RICHMOND, VA—March 12, 2026—The Virginia Chamber Foundation, in partnership with Atlantic Union Bank, hosted its second annual Virginia Women’s Leadership Forum today at the Altria Theater. This forum, held during Women’s History Month, gathered nearly 300 business and community leaders for a day of leadership dialogue, policy insight, and meaningful networking focused on advancing women across the Commonwealth.

The event opened with remarks from Jen Siciliano, chief external affairs officer of UVA Health and chair of the Virginia Chamber Board of Directors, who also served as the emcee. The program featured two panel discussions exploring career journeys to executive leadership and the evolving role of women in critical sectors of Virginia’s economy.

“This forum is about more than professional success; it’s about ensuring all women across the Commonwealth have access to opportunity, mentorship, and a clear pathway to leadership,” said Jen Siciliano. “When women are at the decision-making table, our businesses are stronger and our Commonwealth is more competitive.”

Attendees also participated in facilitated small-group discussions designed to foster candid dialogue, peer mentorship, and shared learning experiences.

During the luncheon program, the Virginia Chamber formally announced the new Women in Business Leadership Council, a forum of leaders whose mission is to elevate and support women in the workforce across Virginia.

Deb Gandy, senior managing director and wealth advisor with Chevy Chase Trust Investment Advisors, and Executive Committee member of the Virginia Chamber Board of Directors, connected the day’s conversations to the Council’s mission:

“This forum is a powerful reminder of the successful women that make up the Commonwealth’s business community,” said Deb Gandy. “By bringing leaders together across industries, we can share insight, highlight best practices, and continue moving important conversations forward in impactful ways.”

Council Co-chair Linda Stanley, managing director of First Citizens Bank and immediate past chair of the Virginia Chamber Board of Directors, emphasized the importance of the Women in Business Leadership Council and its mentorship program:

“The Council exists to elevate women in business by fostering leadership development, meaningful networking, and cross-industry collaboration,” said Linda Stanley. “Through our new mentorship program, we are creating opportunities for professional growth and expanding leadership access for women across Virginia.”

The forum concluded with a keynote address from the Honorable Candi Mundon King, Secretary of the Commonwealth of Virginia, who shared reflections on leadership, service, and the importance of civic engagement.

For a full event recap and information on future Virginia Chamber Foundation events, visit vachamber.com.

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About the Virginia Chamber Foundation:
The Virginia Chamber Foundation is the 501(c)(3) arm of the Virginia Chamber, which tracks economic competitiveness and advances long-term policy solutions. Through in-depth research and analysis, strategic initiatives, and sector-specific Industry Councils, the Foundation develops, advances, and tracks the proposed priorities within Blueprint Virginia – a comprehensive plan to position the Commonwealth as the best state for business. These Councils convene leaders from across key industries to provide expert insight on public policy issues shaping Virginia’s future. Learn more at https://vachamber.com/foundation/about-the-foundation/.

About the Virginia Chamber of Commerce:
The Virginia Chamber of Commerce is the largest business advocacy organization in the Commonwealth, with more than 30,000 members. The Virginia Chamber is a non-partisan organization that champions the interests of the business community in the legislative, regulatory, and political arenas to serve as the catalyst for positive change in all areas of economic development and competitiveness for Virginia. Learn more at www.vachamber.com.