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We can't wait to see you at NAWBO Sacramento Valley's

30th annual OWL Awards Gala
honoring Outstanding Women Leaders

Saturday, March 7, 2026
Sheraton Grand Sacramento

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. Use the link above to register if you don't have your seat reserved yet, with guest details here:

  • Table & ticket buyers will receive emails from Greater Giving with a link to update your guest names, email addresses and meal choices. You can also reach out to owlevent@nawbo-sac.org any time with guest updates.
  • Seating will be pre-assigned. If you purchased a group of tickets, you will all be seated together. Email us by March 2nd with any other seating requests or questions.
  • Food & Beverage:
    • Entree choices: Porcini Dusted Chicken Breast with wild mushroom sauce, parmesan polenta, and seasonal vegetable OR Impossible Meatloaf (V/GF) with roasted fingerling potatoes, merlot mushroom sauce, and seasonal vegetables.
    • Starter: Baby Spinach Salad with candied walnuts, goat cheese, pickled red onions, and balsamic dressing
    • Desserts: Flourless Chocolate Torte (GF) and Classic NY Cheesecake with seasonal compote
    • Dietary requests can be added when submitting your RSVP, or you can send to owlevent@nawbo-sac.org
    • Special thank you to Teneral Cellars for providing all hosted wine for the evening!
  • Event Timeline:
    • 5:00 p.m. Check in and Reception
    • 6:30 p.m. Dinner Seating and Program
    • 9:00 p.m. Dance Party!
    • 10:00 p.m. Event Ends
  • Parking: the Sheraton only offers valet parking, at $45 per car. The garage at 900 13th Street (directly across the street) offers self-parking with a flat rate of $15, or $30 overnight.
  • Suggested attire is cocktail or red carpet formal. See photos from 2025 here!
  • Event attendees should be 14 or older. Attendees under the age of 18 should be accompanied by an adult.
  • Learn more about volunteer opportunities at www.bit.ly/owl26volunteers

 

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!

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, JDThompson & Associates LLC
  • Kim Tucker, Mission Forward Advisors
  • Charlene Vine, The Lionheart Community
  • Becca Whitman, Guide & Give