SACRAMENTO, CA. (March 10, 2025) – The Sacramento Valley Chapter of the National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO) is pleased to announce its 29th Annual Outstanding Women Leaders (OWL) Awardees. The event, which was also a celebration of NAWBO’s 50-year anniversary, was held at the Hyatt Regency in downtown Sacramento on International Women’s Day, Saturday, March 8th.
The OWL Gala is NAWBO Sacramento Valley Chapter’s signature event and has become an annual tradition in and around the region. The event honors the top achievers and leaders among women entrepreneurs, along with corporate, government and community leaders who have advanced the status of women in our region. Returning emcee and KFBK news anchor Kitty O’Neal was back for her 29th time as host. Photos: tia@phototia.com
OWL Categories and Winners
Achievement Against All Odds Award: A business woman who has overcome obstacles to continue in her business and succeed.
2025 Recipient:
Jamie Perez, Beyond Words Productions
Executive Woman Award: An employee at the executive level of a company/corporation who cannot have ownership interest in the company and must be very involved in the community.
2025 Recipient:
Leah Burdick, PRIDE Industries
Vision Award: A non-profit executive that has been a guiding force in making changes for women in our community.
2025 Recipient:
Darcy Totten, California Commission on the Status of Women and Girls
Wise Woman Award: Also known as the “Business Woman of the Year Award,” is given to a woman who has been in business for 10+ years, holds 51% or more ownership, has demonstrated longevity in their industry. An inspiration for new business owners.
2025 Recipient:
Jennifer Shaw, Shaw Law Group PC
Woman Innovator Award: A woman who has demonstrated exceptional innovation and leadership in their field. A woman who is a pioneer in advancing her industry.
2025 Recipient:
Ashlee Cervantes Thomas, Guardian Secure Solutions & Guardian Protection Force
Woman on the Way Award: A woman in business less than five years showing promise of longevity in their business, has shown profit, rapid growth or potential for continued growth.
2025 Recipient:
Nkiruka Catherine Ohaegbu, Adaptive Strategies Consulting
To learn more about NAWBO Sacramento Valley Chapter visit www.NAWBO-Sac.org.
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Founded in 1975, the National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO) is the unified voice of over 12 million women-owned businesses in the United States representing the fastest growing segment of the economy.