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About the Award
Named after OBA's President and CEO of nearly 28 years (1996-2024), the Linda W. Navarro Trailblazer Award recognizes and celebrates women in banking who have not only achieved remarkable success in their careers but have also made lasting contributions to the industry.
Navarro has been a trailblazer throughout her career, becoming the first woman to lead the Oregon Bankers Association in its 100+ year history. In 2012, She was honored as a Woman of Influence by the Portland Business Journal and in 2015, she received the prestigious V.A. McNeil Executive Leadership Award from the Oregon Society of Association Management in 2015. |
In 2013, Navarro led the establishment of the OBA Education Foundation in response to shifts in the banking industry that left a hole in state-based banking development programs. The Foundation’s mission includes increasing financial literacy and the education, development and recruitment of future bankers. Through collaborative efforts with Oregon universities, BankWork$, and various other initiatives, the Foundation actively contributes to the attraction and training of diverse new bankers.
Beyond spearheading the establishment of the Women in Oregon Banking Luncheon as a way to uplift and celebrate women in the industry, Navarro has long championed women in banking and supported their ascent into leadership positions within the OBA. Under her leadership, many women have climbed the ranks to serve as chair of the OBA and Community Banks of Oregon. Countless others have served on OBA boards and chaired OBA committees. |
Trailblazer Award Nomination Process
The Linda W. Navarro Trailblazer Award honors a woman in banking whose career reflects exceptional leadership, mentorship and impact on Oregon’s banking industry. The award is presented annually at the Women in Oregon Banking Luncheon.
To make the nomination process more accessible and inclusive, we’ve introduced a two-phase approach:
To make the nomination process more accessible and inclusive, we’ve introduced a two-phase approach:
Phase 1: Initial Nomination (Quick Submission)This simplified first step is designed to make it easy to nominate someone you admire. You’ll be asked to provide:
Deadline to submit Phase 1 nominations: January 17, 2026 The selection committee will review all initial submissions and identify three finalists. |
Phase 2: Full Nomination (By Invitation)If your nominee is selected as a finalist, you’ll be invited to complete a more detailed nomination form. This is your opportunity to expand on the nominee’s leadership, accomplishments, and trailblazing contributions. The final submission may include:
Only three finalists will be selected for Phase 2 consideration. Nominees of Phase 2 finalists will be notified no later than January 30, 2026. Deadline for Phase 2 nominations: February 27, 2026 |
Eligibility Criteria
- Nominee must work or have worked in Oregon’s banking industry at an OBA member bank or affiliated organization
- Nominee must be able to attend the Women in Oregon Banking Luncheon (typically held each spring in Portland)
Questions?
Contact OBA's to Andee Rose at (503) 576-4113 or [email protected].