What I learned at the AT&T Business Summit about gender equality from Reese Witherspoon, Queen Latifah, and other empowering women.

When I walk into a technology event, I typically expect to be one of a handful of women in attendance. No sooner than had I stepped into the AT&T Business Summit, I noticed something special going on – this was a tech conference that championed gender equality.

Overall, the AT&T Business Summit is exactly what it is billed to be: an awe-inspiring showcase of new technology and innovation with a star-studded list of speakers. Mind you, I was there to work, as was my social media consulting team at Merge Forward, but that didn’t stop me from soaking in the brilliance and inspiration of the speakers and other attendees.

The featured panels of women included high-ranking executives like Fiona Carter, AT&T Chief Brand Officer, celebrities like Reese Witherspoon and Queen Latifah, as well as entrepreneurs and various other strong female business owners like Shelley Zalis, CEO of The Female Quotient. I felt energized just being in the same room with them.

I have to be honest: there were several emotional moments for me. As a female business owner I have had my share of challenges. Attending an event of these proportions and the opportunity to hear success stories and share experiences was extremely empowering.

 I think Reese Witherspoon said it best during her panel discussion with Fiona Carter and Shelley Zalis - "We need to step up and do better as a people both women & men" because changing a culture requires all of us. She went on to say that she started her production company because so few lead roles were available to women.

 Fiona Carter chimed in saying she “Wouldn’t want anyone to be held back in achieving their best self because of what they look like,” and shared her first interview experience in which she received the feedback that she wouldn’t ever be taken seriously with blonde hair. Today, she is Chief Brand Officer at AT&T, where she implemented a Gender Equality Measure for AT&T’s advertising.

 The AT&T Business Summit closed with Queen Latifah, who reiterated the positive power of women coming together. Her philosophy moved me: when you get your foot in the door, you leave it open for others to come in behind you.

 Another highlight that punctuated the importance of women in business and tech was the Equality Lounge, a space for collaboration, run by Shelley Zalis of the Female Quotient. This was open to all attendees and housed many sessions that focused on advancing equality in the workplace. I am grateful to AT&T for providing a space where I could feel understood and comfortable enough to talk about topics surrounding gender equality, female mentorship and collaboration.

 With a large company like AT&T elevating the topic of gender equality and investing in a much-needed open dialogue on the subject, I am hopeful for what the future holds for my 13-year-old daughter. As the world shifts to promote women in equal measure to men, I find it easier to envision my daughter on stage at a tech conference, or in a board room, or on the cover of a book. Whatever she decides to do, I am more confident she will receive the encouragement and opportunities she needs to get there.

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