Pittsburgh Professional Women helps businesses through pandemic

For 15 years, the organization Pittsburgh Professional Women has been dedicated to helping women excel in business.

This year, it set its sights on helping them get through the coronavirus pandemic.

“Anytime you find yourself in a frustrating situation where you have no control, you just have to look at what you can do,” said Beth Caldwell, the organization’s executive director.

Caldwell said Pittsburgh Professional Women hosted 10 online workshops over the past two months that touched on coronavirus-related topics ranging from the Paycheck Protection Program to stress management in uncertain times.

Caldwell shared information about small businesses in the area on the organization’s social media platforms and email newsletter.

She said members also supported each other’s businesses by leaving positive reviews online and buying gift cards to use after the closures. About one-third of the group’s 196 members are entrepreneurs and small-business owners, Caldwell said.

Pittsburgh Professional Women also expanded their services to help any local small-business owner or entrepreneur during the pandemic. Caldwell said that will continue through July free of charge.

Now, Caldwell said it’s time to celebrate. Pittsburgh Professional Women will commemorate its 15th anniversary this summer by recognizing “brave and resilient women who have made a difference in the region in 2020.”

She said she specifically wanted to recognize people who exemplified positive leadership through the pandemic.

“It’s like innovation during a crisis,” she said. “It will be an example of strong and influential leadership.”

The women recognized will be featured on Pittsburgh Professional Women’s website.

Caldwell said she hopes to host an in-person Sweet 16 celebration for Pittsburgh Professional Women next year.