Bonnie Nawara

Representative of Association of Women’s Business Centers

Bonnie Nawara is the CEO of Grand Rapids Opportunities for Women, a Women’s Business Center in Grand Rapids, MI. As a former business owner, she is a facet in the local business community; recognized as an outstanding Volunteer for Michigan Women’s Marketplace in 2012; awarded John H. Logie Neighborhood Business Champion in 2104; recognized as one of the Top Fifty Most Influential Women in West Michigan by the Grand Rapids Business Journal in 2012, 2014, 2016 and 2018.

Ms. Nawara owned Sir Speedy printing center for fifteen years prior to joining GROW in September of 2010. She has a wealth of knowledge in business, including start-up, finance, operational growth, human resource management, and marketing. She uses her deep understanding to lead GROW in fostering the economic development and growth of our community’s women-owned businesses.

In addition to small business ownership, Ms. Nawara spent six years as a Planned Giving Officer for the American Cancer Society. For five years in a row she was named Top Fundraiser for the Great Lakes Division. She also spent seven years as Parts Manager for Freightliner of Grand Rapids—the only female parts manager in the country at that time.

Ms. Nawara currently serves as Board Chair for the Association of Women’s Business Centers (AWBC), is on the board for the Grand Rapids Economic Club and is a mentor in the Wyoming, MI school system one to one program.