The Women in Business Leadership Council exists to empower and elevate women in the workforce by providing a platform for leadership development, networking, and advocacy. The council is made up of leaders from across industries who are committed to advancing gender equity, strengthening workplace inclusivity, and expanding opportunities for women in Virginia’s economy.

Areas of Focus

Thought Leadership

• Workplace Equity: Advancing fair pay, equitable hiring and promotion practices, flexible work-life balance, and telework policies that support retention and advancement.
• Workforce & Education: Supporting programming that empowers young women and girls in STEM and Career & Technical Education (CTE) pathways. Engaging leaders and guest speakers to highlight opportunities at Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology (TJ) and encourage greater female participation in advanced STEM programs.
• Healthcare & Health Equity: Promoting improved maternal health outcomes, access to post-partum care, women’s mental health support, and addressing the rising cost of healthcare.
• Childcare & Eldercare: Advocating for affordable access and employer-supported solutions that strengthen workforce participation, retention, and economic growth.
• Housing: Expanding access to affordable and attainable housing to support workforce stability and economic mobility.

Best Practices

• Sharing best practices and resources for inclusive leadership.

Mentoring

• Providing strategic input and guidance in developing a pilot mentorship cohort designed to strengthen Virginia’s leadership pipeline. This initiative will connect senior women leaders with high-potential professionals across industries, fostering leadership development, cross-sector collaboration, and long-term advancement opportunities for women in business.

Women’s Leadership Forum

• Help to design the event in 2027, drawing on Council members to speak and sponsor.

Networking

• Built into quarterly meetings.

Benefits 

• Influence and shape industry-wide change​
• Access to exclusive learning and leadership opportunities ​
• Network with a supportive community of peers and mentors

Council Co-Chairs

• Linda Stanley, Managing Director, First Citizens Bank
• Deb Gandy, Senior Managing Director and Wealth Advisor, Chevy Chase Trust Investment Advisors

Members

For information on how to participate and engage with this Council, please contact Eleana Legree, Senior Vice President of Development, Investor Relations, and Member Engagement, at e.legree@vachamber.com