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Mission
PWCC provides networking connections that support, enrich
and
inspire women to advance professionally and personally.
Goals
PWCC brings professional women together in a variety of
networking venues to share knowledge, experiences, and
resources with other women. Members have access to:
* Facilitated networking opportunities at monthly speaker luncheons
* Special member-only events
* Committee activities
* Board participation
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Alphas Leading Alphas: Leading and Winning with Strong Women
Amber Stocks, General Manager and Coach of The Chicago Sky
Wednesday, March 14, 2018
Union League Club of Chicago, 65 West Jackson Blvd.
11:30 am-1:30 pm
$40 members | $60 non-members | $0 Premier Members and Sponsors,
but RSVP is requested.
Must register by 5:00 p.m. on Friday, March 9th or the price increases by $10.
Register here.
Amber Stocks was named the fifth head coach in Chicago Sky history on December 13, 2016. A veteran coach, she came to the Sky after two successful seasons as the assistant coach for the Los Angeles Sparks.
A long time collegiate women's basketball coach, Stocks has taken her coaching expertise to television, appearing as a color analyst on ESPN 3, the Big East Digital Network and FoxSports. As a transition out of collegiate coaching, Stocks worked as the Program Director and Head Coach for the Tucson HEAT Basketball Association (2009-13) in Arizona.
Most recently in the college ranks, Stocks spent seven seasons as an assistant coach at Xavier University (2002-06, 2007-09). During her tenure with the Musketeers, she assisted Kevin McGuff in putting together five 20-win seasons and six national post-season appearances. Prior to joining Xavier, Stocks spent two seasons on staff at the University of Tennessee (2000-2002), working closely with then Lady Vols head coach Pat Summitt. She was part of two regular season SEC Championships and the team advanced to the 2002 Final Four. While at Tennessee, Stocks worked with an array of decorated Lady Vols and future WNBA standouts.
A four-year women's basketball letter winner at University of Cincinnati, Stocks was a four-time Bearcat Scholar honoree, three-time Defensive Player Award recipient and helped lead the Bearcats to a Conference USA Championship. She played 116 games in her career, making 99 starts from 1995-99, and finished her career in the record books for multiple categories including games played and three-point shots made. Also while at UC, Stocks was an All-Conference track athlete, earning two letters in track and field and setting two school records.
Stocks worked at the University of Notre Dame from 1999-2000 as a strength and conditioning coach. She also served as a student assistant strength and conditioning coach at Cincinnati and Xavier during her undergraduate career.
Born in Akron, Ohio and raised in Columbus, Ohio, Stocks earned a bachelor's degree in health
promotion and education with a concentration in exercise and sport science from the University of Cincinnati in 1999.
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Tips for Smarter Living:
What We Can Learn from Our Gold Medal USA Women's Hockey Team
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The U.S. women's hockey players aren't just world-class athletes, they're world-class negotiators and role models, too.
Last spring, players issued a statement saying they would boycott that competition if USA Hockey executives didn't treat them as equals to the men's team. The women wanted greater pay, they were receiving $1,000 stipends only for the six months leading up to the Olympics, having to work multiple jobs while keeping up with a grueling training schedule. They also wanted insurance and travel benefits equal to what the millionaire men's players got. USA Hockey tried to break them by recruiting replacement players but failed. A few days before the World Championships began the women reached an agreement for better pay and a promise of more marketing and development effor
ts by USA Hockey. Below are some lessons we can learn from our Golden Girls:
Persistence:
It took the U.S. women's hockey team more than a year to achieve their goal, but just like beating Canada, they got the job done. They persisted.
Know your Mission:
"It's the greatest moment of our lives," said forward Meghan Duggan, "We worked really hard to put ourselves in position to win this thing. We've come a long way. We talked about it, our process, our mission. It's been very clear since Day One."
Practice Visualization: "
We played this game in our minds a thousand times and we've won it every single way possible," said Monique Lamoureux-Morando.
Rely on your Teammates:
The team shared some nervous moments in early September when they had to evacuate their apartments at their training base in Wesley Chapel, Fla., and take shelter when Hurricane Irma struck. Their discomfort was brief but it reinforced their trust and reliance on one another, qualities that proved important to their win.
Togetherness:
The women say this is their golden secret,they got this far only because they stuck together through challenges that could easily have driven them apart.
They earned this. Together.
