About 5,000 women and men gathered for the summit at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington, D.C. to review recent advances of gender equality for women and what still needs to be done.
“This was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see the power of the next generation, the millenials,” Cherney said after returning from the summit. “It was uplifting to see the young women in the room.”
The conference speakers included a Who’s Who of political, social and financial market figures, including President Barack Obama, Vice President Joe Biden and business investor Warren Buffett, of Berkshire Hathaway. The summit touched on key pillars of discussion including economic empowerment, violence against women, health and wellness, entrepreneurship and innovation, educational opportunities, and leadership and civic engagement.
“Joe Biden was so genuine, so passionate,” Cherney said.
During the summit, Oprah Winfrey interviewed First Lady Michelle Obama much as she would talk with a guest on her long-running television show.
The White House announced during the summit that it is committing $50 million toward improving the lives of girls and women around the world, including gender gap inequities.
“I took away from it that we are in good hands,” Cherney said. “These were men and women passionate about helping.”
