Carolyn Aijian. Photos courtesy of National Association of Women Business Owners, Santa Barbara chapter (NAWBO-SB),
SANTA BARBARA — The National Association of Women Business Owners, Santa Barbara chapter (NAWBO-SB) is proud to announce the 12th Annual BRAVO Awards, celebrating the accomplishments of outstanding women in the Santa Barbara community. President Dr. Mary Jean Vignone and President-Elect Annika Jensen will be co-hosting an engaging luncheon to honor nine incredible winners.
The event will take place on April 30, 2026, at The Leta Hotel (Tapestry Collection by Hilton) in Goleta. This year’s theme, “Business in Bloom”, celebrates the remarkable growth, resilience, and impact of the women in the Santa Barbara community.
Anne Pazier, the owner of Santa Barbara Gift Baskets, once again returns as the Madame of Ceremony. The keynote speaker is Kristin Miller, the president and CEO of the Santa Barbara South Coast Chamber of Commerce.
The 2026 award winners are:
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Lifetime Achievement Award: Carolyn Aijian, Complete Care at Home
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Kim Clark Leadership Award: Rashi Bahri, Shoonya Digital
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Woman Business Owner of the Year: Katy Rogers and Tamara Bingham, Likely Story Strategies
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Entrepreneur to Watch: Meghan Palmquist, The Solopreneur COO
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Philanthropic Champion: Kerri Murray, ShelterBox USA
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Education Advocate of the Year: Katie Szopa, Santa Barbara Education Foundation
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Trailblazer in Tech: Jill Pestana, Pestana Solutions
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Rising Star of the Year: Jennyfer Lopez Garcia, Dos Pueblos High School
Early bird tickets are on sale now, with the sale ending on April 10. Tickets purchased before April 10 are $95 for NAWBO members and $110 for non-members, but the price jumps to $110 for NAWBO members and $125 for non-members after that date. Tables seating eight are available. All tickets must be purchased in advance.
— For more information about the 2026 BRAVO Awards and to purchase tickets, visit: nawbo-sb.com/upcoming-events/2026-bravo-awards-luncheon/. To learn more about NAWBO-SB and membership opportunities, please visit nawbo-sb.com.
If you go
What: 2026 BRAVO Awards
When: Wednesday, April 30, 2026, from 11:30 A.M. to 1:30 P.M.
Where: The Leta Hotel, Goleta
Tickets: https://nawbo-sb.com/upcoming-events/2026-bravo-awards-luncheon/
Jennyfer Lopez Garcia.
Jill Pestana.
Katie Szopa.
Katy Rogers.
Kerri-Murray.
Meghan Palmquist,
Rashi Bahri,
Tamara Bingham.