On Friday at the Silver Spring Civic Building, County Councilmember Laurie-Anne Sayles led the third annual Women’s History Event. The theme was Moving Forward Together: Women Educating and Inspiring Generations. Leaders celebrated the power of female mentorship and addressed recent decisions from the new presidential administration.
Sayles emphasized the theme for the event as a “bold call to action.”
“We must ensure that the next generation of women have the unwavering support, mentorship, and opportunities they deserve,” she said. She was one of six women elected to the council in 2022 resulting in a historic female majority.
Sayles said, “We will not shy away from diversity, equity, and inclusion here in Montgomery County.”
“We are in a critical fight that extends far beyond the pay gap,” she said. “It encompasses the extensive struggle for women’s rights throughout history.” She said women of color continue to face voter suppression.
She noted impacts of “sexist and racist policies from the Trump administration and Republicans in Congress” must be recognized. She cited federal funding cuts, mass layoffs, and elimination of programs.
U.S. Senator Angela Alsobrooks was the keynote speaker. There was also a mentorship-matching activity for networking.
Other speakers included County Council President Kate Stewart, Woman to Woman Mentoring Executive Director Amanda Whitener, and Beverly Farms Elementary School fourth grader Summer Zhong who won the 2024 Girl Power Contest in Montgomery County.
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