Sacramento, Calif. – The Sacramento Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce announced today that the Metro Chamber Foundation has been awarded a $50,000 Women’s Recovery Response Grant from the California Commission on the Status of Women and Girls (Commission).
COVID-19 caused a financial crisis for both men and women due, in part, to record job loss. It is estimated, however, that men’s employment will recover faster due to a pre-pandemic wage gap and the expanding need for women to take on extra caregiving roles.
“Without question, the pandemic impacted women in the Sacramento region inequitably as compared to men,” said Amanda Blackwood, Sacramento Metro Chamber President & CEO. “As the first woman to serve the Metro Chamber as President & CEO in a full-time capacity, I can certainly relate to the demands and unique challenges the past two years have presented from the perspective of a CEO, caregiver, and woman…challenges that continue now as we return to our offices and workplaces.”
With the support of the Women’s Recovery Response Grant, the Foundation and the MetroBusiness Center will partner together to launch Staircase to Change later this year, a new initiative that will be built upon existing programs to offer women in the workforce an opportunity to expand their leadership toolkit and increase their opportunities for economic and workforce security.
“The Metro Chamber recognizes that as a business community, we must support the amazing and multi-talented women who are vital for a strong, diverse, and resilient business environment and economy,” continued Blackwood.
Established in 2009, the mission of the Metro Chamber Foundation is to create equitable paths to leadership, community development, and employment for all people in business in the Capital Region. The MetroBusiness Center delivers guidance, direction, and resources to small and mid-size businesses through services including educational opportunities and individualized consulting.
For more information about the California Commission on the Status of Women and Girls, please visit www.women.ca.gov. For more information about the MetroBusiness Center, please visit www.metrobusinesscenter.org, and for more information about the Sacramento Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce, its mission, and initiatives, please visit www.metrochamber.org.
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About Sacramento Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce
The Sacramento Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce advocates for and supports the inclusive economic prosperity of our Capital Region by leading efforts for business. Established in 1895, Metro Chamber is the largest, most prominent, and established voice for business representing 1,400 members and their workforce in El Dorado, Placer, Sacramento, Sutter, Yolo, and Yuba counties. The Metro Chamber provides businesses and individuals the programs, services and advocacy needed to build vibrant communities, a ready workforce, connected region and strong business. For more information, please visit www.metrochamber.org.
About Sacramento Metro Chamber Foundation
The Sacramento Metro Chamber Foundation creates equitable paths to leadership, community development, and employment for people in business. Connected to the Sacramento Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce, the Metro Chamber Foundation facilitates five programs and supports the growth of leaders in El Dorado, Placer, Sacramento, Sutter, Yolo, and Yuba counties. For more information, please visit https://2023.metrochamber.org/foundation/