NAWBO Silicon Valley Celebrates Leadership Transition and 50 Years of Advocacy for Women Entrepreneurs

August 20, 2025 at 14:58 PM EDT

"Celebration features Vice Mayor Pam Foley, recognition of corporate partners, and installation of NAWBO Silicon Valley’s 2025–2026 Board of Directors”

(PRUnderground) August 20th, 2025

The National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO SV) Silicon Valley Chapter will host its 2025–2026 Board Celebration on Thursday, August 28, 2025, from 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM at San José City Hall, 200 E. Santa Clara Street, Meeting Rooms 118–119. The event will honor the accomplishments of the outgoing Board, welcome the incoming 2025–2026 Board of Directors, and commemorate NAWBO’s 50 years of national advocacy for women entrepreneurs, including the landmark H.R. 5050 Women’s Business Ownership Act.

Vice Mayor Pam Foley will deliver the keynote address and administer the oath of office for the new board. “As a former small business owner, I know the importance of organizations like NAWBO. I am proud to support their mission of empowering women entrepreneurs, advocating for equity, and building a thriving, inclusive business environment in San José and beyond,” said Foley.

This special evening will feature networking, recognition of the 2024–2025 Board, and the installation of the 2025–2026 Board of Directors. The event will also spotlight NAWBO’s continued impact as it celebrates its 50th anniversary of advancing opportunities for women business owners nationwide.

“It has been an honor to serve NAWBO Silicon Valley and witness the growth of our community of women entrepreneurs. Together, we have strengthened our voice in advocacy, expanded our reach, and created lasting connections that will continue to shape the future of women-owned businesses in our region,” said Wendy Roberts, Outgoing NAWBO SV President, reflecting on her term and the progress achieved in elevating the visibility and influence of women entrepreneurs throughout Silicon Valley.

The evening also marks the transition of leadership to the incoming President. “As we embark on this next chapter, my vision is to honor our strong foundation while driving innovation and inclusivity. At NAWBO Silicon Valley, we will continue to champion women leaders, cultivate collaboration, and create pathways for every entrepreneur to thrive with the tools, resources, and opportunities they need to succeed,” said Incoming NAWBO SV President, Leena Mendoza.

The celebration will also honor Margaret Smith, Founder of NAWBO Silicon Valley, whose vision sparked the movement locally and influenced the organization nationally. “It all began in my living room, where we hosted NAWBO SV’s very first meeting,” Margaret recalled. “That gathering brought together women entrepreneurs to share resources, inspire one another, and advocate for greater opportunities. It has been incredible to see how this community has grown into a powerful force that continues to empower women locally, nationally, and internationally.”

Margaret’s leadership quickly expanded beyond Silicon Valley. Within a few years, she joined NAWBO’s National Board of Directors and became National President in her seventh year. Her presidency was marked by groundbreaking achievements, including securing Wells Fargo as a national sponsor, paving the way for enduring corporate partnerships, and helping establish a $1 billion loan fund for women business owners, which expanded access to capital nationwide. Her advocacy extended to testifying before Congress, participating in high-level meetings at the White House and the U.S. Department of the Treasury, and building global connections for women entrepreneurs, including outreach in Russia during the Soviet era.

Today, NAWBO SV continues to carry forward Margaret’s legacy, serving as a vibrant hub for women business owners and advocating for their success across local, national, and international spheres.

Corporate Partners Honored: Bright Bird Creative, Miles Consulting Group, Copa Breeze, Bank of America, and Silicon Valley Business Journal.

Event Details:
Date: August 28, 2025
Time: 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM
Location: San José City Hall, 200 E. Santa Clara St, Meeting Rooms 118–119
Cost: $25 Member / $30 Non-Member / $15 Student / Complimentary for Corporate Partners | Parking: 4th Street Parking Garage (no validation)

About National Association of Women Business Owners – Silicon Valley (NAWBO)

About NAWBO – Founded in 1975, NAWBO is the unified voice of America’s more than 14 million women-owned businesses, representing the fastest-growing segment of the economy. NAWBO is the only dues-based organization representing the interests of all women entrepreneurs across all industries. NAWBO develops programs that help navigate women entrepreneurs through the various stages of their business growth. To learn more, please visit www.nawbo.org.

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