Hilda Kennedy Named 2021 Woman Business Owner of the Year by NAWBO California

CALIFORNIA — Over 260 leaders, supporters and women business owners representing 11 chapters from across the state gathered virtually for the National Association of Women Business Owners, California (NAWBO-CA) annual statewide Propel 2021 conference. Held on April 28th and 29th as a virtual experience, the event’s focus was on Driving Change Through Diversity. An event highlight was the naming of the 2021 Woman Business Owner of the Year, NAWBO San Francisco Bay Area board member Hilda Kennedy.

Hilda Kennedy, President of AmPac Business Capital
NAWBO 2021 Woman Business Owner of the Year

Hilda Kennedy is the founder and President of AmPac Business Capital, a nonprofit community lender on a mission to finance and foster business success at all stages of growth. During the pandemic, AmPac has served numerous small businesses with PPP Loans, grants and an array of assistance to stabilize business operations. With the vision to uplift communities, strengthen families, and advance entrepreneurial dreams, Hilda Kennedy is a true gem of the Bay Area. “I cannot think of a greater honor to be recognized by women that I respect so much and who I have served with over so many years. Thank you. I am awestruck and grateful,” commented Kennedy.

“The panel of judges were presented with an impressive line-up of eight outstanding women business owner finalists to choose from,” said Vikita Poindexter, NAWBO-CA President and CEO of Poindexter Consulting Group based in the Inland Empire. “The diverse finalists represent successful businesses from Sacramento to San Diego, including the San Francisco Bay Area, Silicon Valley, Bakersfield, Santa Barbara, Ventura, and Murrieta.”

NAWBO-CA’s Propel 2021, Driving Change Through Diversity highlighted how diversity creates innovation and problem-solving by encouraging different perspectives in thought and action. The NAWBO-CA membership is diverse in business, staffing, and clients and the conference served to gather and honor member diversity while driving change in public policy, inclusive practices, and substantive learning.

“It was my distinct privilege to sit with the formidable Jennifer King and learn all that she’s pushed through in driving change within sports,” commented Poindexter. She refers to a powerful conference discussion with Jennifer King, Assistant RB Coach for the NFL’s Washington Football Team, the first African American female assistant position coach in NFL history and only the second female assistant position coach in the NFL. When asked about her personal mantra King responded, “Be so good you can’t be denied,” referencing a quote from the movie Hidden Figures. Joining King at this year’s conference were state Senator Connie Leyva, former Senator Hannah Beth Jackson, Assemblymember Sabrina Cervantes, City of Tustin Mayor Letitia Clark and CA Secretary of State Dr. Shirley Weber, among many other stellar speakers.

This year’s conference was generously supported by Title Sponsor Bank of America, who continues to support NAWBO locally, statewide and nationally. Also showing their support were Southern California Gas Company, Dell Technologies, Southern California Edison, Union Bank, Goldman Sachs, Southern California Metropolitan Water District, Pacific Gas & Electric, Comcast, Buffalo Wild Wings and Morgan Stanley Wealth Management.

To learn more about how the National Association of Women Business Owners is driving change through diversity and to find a chapter in your area, visit www.NAWBO.org/California.

DOWNLOAD ORIGINAL PRESS RELEASE >>

NAWBO CA – Formed in 1999, NAWBO California represents the interests of more than 1.5 million women business owners in the state. California ranks #1 nationally in the number of women-owned firms, the number of employees (1.9 million) and revenues generated ($318.2 billion annually). The organization is a federation of eleven chapters located in Bakersfield, Central Coast, Inland Empire, Los Angeles, Orange County, Sacramento Valley, Santa Barbara, San Diego, San Francisco Bay Area, Silicon Valley, and Ventura County. (www.nawbo.org/california)