Women’s Leadership Luncheon: Empowering Leaders to Embrace Fierce Qualities in Leadership, Career, and Family

Montgomery, AL – The word FIERCE encapsulated the spirit of the 2024 Women’s Leadership Luncheon, hosted by the Alabama Office of Minority Affairs, held on August 27, 2024, at Ravello Ristorante in Montgomery, Alabama. Taking place during the Department of the Air Force Information Technology and Cyberpower Conference (DAFITC), the luncheon served as a powerful gathering of senior government and industry female executives who shared strategies for excelling in leadership, advancing their careers, and balancing professional and family life—all while embracing authenticity and boldness in their leadership roles.
 
The event, hosted in the heart of Montgomery, welcomed influential women from a variety of sectors who were inspired by the fierce qualities of leadership discussed by the incredible lineup of panelists. The luncheon provided a unique opportunity for attendees to forge new connections, build lasting relationships, and strengthen a supportive network that will continue to shape Montgomery's leadership landscape for years to come.

The keynote speakers and panelists delivered powerful messages, sharing their insights and experiences on leadership, resilience, and authenticity in both the workplace and personal life. The distinguished panel included:

• Venice Goodwine, CIO, Department of the Air Force
• Toni Townes Whitley, CEO of SAIC
• Alexis Bonnell, CIO, Air Force Research Lab, USAF
• Keysha Webb, Senior Advisor, USAF CIO’s office
• Stacia Robinson, Director, Alabama Office of Minority Affairs

Each speaker brought their unique perspective on leadership and the importance of setting core values early in one's career. One memorable lesson came from Toni Townes Whitley, who emphasized the value of delivering "surgical feedback"—feedback given with clarity, precision, and intent to restore, not degrade. As she explained, "Fierce leaders know how to give surgical feedback. The best feedback I've ever received came from a leader who remains on my wall, reminding me of the power of clear, actionable guidance."
 
Beyond personal anecdotes and experiences, the panelists stressed the importance of building teams that reflect diversity and inclusion, not only in gender but across racial and socioeconomic backgrounds. Ms. Venice Goodwine underscored this point by sharing her commitment to hiring and promoting phenomenal women within her organization, saying, “My direct reports are 70% women and people of color, and our board is 65% women and minorities. Representation matters, and it’s about creating opportunities for those who historically have been left out.”

In addition to leadership discussions, the luncheon also tackled challenges faced by women in the workforce, including the imposter syndrome. Speakers shared stories of overcoming internal and external barriers, and how embracing one's authentic self leads to better decision-making and long-term success. Keysha Webb reminded attendees of the importance of enthusiasm and conviction, stating that these qualities "are worth 20 IQ points" when it comes to creating impact and driving results.

Charisse Stokes, Executive Director of TechMGM, summed up the essence of the event, noting: “This luncheon wasn’t just about recognizing challenges—it was about embracing the fierce qualities we all possess as women leaders. It was about learning how to lead with authenticity, compassion, and resilience while lifting each other up in the process. The Women’s Leadership Luncheon continues to be a cornerstone of DAFITC, reinforcing the importance of mentorship, networking, and bold leadership.”
 
The energy in the room was contagious, as attendees left the event feeling inspired to continue breaking barriers and leading with courage. The 2024 Women’s Leadership Luncheon was a resounding success, offering valuable connections, fierce insights, and a renewed commitment to driving diversity and innovation within Montgomery's tech and business sectors.
 
Thanks to the support of the Alabama Office of Minority Affairs, the Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce, TechMGM, and The Lab on Dexter, the 2024 Women’s Leadership Luncheon successfully created a platform for Montgomery’s women leaders to connect, inspire, and continue breaking barriers in the tech and business sectors.
 
See photos from Leadership Luncheon Here: https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjBG1S4
 
About TechMGM: An initiative of the Montgomery Chamber, TechMGM coordinates the efforts of many diverse partners around developing the tech and innovation ecosystem in Montgomery. TECHMGM is working to connect resources to cultivate the local talent base, utilize Montgomery’s existing assets to attract large and small businesses to Montgomery, and maximize existing infrastructure to fuel development, including facilitating Air Force innovation, pushing for greater engagement, and driving investment.
 
About The Montgomery Chamber: With a mission to drive economic prosperity and build a greater life for all in the capital region, the Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce Chamber is a full-spectrum economic development public/private partnership representing 1,400 businesses and organizations with more than 90,000 employees throughout Central Alabama.
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Media Contact:
Greta Locke 
Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce
glocke@montgomerychamber.com
(C): 205-862-9307