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Cultural Event at the Conservation Center
Thursday, March 22, 2018
The Conservation Center | 400 N. Wolcott, Chicago
5:30 - 7:30 p.m.
$40 - Members Only
Registration open, space is limited - click
here
to register.
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PWCC Blog: Become a Negotiating Pro
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A lot is being said about women achieving - or not - pay equity:
- Jessica Chastain reportedly helped both Jada Pinkett Smith and Octavia Spencer negotiate higher salaries in recent films;
- The 2018 USA Women's Hockey Team threatened to sit out games if the USA Hockey refused to pay them equal to the men's team's salary;
- In an open letter to the BBC General Director, published in the London Times, forty-two female journalists demanded pay equal to that of heir male counterparts.
And don't forget: PWCC is an annual sponsor of the Chicago Equal Pay Day.
But what if you don't have a high powered friend or a women's empowerment organization behind you when it comes time to negotiate your salary?
Remember the importance of your initial salary: it is the basis for all future salary increases unless you change jobs or employers. Here are some helpful tips for successfully negotiating the salary you want:
First, do your homework.
Continue reading... |
Network with a Purpose
While gender inequality amid professional women's leadership remains a hot topic, strategic networking can help bridge this gap and support more women leaders in a multitude of industries.
Many successful women business leaders network with a strategic purpose. These women did not happenstance into their roles but, rather, developed a road map and applied a strategy as they traveled down various forks to land at their desired leadership position.
Think about your plan. What are your long-term career or business goals? Identify who may help you get there. Start by thinking about types of people, titles, industries. Research who you know or who you'd like to meet. Be proactive. Identify your role models. Seek to meet or connect with them. Often you'll be surprised how you may evoke a response and even begin building a connection. Be open to learning and giving back, relationships are a two-way street.
Share your goals with other women leaders. Think about what to ask when you meet the right people on your road to get you to your next step. Be sure to use your existing network to grow toward your objective.
Women who network with a purpose are able to successfully drive their careers and businesses forward.
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Member Spotlight:
Megan Abraham, Executive Director of The Goldie Initiative: Elevating Women Leaders
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It is a unique and rewarding situation when we get to do what we love to do, serve a worthy cause, and produce great results. That's exactly what Megan Abraham experiences as the first Executive Director of The Goldie Initiative.
The Goldie Initiative
is a non-profit program dedicated to redefining the commercial real estate industry by elevating and advancing the careers of women with high potential. The initiative was founded in 2017 by a renowned entrepreneur and role model, Goldie B. Wolfe Miller.
Goldie looked around and found herself to be one of the very few women in a leadership role in the commercial real estate industry. Apart from its male-dominated culture, the commercial real estate is a field where the path to leadership is nebulous, not as clear cut as other professions as medicine or law, and built upon personal connections. Realizing this, Goldie dedicated herself to elevating the role of women within the commercial real estate industry and advancing the careers of women with high potential. The Goldie Initiative was a step on her journey to revolutionize the industry.
Since 2007, The Goldie Initiative has created a professional community of women with extraordinary academic and leadership potential to become Goldie Scholars. The program offers a unique and empowering strategy that cultivates talented women into future leaders. The strategy consists of:
- Scholarship: tuition for two years of study at a highly credible MBA or advanced degree program related to commercial real estate in the Midwest. Among the schools sponsoring these scholarships are: Roosevelt University's Marshall Bennett Institute of Real Estate, DePaul University Kellstadt Graduate School of Business, The University of Chicago Booth School of Business Kellogg School of Management, Northwest University McCormick School of Engineering, and the James A. the University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Business' Graaskamp Center for Real Estate.
- Executive mentoring: access to renowned mentors, and personalized leadership education.
- Networking: connections with the most powerful people in the industry.
- Professional development and career advancement: supplying the industry with a pool of highly qualified women leaders
The Goldie Initiative
has been on a growth curve. It was initially housed in Roosevelt University but became an independent 501(c)(3) charity in 2015, and in 2016, hired its first Executive Director,Megan Abraham. Megan is the perfect leader to drive the initiative and take it to new heights.
She grew up, was educated, and built her career in the Chicago area. Her work has included a mix of business and program administration, executive and leadership education, public service, fund raising, commercial real estate, and entrepreneurship. Prior to The Goldie Initiative, Megan founded and operated an award winning 'after school' childcare non-profit program. Her start-up was recognized for its innovation and quality of care.
