First Lady of PA Discusses Female Empowerment at Women Take Charge Event

First Lady of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Judge Marjorie O. Rendell, recently spoke at Women Take Charge: Catalysts for Change, presented by the Chamber. More than 200 women business leaders gathered to hear the First Lady discuss her career and achievements, as well as the progress made by female professionals and the future of female leadership.

An annual celebration inspiring female professionals to reach their highest potential, Women Take Charge included a panel discussion to highlight female business leaders who use their success and influence to initiate social and economic change in our communities.

“For women, helping each other is a gift, not a burden,” the First Lady said. Recognizing the accomplishments of historical women such as Susan B. Anthony, she added, “It takes a lot of courage to test your limits and to break through barriers. But if women believe they can accomplish something, they will.”

Stressing that women need a support group, the First Lady said that women have to be risk-takers who inspire and empower each other.

Panelists included Amy Goldberg, MD, Chief of Trauma & Surgical Critical Care, Temple University Hospital, Cheryl McKissack, President & CEO, The McKissack Group, Inc., Leslie Stiles, Executive Director, Pennsylvania Commission for Women and Lisa Young, Partner, Ernst & Young, LLP. The panelists shared their firsthand experiences in the business realm, and discussed how to balance family and work.

“Each day, shoot for accomplishing 90% of what’s on your to-do list because it’s still an A,” McKissack said. “Figure out what your values are, work to align them with your priorities and then make your decision.”

Held at the Philadelphia Marriott Downtown, the event was presented in partnership with The Philadelphia Business Journal and sponsored by Beneficial Savings Bank, CIGNA and Stradley Ronon.

A portion of the registration fees for the event were donated to The Career Wardrobe, which provides professional clothing and personal development seminars for women transitioning into the workforce. To date, 35,000 women in the Philadelphia area have benefited from the organization’s services.