WOW! theme: Mindfulness Matters

I found a very informative article, “The State of Women in the Workplace 2021” by Brittany K. King, in The Lorman Blog. Some of the statistics are most significant. The facts and figures reveal that despite the attempts to address gender equity in the workforce, there is still much work to be done.

While the pandemic has had an impact on the workforce as a whole, the number of women working has dropped significantly. The participation of women in the workplace is the lowest since 1988.

57.4 percent are women compared to 69.2% of men.

Women are more likely to lose their jobs due to a number of considerations including automation.

For every 100 men promoted to manager, 85 women were promoted.

At the beginning of 2020, women held 38% of managerial positions. Men held 62 percent.

The 2020 Fortune 500 list included 37 female CEOs compared to 463 positions held by men.

Much work has been done to combat these statistics. Recommendations include encour

aging collaboration, seeking support from other women, practicing empathy, developing more female leadership, providing equal opportunities for career advancement and cultivating a culture of equality in the workplace.

Wow! So it is with our Chamber, in our attempt to address this issue in a proactive, positive manner. The Annual WOW Forum, Mindfulness Matters, is a daylong event featuring nationally recognized speakers who have motivated hundreds of women throughout our 17 years. The current plans include the following:

Date: Friday, Oct. 1, in the Carole & Ray Neag Performing Arts Center of the historic Warner Theatre, 7:45 a.m. at Salt 2.0 to 4 p.m. A continental breakfast, lunch, reception and auction included.

Master of Ceremonies is Attorney Brooke A. Goff, a personal injury lawyer dedicated to improving the lives of accident victims throughout Connecticut. Keynote Speakers:

Susan Wheeler, a world-class overcomer, mindset coach, author and runner

Rita Schiano, founder of Live a Flourishing Life, educator and corporate VP

Valerie Gordon, a 10-time Emmy award-winning TV producer

Linda Belt, a professional stand-up working comic and community leader

Seminar speakers: Valerie Gordon, “Big Excuse Bingo: Get After Your Goals!”

Kelly McCarthy, Beyond Words N Wisdom Cindy Donaldson, Identify Your True Authentic Self Dawn Romaneillo, In Light of Dawn

Susan Wheeler, The Lemonade Diet

This extraordinary day is possible through the generosity of our sponsors: TD Bank, NW Regional Workforce Investment Board, Conquest, The Warner Theatre, Republican-American, Charlotte Hungerford Hospital, a Hartford Healthcare Partner, Elevator Service Co., Inc., Northwest Community Bank, PKF O’Connor Davies LLP, Torrington Savings Bank, Union Savings Bank, Jacque Williams Entertainment, Lily & Vine Floral Design, Mount Claire Water, The Village Wine Cellar, The Nutmeg Fudge Company and Salt 2.0.

Thank you to the WOW Advisory Board. led by chairperson Jade Athas, Berkshire Hathaway, and Cathy Roscello, Torrington Water Company, for their leadership in the year-long planning of WOW 17!

We will be adhering to The Warner Theatre mask & vaccination policy since your well-being is the highest priority. Specific information will be available.

Register at www.wowforum.org or call us for more details. Let’s all celebrate women and benefit from this special day. Surely you will be WOW!d for this 17th Anniversary.