The connections, hard work and mutual support behind the success of women leaders were on display this week at the second annual Women’s Leadership Forum & Reception presented by the California Chamber of Commerce.

The March 3 gathering was punctuated by applause, laughter, hugs and tears as the featured speakers shared their stories of how they reached their positions of leadership and influence.

Women’s Leadership Council Chair Raji K. Brar opened the program with the reminder that CalChamber President and CEO Jennifer Barrera is the first woman to hold that post.

Brar went on to note that in California, the fourth largest economy in the world, 40% of businesses are owned by women, as reported in the University of Southern California study commissioned by the council last year.