“Together We Will”: local leaders to headline Women’s Equality Day luncheon – The Courier News

“Together We Will”: local leaders to headline Women’s Equality Day luncheon – The Courier News

Photos courtesy of Flint & Genesee Group Featured photo: 2025 Women’s Equality Day (Flint, Mich., July 22, 2026) — Each year, on Aug. 26, Women’s Equality Day celebrates the adoption of the 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution and honors the women’s suffrage movement in the United States. Locally, festivities will include a special luncheon hosted by the Flint & Genesee Group’s women’s employee resource group and the Flint & Genesee Chamber’s Women’s Leadership Committee. The event will be held from 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m., at Genesys Banquet and Conference Center, in Grand Blanc. It will feature three talks from local women leaders speaking to the theme, “Together We Will.” “Flint & Genesee is home to many strong, successful women who are leading the way in their workplaces, industries and communities,” said Sandra Etherly-Johnson, chief community engagement officer at the Flint & Genesee Group. “We’re excited to hear from some of these professionals, who will share their own experiences while inspiring others to continue breaking barriers and creating opportunities for women today and tomorrow.” Taking the stage will be Nancy Edwards, who recently assumed the role of AFL-CIO Labor Liaison for the United Way of Genesee County after retiring from a 24-year-career with the Genesee County Parks and Recreation Commission, and Jillian Macey, a command-level leader with the Office of the Genesee County Sheriff and the second woman in the agency’s history to hold the rank of captain. Nancy Edwards, who recently assumed the role of AFL-CIO Labor Liaison for the United Way of Genesee County, will take the stage. Jillian Macey command-level leader with the Office of the Genesee County Sheriff and the second woman in the agency’s history to hold the rank of captain, will also speak at the upcoming event. The featured speaker will be Carrie Edwards-Clemons, the first woman to hold a variety of positions, including her current role as Fire Chief for the City of Lansing Fire Department, as well as Deputy Fire Chief for the City of Flint Fire Department and president of the International Association of Black Professional Fire Fighters, Incorporated. The featured speaker will be Carrie Edwards-Clemons. Courtney Bennett, a reporter and anchor for Mid-Michigan NOW, will serve as the emcee. She will share the stage with multiple employees belonging to the Women in Action employee resource group (ERG) at the Flint & Genesee Group. “This event really underscores the power of ERGs in the workplace,” Etherly-Johnson said. “Not only do they foster a sense of belonging, but they also create opportunities for professional growth and leadership development. In this case, several employees helped shape the direction of the event and will even take the stage as speakers.” Visit FlintandGenesee.org/events to register by the Aug. 25 deadline.