October CBW+ Speaker Series | Menopause in the Workplace: Why it Matters
Wednesday, October 28, 2026 (8:00 AM - 10:00 AM) (EDT)
Description
ALL ARE WELCOME! Chamber Business Women+ (CBW+) promotes the progression and advancement of professional women through the education and sharing of ideas and experiences. We invite everyone (of all gender identities) who supports this mission to join the events.
Event Agenda
- 8:00 a.m. – 8:30 a.m. (Networking & Breakfast)
- 8:30 a.m. – 8:45 a.m. (Welcome Remarks)
- 8:45 a.m. – 9:30 a.m. (Presentation and Q&A)
- 9:30 a.m. – 9:40 a.m. (Closing Remarks)
The Topic
Menopause in the Workplace: Why it Matters for Your Business
Ashley This session will explore how menopause impacts employees during their peak career years and why supporting them is both a workforce and economic imperative. We'll highlight emerging menopause-specific benefits from leading "catalyst" companies and share insights from recent conversations with HR professionals about challenges they're facing on the ground. Most importantly, we'll discuss how keeping women's lived experiences at the center of policy design leads to healthier employees, stronger retention, and more inclusive workplaces.
The Speaker
Ashley Walkowiak
Executive Director, Governor's Advisory Commission on Women
Ashley Walkowiak is a passionate advocate for women's rights and equality, currently serving as Executive Director of the Governor's Advisory Commission on Women. With a career rooted in trauma-informed policy and practice, Ashley has spent more than a decate advancing protections and opportunities for women across Pennsylvania.
Her leadership has spanned state government and grassroots advocacy alike - from crime victims' rights administration to shaping statewide strategy on civil rights, substance use recover, and maternal health. A survivor of sexual violence herself, Ashley brings both expertise and empathy to her work, striving to build systems that center healing and dignity.
Beoynd her public service, Ashley has served on the Cumberland County Commission for Women and currently sits on the Board of Directors for the Children's Advocacy Centers of Pennsylvania. Her dedication has earned recognition including City & State's Forty Under 40, Central Penn Business Journal's Women of Influence and the YWCA Women of Excellence Award.
A mother of three and wife of a combat veteran, Ashley's life and leadership are guided by the belief that empowering women transforms communities - and that every woman deserves safety, opportunity and a voice.
2026 Charity of Choice
Bethany House supports young women ages 18 to 24 who are aging out of foster care or at risk of homelessness through transitional housing and individualized case management. The Residential Program provides safe, subsidized communal housing where residents have private rooms and shared living spaces. Through its Resource Center, Bethany House also serves individuals who do not qualify for residential services or are on the waitlist. The organization helps remove barriers to stability by assisting with transportation, medical care, and access to food and housing resources. Bethany House also connects residents and clients to free mental health counseling to support healing and long-term success.
Bethany House of Cumberland County, Inc. is currently accepting donations, and guests are welcome to bring contributions with them on the day of the event.
- Dish Soap
- Laundry Detergent
- Fabric Softener
- Clorox Wipes
- All Purpose Cleaner
- Magic Erasers
- Socks
- Gloves
- Hats
- Gift cards to grocery stores, Starbucks, restaurants, etc.
Thank you to our Sponsors
Exclusive CBW+ Champions
CBW+ Believer
CBW+ Allies
Patron Sponsors
Brenda Alton | Sheilah Borne | Gillian Byerly | Jessica Delo | Monique Duci | Karena Foss | Erika Hilbert | Mary Oliveira | Jeannetta Politis | Joelle Shea | Christina Stetler | Kristi Wasson | Jess Wolfe | Erin Woods | Wendy Zimmerman
Become a Patron Sponsor today!
Gift box Sponsor
Host Sponsor
Interested in sponsoring this year's CBW+ Speaker Series?
Please contact Heather Eyster, Senior Director of Investor & Member Engagement.
600 Valley Road
Summerdale, PA 17093-0309 United States
PARKING INSTRUCTIONS: The event is held in the Conference Center at Central Penn College. The closest lot to the Conference Center is Lot K. For more detailed instructions on how to drive to Central Penn's campus, visit HERE.