W.I.S.E. Recognizes Members, Sponsors
We Inspire Support Empower Inc., a non-profit organization dedicated to the education and support of the professional career interests of women, held its inaugural Annual Business Meeting and Summer Social event on Aug. 20.
The event was spent conducting annual business including confirming the 2015/2016 Board of Directors, celebrating success of the organization’s progress, recognizing volunteers and sponsors and highlighting experiences from the W.I.S.E. mentoring program. There was also social time to get to know other members better.
Of W.I.S.E.’s first year successes, Tammy Allen, president stated, “In addition to founding a new professional, non-profit organization, we also provided our members with educational events, a unique mentoring program, professional development opportunities, and engaged over 70 members in our first year as an official organization!”
Of the 70 W.I.S.E. members, 24 participated in the flagship mentoring program. W.I.S.E. hosted eight events centered on mentoring, networking, personal branding and career development. W.I.S.E. also hosted member-only luncheons, a more informal way to network in a relaxed atmosphere. Top-notch business professionals who have a passion for developing and empowering others led each event. Watch for details about the upcoming W.I.S.E. Premier Event, Executive Women in Business Conference, slated for Nov. 13.
One of the key pillars of leadership and development for W.I.S.E. is the mentoring program. Mentors and mentees build a supportive relationship where professional and personal growth is developed, insight and experiences are reflected upon and new skills and knowledge are learned. When asked about the success of the mentoring program, Stacey Trick, co-vice president of mentoring, added, “Feedback from participants from our inaugural program is extremely positive and participants are looking forward to continuing their pairing relationships, as well as, participating in next year’s program. To receive that kind of response in our first year is very exciting!”
The future of W.I.S.E. can be summed up by Shannon McNett-Silcox, W.I.S.E. mentor and volunteer. “As women we all need to recognize our responsibility to the next generation, we need to step up and LIFT UP those who will follow us along the career path.” The organization believes that as women and professionals, it is our responsibility to each other to foster successful personal and professional development.
W.I.S.E. board of directors credits the program’s success to the dedication and passion of its volunteers, members and sponsors. It looks forward to building on that success for the upcoming year.
For more information about WISE and membership, visit www.wiseincorporated.org. Also follow WISE on Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn.
Founding sponsors of W.I.S.E. are Paragon Medical, Biomet, Mahan 9 Group and Miles Printing.