INDIANAPOLIS – The Bears were well-represented at this week's eighth annual NFL Women's Forum presented by AWS at the NFL Combine.

The two-day event at the JW Marriott in Indianapolis was part of the NFL's ongoing commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion. The program connected 40 women, 60% of whom are women of color, with leaders in professional football to provide insight and networking opportunities for their careers in the areas of scouting, data and analytics, coaching and football operations.

New Bears assistant running backs coach Jennifer King joined the NFL's other 11 women coaches for a panel discussion entitled "The Future is Now." Bears director of player engagement Erika Marmolejo and player personnel coordinator Ashton Washington participated in round-table sessions.

"For me personally, this is amazing," Marmolejo said. "To be a representative of the Chicago Bears, to be a woman with the Chicago Bears, and then to have the support of our team president and our team chairman and everybody here … it's amazing.

"The most valuable part for me is the opportunity to continue to learn, continue to learn from the younger generation, continue to learn about myself, my peers and how we're not only impacting football but sports across the board globally."

Bears Chairman George H. McCaskey and President and CEO Kevin Warren provided their support. McCaskey also took part in roundtable discussions, while Warren delivered an inspiring speech to close the festivities.

The Women's Forum featured round-table and breakout sessions and networking with owners, executives, coaches and representatives from all 32 NFL teams. The league partnered with Women Leaders in College Sports to create a development curriculum designed for this year's participants.

One highlight was two learning sessions with NFL leaders detailing how analytics are involved in scouting, player personnel, football administration, coaching, equipment, football operations and player health and safety.

Attendees were captivated by Warren's closing remarks, especially when he described the adversity he's overcome throughout his life. Warren survived a near-breeched birth and being hit by a car while riding his bike when he was 11, an accident that forced him into traction and a body cast for several months.

"If anything that I can say that has happened to me can touch someone else's life, it makes it all worth it," Warren said.