The importance of women in leadership roles cannot be overstated.  

Studies have shown that organizations with greater gender diversity in leadership positions tend to outperform those without. This is likely because women bring additional perspectives and experiences to the table, leading to more informed and innovative decision-making.  

A diverse leadership team, made up of various backgrounds and perspectives, can spark innovative thinking and drive progress. And that’s a secret sauce for any successful business. 

In this month’s Journal, we are pleased to shine a spotlight on some impressive female leaders in the Tri-Cities: Laura Sanchez at Washington State University Tri-Cities, who is working hard to better serve Latino students; Dr. Amber Charoen, who left her home in Thailand to pursue a career as a gastroenterologist; Kathy Ruggles who began her banking career 30 years ago, starting as a part-time teller and today serving as vice president, branch manager of Washington Trust Bank’s Financial Center in Kennewick; and Amy Basche, who rose through the ranks, beginning her Hanford career as a “Kelly Girl,” or a temp office worker, to now overseeing one of Hanford’s largest contractors. 

Basche’s message to all aspiring female leaders is an important one: Be at the table. “Too many times, women walk into a room and will take a back seat — you deserve to be there at the table,” she said in this month’s leadership Q&A feature.  

Hundreds of women from around the Tri-Cities will be hearing similar messages of empowerment during the Tri-City Regional Chamber of Commerce’s annual – and very popular – Women in Business conference. It sells out every year, welcoming 600 all-day attendees. 

The Athena Awards Luncheon on the same day – which celebrates remarkable women who have helped shape our community through their extraordinary leadership – adds an additional 350 or more attendees, for a total of about 950 in attendance. 

Set for Sept. 24, the event is billed as Eastern Washington’s largest career and professional development event for women. This is the 12th year of the event, which began in 2012, taking a hiatus in 2021 due to the pandemic. 

We’re grateful for the regional chamber’s efforts to organize such an important event to convene, celebrate and educate women in leadership – and encouraging them to pull up a chair at the table.