The connections she made in her commercial real estate career and through her start-up, including her connection with Goldie B. Wolfe Miller's philanthropic organization's contacts, were influential factors in Megan being positioned for her role. Her ability to articulate a vision for the role and the program was the icing on the cake. Needless to say, Megan is a strong proponent of networking and what it can do for one's careers.
Since she joined The Goldie Initiative, Megan has been on a mission to grow fundraising, drive exposure, growth, and the impact of The Goldie Initiative.
The Gala Extraordinaire - Celebrating Women Leaders in Commercial Real Estate
In 2017, she orchestrated and hosted a very successful 10th Anniversary Gala at Wintrust Grand Banking Hall with over 500 people in attendance. The Gala was the ultimate networking event and exceeded the expectations in every metric known to a fund-raising initiative. The event was so successful that she is organizing a similar Gala for 2018. The event is scheduled for September 13, 2018. If you are looking for a networking event with the most influential female CRE Industry leaders in Chicago, check out the event information here.
Making a Difference & Producing Tangible Results
In addition to fundraising, Megan plans to:
- Expand outreach with alumni and quantify the long-term impact of the program
- Improve collaboration among initiatives with similar goals in the industry to jointly make a bigger difference by elevating women leaders
- Develop a strategic plan to expand the mission of the organization to new heights
- Be a role model for young aspiring women leaders -- something that she didn't feel she had in her 20s.
What Megan loves most about her current role is that it is a non-profit program that also has an impact on industry and business - the best of both worlds!
As a woman who is surrounded by powerful women and is dedicated to helping women advance, Megan has a few words of wisdom:
- Dream big and see yourself in executive roles - it all starts here.
- Build connections with people in the industry where you want to make a difference.
- Get out of your comfort zone.
- Push yourself and surround yourself with people who love you enough to push you. The world and your industry needs you.
When not working on the Goldie Initiative, Megan's focus is on raising her 3 children, 2 boys and a girl, with her husband and enabling them to have the beautiful life they deserve. She also has big dreams to make huge difference in public service and be a role model for her daughter.
Submitted by: Elaine Mikesell, Ph.D. Managing Partner Mikesell Digital Consulting -WSI Agency elaine.mikesell@wsimikeselldigital.com
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Mentor/M
entee Relationships
How to get yours off to the right start
Having a mentor or being a mentor holds the promise of forming rich and meaningful relationship that can fulfill and reward you both professionally and personally. But like any relationship, unrealistic expectations, especially early on, can derail what 'might have been.' In reality, it takes time as well as a shared level of commitment, trust and patience to build a truly successful relationship between mentor and mentee.
If you have recently started a mentor/mentee relationship (or even if your existing relationship hasn't really taken off), having the right mindset and establishing clear expectations can go a long way in helping to set you up for shared success over the long term.
Here are some simple yet meaningful questions to ask yourself and then discuss with each other at your first (or next!) meeting. Being honest here is key!
Having the right mindset
How open am I to other points of view? While it may sound trite, it is important for both mentor and mentee to do some real self-evaluation here. Ask yourself . . .
- Can I respect and learn from this person?
- Am I willing to be open-minded and empathetic?
- Can I listen deeply first before giving my opinion?
- How well do I handle giving or receiving criticism?
While all want to be good at these things, it isn't always easy or natural. Be patient with yourself as well as with your mentor/mentee. Explain to each other where your sensitivities or challenges exist here so you can work together to find the right balance.
Establishing Expectations
What do I want and what can I give to this relationship? Think about this in terms of your long-term goals as well as from a more practical 'daily reality' point of view.
- If you are a mentee: How do you imagine a mentor can help or support you? Are you looking for guidance on bigger strategic career decisions or more of a 'second opinion' when you run into tough situations or just someone to call on for advice about the more practical aspects of your role as you take on more responsibilities? How comfortable are you with revealing your vulnerabilities and concerns? How do you anticipate you will want to connect with your mentor? Regular schedule meetings or check in's or ad hoc 'as needed' reach outs?
- If you are a mentor: How do you feel you will best be able to help and support a mentee? Where are you most comfortable helping others? How much time and attention can you give your mentee? How would you like to communicate and interact?
Congratulations if you have opened yourself up to starting a mentoring relationship. Be honest, be patient and together you are well on the road to success.
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PWCC Past President and Mentorship Co-Chair
Alyssa Burns (pictured with her class) was asked to be an Adjunct Professor at Loyola University Chicago for the Department of Communications. She is teaching an Advertising/Integrated Marketing Communications class, and is thoroughly enjoying the freshmen/sophomores/juniors and graduate student in her class!
