A group of activists, educators and policymakers from across Tennessee will gather in Chattanooga next month to discuss how to build a better future for women.
Hosted by the Chattanooga Mayor’s Council for Women, the Tennessee Statewide Women’s Policy Conference is set for Feb. 6-7 at The Westin Chattanooga. The conference got its start in 2018 and has been held annually since. The Mayor’s Council for Women — which began under the administration of former Mayor Andy Berke — has hosted the event for years.
“We’re excited to bring together dynamic speakers, participants and sponsors, all united in their commitment to advancing opportunities for women across Tennessee,” Jenni Berz, a founding member of the conference’s steering committee, said over email.
The conference is designed to provide the time for people to think about how to address issues facing women through policy and advocate for change. Some relevant issues include pay equity, representation in government and access to health care.
(READ MORE: Statewide women’s conference coming to Chattanooga in February)
She said organizers are expecting a full house in February.
“We’ve already seen very strong interest from returning attendees as well as those for whom this will be their first SWPC, plus we are confident this will be our strongest programming lineup so far,” she said.
Last year, just under 400 people attended the two-day conference, she said.
The conference will include panel discussions, workshops and keynote speakers, according to a news release. Tickets to participate in both days of the conference were listed at $175 on Eventbrite. Participation in the opening dinner by itself is billed at $75, while a ticket to attend the conference on Friday costs $125.
Brooke Satterfield, a senior strategist at Coeo Media, said by phone that sponsorships for prospective participants could cut full registration costs to $85.
Satterfield said to expect the lineup of speakers in the coming weeks. Organizers are accepting registrations at cha.city/mcwconference.
The conference aims to imagine how a better future could take shape. But for many participants, it will also involve some looking back.
This year, the event takes place weeks after the death of one its leaders, former Chattanooga City Council member Carol Berz, Jenni Berz’s mother. Carol Berz, who served on the council for over 15 years, had served as co-chair of the Mayor’s Council for Women and was heavily involved in the establishment of the Family Justice Center, which assists survivors of domestic violence and human trafficking.
(READ MORE: Chattanooga City Council member Carol Berz has died)
The conference will be held in honor of Carol Berz.
“Dr. Berz’s legacy is not just a milestone, it’s a powerful foundation for continued growth and change,” said Jenni Berz, who is among several candidates running to succeed her mother on the city council. “Advocacy has always been a shared responsibility, one that extends beyond any single individual. For the past six years, this conference has served as a catalyst, empowering women to build confidence and take action in their communities. Carrying the torch forward was always part of Dr. Berz’s vision, and it’s now in the hands of the women who attend to honor her legacy by stepping into that role.”
Contact Mariah Franklin at mfranklin@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6354.