(SitNews) Anchorage, Alaska - The first annual Women's Summit today wrapped up at Alaska Pacific University in Anchorage. The two-day summit consisted of non-partisan panels, speakers and presentations from Alaska’s leading women in industry, the non-profit sector, politics, Alaska Native corporations and small businesses. More than 200 women attended including Senators Lesil McGuire and Anna Fairclough, as well as Representatives Cathy Munoz, Tammie Wilson, and Harriet Drummond. U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski, First Lady Sandy Parnell as well as Commissioners Susan Bell, Diane Blumer and Acting Commissioner Angela Rodell also took part in the Summit.

"The data we were presented with on the state of women in Alaska was daunting. Coming together as women across a wide spectrum of ages, backgrounds and parts of the state to address these problems head on and make a collective decision for cultural change was the first important step. The energy of this group of women felt over the past couple of days will help to empower us to improve the status of women in Alaska," said Senator McGuire. "I feel very blessed I got to hear about these women's personal journeys. These are the women who helped shape who we are today and will guide us to a better tomorrow."

Last year, Sen. McGuire commissioned a report on the status of women in Alaska with regard to housing and homelessness, domestic violence, the gender-wage gap, mental health and drug addiction, and health care. The report revealed that Alaska may be one of the worst places in the United States for women. On average, Alaskan women are paid less than women in the rest of the US, imprisoned at higher rates, and have a suicide rate that is twice the national average. The immediate response the report generated in the Alaskan community was part of the impetus for putting together the summit.

The first day of the Summit kicked off with a key note address from BP Alaska President Janet Weiss on the path to success for women in Alaska. Next, Alaska's First Lady Sandy Parnell spoke about state initiatives to help Alaskan women and the epidemic of domestic violence.

Department of Labor Economist Caroline Schultz then gave a report explaining Alaska's large gender wage gap, followed by a talk led by the first female general in Alaska's history, Brigadier General Cathy Jorgensen. Next, two panels discussed the current status of women in Alaska including Women in Industry and Development and Women in Local and State Politics.

The day was rounded out with a reception honoring the summit's sponsors, at which ExxonMobil Alaska Production Manager Karen Hagedorn announced a generous scholarship for young Alaskan women interested in science and technology.

The second day kicked off with a welcome speech from Olympic skier Holly Brooks, followed by remarks from Senior Vice-President of Lightdale Shannon O'Leary and the Department of Revenue Acting Commissioner Angela Rodell.

Next, three more panels of prominent Alaskan women discussed their vision of the future. The panels included Women Leaders of Non-Profits, Alaska Native Women Leaders and Women Business Leaders and Entrepreneurs.

U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski gave the keynote address, encouraging Alaskan women to stay involved and work on major issues women face such as suicide, education, and affordable housing.

Next, six breakout groups were corner to tackle six of Alaska's top issues including accessible childcare, affordable housing, women entrepreneurs, domestic violence prevention, women empowering Alaska's youth and workforce development.

Some of the conclusions reached during these break-out sessions include: more childcare facilities are needed, more Alaskan women need to take-on mentoring roles, more jobs need to to provide livable wages and opportunities for families, more access is needed to higher education and more capacity is needed for low income housing.

"What we've learned will continue to resonate," said Senator McGuire. "Some of the best things I heard during the summit are that we need strong cross sector collaboration and we also need to join forces without changing who we are as women. Girls compete, but women empower. Lead with love."

The Summit was created and put on solely through voluntary donations from corporations and individuals. Not a single state dime was spent on hosting the Summit.

Senator McGuire plans to post action items to the Women's Summit website at www.alaskawomenssummit.com. Video clips and other information from the event are also available on the website.

Source of News: 

Office of Senator McGuire
www.akleg.gov

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