A major highlight of the meeting was the presentation and subsequent approval of the “Empower Her” mentorship initiative. This program aims to provide support and guidance to women and girls in the community, addressing issues such as professional growth and economic stability. A member articulated the significance of mentorship by stating, “If we had a woman to do that for us, we would be much further in life.” The initiative was unanimously passed.

The meeting also saw the unanimous election of Narissa Glickman as vice chair. The nominating member praised her dedication to the community, describing Glickman as “a woman of action” and emphasizing that her passion for service is an intrinsic part of her identity. This unanimous decision highlights the commission’s confidence in Glickman’s leadership abilities and her commitment to furthering the commission’s goals.

The commission discussed several upcoming events, including the June 2025 Commission for Women Annual Conference and the Women’s Wellness Day in October. Efforts are underway to secure dates for these events at the Scott Galvin Center, with a preference for holding the annual conference on a Saturday. These events are expected to provide valuable opportunities for community engagement and to further the commission’s initiatives.

Another notable topic was the “50 Female Startups” program, which is designed to assist women aspiring to start their own businesses. This eight-week course will give participants essential business management knowledge. The commission is exploring fundraising opportunities to support this program, including the possibility of setting up booths at city events to solicit donations. Collaboration with Councilman Buren for a self-defense class event was also proposed.

The commission also discussed logistical preparations for a community event scheduled for March 20, which will serve as a platform to introduce the commission and its initiatives. Members emphasized the importance of engaging the community and raising awareness about the “50 Female Startups” program. The idea of allowing attendees to pledge donations, rather than requiring immediate contributions, was well-received. Preparations for the event include ensuring that promotional materials, banners, and tables are ready for display, with Gertie designated as the custodian for these materials.

Additionally, the board is planning the “Get Fit Know Me” program, which invites residents and city employees to participate in fitness activities led by a fitness coach. This initiative is part of the commission’s broader efforts to promote wellness and community engagement.

During the meeting, the topic of social media branding was tabled due to the absence of a key member who was on vacation. This topic is expected to be revisited in future meetings. The commission is also working on finalizing the budget for the fiscal year 2024-2025, with plans to obtain updates from the City Manager’s office by the next meeting.

A public hearing segment was opened during the meeting but closed without any public comments. A member offered to provide shirts branded with the commission’s logo, and others expressed appreciation for this gesture. An announcement was made regarding Women’s History Month and a Woman Empowered Network luncheon planned for March 26, 2025, a free event requiring registration due to limited seating.