Indianapolis women business leaders earn national honors at NAWBO Advocacy Days

Indianapolis entrepreneurs Thresette Briggs, Judi Roth and Rebecca Bormann drew national attention at NAWBO Advocacy Days in Washington, D.C., where Briggs was named NAWBO National Board Chair, Roth won a top legacy award and Bormann joined a Meta discussion on entrepreneurship. The showing underscored the rising influence of Indiana women-owned businesses in advocacy, leadership and policy conversations. Why it matters: - Indianapolis women business leaders used NAWBO Advocacy Days to elevate Indiana’s influence in national conversations on entrepreneurship, economic growth and public policy. - The recognition also reflects NAWBO Indianapolis’ focus on advocacy, leadership development and economic impact as a Chapter of Excellence. - The outcomes signal that women-owned businesses in Indiana are shaping decisions that affect jobs, partnerships and business growth beyond the state. What happened: - NAWBO Advocacy Days brought women business owners, policymakers and industry leaders to Washington, D.C., for the annual advocacy and leadership event. - Thresette Briggs, founder and chief performance officer of Performance 3, was inducted as Chair of the NAWBO National Board of Directors. - Judi Roth received the Susan Hager Legacy Award, one of NAWBO’s highest honors. - Rebecca Bormann, founder and CEO of RB Consulting Agency, joined Meta in a national discussion on entrepreneurship. The details: - Briggs founded Performance 3 after more than two decades in corporate leadership and now works with organizations nationwide on leadership and culture. - Briggs was pinned into the chair role by her daughter during the ceremony, adding personal significance to the moment. - As NAWBO National Board Chair, Briggs will help guide NAWBO’s strategic vision and advocacy priorities for women business owners nationwide. - Briggs said the moment is a time for women to convene, create space for one another and scale their businesses. - Roth built and scaled her business over 35 years while supporting women entrepreneurs throughout her career. - Roth has been a NAWBO member and leader for more than 40 years, with chapter and national leadership roles and a long record of mentoring women business owners. - Roth said peer recognition carried special meaning because NAWBO members understand the work behind it. - Bormann’s participation brought an Indiana perspective to discussions of entrepreneurship, innovation and business growth. - NAWBO Indianapolis described Bormann as a Trailblazer. - The organization said the state’s women-owned businesses are not only creating jobs and driving innovation, but also helping shape policy and economic opportunity. - More information about NAWBO Indianapolis is available at nawboindy.org . Between the lines: - The three milestones show a coordinated rise in visibility for Indianapolis women business leaders, not just individual success stories. - Briggs’ national board role gives Indianapolis a voice in NAWBO’s agenda at a time when women-owned businesses are pressing for more influence in policy and market access. - Roth’s award points to the value NAWBO places on long-term service and mentorship, not only business growth. - Bormann’s Meta discussion suggests corporate and entrepreneurial forums are increasingly intersecting around the needs of small-business owners. What’s next: - Briggs will help steer NAWBO’s national advocacy and strategic priorities in the year ahead. - NAWBO Indianapolis is likely to continue using leadership development and advocacy to expand the reach of Central Indiana women entrepreneurs. - The organization’s national visibility may create more opportunities for Indiana members to participate in future policy and business discussions. The bottom line: - Indianapolis women business leaders left NAWBO Advocacy Days with national honors and a bigger platform to influence how entrepreneurship is supported in Indiana and across the country.