STEAM in Action: Turning Digital Skills into Business Strengths

Who doesn’t think of classrooms, science labs, and “future” when hearing the terms STEM or STEAM. But for entrepreneurs and business owners, STEAM is not theoretical. It is immediate. It is practical, and it is increasingly essential.

Today’s business environments are powered by digital tools. From artificial intelligence and data tracking to online platforms and automation, we can no longer afford to consider these “advanced” skills. They are rapidly becoming baseline requirements for sustainability and growth. The challenge for small business owners, who tend to juggle multiple responsibilities – well, they just don’t have the time or access to fully engage with these tools.

ESB is not here to turn business owners into engineers. Our goal is to help translate STEAM into usable, accessible tools that can strengthen businesses. Whether it’s learning how to use AI beyond just for brainstorming, improving visibility through digital engagement, or understanding how data can guide better decisions, these are the skills that can move a business from surviving to growing.

Small businesses are critical to advancing SDG 4 (Quality Education) and SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) at the local level. And when entrepreneurs adopt new tools and approaches, they are not just improving their own operations, their contributions help build stronger and more resilient communities. This real-world impact extends their impact to SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities).

From Stirring to Serving: Following Through on Action

In March, we moved from reflection to execution as we completed part two of the two-part series: Tending the Business Pot: What’s Simmering, What’s Burning, and What Needs Stirring, with From Stirring to Serving, Executing One Clear Action.

Participants identified one specific action within their business and committed to moving it forward. The focus was not on doing everything at once, but on taking one clear intentional step that creates momentum.

That shift, from thinking to doing, is where the real progress happens.

With this program, our focus was to reinforce a key principle for entrepreneurs: growth doesn’t come from ideas alone. It comes from implementation. And very often we see that the most meaningful progress begins with a single, well-chosen action.

Looking Ahead: Marsha Riibner-Cady moves from Preparations to Possibilities!

April is going to be a very exciting program and we hope you will be a part of it.

“Practice to Pitch: Supporting a Woman-Owned Business in Action” is our scheduled program on April 8th and it will give us an opportunity to come together in a real and impactful way for one of our members and her community.

Marsha Riibner-Cady, our North Carolina Past President, Past National Secretary, Past ESB Chair, and present/current all around awesome woman, is working on an exciting venture and she can use our help.

As the owner of Cady CPR Solutions she is participating in Hampshire on the Horizon, a business pitch contest and educational series in West Virginia designed to strengthen entrepreneurial growth and success.

The program includes eight sessions – six are educational, plus a practice round and a final competition, with a $10,000 grant awarded to the winner. She is one of eight businesses competing.

On April 8th, we will be using our space and time to support Marsha by having her present her pitch to us as a practice session. This is an opportunity for us to do what NFBPWC does best – offer thoughtful feedback, encouragement, and real-world perspective to help her strengthen her presentation ahead of the competition.

Marsha has also shared her vision if she wins. She plans to use the grant money to purchase AEDs (Automatic External Defibrillators) for the heavy traffic areas of Hampshire County, West Virginia. This investment could have a life-saving impact on her community.

Join us on April 8th and help one of our own move from preparation to possibility. Register for this and all events on the website events page.

Barbara J. Bozeman
Chair Entrepreneur & Small Business
smallbusiness@nfbpwc.org

Would you like to list your business with NFBPWC?

• On our Website:
  • https://nfbpwc.org/entrepreneur-business-program
  • Scroll down to the Business Directory Form
  • Email your logo to smallbusiness@nfbpwc.org
• On our Blog Post:
  • https://nfbpwc.org/NFBPWC-Blog
• On our Facebook page:
  • https://www.facebook.com/NatlFedBPWC
• On our Facebook Marketplace page:
  • https://www.facebook.com/groups/nfbpwcmarketplace/
• Contact us directly at: smallbusiness@nfbpwc.org

February Stirs and March Serves!

