A packed room celebrated this year’s theme Women Elevated

Outstanding women in business honored. Photo by Nicole Wise Photography

On a beautiful Spring day in mid-April, The Ventura County chapter of the National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO VC) honored nine outstanding women in business and leadership at its 20th Annual BRAVO Awards luncheon. With Camarillo’s picturesque Serra Center serving as the backdrop, honorees were awarded for their achievements in industries that include solar energy storage, cybersecurity, health and fitness, retail, law, construction, and the nonprofit sectors.

A packed room of close to 200 business owners, community leaders and active members of the business community, celebrated this year’s theme, Women Elevated! Celebrating the fearless pursuit of success. Compelling videos told each honoree’s story of success which was followed with the presentation of beautifully artistic awards.

2019 BRAVO Honorees

  • Woman Business Owner of the Year – Catherine Von Burg, SimpliPhi Power, Oxnard
  • Innovator of the Year – Michelle Wilner, VIRTIS, Newbury Park
  • Rising Star of the Year – Breanne Cochran, The Vent Human Performance Center, Ventura
  • Community Advocate of the Year – Christina Shaffer, The Law Office of Christina Shaffer, Thousand Oaks
  • Education Advocate of the Year – Lisa Barreto, Ribbons of Life Breast Cancer Foundation, Ventura
  • Young Woman Entrepreneur of the Year – Alison Kenis, Sugar Lab Bake Shop, Ventura
  • NAWBO-VC Member of the Year – Brenda Terzian, Doug Terzian Construction, Camarillo
  • Leadership in Public Policy Award – Senator Hannah-Beth Jackson, 19th District and Betsy Berkhemer-Credaire, Berkhemer Clayton Inc.

BRAVO 2019 is the signature event of NAWBO Ventura County and would not be possible without the generous support of its sponsors and partners, including Metropolitan Water District of Southern California, Montecito Bank & Trust, Meyers, Widders, Gibson, Jones and Feingold, LLP, Southern California Edison, and BNY Mellon Wealth Management, among many other supporters.

Learn more at www.nawbovc.org.