NAWBO NYC
PRESIDENTS
2021-2022
Jasmine Sandler
I became President of NAWBO NYC with a fully new board and in the time of COVID. A welcome challenge, this position taught me the importance of accountability, persistence, and commitment as a leader. As a big promoter of women supporting women in business, I am happy to have had the opportunity to make a difference and look forward to continuing on as a NAWBO advocate and partner!
2019-2021
Elizabeth Foster
Serving as President has been a huge privilege and has provided me the opportunity to grow as an entrepreneur. Knowing that my work volunteering for NAWBO to support WBOs has had such a powerful impact in the lives of those around me has given me reward beyond measure. I have met, done business with, and become lifelong friends with many NAWBO sisters, all over the U.S. and the world.
2017-2019
Maisha Walker
It was a great experience driving NAWBO NYC’s mission forward, we created more awareness for NAWBO in general and NAWBO NYC specifically. We also worked on furthering awareness for our passion for advocacy for women’s causes. There are many great things in store for NAWBO NYC in the following years and I am happy to be part of this group of women that is creating this momentum.
2015-2017
Sophie Wade
It was a wonderful experience to rally together as a Board and support women-owned businesses in New York with dedication and purpose. Participating actively in the NYC chapter and mentoring groups as well as NAWBO’s National community made a lasting impression on me, connecting with so many super female entrepreneurs.
2011-2015
Jane Wesman
It was truly a privilege to lead NAWBO-NYC for 4 years. I was delighted with the progress we made, adding value-packed programming that included a strong mentoring component. It was wonderful to help so many women grow their businesses. I look forward to seeing the organization thrive for decades to come.
2009-2011
Pat Ahaesy
NAWBO is the only National Association that I know of that educates women business owners and offers the opportunity to grow their network. I was very fortunate to lead the chapter during a very challenging time, the height of the Recession, and my board and I made significant changes to help the chapter grow.
2007-2009
Tasha Norman
To lead and grow NAWBO-NYC was an honor. Our collective entrepreneurial drive, talents, and friendships kept us moving forward even while the world was in financial crisis. My presidency helped me grow as a leader by focusing on purpose, direction, motivation, and the success of women business owners.
2005-2007
Melanie McEvoy
As president, I was charged with the task of leading NAWBO-NYC through a major transition. The ancient Chinese philosopher Lao Tzu best describes what I have learned during my short tenure: The journey of a thousand miles must begin with a single step.
2004-2005
Lara Kisielewska
I spent more than a decade working with other NAWBO-NYC presidents and viewed them first as role models and mentors before I was able to view them as peers. My many varied experiences with NAWBO-NYC over the years changed my view of myself and what I was capable of achieving.
2002-2004
Lynn San Andres
In leading the organization, I became clearer about what was important to me. The confidence I gained from putting projects in motion, and seeing them evolve, helped me put my personal goals into action. I have grown past wanting to be and have become a person who does!
2001-2002
Orit
Being president opened my eyes to all I could do. Before, I had a major fear of speaking to large groups. Now I speak in front of hundreds of people, confidently. I still feel passionately about NAWBO-NYC. Any woman business owner should support this organization without thinking twice.
2000-2001
Rosemary Bova
Being president of NAWBO-NYC gave me a wonderful opportunity to test my leadership skills. I am passionate about women having economic security and being an influence on how business is conducted and policy is developed. NAWBO-NYC is an excellent vehicle to address these issues.
1999-2000
Leslie Grossman
While president of NAWBO-NYC, I realized that my true passion was supporting the success and growth of women business owners. I want to give back to an organization that gave so much to me and ensure that women business owners have the ongoing support that NAWBO-NYC offers.
1998-1999
Barbara Nagel
Being president of NAWBO-NYC allowed me to develop leadership skills that I never even knew I had. It caused me to rethink my career and move from a private legal practice to one that incorporates non-profits and private/public partnerships. And I have formed life-long friendships.
1997-1998
Sharon Emek
I remain active in NAWBO-NYC because of the difference it made in my life. I learned about leadership, friendship, support, having clout and opening doors for women in business and politics. And I learned how to inspire people, which continues to impact my business.
1995-1997
Carol Wall Bassin
Being president of NAWBO-NYC changed my life, enabling me to use the skills I had developed as a business owner. I became an effective mediator, goodwill ambassador and public speaker. Many of my dearest friendships developed before, during and after my presidency.
1992-1994
Heather Brighton
Being president of NAWBO-NYC made it possible for me to see what was really available for women. I have a passion for the organization. What better way to get the help, advice and friendship that NAWBO-NYC has given me over the the last 15 years.
1990-1992
Rosann Levy
Being president of NAWBO-NYC was very gratifying. It was inspiring to meet so many high-powered women in business and to build an organization which gave them the support, resources and information they needed to grow their companies successfully. I made wonderful friendships that I have sustained throughout the years.
1988-1990
Jessica Watson-Crosby
Being president of NAWBO-NYC helped me focus on my business and become successful through what I learned. It also gave me a perspective on the business climate—locally, nationally and globally—through wonderfully challenging experiences.
1986-1988
Dolores Kazanjian
I‘m very proud of having been president of NAWBO-NYC and the contribution we made to women business owners. The chapter has grown significantly since I was at its head and that‘s a great thing for its members. I wish NAWBO congratulations on its 20th Anniversary.
1985-1986
Barbara Haas
When I became president of NAWBO-NYC, there were maybe 30 active members. We focused on the problems we all faced in building our companies. We did a lot of networking, arranged talks and reached out to attract new members and to get new partners in the corporate community.
1983-1985
Catherine Maiorisi
We gave women business owners the opportunity to do business and learn from each other. We put together a Women in Business Conference, convinced NAWBO National to hold their annual conference in New York and got delegates elected to the 1986 White House Conference on Small Business…where we wowed them!