WASHINGTON—President Obama addressed female leaders of government and business in Washington this week at Fortune Magazine’s 12th annual Most Powerful Woman Summit. Participants shared knowledge, insights, and experiences related to empowering girls, leadership, entrepreneurship, reputation, brand building, social media for social good, corporate responsibility, and mentoring.
“I’m inspired to be with so many women who have reached the pinnacles of their professions. That’s a credit to all of you and your individual drive and fortitude, because I know you’ve overcome plenty of obstacles of your own. And while we still have a ways to go, it’s also a testament to the progress that we’ve made as a country,” said President Obama.
The president’s commitment to womens’ progress was made concrete by the March 2009 creation of the White House Council on Women and Girls—to ensure that federal agencies take into account the needs of women and girls in drafting policies, program creation, and in legislation support. He has two daughters and a very accomplished wife.
The president spoke of the role of innovation in shaping the American economy—and discussed the administration’s new job creating initiatives including the “Change the Equation” partnership, a coalition of 100 CEOs from the nation’s top companies that have committed to bringing innovative math and science programs to at least 100 high-need communities over the course of the year; and skills for America’s Future, a program where community colleges work with business to design curriculum to meet the skills and needs of businesses to produce hire-ready graduates.
As he was speaking of “harnessing the potential of every American,” the presidential seal fell off the podium with a loud clatter. He laughed and leaned forward to look for it, saying, “Oh goodness, was that my (pause)? That’s ok. All of you know who I am. But there’s somebody back there who’s nervous right now!”
Secretary of State Hilary Clinton spoke of the Fortune/ U.S. Department of State Global Mentoring Partnership, which brings women from developing countries to the United States annually to shadow top women executives.
“And through global mentoring programs, we can replicate one of those shared experiences, one that happens every day in countless places around the world—women coming together to support each other and to see how we can together make progress,” said Clinton.
Among the other well known people at the event were, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, businessman Warren Buffettt, D.C. School Chancellor Michele Rhee, Indra Nooyi, chairman and CEO of Pepsi, Co., Carol Bartz, president and CEO of Yahoo!, and Tyra Banks, model, actress, and television host.
“I’m inspired to be with so many women who have reached the pinnacles of their professions. That’s a credit to all of you and your individual drive and fortitude, because I know you’ve overcome plenty of obstacles of your own. And while we still have a ways to go, it’s also a testament to the progress that we’ve made as a country,” said President Obama.
The president’s commitment to womens’ progress was made concrete by the March 2009 creation of the White House Council on Women and Girls—to ensure that federal agencies take into account the needs of women and girls in drafting policies, program creation, and in legislation support. He has two daughters and a very accomplished wife.
The president spoke of the role of innovation in shaping the American economy—and discussed the administration’s new job creating initiatives including the “Change the Equation” partnership, a coalition of 100 CEOs from the nation’s top companies that have committed to bringing innovative math and science programs to at least 100 high-need communities over the course of the year; and skills for America’s Future, a program where community colleges work with business to design curriculum to meet the skills and needs of businesses to produce hire-ready graduates.
As he was speaking of “harnessing the potential of every American,” the presidential seal fell off the podium with a loud clatter. He laughed and leaned forward to look for it, saying, “Oh goodness, was that my (pause)? That’s ok. All of you know who I am. But there’s somebody back there who’s nervous right now!”
Secretary of State Hilary Clinton spoke of the Fortune/ U.S. Department of State Global Mentoring Partnership, which brings women from developing countries to the United States annually to shadow top women executives.
“And through global mentoring programs, we can replicate one of those shared experiences, one that happens every day in countless places around the world—women coming together to support each other and to see how we can together make progress,” said Clinton.
Among the other well known people at the event were, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, businessman Warren Buffettt, D.C. School Chancellor Michele Rhee, Indra Nooyi, chairman and CEO of Pepsi, Co., Carol Bartz, president and CEO of Yahoo!, and Tyra Banks, model, actress, and television host.
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