ARLINGTON, VA. - On Friday, March 7, the Arlington Chamber of Commerce hosted the 2025 AWE Women in Business Summit. A diverse group of more than 130 entrepreneurs, executives, and professionals joined the professional development and networking event designed to support one another in growing their businesses or enhancing their careers.

Friday Abernethy, General Manager, Monumental Sports Network

Kate Bates, President & CEO of the Arlington Chamber, began the Summit with welcoming remarks and by sharing the history of Awesome Women Entrepreneurs (AWE).

Founded in 2014 by Karen Bate and Evelyn Powers, Awesome Women Entrepreneurs (AWE) was established to build a dynamic network where female entrepreneurs could connect, collaborate, and grow their businesses. In 2020, AWE became an integral program of the Arlington Chamber of Commerce, expanding its mission to support not only women entrepreneurs but all business leaders looking to advance their careers and build strong professional networks. The AWE Women in Business Summit reflects this commitment, bringing together professionals from diverse industries for a day of inspiration, learning, and meaningful connections.

Jeanine Finch, External Affairs Manager for Keynote Sponsor CareFirst, provided welcoming remarks and introduced the Summit's keynote speaker, Friday Abernethy, General Manager of Monumental Sports Network.

During her keynote address, Friday shared the journey that shaped her career and led her to her current role with Monumental Sports Network. She highlighted the universal power of fandom, emphasizing that "Fandom is not really about sports; it is a vehicle for a common purpose and a common goal." Building on this, she reflected, "Everyone has a fanbase," and, conversely, "You are part of someone else's fanbase too."

At its core, fandom is about listening—understanding what drives and inspires your audience. Friday encouraged attendees to apply this mindset in business and leadership, emphasizing the importance of paying attention to customer needs, adapting to feedback, and fostering genuine engagement. She also stressed the value of listening to oneself - being bold, trusting your instincts, and having the courage to carve your own path.

She concluded by noting that true success comes when passion aligns with purpose, and when leaders embrace the power of connection - both with their audience and within themselves - at every stage of their journey.

2025 AWE Women in Business Summit

The Summit offered a day filled with insightful sessions, each designed to inspire and empower attendees. Sessions included From Stress to Strength: Mental Resilience Strategies for Women Leaders; The Shifting Skyline: How Commercial Real Estate is Reshaping Our Economy and Creating Opportunities; Courageous Leadership: Thriving as a Woman in the Corporate World; and Fearless and Focused: The Rise of Women Entrepreneurs.

The lunch portion of the Summit featured Karen Rosales, President and CEO of the Arlington Community Federal Credit Union. In her powerful speech on Leading with Impact, Rosales shared her personal leadership journey, reflecting on the pivotal moments and lessons that shaped her path. She spoke candidly about the challenges she faced and the transformative experiences that helped her grow as a leader. Throughout her address, she emphasized the essential qualities and traits that make leaders truly impactful—such as authenticity, resilience, and empathy. She encouraged attendees to lead with purpose and conviction, and to always strive for a creating a lasting, positive change in their organizations and communities.

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 650 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.