Women in the Workplace Speaker Series coming

WEST CHESTER » The Chester County Women’s Commission and The Fund for Women and Girls are partnering to host a free virtual Women in the Workplace Speaker Series, beginning with the first session May 24, from noon to 1 p.m. All employers, supervisors, human resources professionals, policymakers and employees are invited to a discussion about the current state of women in the workplace and strategies to create responsive, inclusive, and supportive workplaces for all.

The goal of the series is to call attention to issues facing women in workplaces and to highlight effective practices that employers, supervisors, HR professionals, employees and policymakers can pursue to protect, retain and support women — and to leverage their full range of perspectives and talents. Attendees will leave the session with concrete ideas for action.

This series is the next step in the #ChescoActs initiative, which is based on survey findings on workplace sexual harassment in Chester County in 2019. The survey revealed that one in four people (26 percent) in Chester County have experienced or witnessed sexual harassment in their current workplace and two-thirds of people (62 percent) have experienced or witnessed sexual harassment at some point in their careers.

“We are pleased to create this space for people to engage in discussion and learn about how to make workplaces safe and supportive for women. We truly appreciate the partnership with Chester County’s Commissioners and The Fund for Women and Girls on this event and so many other important efforts,” said Jennifer Lopez, president of the Chester County Women’s Commission.

Panelists for the virtual event include Nina Guzman, founder and executive director of Alianzas de Phoenixville; Cheryl NealeMcFall, professor at West Chester University; Marrea Walker-Smith, founder and CEO of CEO Academy for Youth; and Jenn Yaksich, store director for Target.

The conversation will be facilitated by Kate Martin, Chester County Women’s Commission member and director of advancement and strategic partnerships of The Garage Community and Youth Center.

Registration for the event is available at https://bit. ly/3jWz5EJ.