PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Thousands of women gathered at the Pennsylvania Convention Center on Thursday for the annual Pennsylvania Conference for Women.
The theme of this year's sold-out conference was “power in unity.” Workshops included navigating new environments, being productive and happier at work, and what women need for career success.
Inspirational messages from powerful women such as actress Sheryl Lee Ralph, Martha Stewart, and WNBA star Dawn Staley were front and center.
"It’s the one time where we can see women of all backgrounds with different lived experiences all in a room in support of each other," said Martha Chavis, president and CEO of the Camden area Health Education Center.
Joanna Kuldinow from Philadelphia says women are starting to recognize that they are not each other's enemy.
"I think there's a history of women kind of closing the door behind them when it comes to business, but I found that the main people who've helped me along in my career have been women,” Kuldinow said. “It's definitely a big shift."
Many of the women attending had the recent presidential election top of mind. Crystal Waller of Philadelphia said that, although many women may be disappointed to miss out on seeing a woman in the White House next year — “the road to success is not always straight. There's lots of ups and downs, and you only fail when you stop trying, so I just see this as a mark and a sign for us to keep persevering."
Carly Baugh from Philadelphia says it seems as though America is not ready for a woman to be president.
"It felt like America is trying to put women back into their ‘place’ that they want them in,” Baugh said. “I don't think women are going to stand back and let it happen."
But Rachel McCarr of Philadelphia says she thinks America is ready.
"I see women in leadership positions. And women are the ones who get things done. So, I think America was ready yesterday. Years ago."
In a statement, conference officials added, "The opinions expressed by the individuals in this story reflect their personal views and not that of the Pennsylvania Conference for Women."