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Woman on the Way Award
This innovative woman is clearly on a winning track and ahead of the curve. She’s owned her business for less than three years and has already achieved breakthrough success. With her company’s documented growth potential, she’s an inspiration to others who are just starting out.
Connie Brennan, Aesthetic Enhancement Solutions
Elizabeth Mansfield, The ESM Group
Woman Pioneer Award
This award recognizes an enterprising woman who is at the forefront of change because her company is in a typically male-dominated industry. By making inroads in a non-traditional profession, she is creating new opportunities for other women in her industry.
Barbara Bencini, Merrill Lynch
Deborah Swanson, Abrasive Resource
Lois Walters, Gunnar Electric, Inc
Innovative Business Award
This clever and creative woman has taken an existing idea or product to new heights or has introduced something revolutionary to the marketplace. Her woman-owned business is poised for long-term success.
Janet Robert, AM950/JR Broadcasting LLC
Benefactor Award
This woman business owner is passionate about giving back. She demonstrates her commitment through philanthropic giving to a cause or organization dedicated to supporting the needs and/or interests of women. She is a visionary who selflessly donates her talents. Through her actions she has become a spokesperson for the women she feels driven to serve.
Rachel McDonough, Make Your Money Count, LLC
Barb Muelken, Shakopee Travel Leaders
Established Woman Award
This exemplary woman business owner has proven that she has the mettle to build a strong, sustainable company. She has been in business for at least five years, and has the skills, talent and leadership ability to maintain and guide her company for years to come.
Jill Johnson, Johnson Consulting Services
Wendy Pajor, ASI Signage Innovations
Caren Schweitzer, Creative Resources
Luminary Award
This award recognizes a respected woman business owner who lights the way for others through mentoring and/or volunteering in the community. She is a role model and a leader who consistently motivates others to achieve their goals.
Kay Phillips, ATEK Companies
Vision Award
This award honors the leadership of a woman business owner or a corporate partner whose exemplary vision and actions are opening doors for other women business owners. This award-winner is a dynamic advocate for women, and someone who enthusiastically guides others on their professional journeys.
Myrna Marofsky, Red Book, LLC
Mary Riebe, Reibe Cary Associates
Wise Woman Award
This savvy woman business owner knows how to persevere. She’s maintained a steady business for more than 10 years, while expertly navigating the challenges and obstacles we all face daily. She has earned the respect of others by building a company that is both healthy and profitable.
Lisa Bickford, Highlight Printing
Cheryl Powers, The Research Edge, LLC
Distinguished Honors – Women of the Year
The following “Of the Year” awards are our highest honors, with just one special woman each year selected for each category.
Young Business Woman of the Year Award
This woman business owner of two or more years is under 40 years old, and has demonstrated that she has the knowledge, determination and fresh ideas to run a flourishing business for many years to come.
Laurie Crow, Sinful Wine & Spirits
Emerging Woman Business Owner of the Year
This award recognizes an enterprising NAWBO member’s potential for long-term success and growth. She has founded or is growing a small business that features a creative and innovative product of service, and that has already survived various challenges. She is proving her staying power because her company, for which she bears principal responsibility, already has at least a three-year track record.
Mary Christensen, Experienced Resources, LLC
Woman Business Owner of the Year
Our most prominent award goes to an extraordinary NAWBO member and woman business owner who bears principal responsibility for her established company. She is recognized for her company’s history of continued and sustained growth in size and revenue, and for her innovative responses to challenges.
Katherine Harte, IBI Data
Lifetime Achievement Award
A NAWBO member whose success is substantiated by 20 years as a business owner. This award is based on long-term success and leadership. It's presented to someone known for her respected achievements and for tenacity in facing challenges.
Marie Bak, SDQ Ltd | 
