Photo credit: Joan Heffler Photography

L. - R.: Shannon Richards, KeyBank; Elizabeth Miller Guthier, WERC; Tracy Menges, KeyBank

On September 18, 2024, the Key4Women Annual Forum took place at the Albany Marriott on Wolf Road, Albany. With hundreds in attendance, the audience was treated to an engaging program entitled “How I Found the Calm After the Storm” delivered by featured speaker, Ginger Zee, Chief Meteorologist for ABC News, Author and Mental Health Advocate who  shared her inspiring story about how she overcame difficult mental health challenges to become the first female chief network meteorologist at a network, building a remarkable career and family.

Deshanna Wiggins, CEO of the Albany Black Chamber of Commerce and Social Club, was also honored by KeyBank as its 2024 Key4Women Achieve Award Winner. The award honors and recognizes the accomplishments of women business leaders and their contributions to the Capital Region community.

WERC has been named KeyBank’s Key4Women 2024 Charitable Partner and received a generous donation of $2,500, along with an additional $400 raised through a raffle, presented to WERC Executive Director, Elizabeth Miller Guthier at Key4Women Annual Forum.  

Key4Women is a program offered by KeyBank, specifically designed to support and empower women entrepreneurs and business leaders. The initiative provides a range of resources, including financial services, networking opportunities, mentorship, and educational workshops. KeyBank aims to create an inclusive environment that addresses the unique challenges women face in business, helping them to achieve their goals and foster growth. Through Key4Women, KeyBank demonstrates its commitment to diversity and inclusion while strengthening its relationships with female clients and the broader business community.

KeyBank is a long-standing supporter of WERC and is truly committed to success of women in the WERC programs.