GFW unveils Women’s Network
By Sherry Slater | The Journal Gazette
Greater Fort Wayne Inc. on Tuesday unveiled its initiative designed to promote women.
Cheri Becker, Greater Fort Wayne's vice president of investor services and programs, said the Women's Network founders “want to connect, inspire and empower women.”
“The Women's Network will accomplish those goals by convening programs and events of special interest to women and their supporters,” Becker said in a statement.
Women's Network activities will encourage professional development and spotlight women's significant accomplishments and contributions to quality-of-life enhancements in Allen County, officials said in a news release.
The Women's Network Exchange will organize various small group discussions on specific topics.
Sessions are scheduled for May 23 and June 22.
Also, local women leaders will share their stories on Oct. 24 at a luncheon titled “Women Who Lead: In Their Words.”
The Women's Network will also bestow the Hamilton Sisters Leadership Award, which was inspired by the Hamilton women of Fort Wayne. The annual award will be given to an individual who has made to lasting contributions to the development of our community and country.
A kickoff breakfast scheduled for March 2019 will launch the nomination process for the inaugural award.
Members of the Leadership Fort Wayne Class of 2017 created the Women's Network structure as part of a team project.
The Women's Network was created out of a desire to have local control when honoring local women, something that wasn't possible when Greater Fort Wayne Inc. sponsored the region's Athena Awards, which are controlled by a Chicago-based, international organization.
Becker and others wanted a more robust offering of programs and networking than the annual Athena luncheon allowed.
Each member of the Women's Network will receive the benefits of being an individual Greater Fort Wayne Inc. investor.
Non-members are also invited to register for Women's Network events.
More information is available on the organization's website.
At a glance
The new Women's Network, which was created to be a community resources, will support:
- Political balance, economic equality and diversity of thought
- Leadership and networking among women
- Existing mentorship and engagement opportunities for women
- Collaboration among the region's women's networking and professional organizations
