Linda W. Navarro Trailblazer Award

Named in honor of Linda W. Navarro, who dedicated nearly 28 years to the Oregon Bankers Association and served as President and CEO for almost two decades (2005–2024), this award recognizes and celebrates women in banking who have achieved remarkable professional success and made lasting contributions to the industry.

Geographic Scope: Oregon

Focus Areas:

• Exceptional leadership in banking
• Mentorship and advocacy for women in banking
• Lasting contributions to Oregon's banking industry
• Women trailblazers who have advanced into leadership positions

Eligibility:

• Nominee must work or have worked in Oregon's banking industry at an OBA member bank or affiliated organization
• Nominee must be a woman
• Nominee must be able to attend the Women in Oregon Banking Luncheon (typically held each spring in Portland)

Background: Linda W. Navarro was 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. In 2015, she received the V.A. McNeil Executive Leadership Award from the Oregon Society of Association Management. In 2013, she led the establishment of the OBA Education Foundation to increase financial literacy and education/development/recruitment of future bankers.

Award Presentation: Presented annually at the Women in Oregon Banking Luncheon

Contact Information:

• Andee Rose
• Phone: (503) 576-4113
• Email: [email protected]

Past Recipients:

• 2025: Tracy Curtis, Wells Fargo
• 2024: Linda W. Navarro, Oregon Bankers Association

Application Process

The nomination process uses a two-phase approach to make it more accessible and inclusive:

Phase 1: Initial Nomination (Quick Submission)

Deadline: February 26, 2027

Required Information:

1. Nominee's name, title, and organization
2. Brief summary (one paragraph) describing why they are deserving
3. Contact information for both nominator and nominee
4. Confirmation of nominee's ability to attend the Women in Oregon Banking Luncheon (typically April, in Portland)

Process:

• Submit Phase 1 nomination via online form
• Selection committee reviews all initial submissions
• Three finalists will be identified

Phase 2: Full Nomination (By Invitation Only)

Deadline: March 26, 2027

Eligibility: Only the three Phase 1 finalists proceed to Phase 2

Notification: Nominees of Phase 2 finalists will be notified no later than March 5, 2027

Required Materials for Phase 2:

1. Expanded narrative addressing nomination criteria
2. Supporting testimonials from colleagues, clients, or peers

Contact for Questions:

• Andee Rose
• Phone: (503) 576-4113
• Email: [email protected]