Portland Business Journal: Pelosi to Portland conference: Economy depends on equal abilities to succeed

Congress's top-ranking female official told an Oregon conference this weekend that the country's success depends on a equal playing field for all entrepreneurs.

Rep. Nancy Pelosi, a California Democrat, made the prognosis during Family Forward Oregon's Women's Economic Forum at Oregon Health & Science University. She said that while Oregon has taken steps to expand opportunities for working families, the country must do more "to unleash the full potential" of women in the U.S. economy.

"When women are empowered to succeed, we know we will unlock the promise of our future and jumpstart the middle class," said Pelosi.

Pelosi and Rep. Suzanne Bonamici, a Portland Democrat, have helped craft the "When Women Succeed, America Succeed" agenda at the Congressional level for women and families.

The duo was joined at the conference by several state-level female officials.

"This inspiring conversation about how to boost women's economic security in our country reinforces the fact that we have a real opportunity right now to improve the way women are able to navigate their roles as caregivers and breadwinners," said Andrea Paluso, Family Forward Oregon's executive director.