Detroit Arsenal Celebrates Women’s Equality Day 2024

Detroit Arsenal Celebrates Women's Equality Day 2024

September 5, 2024

Aug. 26 is Women's Equality Day, and to celebrate, the Detroit Arsenal hosted an empowering conversation with women leaders to share their advice for promoting inclusion and equity for women in the workforce.

The Detroit Regional Chamber's Chief Operating Officer and Civilian Aide to the Secretary of the Army, Tammy Carnrike, was among the event's featured speakers alongside Wendy Saigh, TACOM Chief Legal Counsel, and moderator Carrie Mead, Detroit Arsenal Garrison.

Empowering Women in Leadership

When asked what the benefits of having women as leaders are, both speakers noted that it is less about what women can bring to the table, but more importantly, why various diverse voices make for stronger leadership. Saigh noted how it creates a diversity of thought, and Carnrike acknowledged how it contributes to a more versatile skill set that helps grow teams and provide strategic direction.

On what people can do to empower and uplift women in the workplace, Carnrike shared, "It's an area where we need much more attention." She shared the importance of making women - as well as their strengths and skills - visible and using their names to provide them with assignments, promotions, connections, mentorship, and more.

Overcoming Challenges

Saigh later shared that the biggest challenge of her career was herself. Overcoming insecurities and building confidence was challenging, but she advised practice over time and positive self-talk are essential to progressing past those barriers. Carnrike advocated for risk-taking as a way to build confidence.

"Confidence comes from the risks you take … when you do something that goes beyond what you thought you could do," she said.

The speakers were later asked about how to create a more inclusive workforce. Carnrike touted the Chamber's equity and inclusion efforts and how staff engagement has played a significant role in that progress.

Saigh emphasized the importance of awareness and simply paying attention to surroundings and circumstances to acknowledge diversity issues and really investigate why those circumstances exist. She encouraged attendees to look around the rooms they are in and, if they are the only woman or minority present, to inquire why.

Advice for Their Younger Selves

To close the conversation, the speakers shared the following messages they would give their younger selves and the upcoming generation of leaders:

Carnrike advised to "not let them see you sweat," while Saigh said, "not to be so hard on yourself" and encouraged younger women to take those risks. She also encouraged attendees to make decisions and keep moving; if it was the "wrong" decision, make an effort to learn from it.