Empowering Women Through Innovative Initiatives

In August 2025, Yasmeen Shields, the membership director at the Loudoun County Chamber of Commerce, launched The Legacy League, a membership organization aimed at empowering high-achieving women in Northern Virginia and the D.C. region. This initiative seeks to create a curated space for female leaders, including executives, entrepreneurs, and creatives, to connect and support one another. Shields identified a gap for women who have advanced in their careers, particularly following the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. "I wanted something that was more intentional, something more curated and more intimate for those women," Shields stated.

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The Legacy League focuses on providing grants to support women pivoting in their careers or starting new ventures. Membership dues will fund these grants, with an application process set to select three to five recipients. The organization also hosts networking events featuring discussions with board members and industry experts. At the launch event, a panel included founding board members such as Sabine Browne, Erin Stevens, and France Saunders, who shared insights on the challenges women face in their respective fields.

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During the launch, panelists discussed the current landscape for women in various industries. Erin Stevens highlighted the need for more women in tech, noting that hiring practices are slowly changing. France Saunders emphasized the male dominance in the restaurant industry and the importance of increasing visibility for women-owned businesses. Sabine Browne pointed out the challenges women face in the legal field, advocating for stronger representation and respect in court settings.

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While The Legacy League aims to foster connections and support among women, some critics argue that such initiatives may inadvertently create exclusivity. The focus on high-achieving women could overlook the needs of those at earlier stages in their careers or those facing different barriers to success.

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• “I really just felt that after the pandemic, there was a void missing for women who have climbed the corporate ladder, or have become CEOs, entrepreneurs or creatives themselves,” — Yasmeen Shields, Founder of The Legacy League

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• “I want to see women standing strong and leading the courtroom,” — Sabine Browne, Founder of Browne Family Law

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• “We wanted to create a space where not only are we able to connect and learn from each other, but then how are we giving back,” — Yasmeen Shields

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The Legacy League plans to continue its mission by organizing more networking events and expanding its grant program to support additional women in their career transitions. As it grows, the organization aims to adapt its offerings based on member feedback and the evolving needs of women in the workforce.

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Through initiatives like The Legacy League, the focus on empowering women is gaining momentum, creating spaces for collaboration, mentorship, and financial support that can lead to lasting change in the professional landscape.

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