For three incredible decades, the Sacramento Valley chapter of the National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO) has honored the region’s Outstanding Women Leaders with the OWL Awards. This signature gala celebrates powerhouse entrepreneurs, visionary corporate leaders and change-making community champions — all while fueling NAWBO’s mission to elevate women in business through connection, education and advocacy.

We will celebrate the 2026 finalists listed below and announce the category winners on March 7, with Kitty O’Neal of KFBK serving as Mistress of Ceremonies. Don't miss an elegant evening of top-notch networking, celebration, and fundraising to support women business leaders past, present, and future!

Learn more about NAWBO at www.nawbo-sac.org

Featuring our outstanding finalists for the 2026 OWL Awards! Click here to learn more about the categories and finalists.

• Dawn Adams, Zion Girls Leadership and Collegiate Preparatory Academy
• Cecilia Aguiar-Curry, California State Assembly
• Angelique Ashby, California State Senate
• Maria Bardet, Humani Studios, Inc.
• Lydia Belaski, charQterie
• Leslie Bosserman, The Makers Place and Lead With Intention
• Lisa Cardoza, American River College
• Kimberly Coley, Habitat for Humanity Greater Sacramento
• Lisa Culp, Women's Empowerment
• Chevon Kothari, Sacramento County Health and Human Services
• Gina Loza, Northwestern Mutual
• Sheila Moody, SEM Logistics Solutions LLC
• Allison Otto, Otto Construction
• Anh Phoong, Phoong Law
• Jenee Rawlings, Yolo Federal Credit Union
• Homa Rostami, Life Options for Seniors
• Loraine Scott, Acheson Wine Company
• Marinda Johnson Sessoms, Just Trind Productions
• Jennifer Siebel Newsom, California's First Partner
• Chelsey Smith, Chelsey Smith Crowns
• Dr. Janice Thompson, JD Thompson & Associates LLC
• Kim Tucker, Mission Forward Advisors
• Charlene Vine, The Lionheart Community
• Becca Whitman, Guide & Give