NGLCC Launches Women’s Business Initiative

WASHINGTON -- The National Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC) is celebrating women’s history month by launching the Women’s Business Initiative (WBI). The WBI will serve as a clearinghouse for networking, mentoring and best practices for the lesbian, bisexual and transgender (LBT) community. Kate Karasmeighan, Manager of the Women’s Business Initiative said “The LGBT community is unique in that its diversity reflects that of general society. As such, the NGLCC appreciates the difficulties faced by women in the LGBT business community, and seeks to provide the tools needed by women to make their business and professional lives more successful and rewarding.”

As a benefit for women who are National members of the NGLCC, the WBI will provide opportunities for business women, professionals and students of business to network and share ideas in a variety of online and face-to-face forums. One significant resource offered by the WBI is a series of tele-learning sessions covering topics such as, Breaking the Lavender Glass: Being an Out LBT Woman in Corporate America, Hot Topics in Employment, and Balancing Work and Family.

Eileen Kessler, Founder and President of Omni Studio, a marketing communications firm in Washington, DC responded to the WBI launch; “I’m pleased to know that the NGLCC has created a place for the women’s business community to meet and share resources. When we work together there is a natural camaraderie based on our experiences as LGBT professionals. I hope women will take advantage of the opportunities the WBI offers.”

Leading the Women’s Business Initiative is the Executive Circle, a group of women with a broad range of talents and skill sets, regions, and business and corporate backgrounds. Michelle Phillips, Partner in the White Plains office of Jackson Lewis, a preeminent labor and employment firm, and member of the WBI Executive Circle shared her enthusiasm; “The WBI is an invaluable resource for LBT women business owners and professionals to congregate, share ideas and network together.”