The Los Angeles chapter of the nation’s foremost organization for women business owners hosts its annual awards luncheon March 13 at the Beverly Hilton Hotel.
The National Association of Women Business Owners Los Angeles (NAWBO-L.A.), began operating in 1979 and its mission is to propel women entrepreneurs into economic, social and political power.
One of its key initiatives is the nine-year-old Enterprise Institute of NAWBO-LA, which is a tax-exempt charitable organization dedicated to accelerating efforts and research that promote entrepreneurship among women world wide.
NAWBO-LA created its Leadership and Legacy Awards Luncheon 23 years ago to publicly acknowledge the female superstars in Los Angeles and to inspire a younger generation of entrepreneurs to excel.
The awardees are:
Janice Bryant Howroyd, founder and CEO of Act 1 Group, a Torrance, CA, based group of companies that employs 407 people and boasts revenues of $850 million. She is being lauded because she has had a significant impact on the well-being of her community, and has had the foresight and generosity to recognize that her success is best savored when she “pays it forward.” This award also honors someone who, through her leadership and vision, is changing lives today, and at the same time impacting generations to come.
Bettye Dixon, president and CEO of Concourse Concessions Inc. (CCI), and widow of Congressman Julian Dixon, owns a firm that operates specialty and duty-free retail shops at five international airports around the nation. The Los Angeles-based business owner is being inducted into the NAWBO-LA Hall of Fame because she represents the quintessential entrepreneur who strives for excellence in everything she does, and has given back extensively to her community.
Jane Wurwand has been named woman business owner of the year. This honor recognizes an exemplary woman who demonstrates her leadership skills by example, is committed to entrepreneurial excellence and has made a significant impact in the business community.
Geraldine Knatz will be given the leadership award, which recognizes a person who has distinguished herself by achieving a level of success well beyond the standards of her industry and the business community.
Bonnie Nijst, is being spotlighted as the member of the year. Nijst is past president of NAWBO-LA and past vice chair of the Enterprise Institute of NAWBO-LA.
The Inspiration Award, which recognizes someone who has made a tremendous impact on those around her and serves as a true role model for others to follow, will be given to Chef LaLa.
A chef, author, nutritionist, humanitarian and TV personality, Chef LaLa describes her two passions in life as mastering and refining the art of cooking, and educating her fans about how to enjoy complex cultural cuisine in a healthy way.
Finally, Carmen Rad, president of CR&A Custom Inc., has been named a rising star, and this award goes to a woman entrepreneur who has established a critical milestone in her business and has displayed high potential for enduring entrepreneurial success. Rad created the first printing company to marry eco-friendly inks onto biodegradable fabrication.
Tickets to attend the NAWBO-LA luncheon are $175, and can be purchased at the door, if space is available. For additional information contact the office at (213) 622-3200.
