November 2024 Letter from the President
By
Roz Lewis
Posted: 2024-12-19T05:00:00Z
2024 has been a challenging and exciting year regarding DEI and supplier diversity. Earlier this year marked the 60th anniversary of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. It serves as a blueprint and inspiration for many other groups of Americans seeking equality and access. Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, which barred employment discrimination based on sex as well as race, color, religion and national origins, energized the women’s movement and led to the founding of the National Organization for Women (NOW) in 1966. And let’s not forget that it has only been 36 years since the 1988 Women's Business Ownership Act went into law by Congress and changed the history for women entrepreneurs. The Women's Business Ownership Act (WBOA) prohibited state laws that required women to secure a male relative as their co-signer on business loans. Today’s women’s businesses are building on the shoulders of these “sheroes” who understand the mission of pursuing the American dream.
On November 1, we recognized and celebrated our honorees at the annual LACE Awards Dinner and Dance. Recognition was given to every woman, man and corporate nominee who strives to improve our women's business communities in our region of Georgia, North Carolina and South Carolina. They told us in so many ways that no matter how difficult the path to success is, they were going to protect the core values of integrity, honesty and courage. For these are the guiding principles of ensuring a fair, equitable and inclusive procurement experience for our women businesses. They broke the chain of the proverbial saying: “Sometimes courage skips a generation” defying the odds.
And as we all try to continue this journey, know that the next generation of women businesses are watching how you are:
• Showing up
• Creating an inclusive environment for all
• Having the courage to continue paving the way for their success
Our sponsors continue to shine, and we are grateful for their support of our organization. During this month of holiday celebration that include Veterans Day whom we appreciate their commitment to serving our nation; the act of gratitude and being thankful bolsters our resolve. We hope you will support our women business retailers during the annual “Small Business Saturday” on November 30. And continue to donate here to help our women businesses rebuild their lives following the devastation from Hurricane Helene. At GWBC® we wish you a safe and enjoyable Thanksgiving holiday.
In the words of Shirley Chisolm…. “If they don’t give you a seat at the table, bring a folding chair.”
Always in your service,
Roz Lewis
Photo credit to Hope Productions Unlimited