The State of Women in Business

The COVID-19 pandemic wiped out 30 years of progress for women in the workforce. It's time for action. 

The Colorado Women's Chamber of Commerce is partnering with TARRA on the 5th Annual State of Women in Business event, presented by HealthOne. Join us to dive into the devastating impacts of COVID-19, the subsequent Shecession, and what we can all do to course correct.

This unique event will feature a data presentation, community engagement opportunities, and the launch of CWCC and TARRA's Getting Women Back to Work Executive Roundtable Discussion Series, presented by Metropolitan State University. This landmark roundtable series is bringing together local thought leaders, research experts, and corporate executives to determine a path forward for our communities to actively address the post-COVID “Shecession”. It's going to take all of us, to get women back to work. 

We are committed to creating safe spaces, and if this topic is in your shared experience—or you’d like to become an ally—please join us!

The Impact On Women in Business:

Women lost 5.3M jobs during the pandemic. Women’s labor force participation is at a 33-year low.
Caregivers are in crisis. Nearly a million women who've left the workforce are mothers. Black, Hispanic, and single moms are among the most affected
Unemployment is higher for BIPOC women. Overall, unemployment stood at 6.3% in January. It was 5.1% for white women vs. 7.9% for Asian women, 8.5% for Black women, and 8.8% for Latinas.
The gender pay gap could get worse. Economists estimate the pandemic could increase it from 81 cents on the dollar to 76 cents.

​​About Getting Women Back to Work Executive Roundtable Discussion Series:

Launching at State of Women, this roundtable is bringing together executives, hourly workers, business owners, women who have left the workforce and more to:

Create guidelines to ensure LGBTQ, BIPOC & AAPI women have equal access to professional opportunities, affordable childcare and flexible work options.
Develop a recommended set of solutions and guidelines for businesses and corporations to ensure women are hired back, paid equal wages and given a clear path to equal opportunities for promotion.
Draw a roadmap for our communities to address the needs of what women need now to get back to work

​Data Presentation By: 

Lisa Martinez-Templeton | Economist | Data Scientist

Department of Finance | Office of the CFO

Jonathon Steiner | Data Administrator

Denver Economic Development & Opportunity

Roundtable Speakers:

Dr. Janine Davidson, MSU Denver (moderator)
Dr. Shannon Block, Markle Foundation
Danielle Shoots, The Daily Boss Up
Sonia Chavez, Queer Business Alliance & Looking 2 Leap
Aida Beyene, Student Seeking IT Certifications, Formerly Telecom Professional 
Ann Ayers, Senior Executive
Patrice Barber, Career Con X

About TARRA

TARRA is a curated network for women professionals and entrepreneurs designed to advance thriving careers, champion innovative businesses and promote fulfilling lives. By facilitating access to effective resources—collaboration, community, learning, mentorship—TARRA is cultivating the next generation of entrepreneurs, innovators and leaders with the goal to create a more diverse, vibrant business community. 

TARRA.co | @_tarraco

About Colorado Women’s Chamber of Commerce

The Colorado Women's Chamber of Commerce focuses on strategies to help professional women work smarter, network effectively, and compete successfully. Our programs cultivate business development, professional excellence, alliances and leadership.  We seek to make Colorado the state in the nation for women to advance in business.

CWCC.org | @cowomenschamber