By Williamena Kwapo | OBSERVER Staff Writer
The National Association of Women Business Owners, California (NAWBO-CA), is set to hold the Propel 2024 Conference in Sacramento.
The event, themed “Elevate, Transform, Advocate,” is scheduled for April 29 – 30 at the Kimpton Sawyer Hotel. Its goal is to inspire and empower women entrepreneurs through education, networking, and advocacy.
Four-time Olympian Chaunté Lowe, will deliver the keynote address. Lowe is a track and field athlete known as one of the most successful high jumpers in U.S. history. She made her Olympic debut in 2004 in Athens, where she finished 9th in the high jump. She went on to represent the United States in the 2008 Beijing Olympics, where she placed 6th, and the 2012 London Olympics, where she earned a bronze medal.
Lowe has openly shared her experience with being diagnosed with breast cancer and her journey, becoming a passionate advocate for women who encounter similar challenges. “She’s an example that even with difficulties, you can still triumph.” said Melissa Northway, President of NAWBO-CA, when asked why the organization chose Lowe as this year’s speaker.
“She’s an Olympian, bronze medalist, businesswoman, spokesperson, a mom,” Northway continued. “She is an example of how women really can do it all.”
Along with Chaunté Lowe, Lynn Gray, Director of the California Office of the Small Business Advocate, and Jen Earle, CEO of NAWBO National, will also be in attendance.
NAWBO is dedicated to building a diverse leadership pipeline for corporate boards and the entrepreneurial community, a mission it has pursued since its inception in 2010.
The event will feature a black-tie awards ceremony honoring NAWBO-CA’s 2024 Woman Business Owner of The Year, recognizing exceptional contributions to the business and entrepreneurial world. The carefully curated agenda also includes an Advocacy Day at the Capitol that provides participants with a platform to voice their concerns directly to legislators, amplifying the impact of women-owned businesses in California.
Northway further emphasized the transformative nature for women attending Propel, where she says businesses gain insights and opportunities while leaders evolve and grow.
“We’re hoping to elevate them, transform them and have them get excited about being part of the change,” she said.
According to NAWBO, the conference will also offer attendees hands-on sessions for immediate business applications. With a focus on overcoming obstacles and achieving success, Propel 2024 promises to be an invaluable experience for women in business to thrive and build meaningful relationships.