Capitol Corner April 2024: Women in Government Luncheon with Congresswoman Alma Adams

Congresswoman Adams Attends Centralina’s Inaugural Women in Government Event

After lots of planning (plus a three-year delay thanks to the pandemic), Centralina Regional Council eagerly hosted its first Women in Government event on Thursday, March 28th. Motivated by the vision of Centralina staff and members, the “Women in Government: Tools to the Advance to the Next Level” event brought together mayors, council members, city managers and city staff from all over the Centralina region for supportive networking and fellowship.  

U.S. Congresswoman Alma Adams, Ph.D. delivered opening remarks to elected officials and city staff about her career in government. Dr. Adams encouraged attendees to keep proving that women’s insight is needed and that women in government positively impact the bottom line. As a member of Congress since 2014, and having served in local and state government for many years, Dr. Adams said she knows that women had to fight to have their voices heard in government and that there is still work to be done. Despite demanding and sometimes challenging jobs, she added that women can do it all. In recognition of the public service and leadership of those in attendance, Dr. Adams commented that she tips all 1,491 of her hats to the group and thanked them for continuing to serve our communities.  

The group of approximately 40 women, including Congresswoman Adams, also participated in a conversation led by life and career coach and leadership consultant Monifa Drayton of the Drayton Leadership Group. The presentation explored the impact people can have on your life when leadership is used for the greater good. Participants discussed how coaches, mentors and sponsors throughout life can empower people to see their own possibilities.  

As a reminder and piece of encouragement, Congresswoman Adams shared this quote by Ralph Waldo Emerson: “Most of the shadows of this life are caused by standing in one’s own sunshine.”