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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, first awarded to Linda Navarro, 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 119-year history. Other recognitions of her success include being honored as a Woman of Influence by the Portland Business Journal in 2012 and receiving the prestigious V.A. McNeil Executive Leadership Award from the Oregon Society of Association Management in 2015.
Throughout her career she served in various national positions in service to the banking industry and on numerous nonprofit and community boards in Oregon.
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$, and various other initiatives, the Foundation actively contributes to the attraction and training of diverse new bankers.
Beyond spearheading the establishment of the Women in Oregon Banking Luncheon in 2021 as a way to uplift and celebrate women in the industry, Navarro has long championed women in banking and supported their ascent into leadership positions within the OBA. Under her leadership, many women have climbed the ranks to serve as chair of the OBA and Community Banks of Oregon. Countless others have served on OBA boards and chaired OBA committees.
Navarro has been a trailblazer throughout her career, becoming the first woman to lead the Oregon Bankers Association in its 119-year history. Other recognitions of her success include being honored as a Woman of Influence by the Portland Business Journal in 2012 and receiving the prestigious V.A. McNeil Executive Leadership Award from the Oregon Society of Association Management in 2015.
Throughout her career she served in various national positions in service to the banking industry and on numerous nonprofit and community boards in Oregon.
In 2013, Navarro led the establishment of the OBA Education Foundation in response to shifts in the banking industry that left a hole in state-based banking development programs. The Foundation’s mission includes increasing financial literacy and the education, development and recruitment of future bankers. Through collaborative efforts with Oregon universities, BankWork$, 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 in 2021 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.
Make a Nomination
The Trailblazer Award is given annually during the Women in Oregon Banking Luncheon. Nominations are currently being accepted for the 2025 recipient and are due by March 31, 2025.
Eligibility Criteria:
Nomination Criteria:
Eligibility Criteria:
- Nominee must be working or have previously worked within the Oregon banking industry either at an OBA member bank or at an organization affiliated with the OBA or the industry.
- Nominee must be able to attend the annual Women in Oregon Banking Luncheon, usually held in Portland in the spring.
Nomination Criteria:
- Leadership: Nominees should demonstrate exceptional leadership within the banking industry, showcasing their ability to inspire and empower others, drive positive change and effectively navigate challenges.
- Impact: The nominee's contributions should have made a positive impact within the banking industry, their organization, and/or the communities they serve.
- Mentorship: Nominees should demonstrate a dedication to mentoring and supporting the next generation of banking professionals, particularly women.
- Professional Excellence: Nominees should possess a strong record of professional achievement and excellence in their banking career.
- Testimonials: Nominations should be supported by testimonials from colleagues, clients, industry peers, and other relevant stakeholders.
- Overall Inspiration & Trailblazing Spirit: Above all, the nominee should embody the spirit of trailblazing in their career and serving as a role model and inspiration to others in the banking industry.
If you encounter any issues submitting your nomination, please email the information to Andee Rose at [email protected].