TaChelle Lawson and Nikki Fargas address attendees at the 2022 WODA luncheon. (Photo by Casey Jade)
Dr. DeRionne Pollard’s keynote speech, Las Vegas Aces Nikki Fargas fireside chat were two of many highlights at this year’s event
The National Association of Women Business Owners Southern Nevada (NAWBO) wrapped up National Women’s Small Business Month in grand fashion with its 2022 Women of Distinction Award (WODA) luncheon on October 25th at Conference Center of Las Vegas, 6590 Bermuda Road.
WODA 2022 Video Recap
In addition to the WODA honors, NAWBO also awarded grants (ranging between $1,000 and $3,000) to support women-led enterprises in Las Vegas.
WODA honors the achievement of women in business and philanthropy; this year’s award and grant winners represented a diverse cross-section of business leaders, entrepreneurs, philanthropists, and community influencers.
For the second year in a row, the WODA luncheon was emceed by a three-time Emmy Award-winning journalist, Patranya Bhoolsuwan.
Nevada State College President Dr. DeRionne Pollard kicked off the event with an inspirational keynote address. Then, Nikki Fargas, president of the WNBA Champion Las Vegas Aces, held an intimate fireside chat that further inspired the crowd of more than 300 attendees. The audience was also treated to a video from Las Vegas Raiders President, Sandra Douglass Morgan, congratulating this year’s winners.
This year’s WODA winners are:
Entrepreneur: Joy Hoover, CEO/Founder, esōes cosmetics
Rising Star: Jennifer Inaba, Communications Manager, Western Resource Advocates
Glass Ceiling: Chaka Crome, Founding Partner, Crome Law Firm
Corporate/Government Services: Miriam Lira-Hickerson, Ombudsman of Consumer Affairs for Minorities, State of Nevada Department of Business & Industry
Education: Felicia Wright, Owner, The Learning Outpost
Gaming/Hospitality/Convention Services: Kenyatta Lewis, Executive Director, Supplier Diversity, Sustainable Procurement, and Training, MGM Resorts International
Medical/Health Care Services: Souzan El-Eid, MD, FACS, Breast Surgeon, Comprehensive Cancer Centers – Southwest Breast Surgery Center
Philanthropy/Community Service/Non-Profit: Hannah Brown, Founder/Leader, Community Development Corporation
Professional Services/Public Relations: Susan Hoy, CEO, Nevada Guardian Services
Real Estate/Construction: Caroline Chavez, Broker/Owner CEO, Legacy Property Management
STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics): Dr. Rochelle Hines, Co-Founder and CEO, Associate Professor (UNLV), Tessellate Therapeutics
The 2022 WODA grant honorees:
The Women of Distinction Accelerate Grant: Theresa Avila Bimbela, Owner/CEO, TAB Professional Services LLC
The Women of Distinction AccelerateGrant: Mayani Gray, Owner, Maya’s Makeover Studio
Minority Woman-Owned Business Grant: Jessica Vargas, Owner, Jess V Llc
Minority Woman-Owned Business Grant: Felicia Wright, Owner, The Learning Outpost
Community Angel Grant: Kimberly Miles, Founder, BE A SHERO Foundation
Community Angel Grant: Carole Jeanette Jorgensen, President, Bright Star Foundation
Woman of Distinction Grant: Christine Maddela, Managing Partner/Owner, Storyville RD
Many honorees will also attend NAWBO’s Corporate Sponsor Appreciation Event on Nov. 1 . For those who would like to meet and network with some of this year’s award and grant honorees, the event is open to NAWBO members as well as the public.
About WODA The NAWBO Southern Nevada Women of Distinction Awards (WODA) recognize the achievements of women in business. These awards highlight the accomplishments of women business owners who are building a legacy for the next generation of leaders. The awards honor women business leaders who have shown outstanding accomplishments in our community. All awards and grants recognize achievement across a wide range of business and nonprofit categories
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