Whether you are running a business, building your career, or managing the responsibilities of daily life, the patterns you build determine what you sustain.

For February, if you recall, we asked you to look at your “later” list. To consider those things you postponed for whatever reason and to think honestly about what those delays may be costing you both personally and professionally.

Women’s History Month reminds us that professional careers and business owner-ship are not just a personal endeavor. Women who came before us carved room at tables that didn’t even exist. They built companies in climates that weren’t wel-coming and they didn’t just survive – they thrived!!!

They didn’t wait for the perfect conditions. And as we know, they did it while carrying the loads of households, caregiving, ex-pectations, and community leadership all at the same time. We are not meant to operate in constant overdrive, which is why the ESB programming for February and March is so important.

Entrepreneurship has a way of nor-malizing intensity. Exhaustion is too often seen as a badge of honor or a requirement for success. We put off considerations about health, or re-flecting or adjustments as temporary. Who hasn’t said to themselves “once I get through THIS… then I will recalibrate” ? How often is does that happen – that we get to the recalibration? Our February pro-gram picked up where January left off.

“Tending the Pot – What’s Simmering, What’s Burning, and What Needs Stir-ring” was our February program, rescheduled from our normal day and time to Feb-ruary 25th. It was not a presentation but rather a working discussion – a pause to take inventory and answer the questions “What is sustaining your business right now? What is draining your energy? What feels neglected but necessary?”

Our March program – also rescheduled due to CSW commitments, will pick up the next phase: “From Stirring to Serving – Executing One Clear Action.” The new date is March 25th.

March Call to Action: Stirring

• Identify one area that needs stirring (not overhaul, just some attention)
• Be able to articulate why this area and what the best outcome would be (why stir this particular pot?)
• Attend the ESB meeting in March
• Celebrate Women’s History Month!!!!

Stay connected with the ESB Committee as we continue supporting women at every stage of their business and professional journeys.

Our February and March programming was moved to the 25th of the month. We will return to our regular schedule of the 3rd Wednesday of each month in April.

Barbara J. Bozeman
Chair Entrepreneur & Small Business
smallbusiness@nfbpwc.org

Pace, Pressure, and the Cost of Later

In business and life, if January invites ambition, February is the month when reality sinks in.

Last month, you were encouraged to start the year without starting over. To keep your focus on continuation rather than reinventing. The calls to action were simple: thinking about what you would keep, what you would not want to do any more, and what you are curious about enough to try.

In February, let’s visit those answers by melding them into practice.

For most women in business, the early weeks of the year bring a familiar pattern. Goals seem clear. Commitment is strong. And then, as we often do, we start bargaining away our time and intentions with “I’ll take care of myself later.”

• “Later” after the deadline.
• “Later” after the launch.
• “Later” once things settle down.

Sound familiar???

And then comes the cycle of viewing this as a failure. A failure of discipline or true desire. But is it? Or maybe it is the result of responsibility, ambition, and the pressure to prove the business is worth the effort we pour into it.

Over time though, postponing physical and mental health becomes part of the normal operating model. Which it was never intended to be.

So, if January was about setting a direction, then it follows that February is about looking at our momentum – our pace. Are the patterns you repeat supporting both the business and the person behind it? Are you building in a way that lets you continue to grow over time.

Sustainable businesses built through constant acceleration are rare. Better to be built through attention, intention, and the willingness to question assumptions that no longer serve us.

February Call to Action:

This month – take some time to reflect on HOW your business is being carried by you.

• What does your “later” list look like?
• What can you do to mitigate the “later” syndrome?
• Determine what “later” vs “now” is costing you personally and professionally.

Stay connected with the ESB Committee as we continue supporting women at every stage of their business and professional journey.

Barbara J. Bozeman
Chair Entrepreneur & Small Business
smallbusiness@nfbpwc.org

Our next meeting is February 11th at 8:00pm EDT. See the Events page of the NFBPWC website or this magazine for more details.

Starting the Year WITHOUT Starting Over

January carries a lot of expectations, doesn’t it?

