Gillibrand seeks to empower women in business

From Buffalo News.com: Gillibrand seeks to empower women in business

Sen. Kirsten E. Gillibrand called for a revival of the "Rosie the Riveter" campaign Friday to galvanize women to become economically empowered during a round-table discussion with local female business owners and entrepreneurs.

The junior senator from New York said she would sponsor a bill for a $6,000 tax credit to reduce the high cost of day care -- a major impediment for women aspiring to own a business or advance in their careers.

About 40 people attended the discussion held at Sweet_ness 7 Cafe on Grant Street, a West Side woman-owned business.

"Right now we need our generation of Rosie the Riveters," Gillibrand said, refering to the icon of the women who worked in the factories during World War II. "Our economy, our country needs women on the front lines of job growth and innovation."

But women continue to be hindered by lower pay, fewer opportunities in the workforce and family obligations, she said.

"My goal through these round-tables is to solicit your feedback for solutions to help empower and create economic opportunities for New York's women," she said, "and provide valuable resources for advancement in today's economy."

Women in attendance came from both the public and private sectors and spoke of the need for more training and funding for women in high-tech industries.

"Women shouldn't feel limited to certain fields," said Marnie LaVigne, director of business development for New York State Center for Excellence in Bioinformatics and Life Sciences, adding that careers in science and technology should be encouraged and backed by policies that provide financing.

Norma Nowak, whose research made significant contributions to the Human Genome Project, said she hit a financial road block when she decided to launch a business.

"She's a woman scientist, so who was going to listen to her?" LaVigne said. But with assistance from the bioinformatics center, Nowak's started Empire Genomics four years ago and last year, its revenues reached $1 million.

Access to grants and subsidies for businesses were also a hot topic, especially for companies that are too old to be eligible for start-up assistance. Joy Kuebler, owner of Joy Kuebler Landscaping and Architecture, said that she has maxed out personal loans and that it is increasingly difficult with low funds to operate and compete with larger firms.

"We are very much trying to play with the big boys," she said.

Bernice Radile, an energy consultant who said she's the only female engineer at her job, supported the idea of a 21st century Rosie the Riveter.

"We have to band together in this," the 25-year-old said. "It's intimidating being the only woman all day long."

"It's the same thing in Congress," Gillibrand said.

The women agreed to help re-create the campaign used during World War II to attract women to the workforce. Gillibrand said women are an untapped resource, and once gender inequities are addressed, they can lead the country's economic rebirth.

"As we continue on a path to economic recovery, women must play a critical role in fueling the country's economic strength and competitiveness and rebuilding our middle class."