The Frederick County Chamber of Commerce Women in Business Committeewas established to empower and develop women through education, networking, mentoring and partnerships, and to promote opportunities for all women throughout Frederick County.
Women in Business committee members develop programs that provide opportunities for women to learn and network as well as share their expertise with each other and to address the unique issues of women in business.
It is a great way for female business leaders in Frederick and beyond to connect, learn, and grow into a community together. We hope to offer connection, support, and community to business women in a way that is safe, empowering, educational, and fun.
To get 2019 off on the right foot, the Women in Business Committee is hosting their first gathering of the year, The Women in Business Networking Mixer. It will be held Thursday, February 21st, at Canapes in Frederick. It’s a great opportunity to come out, meet the committee, and learn what kinds of things they have planned to help propel women in business in Frederick County in 2019.
While this event is designed to showcase the Women in Business Committee and highlight the members and what they have planned for the year, this is an inclusive event for anyone who would love to connect with this group. That means, men, you’re welcome to attend too! It’s also open to those not in the Women in Business committee as well as non-Chamber members (non-members will pay an additional non-member price).
If you haven’t already done so, please take a moment to register for the event. We are expecting quite a crowd!
To provide a little more familiarity with the committee, we took a moment to chat with committee chairs Rachael E. Pashkevich, Esq., Policy & Compliance Analyst at Thermo Fisher Scientific, and Ashley Warthen, Realtor at Warthen Team of Real Estate Teams LLC. Their passion for success and desire to support the women business community in Frederick is what helps bring this committee to life.
Committee Chair Chat: Women in Business Committee
Chamber: What made you join the Women in Business Committee?
Rachael: I joined the Women in Business Committee because of its opportunity to network with amazing, local businesswomen.
Ashley: I decided to join the Women in Business committee because I’m passionate about encouraging women of all ages to go for their dreams no matter how big or small. I also wanted to be involved with a group of women who were interested in building each other up professionally & personally. After meeting the other members at the first committee meeting I knew I wanted to be more involved.
Chamber: What do you like most about being a part of the Women in Business Committee?
Rachael: The WIB Committee is composed of a really diverse group of women—from entrepreneurs to corporate leaders, varying levels of experience, different backgrounds, from different parts of the world—and I love that that results in such robust conversations and ideas.
Ashley: The overall diversity of our group is one of the things I like the most. We each come from different sectors of the business community and all have unique experiences to pull from. With that diversity comes the opportunity to learn something new from each and every member.
Chamber:What has been the biggest benefit of joining the Women in Business Committee?
Rachael: The biggest benefit I have experienced in joining the WIB Committee has been increasing my network with great people.
Ashley: Meeting and collaborating with the other members of the committee. They each have so much to share. I look forward to the relationships we’ll build as our committee grows.
Chamber:What exciting events and programs does the Women in Business Committee have scheduled for 2019?
Rachael: In 2019 the Women in Business Committee is focusing on providing events for professional development, networking, and community service, so there will be something for everyone. We’re especially excited for our “Powerful Women Panel” and special activities for Women’s Equality Day (August 26).
Ashley: Our year will consist of a mix of networking events, professional development events and volunteer projects. The first event is a Networking Happy Hour Event at Canapes on February 21st from 5-7pm. The next two events will consist of a Professional Development Breakfast in March and a Volunteer Project in the Community in April.
Rachael E. Pashkevich, Esq. is business-minded attorney with an interest in corporate compliance and a passion for community involvement. She is a Cybersecurity Policy & Compliance Analyst at Thermo Fisher Scientific in Frederick, Maryland. In addition to serving as the Co-Chair of the Women in Business Committee at the Frederick County Chamber of Commerce, she also volunteers with the Community Foundation of Frederick County Scholarship Committee and the Girls on the Run of Mid & Western Maryland. In her spare time, Rachael is an avid reader and a novice motorcyclist.
Learn more about Rachael’s business here: Thermo Fisher Scientific
Ashley Warthen has been a licensed Realtor since 2000. Prior to becoming a full time Realtor, Ashley worked in new home sales and spent some time in the field with a construction company. When Ashley became a full time Realtor she joined a large team and took on the role as their settlement coordinator. At the same time she was an active Buyer’s agent for the team.
In 2003 Ashley joined Paul in his real estate business and they were married later that year. With Ashley’s combined knowledge of new construction and new home sales, the team has been hired to represent several builders. Most recently the team was hired to market and sell a new condo project in downtown Frederick.
Paul & Ashley have closed over $150,000,000 in real estate transactions. They are licensed in four states and offer not only years of knowledge and experience but also a true love for their clients and the desire to help get them to their next destination in life.
Learn more about Ashley’s business here: Warthen Team
Frederick Chamber Insights is a news outlet of the Frederick County Chamber of Commerce. For more information about membership, programs and initiatives, please visit our website.