For Immediate Release: Tuesday, March 31, 2026
From the Office of Councilmember Laurie-Anne Sayles
Montgomery County Councilmember At-Large Laurie-Anne Sayles convened elected officials, community leaders, entrepreneurs, educators, and advocates for her fourth annual Women’s History Month celebration on March 27 at the BlackRock Center for the Arts. Centered on the 2026 national theme, “Leading the Change: Women Shaping a Sustainable Future,” the well-attended event welcomed more than 180 guests for a dynamic morning of keynote remarks, panel discussions, mentorship, and community connection.
“Women’s History Month is more than a celebration. It is a call to action,” said Councilmember Sayles. “What we saw in that room was powerful. Women and girls stepping forward as innovators, advocates, and leaders, all committed to building a more sustainable and equitable future. When we invest in women, we invest in stronger communities, smarter solutions, and lasting change. As we mark our fourth year just one day after Equal Pay Day and look ahead to Earth Month and an even stronger fifth year, we are clear about what comes next. We will keep pushing for equity, advancing sustainability, and building a future where women are not just part of the progress, they are driving it.”
Lieutenant Governor Aruna Miller delivered the keynote address, drawing on her experience as an immigrant, engineer, and the first South Asian woman elected lieutenant governor in the United States to underscore the critical role women play in building inclusive systems that serve everyone. Reflecting on the event’s impact, she praised the leadership and energy of the women in attendance.
“Today’s celebration was a powerful reminder of the brilliance, resilience, and leadership that women bring to every corner of our state,” said Lt. Governor Miller. “I was deeply inspired by the entrepreneurs, advocates, students, and community leaders who are shaping a more sustainable and equitable future right here in Montgomery County. Events like this affirm that when women lead, we don’t just imagine change, we accelerate it. I am grateful to Councilmember Sayles for creating this space and honored to stand alongside so many women who are lighting the way forward.”
Congresswoman April McClain Delaney delivered closing remarks, highlighting the impact of women’s leadership on sustainability and community well-being.
“I was thrilled to join Councilmember Laurie-Anne Sayles for her fourth annual Women’s History Month event, ‘Leading the Change: Women Shaping a Sustainable Future,’” said Congresswoman McClain Delaney. “This inspiring gathering underscored the critical role women play in advancing environmental justice and sustainability. At its core, this work is about building communities where everyone can thrive—environmentally, socially, emotionally, and economically—while strengthening the infrastructure that supports our collective health and well-being.”
Council leadership joined in recognition of the occasion, with remarks delivered by Marilyn Balcombe. Councilmembers Natali Fani-Gonzalez, Shebra Evans, Dawn Luedtke, and Kate Stewart were also in attendance, underscoring the Council’s shared commitment to uplifting women across Montgomery County.
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The program featured two engaging panel discussions with regional leaders in green business and environmental advocacy, moderated by Angela Franco, President and CEO of the Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce, and Sarah Kogel-Smucker, Montgomery County Climate Change Officer, exploring how women are driving sustainable innovation, strengthening local economies, and leading community-based climate solutions.
The event also spotlighted coemcees Jordan Lindsay and LaTisha Gasaway Paul, and Wendy Howard of One Montgomery Green. The program also featured remarks from Alexandra Eum, the Honorable Mention winner in the Elementary School Division of the 8th Annual Girl Power Contest of 2025, and special presentations from 2025 MCPS Sustainability Poster Contest Winners Alice Guan, Alisson Guevara, and Aliya Aliya.
Now in its fourth year, Councilmember Sayles’ Women’s History Month celebration has grown into one of Montgomery County’s largest annual gatherings honoring women’s leadership and impact.
For more information about Councilmember Sayles’ priorities and initiatives, please visit her website. Photos from the event can be viewed here.
Read the original article at mccouncil