Women of Excellence Empowerment Gala

The Women of Excellence Empowerment Gala (WE) is NAWBO Richmond’s signature event that celebrates the 2025 accomplishments of successful women entrepreneurs and community leaders in the Greater Richmond Area.

Awards will be presented in five categories:

• Entrepreneur of the Year
• Rising Star
• Community Leader
• Woman in STEM presented by & Winner of the 2024 Women in STEM Award
• Student Entrepreneur of the Year

We are excited to announce that this year’s event features a silent auction as well. Details below! In addition to funds raised from the auction, your partnership will support NAWBO Richmond‘s educational programming and community outreach efforts. Our diverse program offerings provide enriching opportunities for women business owners in the Greater Richmond Region to engage with one another, learn about best entrepreneurial practices, and equip them with the resources to take their businesses to the next level.

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Tell us about the amazing women in your life! You are welcome to self nominate or submit multiple nominations!

First, a few ground rules:

• You may nominate anyone, and you are encouraged to self-nominate!
• NAWBO Membership is not required to be nominated for an award.
• No award can be won by the same person within five years.
• Criteria must have been obtained between January 1, 2025 - December 31, 2025.
• Nominations are open through December 1st!

Please review the awards criteria HERE!

Find the link to our Women of Excellence Award Nomination Form HERE!

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Join us as a sponsor of the Women of Excellence Empowerment Gala & Silent Auction. Your partnership will support NAWBO Richmond's ongoing efforts to provide educational programming, scholarships, and community outreach that equip women business owners with the tools and resources they need to grow, thrive, and scale their businesses. In the process, you'll engage a highly connected and motivated audience of Richmond's top business leaders and their networks via an extensive list of benefits including social media, email, and on-site event activations.

Take a look at our Sponsorship Packet HERE!

Find the link to our Sponsorship Interest Form HERE!

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NAWBO Richmond is seeking donations in the forms of tangible items, experiences, and services to be auctioned off at our silent auction!

We are looking for items such as (but not limited to) gift cards, tickets, gift baskets, giveaways, etc, with a range of price points. This is a fantastic opportunity to have your business spotlighted and shared with the NAWBO community! If you or your business would like to contribute to this event, please complete the form below by Friday, December 26th.

*Please note that ALL item donations must come with a physical certificate or the item itself provided by the donating organization. Items must be dropped off with a NAWBO representative by Friday, January 2nd. We will be in touch to collect items.

Find the link to our GALA Donation Form HERE!

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Agenda for the Evening

6 - 6:45PM: Welcome & Networking Happy Hour

• Upon arrival, guests will be greeted with their choice of champagne or sparkling water. An open bar featuring beer and wine will be available throughout the evening.
• Guests are encouraged to check out the silent auction & purchase tickets for the orchid raffle. The orchids were generously donated by - thank you for your thoughtful contribution!

6:45 - 7:30PM: Guests Find Seats & Plate Food

• Guests will enjoy warm, elegant dining experience featuring freshly baked dinner rolls with whipped butter, preset ice waters, and a refreshing iced tea and coffee station, complete with dessert to finish.
• Entrée selections include your choice of: Lightly breaded buttermilk chicken breast topped with a lemon caper beurre blanc sauce OR mushroom ravioli served in a rich tarragon cream sauce.
• Each entrée is accompanied by the chef's choice of seasonal vegetable medley and garlic whipped potatoes.

7:30 - 8:30PM: Award Banquet & Presentation

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More about NAWBO Richmond

The National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO) is the unified voice of over 10 million women-owned businesses in the United States representing the fastest-growing segment of the economy.

Since 1975, NAWBO has been the only membership organization representing the interests of all women entrepreneurs across all industries; with chapters across the country. With far-reaching clout and impact, NAWBO is a one-stop resource that propels women business owners into greater economic, social, and political spheres of power worldwide.

Our Mission

NAWBO is an organization that works to:

• Strengthen the wealth-creating capacity of our members and promote economic development
• Create innovative and effective changes in the business culture
• Build strategic alliances, coalitions, and affiliations
• Transform public policy and influence opinion

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