The National Association of Women Business Owners, Santa Barbara chapter (NAWBO-SB), will host the 11th Annual BRAVO Awards, celebrating the achievements of outstanding women in the Santa Barbara community, 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m. May 1 at the Hilton Garden Inn in Goleta.
This year’s theme titled Elevating Women, Elevating Impact underscores the influence of women leaders in Santa Barbara.
The BRAVO Awards were established to recognize local women leaders who have enriched Santa Barbara economically, politically, philanthropically and socially.
Award recipients have demonstrated initiative, introduced innovative ideas to their industries, and inspired others to excel. The 2025 award winners are:
• Lifetime Achievement Award: Carola Nicholson
• Woman Business Owner of the Year: Tina Takaya
• Entrepreneur to Watch: Polly Moharram
• Philanthropic Champion: Cynder Sinclair
• Public Policy Leader of the Year: Lizzie Rodriguez
• Education Advocate of the Year: Janice Brown
• Rising Star of the Year: Amelia Vander May and Sienna Valentine
• Kim Clark Leadership Award: Sherry Villanueva
Kara Pearson, NAWBO-SB president, and Mary Jean Vignone, president-elect, will co-host a luncheon to honor nine winners. Anne Pazier, owner of Santa Barbara Gift Baskets, will serve as madame of ceremony.
Keynote speaker is Elizabeth Cholawsky, angel investor, and former CEO of technology company HG Insights.
Early bird tickets are for sale now; the sale ends April 14. Tickets purchased before April 14 are $95 for NAWBO members, $110 for non-members. After April 14, ticket prices will increase. Tables seating eight are available for $760. Tickets must be purchased in advance.
For tickets and more about the 2025 BRAVO Awards, visit https://nawbo-sb.com/upcoming-events/2025-bravo/.
Learn more about NAWBO-SB and membership opportunities, visit https://nawbo-sb.com.