In May 2016, The Washington Center hosted 59 women as young as 21 and as old as 83 from Sonora, Mexico for the inaugural Women’s Empowerment in the 21st Century Initiative.
The Washington Center hosted 59 women as young as 21 and as old as 83 from Sonora, Mexico for the inaugural Women’s Empowerment in the 21st Century Initiative. This intensive training took place in Washington, D.C., from May 11-21, serving as a vehicle for developing the personal and professional success of participants.
Participants were nominated to attend the seminar by members of their community in recognition of their demonstrated commitment to helping others and creating positive change in Mexico. The seminar explored the latest trends in women’s empowerment and harnessed the ideas and best practices of business leaders from all sectors, generations and backgrounds to foster confidence and increase their participation in society.
The seminar ended with participants developing a social impact project, addressing pressing issues such as childhood obesity, violence against women, developing business skills for women, youth drug addiction and increasing access to financial resources for women entrepreneurs.
The closing ceremony took place on May 20 at the Beacon Hotel. Distinguished guest speakers included Mexican Ambassador to the U.S Carlos Sada, Chief of Staff to the Sonoran Governor Natalia Rivera Grijalva and TWC President Mike Smith.
Capturing the diversity of the seminar, the eldest participant, Martha Aguayo Amaya and youngest participant, Mariel Rabago Valenzuela presented the following pledge that embodies their collective commitment to being agents of change in their communities:
“As female agents of change in the community, we commit to the promotion and support of economic, social and cultural development of Sonora, through the multiplying effect of our individual and collective action."
To view photos from the seminar, click here
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