Rep. Sykes Hosts Inaugural Women in Leadership Conference
AKRON, OH — Today, U.S. Representative Emilia Sykes (OH-13) hosted her inaugural Women in Leadership Conference. The theme for this year’s conference was “Standing in Our Truth,” and featured Congressional leaders and local leaders from our community. Topics discussed included women in politics, women’s health and safety, women in business, and uplifting the next generation of leaders.
“As the first Black woman to represent Ohio's 13th Congressional District in Congress, I am honored to bring women from all backgrounds together for this conference. We heard from thoughtful speakers whose knowledge and experiences helped to teach and empower women in our community to lead in every space and place where decisions are made,” said Rep. Sykes.
Congresswoman Sykes was joined by Congresswoman Yvette Clarke (NY-9); Congresswoman Robin Kelly (IL-2); Congresswoman Shontel Brown (OH-11); Representative Veronica Sims (Ohio House 33); Julie Donant, CEO of the Domestic Violence Project, Inc.; Amiee Wade, CEO of the Summit County ADM Board; Debbie Busby, President of the Massillon WestStark Chamber of Commerce; Allyson Strickland, Director of Outreach Ministry at Remedy Church; Jackie Hemsworth, Executive Director of ACCESS Shelter; Brianne Neal, Director of Development at ACCESS Shelter; Rachel Bridenstine, Vice President of Development Finance Authority; Yvette Lloyd, CEO of Fadia Young Women’s Program; Towanda Mullins, Chair of the Sojourner Truth Project; and Tiera Kahli, spoken word artist and Dean of Arts at the Cleveland School of Arts.
Following the discussion, there was a showing of the documentary, “Ratified,” a feature documentary about the 100-year struggle for constitutional gender equality, an inspiring story of a multi-racial, multi-generational, bipartisan effort to make Virginia the 38th and final state to ratify the Equal Rights Amendment.