The intersection of the environment and social issues was evident at our annual Women in Leadership event held last month. Led by our amazing Leadership Development and Nominating Committee, the event featured these women leaders in climate action: Carmera Thomas-Wilhite, director, Urban Conservation Initiative; Lynn Heller, founder and CEO, Climate Access Fund; and our moderator, Kate Fritz, an AAWGT member who is the CEO of the Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay.

The impacts of climate change are becoming a regular occurrence in our county. Increased flooding, destructive storms and rising temperatures have a long-term impact on our most vulnerable citizens. Our panelists are experts in the local and regional environmental issues affecting the health and welfare of women and children in our community.

Kate opened the discussion with an explanation of the ecology of our county and the negative impact of climate change, including harmful pollutants in our creeks, rivers and the Chesapeake Bay, plus the destruction of tree canopy.

One goal of the presentation was to give participants some tools to move forward. She encouraged us to stay curious and to share what was learned at the event. In fact, the event operated under “Anti-Vegas rules.” Kate explained that, “Unlike Vegas, we don’t what whatever happens here this evening to stay here. I encourage you to take what you learn and share your thoughts with others–that’s how great change will continue to spread.”

A summary of the event can be found here.