Opinion: Curtain up for pioneering women in business | Opinion

Whether it’s technology, healthcare, or even the game of golf, the stories of Chandler companies big and small are compelling, ambitious, and full of business and life lessons.

I want to give you a behind-the-scenes look at some of the women who are making this possible.

It is my hope that these changemakers will show aspiring female professionals the path to leadership and make connections for other women in the process.

For decades I have had the opportunity to meet and work with women who are making a tremendous impact in their fields.

They are true pioneers and bring unique ideas and leadership styles to their company. The relationships I’ve built over the years have helped my career and vice versa.

Their stories should be shouted out loud so every young woman in Chandler knows there is a path to success. My goal is to introduce you to these women with a new video series called Women Rise.

The show is about making connections for women. I will introduce you to women professionals with hands-on experience and real-world advice. you understand. you live it And they want to share their knowledge with the young women of Chandler.

Here are just a few examples.

Edith Clark.

Women engineers have been an important part of the American economy for more than 100 years. Edith Clarke was the first woman to earn an electrical engineering degree in 1918 – she spent most of her career at General Electric.

In the 1920s, Lillian Gilbreth invented what she called the “kitchen triangle”, a design model that is still used today. A woman’s voice has always been vital in engineering.

Najwa Khazal.

Najwa Khazal has been working in this field for more than 20 years. Today, she leads the Services Technology Centers at Chandler-based semiconductor company Edwards.

She is responsible for defining, executing and facilitating the strategic initiatives needed to support the future growth of Edwards and its clients.

A key focus of her work is in the area of ​​diversity, equity and inclusion, where she works to bring more women into engineering.

From constructing swing curves to mastering the golf swing, it’s no secret that deals are made on the golf course.

According to Forbes, 90 percent of Fortune 500 CEOs play golf, and about 80 percent of them say it helps them build new business relationships. Why did women skip these games?

Char Carson.

Char Carson is a golf pro at Springfield Golf Resort in Chandler.

She had a successful corporate career for nearly two decades before discovering her true passion – teaching young women to play golf.

Throughout her career, she has witnessed firsthand how women lost their seats at the negotiating table because of a lack of confidence on the golf course.

Today, Char teaches young women and helps them prepare for the job market by dominating them on the golf course.

You can learn more about these incredible women by watching the first episode of Women Rise on the City of Chandler YouTube channel or via chandleraz.gov.

Jane Poston is a member of the Chandler City Council.

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