Women are a major force on LI. In both counties, females constitute almost 52% of the population.  Women owned businesses (WOB) as of 2007 constituted 25.9% of the businesses in Nassau and 27% of the businesses in Suffolk, together employing over 70,000. Previews of 2012 census data show a major increase based on national and statewide statistics.  A 2014 study by AMEX showed that between 1997 and 2014 the number of WOBs grew at 1.5X the rate of all businesses and that from 1997 to 2007, WOB’s  in our nation evidenced a 47% growth in revenues. In NY the number of WOBs grew by 73.1% between 1997 and 2014 and their revenue grew by 59.3%. All data seems to show that WOBs are the fastest growing segment of our economy.

So, individually and business wise, women are a force to be reckoned with on LI. It therefore behooves us to promote women into leadership positions-not just based on their superior numbers but of course based on their superiority in general…J.

I am happy to report there are numerous initiatives on LI that promote women leaders. These range from those fostered by municipalities with their Departments of Women’s Services, to specific Women’s Leadership Initiatives. For example, Brookhaven conducts its Women’s Empowerment Conference. The Miller Business Resource Center conducts an annual Women’s Expo. Many of our universities have Departments of Women’s Studies and conduct programs on leadership- Molloy, St. Joseph’s,  Adelphi, LIU/CW Post (Women’s Institute/LI Women’s Collaborative),Hofstra.  

There are also several associations focused on women in business such as LI Center for Business & Professional Women, Women Economic Developers of LI, and others. Many of our Chambers of Commerce has initiatives designed to recognize women members (ex. Women of Melville Empowerment Network). And ACE Women’s Network LI supports women in higher education.

Specific initiatives on LI to promote women’s leadership include: Mom-Mentum’s women’s leadership conference; Women’s Fund of LI Women Achievers Awards, Girls Fund of LI and its Young Women’s Leadership Program. The Moxxie  Network, a women’s business community which helps women advance businesses, and mentors young women has a goal of creating future leaders.  

Athena LI is part of Athena Intl., a movement that recognizes and encourages women leaders and young women leaders-inspired by the Goddess of Greek mythology known for her strength, courage, wisdom and enlightenment. Athena LI’s Women’s Leadership Award looks for individuals who have achieved a high level of professional excellence, contributed time and energy to improve the quality of life for others in the community, and actively assist women in realizing their potential. The Athena Young Woman Professional Leadership Award looks for an emerging female leader demonstrating excellence in their profession or business, which provides service to improve life in the community and serves as a role model for young women. Nomination deadline is 10/14. For 2016 award nomination forms and information, see www.athenalongisland.com. 

Of course, I would be remiss if I did not recognize a major woman leader on LI- Christine Sheahan – who started Networking Magazine as a publication to promote LI women. Networking has morphed into LI’s premier business publication, showcasing the top economic and business issues faced in our community and helping business, government, nonprofits and others to stay informed.  Given the importance of women to our daily life and economy, we should all be encouraging our women leaders and future leaders so they can make Long Island a great place to live, work and play.