Nonprofit to be recognized for empowering women entrepreneurs in the region
COVINGTON, Ky. – February 6, 2026 – The Northern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce (NKY Chamber) Women’s Initiative (WI) has selected Aviatra Accelerators as its nonprofit recipient for the 2026 Annual Breakfast, powered by PNC. Every year during the event, the Women’s Initiative recognizes a Chamber nonprofit member dedicated to supporting women’s needs. Taking place on Tuesday, March 3, from 7:30 to 10 a.m., this community event will be a morning of encouraging women professionals to connect, grow, and achieve, per the WI mission.
Focused on supporting and championing women entrepreneurs in our region, Aviatra Accelerators empowers women to achieve financial independence through entrepreneurship. Founded in 2010, the nonprofit supports women-led businesses at every stage by connecting them with expert guidance, funding sources and a powerful network of fellow women entrepreneurs.
The organization seeks to help women start, grow, and fund their businesses through coaching, education, a membership community and other resources and events. Aviatra’s programs take women from idea to launch and from earning to scaling. The nonprofit also introduced an Incubator concept in 2024, offering a range of free and low-cost resources available for women entrepreneurs. The goal is to provide early-stage women-led businesses in Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky with the resources, mentorship and community they need to grow.
“Aviatra has become a leader in connecting women in our region to resources and to each other along their business journeys,” said Holly Nibert Harrison, NKY Chamber Women’s Initiative Director. “When women come together with shared visions, goals, and offer insight through their own experiences, it creates a stronger community foundation. Aviatra’s devotion and work with women in the community is why we’re thrilled to spotlight them at this year’s Annual Breakfast!”
Aviatra Accelerators President & CEO Jill Morenz brings both nonprofit and entrepreneurial experience to the table, allowing her to support women as they find joy and success through entrepreneurship. Through her work at Aviatra, she has personally helped more than 3,000 women in the region start and grow their businesses with confidence. Prior to her role with Aviatra, she was Director of Community Initiatives and Communications for the Catalytic Fund where she hosted Beyond the Curb Urban Living Tours and was instrumental in the creation of the NKY Bourbon Barrel Walk. She’s also passionate about her local community and serves in a volunteer capacity on the board of the Covington Community Montessori School.
“We are honored to be named this year’s recipient by the NKY Chamber Women’s Initiative,” said Morenz. “This recognition affirms the critical role Aviatra plays in strengthening women-led businesses and the broader regional economy, and it supports our mission of expanding access to expertise, capital and networks so more women entrepreneurs can build sustainable, growth-driven companies.”
Aviatra invites community members interested in supporting women entrepreneurs to get involved through donating, teaching, sponsoring, or volunteering at Aviatra events. Learn more at aviatraaccelerators.org.
In addition to honoring Aviatra, attendees of the 2026 WI Annual Breakfast, powered by PNC, will hear from keynote speaker and Olympic gold medalist, Mary Wineberg. She is a world-class track athlete, former educator, author, and public speaker who inspires, motivates and encourages all to secure their gold. Registration is $70 for NKY Chamber members, $90 for future members, $60 for young professionals, and free with NKYP Event Pass. Individuals interested in sponsorship opportunities should contact Diana McGlade at dmcglade@NKYChamber.com. For more information on the event and to register, visit NKYChamber.com/Events.
About the NKY Chamber Women’s Initiative: The NKY Chamber Women’s Initiative, powered by PNC, started in 2008 and is the leading organization for women of all career stages to connect, grow and achieve for business and professional success. The Women’s Initiative offers a continuum of growth for women of all ages and stages of their careers. Additional information on the NKY Chamber Women’s Initiative program can be found at www.NKYChamber.com/WomensInitiative.
About the Northern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce: The Northern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce, Inc., (NKY Chamber) founded in 1969, is the leading business organization in Northern Kentucky with more than 1,750 member companies representing approximately 175,000 employees. The NKY Chamber strives to promote and support the development of strong businesses and a vibrant economy in the Northern Kentucky region, through leadership and advocacy, resulting in a better quality of life for all. Jason Payne, President, CEO and Chairman of First National Bank of Williamson, is the Chair of the Board, and Brent Cooper is the President and CEO of the NKY Chamber. Additional information is available at www.nkychamber.com.
About Aviatra Accelerators
Celebrating over fifteen years of supporting women on the rise to find the power to soar, Aviatra Accelerators, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, exists to empower women entrepreneurs, providing education, coaching, mentoring, networking, and access to capital. Aviatra’s programs are tailored to meet the needs of women entrepreneurs at all stages of the business cycle. With a presence in Cincinnati, Northern Kentucky and Dayton, Ohio, Aviatra Accelerators has helped more than 6,000 women entrepreneurs create over 15,000 jobs and receive millions in funding, and its alumni have generated a cumulative total of over $1 billion in earned revenues. For more about Aviatra and its women entrepreneur success stories, visit www.aviatraaccelerators.org/.
