NAWBO Chicago honors Rhonda Thomas as 'Woman of Achievement'

Rhonda Thomas - Photos by Jennifer Wolfe 2014

The Chicago Chapter of the National Association of Women Business Owners recognized partner Rhonda Thomas as a “Corporate Woman of Achievement” before a crowd of more than 500 at NAWBO’s 31st Annual Celebration of Achievement Luncheon at the Fairmont Chicago on April 28.

The award recognizes women who have overcome obstacles to climb to extraordinary heights in their company while empowering other women along the way.

“I am extremely honored to receive this award,” Thomas said. “I am humbled to be grouped with the other extraordinary women who are receiving this recognition.”

Thomas has been a trailblazer for women’s causes throughout her career as a public finance attorney. She’s a woman of many firsts, including the first woman to clerk for the Missouri Supreme Court, the first female city attorney for Columbia, Mo. and the first woman to chair the Municipal Attorney’s Organization.

“My goal for women is that there are no more firsts for us – that the world accepts that women have and can successfully do it all,” Thomas said.

Thompson Coburn’s recently partnered with NAWBO Chicago as a chapter sponsor. The group’s mission aligns with the firm’s diversity efforts and allows the firm to expand that mission beyond its walls while getting good exposure in the business community.

The luncheon was a half-day event that included networking, lunch, a keynote from Carla Harris, Vice Chairman of Global Wealth Management at Morgan Stanley Investment Management, and a chocolate hour.

Thomas was also videotaped for promotional use by NAWBO at the beginning of the day. In her interview, Thomas advised women looking to become great leaders to “know yourself and understand the talents and skills that you have to offer.”

“The business world is coming to understand that not only can women do it all, but that women bring unique and valuable talents and insights to the businesses we lead,” Thomas said.