FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 16, 2021
MEDIA CONTACT: Scott Pedowitz
Government Affairs Director
(703) 525-2400 ext. 203
Shark Tank Entrepreneur Sharmi Albrectsen of SmartGurlz to Keynote AWE Women in Business Summit on April 30 
ARLINGTON, Va. - The Arlington Chamber of Commerce announced today that Sharmi Albrectsen, CEO and co-founder of SmartGurlz, will serve as the keynote presenter at the AWE Women in Business Summit. SmartGurlz, a fast growing start-up company focusing on closing the gender gap in technology, is the first robotics company focusing on girls and was featured on ABC's Shark Tank. The summit will be held virtually on Friday, April 30 from 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Previously hosted by Awesome Women Entrepreneurs (AWE), this will be the first summit since AWE became part of the Chamber this past fall. AWE announced that it was becoming a program of the Arlington Chamber at last year's AWE Women in Business Summit, and the Chamber began introducing female-focused programming in the fall of 2020.
Sharmi Albrechtsen, CEO & Co-Founder, SmartGurlz
"The AWE Women in Business Summit promises to be an exciting, inspiring program, and Sharmi Albrechtsen brings the type of energy and perspective to set the tone. Her amazing entrepreneurial success and work to empower girls is an inspiration," said Kate Bates, President & CEO of the Arlington Chamber of Commerce. "I've seen firsthand the powerful connections formed and information exchanged through our women in business events over the last year, and we can't wait to take that to the next level with the summit."

Sharmi Albrechtsen started SmartGurlz in 2015 after she became frustrated when trying to find educational but fun toys for her daughter. SmartGurlz is trying to change the way STEM is taught to girls, based on studies of children's brain development. As CEO, she is the visionary backbone of the company, ensuring that the company develops, markets, and sells innovative products. She received AdWeek's 2017 Disruptor Award in Championing Gender Diversity in Advertising and Tech. SmartGurlz's partners include BlackGirlsCode, Girl Scouts of America, and DigitalGirl Inc.

"Sharmi Albrechtsen epitomizes everything being an awesome woman entrepreneur represents," said AWE co-founder Karen Bate. "We can't wait to be inspired by her, and are thrilled to be part of the Summit again this year as part of the Arlington Chamber's new Women in Business programs."

The summit is a half-day professional development and networking event designed for women entrepreneurs, executives, and professionals eager to grow their business or enhance their career. This event will bring together a diverse group of women to create a community dedicated to helping and supporting one another as we challenge traditional barriers that women in business face.

Registration and more information on the AWE Women in Business Summit can be found on the Chamber's website. Members of the media are invited and encouraged to attend the event. If you would like to register as media, please contact Scott Pedowitz, Government Affairs Director at [email protected] or (703) 525-2400 ext. 203.
 
The AWE Women in Business Summit is made possible thanks to our sponsors, including our Grand Sponsor:

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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.
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