Sacramento —An indian origin woman, Raji Jhaj-Brar, was in the state capital this week, marking an important evening as the chair of the California Chamber of Commerce’s Women’s Leadership Council at the organisation’s second annual Women’s Leadership Forum — a gathering that brought together some of California’s most influential voices in business and government.
The forum, hosted by Cal Chamber’s Women’s Leadership Council, drew an impressive roster of elected officials and business leaders united by a shared belief in the economic value that women-owned businesses bring to California, now recognised as the world’s fourth-largest economy.
Among the featured panellists was Assemblymember Cecilia Aguiar-Curry, who serves as California’s Assembly Majority Leader and chairs the Assembly Women’s Caucus. Her participation underscored the strong legislative appetite for policies that support women entrepreneurs and executives across the state.
“Great evening last night… I am honoured to chair.”
— Raji Jhaj-Brar, Chair, Cal Chamber Women’s Leadership Council
Jhaj-Brar, visibly energised by the turnout, expressed gratitude toward legislators, business leaders, chamber partners, and allies “who understand the value women-owned businesses bring to the state of California.” Her remarks echoed a growing consensus in Sacramento that supporting women in business is not merely a matter of equity — it is an economic imperative.
The Women’s Leadership Council has positioned itself as a vital bridge between California’s policy corridors and the boardrooms of women-led enterprises, hosting convenings designed to foster mentorship, advocacy, and cross-sector collaboration. The second annual forum represents an expansion of that mission, with attendance growing and panel programming deepening in scope.
California’s status as the world’s fourth-largest economy — a point Jhaj-Brar highlighted with visible pride — gives particular weight to the work of the Women’s Leadership Council. Women-owned businesses in California generate hundreds of billions in revenue annually and employ millions, yet continue to face structural barriers to capital, contracts, and board representation.
Forums like the one held this week are increasingly seen as catalysts for changing that equation — combining networking with advocacy, and celebration with strategy.