30 Years of Accomplishments

Phoenix Women's Commission 30th Anniversary celebration
on June 20, 2006 at Phoenix City Hall Atrium.
Commission members and city staff.
It was July 8, 1975, when Vice Mayor Margaret Hance signed the resolution establishing a Commission on the Status of Women. Ten years later, Mayor Terry Goddard renamed the commission as the Phoenix Women's Commission. During the next quarter-century, more than 200 commissioners would serve in this role. Our accomplishments - big and small - are many.

Here are some of the highlights:

In partnership with the U.S. Department of Labor Women's Bureau and Arizona Governor's Office Division for Women, hosted a "Women's Leadership Forum" on Sept. 8, 2005. The event brought together 25 local influential women to discuss issues of concern to working women and learn about the Women's Bureau's projects that will improve opportunities and benefits for women.	Recognized in partnership with the city as the recipient of the 2005 City Cultural Diversity Award sponsored by the National League of Cities - National Black Caucus of Local Elected Officials (NBC-LEO) for the contributions of the International Women's Day Work Team in developing a creative and effective program to improve cultural diversity. Phoenix was honored for its celebration of the unique contributions of women while empowering them to realize their educational dreams.
In partnership with the city of Phoenix, hosted a Women's Business Success Forum in October 2001. The event focus was to promote the city's Minority- and Woman-Owned Business Enterprise (M/WBE) program and to address disparities in doing business with the city.	Collaborated with the Phoenix Human Services Commission to recommend changes to the city's Day Care Zoning Regulation to improve access to affordable, accessible quality childcare in Phoenix.
Establish an annual International Women's Day Luncheon each March. Approximately 1,600 people representing a broad cross-section of the community attend the annual luncheon. The event has raised more than $700,000 in scholarships for continuing education for re-entry women.	Cosponsored "Emerging Careers for Women" conference to introduce women on welfare to non-traditional jobs.
Served in advisory capacity to various organizations on issues important to women, including the Mayor's Ad Hoc Committee on Domestic Violence and the Maricopa County Bar Association's Task Force on Domestic Violence.	Recognized by the National Association of Commissions for Women for the Spotlight on Teen Women Leadership Development Program, which has been used as a model by other commissions throughout the U.S.
Created an education brochure and resource tool, in both English and Spanish, on domestic violence.

Our strength always has been based on volunteerism, dedication and collaboration. Your support will help us to achieve our goals. Together, we can continue to improve the quality of life for Phoenix women.