8 Things I Learned About Finding Strength in Unity at the Northern Kentucky Chamber’s Women’s Initiative Regional Summit

This past week was challenging for women in America, and in times like these, community becomes a lifeline. Fortunately, the Northern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce 's NKY Chamber Women's Initiative Regional Summit couldn’t have come at a better time. Women across various industries and career levels came together to lift each other up, share insights, and foster professional growth.

As with any impactful conference, I left with new insights and lingering questions. Here are a few of my key takeaways:?

1. What will future generations say about the work we’re doing today?

The strides women have made – from securing voting rights in 1920 to financial independence in 1988 – are monumental but still so recent. It’s humbling to remember that it’s only been in my lifetime that women have had legal protections against domestic abuse. And while the number of female Fortune 500 CEOs finally matches those named “John,” the work toward true equality continues. Caroline Callison Weltzer reminded us that these things often take generations - we have to start now.

2. Adversity is a great lesson for those who are willing to learn.

The incredible Cady Short-Thompson , NKU’s first woman president, reminded us that adversity teaches us invaluable lessons – not just our own struggles but also those shared by others. By openly discussing her challenges, she demonstrated how vulnerability builds resilience. Her story reminded me of the strength that comes from learning through each other’s experiences as well as our own. Although vulnerable and uncomfortable, sharing our own adversities with others gives them a higher ledge from which to climb out of their own rock bottom(s).?

3. Neurodiversity training is Essential in Every Organization

Neurodiversity—our natural differences in thinking, learning, and processing information—is a significant strength for organizations when understood and valued. Neurodivergence, such as ADHD, ASD, or PTSD, simply means “doing things differently,” and recognizing this opens doors to stronger, more adaptable teams.

This topic resonated deeply with me, especially as someone navigating an ADHD diagnosis “later in life”. ADHD is often underdiagnosed in “high-performing” women, with studies indicating that three-quarters of women and girls with ADHD go undiagnosed, leading to personal and career challenges - including burnout. As someone navigating an ADHD “later in life”, I know this first hand. Sammie helps us see our neurodiverse traits as assets to our teams: while I may miss typos or unintentionally interrupt (sorry!), I excel in pattern recognition, can establish a mean process, excel document or work-back plan, thrive under pressure and am observant enough to adapt working styles and messages to anyone.?

Samantha Kelly 's session highlighted how our unique ways of thinking—neurodivergent or not—can be real assets to our teams. By embracing and communicating our strengths, we can boost productivity and create a more supportive workplace. (And if you're ready for that training - Sammie is your girl!)

4. Who Am I on My Best Day?

I’ll admit - I was pretty overwhelmed with the prospect of finding my “mission statement” in just one 50 minute breakout session. Alexia Zigoris broke it down for us - my mission is who I am on my best day. We started with a list of values and a list of verbs - and always include “for myself and others” in the statement. I’m still drafting my statement, but if you’re curious, here are my values:?

• Boldness/Significance?
• Relationships
• Curiosity
• Empathy
• Harmony
• Passion
• Development/Growth
• Playfulness

5. There's a “Potential” Gap for Women in the Workplace

And it isn’t because we don’t have it. Angel Beets says that when it comes to new jobs or promotions, women are often evaluated on performance, while men are more often evaluated on both performance and potential.?

Why does it matter? We don’t apply for jobs unless we fit 100% of the requirements, compared to men applying for jobs where they meet 60%. We don’t feel like our potential is enough to compensate for experience, so we don’t apply for jobs unless we meet 100% of the requirements, compared to men who apply when they meet 60%.?

We work above our paygrade to prove our worth before we are promoted or compensated. Statistically it’s during a crisis that women are promoted to C-Suite - known as the “glass cliff”.?

How do we fix it? We lift while we climb, we speak up for ourselves, and as a brave woman once said, we join the "women out here who are not aspiring to be humble".

6. Leaders Should Be Thermostats, Not Thermometers

A large portion of the workforce faces mental health challenges, with 61% of working Americans reporting symptoms in the past year. This has a substantial financial impact, costing U.S. businesses over $300 million annually.

The stigma around mental health creates barriers for those who struggle, as many feel they need to code-switch, hide their struggles, and refrain from setting boundaries out of fear of judgment. Kelly Barry, CHES from 1N5 says addressing this starts with leadership: leaders need training to recognize and respond to mental health crises and should model healthy boundaries, work-life balance, and manageable expectations.

A thermometer reflects the temperature in the room; a thermostat sets it to a healthier level.

7. Embracing Chaos as a Catalyst for Growth

New ideas and big goals naturally bring chaos and disruption. When we create something new—whether it’s launching a business, writing a book, or starting a podcast—disruption is an essential part of positive change. Every impactful idea needs a bit of chaos to succeed; it’s what drives transformation.

Yet, many of us hesitate to pursue those quietly persistent ideas because they feel unfamiliar. But we’ve been learning to adapt our entire lives - facing chaos all the time and gaining skills from every challenge we’ve faced. Each new idea is a chance to apply these lessons, embrace the uncertainty, and move forward with confidence. Taking on the unknown may feel daunting, but Claire E. Parsons reminds us that we’ve survived it every time.?

8. We have to know each other to help each other.?

At the end of the day, community is essential, especially among women. Building connections and sharing our experiences allow us to understand and support each other in the many roles we have to and get to play.?

Here’s to lifting each other up - this week, today and for the future. I'm so lucky that my team is led by a woman who not only allows us to pursue professional development like this, but encourages us to go, no matter how busy we are. Jenny Collopy embodies "lift while you climb" for all of us!

#regionalsummit2024 #liftwhileyouclimb #womensleadership