ARLINGTON, VA. - Today, the Arlington Chamber of Commerce hosted the 2024 AWE Women in Business Summit, sponsored by Washington Gas. A diverse group of more than 70 participants joined the professional development and networking event designed to help female entrepreneurs, executives, and professionals support one another in growing their businesses or enhancing their careers.

Andrea Fava, Amazon, delivering the keynote with Tina Leone, Ballston BID

Tina Leone, CEO of the Ballston BID and Immediate Past Chair of the Arlington Chamber, began the Summit with welcoming remarks and by sharing the history of Awesome Women Entrepreneurs (AWE).

Awesome Women Entrepreneurs (AWE) was founded in 2014 to provide a supportive community where business women can connect. In 2020, that community evolved into a program within the Arlington Chamber of Commerce.

During her keynote address, Andrea Fava, Vice President of U.S. Public Policy at Amazon, recounted her journey from joining Amazon to assuming her current leadership position. She emphasized the pivotal role that mentors and sponsors played in her professional growth and success.

County Board Chair, Libby Garvey (right) and County Board Member, Maureen Coffey

The Summit comprised of various speakers throughout the day, featuring panels and discussions including How Women Leaders are Shaping Inclusion in the Workplace, Balancing Act: Juggling Career and Personal Life Successfully, Women Leading Advocacy, Challenging Gender Norms: Women's Leadership Across Ages, and Networking and Building Your Brand: Personal and Professional.

Arlington County Board Chair Libby Garvey and Arlington County Board Member Maureen Coffey led a conversation and took questions on leadership across generations and how to challenge gender norms.

Garvey shared how vital conversations on women leading and women supporting one another are today. “I think this is so important, being explicit and intentional in discussing how women can step up and how women can lead,” said Garvey.

Coffey also discussed the importance of young women stepping up into leadership positions. “I heard so much about what the next generation wants, what the next generation needs – I realized as a member of that generation, that I have a role to play in that conversation,” shared Coffey.

A full agenda detailing the sessions and the presenters' biographies is available here.

ABOUT THE CHAMBER

Founded in 1924, the Arlington Chamber of Commerce is a nonprofit membership organization of more than 700 businesses committed to strengthening businesses and the economic environment for those who work, live, and do business in Arlington. The Chamber supports our members through networking, advocacy, professional development, and community engagement. For more information or to become a member, visit www.arlingtonchamber.org.