New goals. New plans. New energy.

For small businesses owners and entrepreneurs (and those with aspirations), it can feel like you’re supposed to flip a switch and suddenly be more focused, more profitable, and more confident than you were on December 31st.

Let’s consider something different as we step into the year 2026.

Instead of looking at January for reinvention, let’s make it about continuation + intention. You don’t need to become someone new. Make it about giving direction to what you already have.

Are you running a business? Then this is the time to set tone, not tempo.

Instead of asking “How much can I accomplish this year?”, consider these questions instead:

• What do I want this business to support in my life?
• What worked well enough last year to keep?
• What felt inefficient or misaligned?
• Where would consistency matter more than growth?

Make clarity, focus, and small repeatable actions done well your rewards in January.

Are you business-curious or business - hopeful?

If you are standing at the edge, thinking about starting something, restarting something, or finally taking an idea seriously? Then take January as a time not to leap…but to listen.

You don’t need a business plan yet. You need curiosity, patience, and permission to explore.

• Listen to what excites you.
• Listen to what frustrates you.
• Listen to the problems you naturally want to solve
• Listen to the skills people already come to you for.

Let’s look ahead together.

The ESB Committee exists to support entrepreneurs at every stage, from first ideas to steady growth. The year ahead brings opportunities for shared learning, encouragement, and practical insight that meets you where you are.

You don’t have to have everything figured out.

You don’t have to move at anyone else’s pace.

And you don’t have to do it alone.

Call to Action

As we step into the new year, take time this week to consider:

• One thing you want to keep doing,
• One thing you want to stop doing, and
• One thing you’re curious enough to try.

Bring that clarity with you into the year ahead and stay connected with the ESB Committee as we continue building momentum together.

Barbara J. Bozeman
Chair Entrepreneur & Small Business
smallbusiness@nfbpwc.org

From Slow Season to Springboard—Turning Year-End Quiet Into Q1 Momentum

We all get it. For many entrepreneurs, December like a familiar slowdown.

Clients pause projects, decisions get pushed to January, and inboxes grow still. But slowdowns don’t mean setbacks. We should be looking at them as a built-in runway to Q1.

End of the calendar year isn’t about pressing your hustle harder. It should be about preparing smarter for 2026. Being intentional helps position you better for starting the new year off right, with clarity and momentum.

Whether you are reviewing the past quarter or the last year, treat it as a checkup, not a report card. Ask yourself what worked, what didn’t? When you faced challenges, how did they turn out? Skip the guilt and go (and grow) with the insights.

A strong January starts in December. It could be an overhaul, or it could be a basic reset for the new year. Don’t scramble your way into January – go at it with intention and stability.

Entrepreneurs often overlook the most strategic year-end move: rest. Sustainable success is built on clarity, not exhaustion.

Give yourself permission to pause, breathe, and recharge. A rested mind makes sharper decisions — and sets the tone for a healthier, stronger year ahead.

Remember — the end of the year isn’t a dead spot — it’s a strategic pause. It’s the space where entrepreneurs recalibrate, clean up, regroup, and relaunch.

Use this season to reset your path, refresh your systems, and build a powerful springboard into the new year.

December isn’t downtime. December is your launchpad.

Your ESB Call to Action for December:

Use this December pause to reconnect. Send two gratitude messages. revisit one partnership opportunity, or follow up on a colleague you haven’t talked to in a while. Sometimes the smallest outreach sparks the biggest momentum shift.

Barbara J. Bozeman
Vice Chair ESB
smallbusiness@nfbpwc.org

Running a Real Estate Business

Anyone that tells you owning rental properties is a great way to make money has got to be a wonderful fix-it person or insane.

My husband and I currently own three rental properties.

The house at 103 Weir Point Dr., Manteo, NC, was on the market but didn’t sell. So, we rented it to a lovely family from WV. I cringe each first of the month now for the “wait for funds” to be transferred from them to me via Zelle. I also cringe when they call or text me about the latest problem.

