Last week I attended the International Museum of Women's Annual Gala and heard a beautiful keynote by Zainab Salbi, Iraqi-American author and founder of Women for Women International.  What I found most inspiring in her talk was her notion of women's participation in markets.  She observed that for the past 20-50 years women have actively participated in entrepreneurship - but primarily within microenterprise.  She argued - without taking anything away from those outstanding programs and projects - it is now time for women to join the ranks of wealth and influence.  That the opportunity to participate as innovators and drivers of high-growth businesses, and as investors and board members has never been more present - and more needed.  That the economic recovery that we all await - if it includes women participating in all ranks - will transform the way that business is done going forward and transform our world as a result. 

It was an inspiring talk and not dissimilar to one recently given by Secretary of State Madeline Albright at the CalPERS CalSTERS Women in Investment Summit in Sacramento and numerous other talks she has given on women's voices. 

Both women articulated a change that seemed not only logical but inevitable.  Women present a real opportunity for today's economy.  And if you ask the new generation, the opportunity is so obvious that they do not even see the need for the conversation.  All of this is exciting and so very good.

I look forward to the day that Astia can close its doors because the networks have changed and the influence is shared.  Until then, our question at Astia is - what are you doing to hasten the change? If you are looking for an answer, we welcome you!