WOMEN'S HISTORY MONTH

One such strategy is the U.S. Strategy on Global Woman’s Economic Security, which was hosted by U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken. This strategy mobilizes 14 federal departments and agencies to advance a vision in which women and girls around the world in all their diversity can fully, meaningfully, and equally contribute to and benefit from economic growth and global prosperity,” Toloui shared.

Another program, led by Toloui, is the Bureau of Economic and Business Affairs’ POWER (Providing Opportunities for Women’s Economic Rise) initiative.

“Our objective is to connect the U.S. private sector with women entrepreneurs and business leaders abroad to facilitate partnerships that advance climate innovation, strengthen supply chains, support small and mediumsized enterprises, increase digital and financial inclusion, and expand access to technology,” Toloui said.

These programs, among others, are creating equal opportunities for women and positively impacting their workforce participation; however, their effectiveness relies heavily on women supporting women.

“The long-term effectiveness of efforts to empower women economically depends on the existence of strong, active professional female networks,” Toloui said. “POWER helps to establish those networks to support women in expanding their businesses and overcoming barriers.”

On February 10, the Greater Flagstaff Chamber of Commerce presented the 2023 ATHENA Award at the Annual Meeting and Award Ceremony. The ATHENA Award has been one of the Flagstaff Chamber's most valued initiatives with the goal of advancing female leadership within the buisness and non-profit sectors of northern Arizona.

It is with great honor that we recognize Women's History Month and the many remarkable female professionals in the community as well.