One involved an animal in the attic. I called the pest control company (something we pay for as the owners). The problem is that racoons from the nearby national park are climbing a tree, jumping on the roof, and hopping onto the Andy Griffith fig tree for a snack. (Yes, the tree originally came from a cutting from Andy Griffith’s fig tree.) I’m not joking, especially since the lawn, care including tree trimming, is their responsibility as outlined in the lease.

Are you interested in purchasing a home in Manteo, NC? $650k including fig tree and potential racoons. The Cabin at 5956 Critton Owl Hollow Rd., Paw Paw, WV’s original structure was built in 1789. It does have plumbing, heat, internet, and 38 acres.

My renter recently vacated, leaving a mess behind that I won’t try to describe to you. Let me just say that 5 cats, 2 dogs, and 2 parrots were involved. I’ll also mention he “sublet” to a couple, one of which was wearing an ankle bracelet gifted by the state of WV. Subletting was not part of the rental agreement, which stated the rent as $400/month. This fiasco involved calling a parole officer who hadn’t done her job in terms of getting the proper approval for this couple to live there.

It should only take me a couple more weeks to clean that mess up including replacing the furniture they destroyed. Interested in an off-grid get-away? Maybe I’ll AirBNB it at some point.

And finally, the Tudor Square Townhouse. We have owned this one for over 20 years. The first renters were Scouting America connections. One was an Eagle Scout and his new wife (I knew his parents and helped him earn his Eagle badge), followed by a lady who worked at the Department of the Interior Indian affairs (I think she was a friend of one of the former scoutmasters).

Next was a couple who became down on their luck and asked their church to pay their rent. We didn’t take the church money but allowed them to break their lease with no penalties.

Then there was a retired government worker who was a chain smoker. That was bad enough, but the staircase and design of the second floor acted like a chimney leaving smoke residue which had to be scraped off the walls and ceilings prior to re-painting.

Our current renters are two sweet women with two cats. They called me on Monday night to let me know there was no water. The first thing I asked them to do was to open the crawl space and check to see if there was a pool down there or if they heard water running. The pipe has burst before. Nope no water. Then I’m thinking huh, did I put that water bill on auto pay? Yes, I did.

Did I change it when my credit card was last breached? Yes, I think so. On further investigation, no it wasn’t on auto pay and I had indeed gotten a letter stating service was to be cut off by October 14. They cut it off on October 20. I had neglected to open the letter. So, I apologized profusely and offered to pay for bottled water until the next morning when I could take care of the bill.

They declined driving to the store for water since they had consumed adult beverages. They said they’d get help from neighbors should the need arise. Happy they consumed alcohol responsibly. I was able to pay the bill online that night but could not re-connect the water without speaking with a human.

The next morning, I called the water company. The first message I was given was, “We are having issues with autopay, please contact us directly for more information.” When I was connected with a human, I was able to get the water turned on. Thankfully no extra $75 connection fee was required and the ladies had water by 10:30am.

The morals of the story, because sometimes we all need to be reminded:

• Open your mail as soon as you get it.

• Have a handy person on speed dial, you will need them unless you live close and have a bunch of duct tape.

•  Screen all applicants and have an iron clad lease for the state in which the property is located

• Have a lawyer on speed dial, just in case.

• Insure your property as a rental.

• Have a good sense of humor.

• Be willing to keep the deposit if someone really messes up the place.

Happy land-lording to you!

Marsha Riibner-Cady (NC)

Chair Entrepreneur & Small Business Committee

2022-2026

At NFBPWC, the “B” and the “P” are at the heart of our name.

Our members lead as entrepreneurs, executives and professionals across industries.

Celebrating the Businesses and Professionals in NFBPWC.

These companies are from the Member Business Directory; shouldn’t your business be on this list?

