Robert Baitler (right), Vice President, Business Banking, presents Dr. Anna Zabiegly with her NAWBO membership certificate.
Women-owned businesses help shape our communities for the better, creating jobs, driving the economy and paving the way for future leaders. In honor of their key contributions to “Building a Better America Through Entrepreneurship”—the theme of this year’s National Small Business Week—Byline Bank is celebrating women small business owners and covering expenses for two inspiring Chicago entrepreneurs’ annual membership to the National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO).
As the only dues-based organization representing the interests of women entrepreneurs across all industries, NAWBO is the voice of 12 million women business owners nationally. Formed in 1978, it connects women with chapters located across the country—including here in Chicago, which boasts the nation’s largest NAWBO chapter.
This year, Byline Bank is honored to provide membership fees for:
- Farissa Knox, founder/CEO of RLM Media, an integrated marketing and communications agency, and founder/creative director of WhatRUWearing Productions, the production house behind the reality series “PRGirl.”
- Anna Zabiegly, Psy.D., P.C., a licensed clinical psychologist who dedicates her compassion-driven practice to helping patients overcome traumatic experiences, anxiety, depression and adjustment difficulties.
“As a leading small business bank, Byline is sincerely proud to support Ms. Knox and Dr. Zabiegly in their important work in our neighborhoods and beyond,” said Stephen Ball, Senior Vice President and Head of Business Banking at Byline. “We know it’s businesses like theirs that strengthen and enrich the fabric of our communities.”
“By providing a year of membership to these deserving women, we hope to support their efforts by creating a bridge that connects them with all the resources NAWBO Chicago has to offer,” continued Ball. “The pandemic has challenged all of us. But it benefits us all when we can, together, lift up women business owners in our society.”
By participating in the NAWBO community, these influential business owners can now tap into a range of educational, networking and business development opportunities without the financial burden of annual membership costs. As members of the Chicago chapter, they’ll find new ways to propel business growth and ignite personal as well as professional development.
In addition to the enduring value of participating in a community of like-minded peers, these recipients will now be able to join with women leaders from across Chicago at regular networking and professional growth events while elevating their brands on a powerful local platform. They may also partake in NAWBO Institute programming, which includes training and education to equip members with the tools and resources it takes to succeed at any size or stage of organizational evolution.
Whether they’re mingling at a reception, keeping up with (or even helping drive) advocacy efforts, or participating in a local media event, membership recipients will be in good, empowering company. Like Byline Bank, NAWBO prizes diversity and encourages members to bring all their varying expertise and insight to the table.
