Nancy Swift Honored with 2025 Marsha Bailey Leadership Award at AWBC Leadership Conference

The Association of Women’s Business Centers (AWBC) is proud to announce Nancy Swift as the recipient of the 2025 Marsha Bailey Leadership Award, honoring her exceptional service, vision, and impact in advancing women’s entrepreneurship.

A true embodiment of servant leadership, integrity, and collaboration, Nancy consistently champions the success of others—both within her organization and across California’s Women’s Business Centers (WBCs).

The Marsha Bailey Leadership Award is presented annually to a WBC staff member who exemplifies five key characteristics: Servant Leadership, Integrity, Commitment and Passion, Empowerment of Others, and Collaboration. The award’s namesake, Marsha Bailey, has made significant contributions to the AWBC community and embodies these very qualities through her lifelong dedication to women’s business development.

With more than 35 years of experience in small business and community economic development, Nancy serves as Founding Director & CEO of the Jefferson Economic Development Institute (JEDI) and Chair of the California Women’s Business Center Network, leading a coalition of 21 WBCs across the state.

Under her leadership, the Network has:

• Strengthened its collective voice
• Influenced key policy decisions
• Secured nearly $10 million in new funding
• Earned national recognition for its impact on childcare access

Nancy’s vision has advanced sustainability, resilience, and equity for women entrepreneurs statewide. Through her work at JEDI, she has also expanded resources for rural small business owners in Northern California—establishing the organization as a U.S. SBA Women’s Business Center in 2014 and growing it into a powerful local economic engine.

Since its founding, JEDI has:

• Served over 14,500 clients
• Supported the launch of 1,200+ businesses
• Helped entrepreneurs access $18 million in business capital
• Created or retained more than 4,500 jobs

The organization’s community-driven approach extends beyond entrepreneurship—operating Mt. Shasta’s local farmers market and spearheading industry-specific economic development initiatives in tourism and other sectors. In recognition of this work, JEDI received the 2024 United Way Equity Award and an AWBC Excellence Award.

Nancy’s peers describe her as a leader who leads with both heart and purpose:

“I am always impressed by Nancy’s perseverance, courage and unfailing good humor, despite managing the constant complexities of a collaboration that includes fund management, member training, data gathering and political transactions.”

Through bi-weekly meetings, committee leadership, and statewide advocacy, Nancy has nurtured a collaborative culture that empowers others to lead. She models integrity and commitment, inspiring her peers to serve their communities with excellence and compassion.

We are honored to celebrate Nancy Swift’s extraordinary leadership and lasting impact. Congratulations to Nancy, the 2025 Marsha Bailey Leadership Award honoree!