Category: Professional Services

Kathy Telban	ISOLVIT	www.isolvit.org
Michele Guarino	A Second Office, LLC	asecondoffice.weebly.com
Valentina Solarin	IAGIFTED	iagifted.org
Kemi Oyebade	Vagabond Rebel Art Studios	vratgo.com
Teressa Gehrke	POPCYKOL	PopCykoL.com
Ella McElwee	HEALTH BY CHOICE, INC	healthbychoice.net
Charmin Jacobs	Teachable Learnable Solutions	www.teachablelearnablesolutions.com
Theresa Szczurek	Technology and Management Solutions	www.tmsworld.com

Category: Entertainment

Ashley Maria & Lea-Ann W. Berst	Pioneers In Skirts	pioneersinskirts.com
Ashley Maria	Ashley Maria Productions	ashley-maria.com

Category: Health & Wellness

Marsha Riibner-Cady	Cady CPR Solutions	cadycprsolutions.com
Michele Guarino	Cherry Blossom Reiki	https://www.facebook.com/CherryBlossomReiki/

Category: Jewelry & Clothing

Dr. Jo Naylor	Joniqua’s	https://www.etsy.com/shop/joniquas
Michele Guarinao	Cherry Blossom Reiki	https://www.facebook.com/CherryBlossomReiki/

Category: Travel & Transportation

Barbara Jean Maresca

Evolve (La Dolce Vita)

https://evolve.com/

Category: Miscellaneous

Shirley Zeller	Friends of Mary Sheldon Ismon House	ismonhouse.org
Barbara Bozeman	Sights & Hounds Photography	sightsnhounds.com
Michele Guarino	Vesta Blue Studio	vestabluestudio.com
Margie Kotzalas	Les Etoiles in Haiti	etoilesinhaiti.org
Kathleen Ray	Hyde Park Refugee Project	hprpchicago.org

Want to learn more and connect?

Visit our NFBPWC Member Business Directory, your hub for women-owned services, products, and expertise.

Thank you to everyone who joined us in September, for the topic: Next-Gen Entrepreneurship in Action: A Young Woman’s Perspective.

We were honored to welcome guest speaker and Young Entrepreneur, Izadora Letchacoski. As the COO of a family law firm, founder of a consulting company, and a member of the BPW International Executive Committee, she shared her unique perspective on entrepreneurship that crossed industries and borders.

Thank you Izadora and we look forward to hearing from you again soon!

Upcoming October Event

In October, we turn our focus toward this month’s theme: Women Mean Business, with the program Showcase Your Business, Share Your Story!

Join us on October 8th as we spotlight our Member Business Directory and give you a chance to introduce your own business.

Whether you’re listed already or still considering it (it’s free by the way!), this is your opportunity to be seen, heard, and celebrated.

We’ll also share quick tips on crafting your elevator pitch so you’re ready to make the most of every introduction.

Sign up for this event at: https://nfbpwc.org/event- 6084103

Recommended Reading October Book Pick:

The Power of Vulnerability: Teachings on Authenticity, Connection and Courage” by Brené Brown. Drawing on her own research, Brené Brown’s 2012 book highlights how embracing vulnerability allows people to live more wholehearted and authentic lives. Included are practical approaches for building empathy, resilience, and stronger relationships. She also has a 2020 TEDTalk on the topic.

Recommended Blog/Article

8 Leadership Traits for Women to Thrive in 2025. By Pete Ford (June 03, 2025)

Professional “To Do” for October: Spotlight Your Business

This month, take one hour to boost your visibility:

• Where is your business listed? Is it effective for your market?
• Practice your elevator pitch. Can you describe your business in 30 seconds or less?
• Share one update (big or small) about your business on LinkedIn or with your BPW network.
• List your business on the NFBPWC and BPW International Business Directories.

A SIMPLE ACTION TODAY

CAN OPEN THE DOOR TO NEW OPPORTUNITIES TOMORROW.

