Empowering women to reach new heights

I was recently introduced to the Greater Houston Women’s Chamber of Commerce (GHWCC). The nonprofit business organization of highly influential and diverse women and men is dedicated to the advancement and empowerment of women through avenues of leadership, education, advocacy and mentoring. I was impressed to find that its board of directors featured Karen Love, of PKF Texas; Cyndy Garza Roberts, of HEB; Leisa Holland-Nelson, of Content Active; Linda Lorelle, of Lorelle Media; Samina Farid, of Merrick; and so many other talented business professionals.
I interviewed its president, Suzan Deison, to learn more about the chamber’s work in our community.
How large is your membership and what sectors of business are represented?
We have over 800 member businesses, from Fortune 500 corporations to small entrepreneurial businesses. We have all sectors of businesses, including energy, medical, finance, marketing, communications, technology, banking, real estate, engineering, architecture, professional and nonprofit.
How are women contributing to economic development in Houston?
Women continue to play an important role in Houston’s economic development by providing leadership in corporations to leading a small business. Women also are the majority voting bloc in Harris County. Nationally, over the next decade, women are projected to control two thirds of consumer wealth. Women make or influence 85 percent of all purchasing decisions, and purchase over 50 percent of traditional male products, including automobiles, home improvement products and consumer electronics.
What sort of trends is the GHWCC finding through its work?
Women are ‘leaning in’ more and building important business relationships. We are seeing Houston corporations seeking out qualified women to serve on their boards and in leadership positions, but we still have a long way to go. We are continuing to see a greater number of young women enter typical male-oriented business career fields, such as engineering and technology.
How can community members get involved and support your mission?
We believe that the GHWCC membership is a small monetary investment for what you can receive in return. We have many committees, including governmental affairs, education, women’s health, international, STEM TOWN USA and marketing. The committee chairs would be happy to visit with anyone interested in getting involved. We always recommend involvement and leadership to see the maximum results in anyone’s membership.
What makes your annual conference different from others?
We host nationally and internationally known speakers who speak about relevant issues for businesswomen. But most attend our conference to meet the women and men in the audience. We have decision makers and business leaders attend who represent a variety of business sectors. Our conference always has an inspirational message as well as being educational.

For details on the upcoming No Limits: Greater Houston Conference for Women Luncheon set for April 30, please visit www.ghwcc.org.