Moving Beyond Business as Usual
The 2026 CWCC State of Women in Business Luncheon brought together Colorado’s business leaders, policymakers, entrepreneurs, and advocates for a powerful conversation about the future of work—and what it will take to retain and advance women in the workforce.
With the theme “Moving Beyond Business as Usual,” the event addressed a pressing challenge facing employers across the country: the continued exodus of women from the workforce following record departures in 2025. The energy in the room made one thing clear—Colorado’s leaders are ready to confront the issue head-on and build workplaces that work better for everyone.
A Personal and Powerful Opening
The program opened with an inspiring keynote from CWCC CEO Simone D. Ross, who shared a deeply personal reflection on her own career and family journey. Through stories of earning promotions and launching new initiatives while raising her children, Ross underscored a powerful truth: employees do not show up to work as only professionals—they show up as whole people.
Her message challenged the narrative around women leaving the workforce. “Women are not leaving work,” Ross said. “Work is leaving them.” From inflexible workplace policies to assumptions about women’s ambition and caregiving roles, she called on business leaders to rethink how work is structured. Ross concluded with a clear reminder of what’s at stake: Women are not DEI; Women are GDP!
Creating workplaces where employees can succeed in both their professional and personal lives, she emphasized, is essential to building a strong workforce and a thriving economy.
A Conversation Focused on Solutions
Our panel of local experts delivered candid insights and practical strategies organizations can implement today to compete for and retain top talent. The discussion explored:
- Childcare as a talent strategy and how supporting caregivers improves retention and performance
- Leading high-performing teams without burnout, particularly in high-demand industries
- Flexible work environments that drive results, treating flexibility as a competitive advantage rather than an accommodation
Panelists shared real-world examples of how companies across Colorado are rethinking workplace culture, benefits, and leadership practices to keep talented employees engaged and thriving.
A Room Full of Leaders Driving Change
The Seawell Ballroom at the Denver Center for the Performing Arts was filled with influential leaders from corporations, mid-size companies, small businesses, and nonprofit organizations. The atmosphere was more than a gathering—it was a signal of growing momentum around building a more resilient and equitable workforce.
Throughout the program, attendees heard a clear message: retaining women in the workforce is not just a workplace issue—it is an economic imperative. Businesses that adapt to the evolving needs of employees will be the ones that succeed in the years ahead.
Turning Ideas Into Action: The “Work That Works for All” Guide
To help leaders translate conversation into action, every attendee received CWCC’s “Work That Works for All” Retention Guide, a practical resource for employers looking to strengthen their talent strategies and support women at work.
The guide provides actionable tools and insights for organizations ready to move beyond traditional workplace models and build cultures that retain and empower employees.
Insights include ways to create sustainable flexible work models, implement returnships, treat childcare as infrastructure, build employee resource groups, and more.
👉 Download the “Work That Works for All” Retention Guide
This is a guide to read, implement, and act on – consider leaving it on your CEO’s desk!
A Moment To Recognize Leadership
The event also recognized two outstanding leaders whose work continues to strengthen Colorado’s business community and advance opportunities for women. Maureen McDonald was honored as the CWCC Chamber Champion, recognizing her leadership, partnership, and ongoing commitment to supporting the Colorado Women’s Chamber of Commerce and its mission. State Representative Shannon Bird received the CWCC Advocacy Award for her leadership in advancing policies that support working families, economic opportunity, and a stronger workforce for Colorado. Their dedication reflects the collaborative spirit needed to create meaningful change and build workplaces—and policies—that support women and families across the state.
Keep the Momentum Going
The Colorado Women’s Chamber of Commerce continues to bring together leaders committed to advancing women in business and strengthening Colorado’s economy. Through advocacy, leadership development, and powerful convenings like the State of Women in Business Luncheon, CWCC is helping build a future where women—and businesses—can thrive.
If you’re passionate about shaping the future of work and supporting women in business, we invite you to join our growing community.
Together, we can continue creating work that works for all—and build a stronger, more inclusive economy for Colorado.
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