ARLINGTON, VA. - The Arlington Chamber of Commerce convened 125 entrepreneurs, executives, and professionals on Friday, March 6 for the 2026 AWE Women in Business Summit, a day of leadership insights, career development, and networking designed to empower women across the region’s business community.

Kate Bates, Arlington Chamber of Commerce President & CEO, with Danita Johnson, President of Business Operations, D.C. United

Kate Bates, President & CEO of the Arlington Chamber, opened the Summit with welcoming remarks highlighting the evolution of the AWE program and its growing impact on the regional business community.

The Summit’s keynote address was delivered by Danita Johnson, President of Business Operations for D.C. United, who shared lessons from her leadership journey in professional sports and encouraged attendees to embrace calculated risks and build strong workplace cultures.

“I don’t think I’ll ever continue to be successful, if you're where I am, by playing it safe,” said Johnson, reflecting on key decisions that helped propel her career trajectory. Johnson connected this philosophy with a recent high-profile decision to move an upcoming match against Inter Miami CF to M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore to accommodate increased ticket demand. While there was considerable financial risk in the move, it ultimately drove significant ticket and sponsorship sales.

Beyond risk-taking, Johnson emphasized the importance of leadership, in all forms, in the workplace.

"To build a culture, it starts with you as a leader," said Johnson. She discussed how any employee can lead from their role in their own way, and emphasized the need for supporting colleagues in taking on leadership rules.

She concluded by sharing the "three C's" that guide her leadership philosophy: consistency, commitment, and communication. Johnson elaborated that these traits "sit at the heart of culture" in the workplace, whether at a Major League Soccer club or any business or organization.

2026 AWE Women in Business Summit

The Summit offered a day filled with insightful sessions, each designed to inspire and empower attendees. Sessions included Strategic Leadership: Women Driving Growth in Large Businesses; Stand Out and Speak Up: How to Power Your Pitch, Message, and Marketing for Maximum Impact; Mind Your Midlife: Busting the Myths of Menopause

for Women in Business; Women Authenticity Advantage: Leading with Emotional Intelligence in a Conforming World; and Business Growth and Smart Finance:

Opportunities for Women-Led Businesses.

Founded in 2014, Awesome Women Entrepreneurs was created to build a dynamic network where women business leaders could connect, collaborate, and grow their businesses. In 2020, the program became part of the Arlington Chamber, expanding its reach and impact to support professionals across industries.

A full agenda and biographies of all speakers is available here.

ABOUT THE CHAMBER

Founded in 1924, the Arlington Chamber of Commerce is a nonprofit membership organization of more than 650 businesses that cultivates connections, shapes policies, and empowers Arlington’s economic future. 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.