NAWBO ON THE GO

Raised in a Zoo, Built for Entrepreneurship

For Kathy Rudkin, entrepreneurship has always been part of the wild adventure. The San Antonio, Texas-based founder and CEO of Rudkin Productions and Top 3 Finalist for Woman Business Owner of the Year grew up in a zoo in Oklahoma, where raising chimpanzees, tigers and even bringing baby jaguars to school sparked a fearless curiosity and creative spirit that would shape her future. Coming from a long line of entrepreneurs, Kathy launched her own marketing and advertising agency at just 24 years old and spent the next 34 years growing it into a thriving business while adapting through every industry shift, including the rapid move to digital marketing during COVID-19. In this episode, Kathy also shares the deeply personal story behind her nonprofit, Aid the Silent, created after her daughter became deaf at age 3, and how it now helps provide hearing aids and resources to deaf children. To learn more about NAWBO, visit: https://nawbo.org [https://nawbo.org]

Everyone Is Worthy of Love and Care

Licensed clinical psychologist, practice founder and “builder of bigger tables,” Mirjam Quinn, PhD believes care should extend far beyond the therapy room—it should shape how we lead, hire and live. Born in Germany, raised across three continents and arriving in the United States at 17, Mirjam went on to found Mirjam Quinn and Associates on the south side of Chicago, where her practice now serves patients from age 3 to well into their 90s. A Top 3 Finalist for NAWBO’s 2026 Woman Business Owner of the Year Award, she’s redefining what it looks like to care for both clients and clinicians. In this episode, Mirjam shares how investing deeply in her team—from 32-hour work weeks to employer-provided childcare—creates a ripple effect of extraordinary care. To learn more about Top 3 Finalist Mirjam Quinn, visit: https://nawbo.org/blog/a-human-first-philosophy-mirjam-quinn-leads-with-purpose-and-connection [https://nawbo.org/blog/a-human-first-philosophy-mirjam-quinn-leads-with-purpose-and-connection]

Don’t Come If You’re in a Rush

Latina founder, restaurateur and community advocate Diva Name is building more than a place to eat—she’s creating an experience rooted in culture, connection and bold leadership that’s worth slowing down to savor. As the owner of La Mexicana Taco Bar and The Local All-in Catering in South Florida, and a Top 3 Finalist for NAWBO’s 2026 Woman Business Owner of the Year Award, Diva brings together her love of food, music and art to create something truly unforgettable. In this episode, Diva shares what inspired her journey, how she’s weathered the ups and downs of the restaurant industry by expanding into catering and why community-centered events she hosts like her annual Cinco de Mayo festival are just as important as what’s on the menu. To learn more about Top 3 Finalist Diva Name, visit: https://nawbo.org/blog/finding-flavor-and-building-community-diva-name-turns-a-dream-into-la-mexicana [https://nawbo.org/blog/finding-flavor-and-building-community-diva-name-turns-a-dream-into-la-mexicana]

Could the SAVE Act Create Voting Barriers? Election Integrity vs Access

For women business owners, the ability to vote is a business imperative. In this episode of NAWBO On the Go, we’re joined by Thresette Briggs, NAWBO National Advocacy Chair, for a clear breakdown of the SAVE Act (Safeguard American Voter Act) and why NAWBO is paying close attention to its potential impact on women, especially women business owners who have experienced name changes due to marriage, divorce, or other life events. Thresette explains: * What the SAVE Act is and what it would require for federal voter registration and voting * Why NAWBO supports election integrity and free, fair elections while raising concerns about added documentation burdens * What forms of proof could be required (and why common IDs like standard driver’s licenses may not qualify in many states) * The potential unintended consequences, including time, complexity, and access issues for eligible voters * Why fewer voices at the polls can shape the policies that directly affect women-owned businesses To read NAWBO and WIPP’s joint statement on the SAVE Act: https://nawbo.org/blog/womens-business-groups-thank-leader-thune-for-removing-save-america-act-from-pending-business [https://nawbo.org/blog/womens-business-groups-thank-leader-thune-for-removing-save-america-act-from-pending-business] Learn more about NAWBO: https://www.nawbo.org [https://www.nawbo.org] Learn more about NAWBO Advocacy: https://nawbo.org/advocacy [https://nawbo.org/advocacy]

Potential Is Everywhere, Opportunity Is Not

Lindsey Paulsen, Vice President of Digital Innovation at Opportunity International, is working at the intersection of technology, funding and purpose to expand access to opportunities for women entrepreneurs around the world. In this episode, she shares how her organization is investing in women living in extreme poverty, supporting small businesses, and what those efforts reveal about the universal drive women share, no matter where they live. From wanting to provide for their families to creating better futures for their children, the goals are the same, but the barriers are not. Lindsey also reflects on a powerful truth: potential is equally distributed, but opportunity is not. She explores what it takes to close that gap and how we can all think differently about access, equity and impact. To learn more about Opportunity International, visit: www.opportunity.org [http://www.opportunity.org/]