursula Williams of SIA is serving as a council member.

    “I’m particularly pleased that SIA is taking a leadership role in this effort, which is committed to the acceleration of equitable and inclusive workplace environments in the staffing industry,” SIA President Barry Asin said. “A special thank you to Ursula Williams, our COO, who has been one of the founding council members and the driving force behind SIA’s involvement in this initiative.”

    Edie Fraser, CEO of the Women Business Council, said now is the right time to concentrate on opportunities for the advancement of women of color.

    “WBC is honored to collaborate with these thought leaders to redouble our efforts in support of our mission to accelerate the advancement of all women in business,” Fraser said. “Representation by the three top industry associations and advisors alongside a remarkable bench of staffing leaders, is a testament to the industry’s commitment to create a more just and equitable workplace.”

    Council co-chairs are Creech; Dana Look-Arimoto, SettleSmarter; and Kip Wright, Genuent.

    Council members are Susan Donohoe, TechServe Alliance; Eric Gregg, ClearlyRated; Gene Holtzman, Mitchell Martin Inc.; JJ Hurley, GDH Consulting; Ashish Kaushal, HireTalent; Leo Sheridan, Advanced Group, and chairman, American Staffing Association; Laquita Stribling, Randstad; Mara Swan, board member, Manpower; Leslie Vickrey, ClearEdge Marketing; SIA’s Williams.

    To address issues of gender parity and equity among all women the WBC Staffing Leadership Council has outlined the following objectives:

    • Educate – Gather data, establish benchmarks and build metrics for progress
    • Elevate – Build broad industry awareness and leverage work through the pillars of the WBC
    • Activate – Identify opportunities to make a difference and track results across the staffing industry

    The council will begin by conducting an industry-wide survey to understand the social identities among women in staffing and staffing leadership. The analyzed results will provide insight to develop recommendations for improving the representation of gender and race in leadership roles across the industry.

    To participate in the survey, go here. For questions about the council or survey, please contact Ava Panetto at avap@wbcollaborative.org.

    Read the original release here.

    Press Release: The American Staffing Association, Staffing Industry Analysts and TechServe Alliance Join Staffing Industry Experts to Form Staffing Leadership Council Read More »

  • Press Release: The American Staffing Association, Staffing Industry Analysts and TechServe Alliance Join Staffing Industry Experts to Form Staffing Leadership Council

    • The Women Business Collaborative today announced the creation of the WBC Staffing Leadership Council to accelerate diversity, equity and inclusion in the staffing industry. The council was created in collaboration with the American Staffing Association, Staffing Industry Analysts and the TechServe Alliance.

    “The staffing industry needs data to identify gaps among women of all backgrounds at all levels in the industry,” said Teresa Creech, council co-chair and CEO TalentWave. “With the caliber of organizations involved in the council, we have an opportunity to make a significant impact and pave the way for the next generation of industry leaders.”

    Ursula Williams of SIA is serving as a council member.

    “I’m particularly pleased that SIA is taking a leadership role in this effort, which is committed to the acceleration of equitable and inclusive workplace environments in the staffing industry,” SIA President Barry Asin said. “A special thank you to Ursula Williams, our COO, who has been one of the founding council members and the driving force behind SIA’s involvement in this initiative.”

    Edie Fraser, CEO of the Women Business Council, said now is the right time to concentrate on opportunities for the advancement of women of color.

    “WBC is honored to collaborate with these thought leaders to redouble our efforts in support of our mission to accelerate the advancement of all women in business,” Fraser said. “Representation by the three top industry associations and advisors alongside a remarkable bench of staffing leaders, is a testament to the industry’s commitment to create a more just and equitable workplace.”

    Council co-chairs are Creech; Dana Look-Arimoto, SettleSmarter; and Kip Wright, Genuent.

    Council members are Susan Donohoe, TechServe Alliance; Eric Gregg, ClearlyRated; Gene Holtzman, Mitchell Martin Inc.; JJ Hurley, GDH Consulting; Ashish Kaushal, HireTalent; Leo Sheridan, Advanced Group, and chairman, American Staffing Association; Laquita Stribling, Randstad; Mara Swan, board member, Manpower; Leslie Vickrey, ClearEdge Marketing; SIA’s Williams.

    To address issues of gender parity and equity among all women the WBC Staffing Leadership Council has outlined the following objectives:

    • Educate – Gather data, establish benchmarks and build metrics for progress
    • Elevate – Build broad industry awareness and leverage work through the pillars of the WBC
    • Activate – Identify opportunities to make a difference and track results across the staffing industry

    The council will begin by conducting an industry-wide survey to understand the social identities among women in staffing and staffing leadership. The analyzed results will provide insight to develop recommendations for improving the representation of gender and race in leadership roles across the industry.

    To participate in the survey, go here. For questions about the council or survey, please contact Ava Panetto at avap@wbcollaborative.org.

    Read the original release here.

    Register for this year’s Rethinking and Accelerating Women’s Leadership in Business Forum!

    REGISTER NOW