FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 4, 2022
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MEDIA CONTACT: Thomas Fitzpatrick
Communications Coordinator
(703) 525-2400 ext. 203
Event photos available here. |
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U.S. Senator Warner Addresses Importance of Female Leadership in the Workplace |
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ARLINGTON, Va. - Today, the Arlington Chamber of Commerce hosted the AWE Women in Business Summit, sponsored by Ann Wilson Homes. A diverse group of more than 70 participants joined the half-day, professional development and networking event designed to help female entrepreneurs, executives, and professionals support one another in growing their businesses or enhancing their careers. Previously hosted by Awesome Women Entrepreneurs (AWE), this was the second summit since AWE became part of the Chamber in 2020.
"In the Chamber's 98 years, I am the fifth executive officer and the first female one. I am especially proud to celebrate the Chamber's support of professional women through this event," said Kate Bates, President & CEO of the Arlington Chamber of Commerce.
"According to McKinsey & Company’s 2021 report, 1 in 3 women reported they had considered downshifting their careers or leaving the workforce in the past year,” said Bates. "We are proud to provide an environment at this summit and through all of our women in business programming where women can learn from, support, and inspire each other."
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An attendee Asks U.S. Senator Mark Warner (left) a question with moderator Kate Bates (right) |
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"We have to do a better job on providing sources of capital to women entrepreneurs and entrepreneurs of color," said U.S. Senator Mark Warner, who joined the summit for remarks and participated in a Q&A with attendees. "It’s time to start treating investment in human beings, the same way we treat research and development, as an asset with the related tax credits."
U.S. Senator Warner also highlighted the vast need for affordable childcare throughout the Commonwealth. He went on to discuss his priorities on increasing the workforce through various benefits in healthcare, closing wage disparities, and adjusting to a new hybrid workplace.
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Effective Allyship with presenter Kia Croom (left) and moderator Kate Bates (right) |
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The sessions included panels on mental and physical health and the path to entrepreneurship. Summit participants also attended expert presentations on what effective allyship looks like, improving workplace culture through games and creativity, finding a place in the "boy's club," and much more.
A full agenda detailing the sessions and the presenters' biographies is available here.
High resolution photos will be available soon. For photos currently available for use, click here.
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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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