PWCC Membership Co-Chair
Becca Berkenstadt
launched Chicago Visitor's Guide (CVG), which is geared toward millennial women who want to be in the know about the latest restaurants, music, comedy, art, fashion, fitness and fun in the Chicago area. Becca has included other PWCC members in this venture, including
Alyssa Burns
as Editor-at-Large/Contributing Editor,
Cécile Pochet
as the "resident French specialist," and
Sonnet Corkery,
a new member, who will be contributing stories focusing on her passion for dessert.
Of the publication Becca said, "Our main audience is mostly women between the ages of 25-40 who are increasingly marrying and having children later and focusing on travel and exploration before retirement. They want to experience the world while they are young, have time, and discretionary income."
"I would like to feature more women-owned Chicago businesses to profile and encourage PWCC members to contact me to explore ways CBG can feature their businesses. To discuss promotion opportunities, members should Alyssa at
editor@chicagovisitorsguide.com."
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Calling all PWCC Members!
Do you have some news to share? Do you have a recent accomplishment that you'd like to highlight? Submit your professional or personal news to
admin@pwcc.org for consideration in an upcoming newsletter. It's a great way to share your accomplishments and continue to build and grow your PWCC Connections.
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PWCC's Spring Social and Membership Drive
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Spring Social/Membership Drive
Wednesday, April 25, 2018
Germania Place/Kenmare Catering | 108 West Germania Place, Chicago
$50/$60 (non-member) until March 25 | $55/$65 after March 25th
Sponsorship Opportunities Available - Register
Here
 Join us for our yearly Spring Social and Membership Drive. This yearly networking event celebrates PWCC membership and offers current and prospective members a chance to mingle and have fun in a beautiful and relaxed venue that is very special to Chicago.
This year's event will take place at Germania Place, one of the truly exceptional venues in Chicago. Set in the heart of Chicago's Gold Coast - just North of Division near Clark Street - this National Registry Historic Building, designed in 1888 by the architectural firm Addison & Fielder, endures as one of Chicago's most famous and important landmark buildings.
Come out for a great evening of entertainment, camaraderie and the best networking in Chicago.
Contribute a raffle item for our Spring Social! One of the highlights of our Annual Spring Social is our Raffle Drawing. Create some extra visibility for yourself or your company by contributing a raffle item.
Download a contribution form here.
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Upcoming Events!
Grow Your Contacts | Spring Progressive Luncheon
Wednesday, April 11, 2018
Union League Club of Chicago
$40 members/$70 non-members
Register here
Annual Spring Social/Membership Drive
Wednesday, April 25, 2018
Germania Place/Kenmare Catering
$50/$60 (Early Bird until March 25th) $55/$65 after
Register here
See all upcoming events
here.
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Connections & Conversations
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All First Timers, Experienced Members and Guests are Welcome.
Join us at 11am, prior to every luncheon at the Union League Club, to learn about the Professional Women's Club of Chicago and membership engagement. Ask questions, participate in discussions about PWCC, and network during this brief, 30-minute meeting.
Our next Connections & Conversations Event is on Wednesday, March 14 at 11am
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Please join PWCC in welcoming these new members who joined during February 2018:
Barbara
Byster, Alta Search Group, LLC
Danielle
Coleman, Chicago Sky
Shannon
Filip, Heartland Payment Systems
Alexandra
Kocoj, SoMe Connect
Rachel
Kowalczyk, Mariner
Jennifer
Kozy, Le Pain Quotidien
Judy
McNiff
Kristin
Nieter, Arbonne International
Elizabeth
Wade, Twisted Roots Chicago - Beth Wade, LMT
Natalie
Williams, Chicago Sky
Maggie
Wood, Kehoe Designs
Debbie
Zaller
New Members:
Be sure to look for our New Member Ambassadors with their Red Ribbons affixed to their nametags at our next luncheon. The Ambassadors are keen to help you feel welcome, comfortable, and introduce you to opportunities available within PWCC.
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All reservations for the monthly luncheons are requested
no later than 5:00 p.m. the Friday before the luncheon.
Anyone reserving after Friday, February 9th, at 5:00 p.m. is subject to a $10 late charge and seating availability.
Please help PWCC and the Union League Club make the monthly luncheon experience a great one and reserve on time and observe their dress code policy.
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