Propel+ was attended by more than 50 young women and over a dozen business community volunteers. 

The energy in the room was palpable on October 26 as students and adults alike came together for the Albany Area Chamber Foundation's Propel+ program. Designed to create a supportive network that nurtures, provides, and empowers Albany's female youth, Propel+ proved to be a catalyst for positive change. Over 50 female students from Commodore Conyers College & Career Academy actively partcipated in professional development exercises, fostering connections with accomplished women in the workforce.

The event featured an enlightening session by Rachel Lawrence from Albany State University, guiding students on the art of building a personal brand and navigating social media. In a live survey conducted at the program's conclusion, when asked to describe how the event made them feel using only one word, participants expressed their enthusiasm about the program with words such as "confident, smarter, intelligent, thankful, ready, knowledgeable, prepared, inspired, and empowered.” 

Facilitated by business community mentors, students engaged in table discussions addressing a range of topics, from mastering proper introductions to navigating the challenges hindering their paths to success. The mentors, part of the Propel+ initiative, demonstrated a commitment to supporting and guiding the next generation of female leaders. 

The event showcased the power of collaboraQon and community involvement, with more than just hands being extended—enQre futures being shaped. Propel+ serves as a crucial component of the Albany Area Chamber Foundation’s talent development initiatives. The Albany Area Chamber of Commerce's 501(c)(3) affiliate, The Albany Area Chamber of Commerce Foundation, spearheads the community's workforce initiatives through the Albany-Dougherty Talent Strategy 2.0. This collaboraQve endeavor involves partnerships between strategic partners, employers, and educators. With a focus on amplifying the primary business organization's talent and innovaQon programs, these programs allow The Chamber FoundaQon to address the specific needs of employers and the community. PROPEL+ is a targeted initiatives designed for female high school students, further enhancing the impact of these efforts.

By investing in Albany's talent through programs like Propel+, the business community is actively shaping a brighter and more prosperous future for the entire community.