On Wednesday, the Alex Theatre’s courtyard was filled with energy as Glendale hosted its first-ever Women’s Equality Day event, a sold-out gathering that attracted attendees from across the community. The event featured live music, refreshments, goodie bags, and a charcuterie table, while also providing opportunities for networking, panel discussions, and speeches from business leaders and officials at both the regional and state levels.
Glendale Mayor Elen Asatryan called the gathering a “powerhouse event,” emphasizing the excitement and enthusiasm it generated among women of all ages. She noted that the city’s focus is on empowering women by providing them with employment opportunities and the necessary tools to help their businesses succeed.
“I don’t think I’ve ever seen such excitement over an event hosted by the city,” Asatryan told the News-Press. “It’s a huge opportunity for everyone to come together, and just seeing the excitement around this for the first time is really heartwarming, and I would say, empowering.”
Although this was Glendale’s inaugural event, Women’s Equality Day has been observed nationally since August 26, 1973. The day marks the adoption of the 19th Amendment in 1920, which granted women the right to vote.
During her speech, Asatryan underscored the importance of including young girls and youth in the conversation about gender equality. “A lot of times when youth are invited to the table, they’re told what they should be doing or thinking,” she said. “Here in Glendale, we do things differently. We not only invite them to the table but ensure their voices are as loud as any other in the room.”
One of those voices was Natalie Hovhannisyan, Student Commissioner on Glendale’s Commission on the Status of Women. She spoke passionately about the importance of young women’s leadership and representation. “As I stand here today, I do so as a daughter, sister, friend, and student, but also as a leader and representative of our youth, striving every day to make a positive difference,” Hovhannisyan said. “I promise to continue dreaming big and shining bright in the years ahead.”
L.A. County Supervisor Kathryn Barger also spoke, stating that Women’s Equality Day is about more than celebrating past achievements. At the county level, Barger explained, they are working toward eliminating the gender pay gap by conducting regular pay-equity audits. “Our mission is to ensure that every woman has the support and resources she deserves to succeed,” Barger said. She emphasized the importance of women being leaders, just like Mayor Asatryan, who shape communities and impact the economy.
Asatryan also highlighted Glendale’s recent achievements in addressing gender inequities, noting that in February 2024, Glendale became the seventh city to join the California Equal Pay Pledge.
City Clerk Suzie Abajian, the first Armenian woman to hold her position in Glendale, spoke about the challenges women still face despite progress. “I broke many barriers that my generation thought would take multiple generations to reach and break,” Abajian said.
Abajian moderated the first panel, which focused on access and equity for women in Glendale. Panelists included Paula Adams, Glendale’s Chief Human Resources Officer; Sophia Armen, co-director of The Feminist Front; and Jennifer Palacio, Glendale’s Purchasing Coordinator. Adams discussed how, during her 35-year career, she had to create opportunities when none were available. She emphasized that confidence and self-advocacy are key challenges women face, particularly in salary negotiations.
“The men I interview act like they’re the best of the best, and often they aren’t. But they ask for the highest pay anyway,” Adams said. “A woman, on the other hand, could be brighter and more capable, yet undersell herself and not negotiate a higher salary.”
The second panel, moderated by Diana Yedoyan, Senior Government Affairs Manager at SoCalGas, was titled “Breaking Barriers: From Women-Owned Business Certifications to Financial Opportunities.” The panel featured experts such as Leigh Kearns, Economic Development Specialist at SBA Los Angeles; Carolyn Gan, Executive Director of California Partners Project; and Jennifer Coronado from Glendale’s Office of Economic Development. They discussed the resources available to female business owners and how many women start businesses after experiencing workplace bias.
“I want women business owners to stay in business,” Gan said. “I want women to stay in the workplace and create equitable workplaces where we can all thrive.”
Jomie Liu, Senior Program Manager at the YWCA of Glendale and Pasadena, told the News-Press that supporting women is an ongoing effort, not limited to one event or day. “Opportunities for advancing women and recognizing unpaid or underpaid labor should always be at the forefront,” Liu said.
One attendee, Alekcis Ewane, said she joined the event to build her network and find support among fellow women. She mentioned how important it is for women to overcome fear or intimidation and come together. “When you find your tribe, it takes you to the next level,” Ewane said.