Marsha Riibner-Cady (NC) Chair

NFBPWC Entrepreneur and Small Business Committee

2022-2026

Barbara Bozeman (NC) Vice Chair

NFBPWC Entrepreneur and Small Business Committee

2022-2026

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Would you like to list your business with NFBPWC?

On our Website:https://nfbpwc.org/entrepreneur-business-program Scroll down to the Business Directory Form

Email your logo to smallbusiness@nfbpwc.org

On our Blog Post: https://nfbpwc.org/NFBPWC-Blog

On our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/NatlFedBPWC

On our Facebook Marketplace page: https://www.facebook.com/groups/nfbpwcmarketplace/

Contact us at: smallbusiness@nfbpwc.org

These lovely “home frocks” (L) would cost $53.65 today, and it’s unlikely anyone would feel the need to be so dressed to stay home and wash the kitchen floor and make dinner. They might even be overkill for many of todays’ more casual offices, and while

none of us is likely to wear a sundress (R) to work, it is evocative of the era when the

disparity between different “classes” was on dramaticdisplay as Americans showed off their new-found post-war incomes and began to move to the suburbs to climb the social ladder.

  

We want to thank everyone who joined us in August for Alice Gallop West’s inspiring Vision Board & Goal Setting Workshop. The event was a wonderful success — the audience was enthusiastic, participative, and left with powerful tools to help shape both personal and professional goals. We especially enjoyed hearing members share their “One Word” and watching vision boards come to life on the screen. It was a night filled with energy, creativity, and new possibilities!

Upcoming September Event 

Our September gathering will continue to build momentum as we turn our focus toward this month’s theme:  Young  Women  in  Leadership. (Details about the speaker/event will be finalized soon

— stay tuned for the announcement!)

This theme invites us to spotlight the next generation of leaders and entrepreneurs, highlighting the challenges they face and the fresh, innovative perspectives they bring. Whether you’re a young professional yourself or a seasoned mentor, this discussion will help us explore

how to support, inspire, and collaborate across generations.

Recommended Reading

September Book Pick:

Lean In: Women, Work, and the Will to Lead by Sheryl Sandberg.

A modern classic, this book challenges us to think critically about leadership, ambition, and the barriers women face in the workplace — all while offering practical tools for growth and empowerment.

Recommended Blog / Article

Why It’s Never Been a Better Time to Be a Female Entrepreneur. By Maggie McGrath (June 27, 2025) https://www.forbes.com/sites/maggiemcgrath/20  25/06/27/why-its-never-been-a-better-time-to-be-   a-female-entrepreneur-plus-keep-your-focus-during-uncertain-times/

Small Business “To Do” for September

Conduct a Mid-Year Leadership Self-Check.

As fall begins, take one hour to reflect:

• What leadership roles (big or small) have you stepped into this year?

• Where could you delegate or mentor a younger colleague?

• What’s one leadership skill you want to sharpen before December?

A small step today will set you up for stronger growth as the year moves forward.

We look forward to seeing you in September as we celebrate and elevate Young Women in Leadership!

Would you like to list your business on the NFBPWC Website? Go to: https://nfbpwc.org/entrepreneur-business- program

and scroll down to the Business Directory Form And email your logo to smallbusiness@nfbpwc.org

Find us at: ESB Page - https://nfbpwc.org/entrepreneur- business-program

Blog Post - https://nfbpwc.org/NFBPWC-Blog

NFBPWC FB - https://www.facebook.com/NatlFedBPWC NFBPWC Marketplace

https://www.facebook.com/groups/nfbpwcmarketplace/

Contact us at: smallbusiness@nfbpwc.org

NFBPWC Entrepreneur and Small Business

Committee (2022-2026) Marsha Riibner-Cady (NC) Chair

Barbara Bozeman (Virtual/NC)

Co-Chair

Small Business: 

During the UN General Assembly High-level week 2025, there will be a “Summit for a Sustainable, Inclusive and Resilient Global Economy” on September 24^th from 9am – 6pm. Available for viewing via UN WebTV https://webtv.un.org/en/schedule