Today, the National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO) announces the seven finalists that will participate in the Sharapova Women’s Entrepreneur Program, in partnership with five-time Grand Slam tennis champion and successful entrepreneur, Maria Sharapova.
Over the course of 12 months, this program will provide these seven finalists a free virtual educational and mentoring experience to significantly grow both their leadership and business success.
“Congratulations to all the Spectacular Seven in NAWBO’s inaugural partnership with Maria Sharapova through the Sharapova Women’s Entrepreneur Program,” said Loreen Gilbert, NAWBO Institute for Entrepreneurial Development Board Chair. “The NAWBO Institute is constantly working to provide opportunities for women business owners to gain skills to grow and develop their business, and we are excited to see how our members will capitalize on such invaluable programming and mentorship over the next 12 months.”
The seven finalists represent a wide array of business industries, geographical locations, and states of business development. The winners include:
Reema Dutt, LuminouStudios, NAWBO Los Angeles Chapter,
Camille Eddera, Birthstone Scents, NAWBO Los Angeles Chapter,
Deanna Montrose, Paraffin International, Inc, NAWBO Phoenix Chapter,
Kelly Parthen, Bean Sprouts, NAWBO Orange County Chapter,
Lindsay Wilson, Ink Factory, NAWBO Chicago Chapter,
Denise Doczy Delong, Singleton Construction, NAWBO Columbus Chapter, and
Kimmi Wernli, Crazy Richards Peanut Butter Company, NAWBO Columbus Chapter.
“Providing tools and resources in order to help women business owners scale their business will be my focus for the NAWBO Institute,” said Gilbert. “Specifically, moving the needle for women serving on corporate boards and international microlending programs are a focus for the NAWBO Institute.”
Maria Sharapova, commented, “As I carefully went through the piles and piles of applications for the Women’s Entrepreneur Program, I was blown away by the talent and experiences of these emerging business leaders. I am excited to get to know the seven businesswomen selected, and can’t wait to watch them flourish and grow as they begin the 12-month mentorship program with me, my team and the team at the NAWBO Institute.”
“Like most entrepreneurs, I made a few mistakes starting and growing my business. that could have been avoided if I had found the right someone to guide me,” said Gilbert. “I want to lead and harness this collective brilliance of women entrepreneurs through the Institute to help women at every aspect of their business – scaling their business, providing business education, increasing their presence on corporate and non-profit boards and giving back. I believe all of us are smarter than any one of us.”
