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Women’s professional networks offer a range of benefits that contribute to the personal and professional development of women in various industries. Most typically, these organizations offer networking opportunities, mentorship programs, skill development workshops, and a platform for discussion and collaboration. In addition to this, women’s professional organizations work to empower women in their careers, often engaging in advocacy efforts to address challenges that women face in the workplace. Here are some great women’s professional networks to check out.
Originally known as Women in Technology International, WITI was founded in 1989. The organization aims to help women realize their career potential through virtual events, coaching, professional development workshops, and certification programs. In 2023, WITI merged with Criterion Research and changed its name to Workforce, Innovation, Trust, and Influence. As of the present WITI has more than 70 networks worldwide, and over 200,000 professional members.
The Society of Women Engineers
The Society of Women Engineers (SWE) was founded more than 70 years ago, and its mission is to promote gender equality in engineering and technology. The organization operates on a series of core values: integrity, an inclusive environment, mutual support, professional excellence, and trust. The SWE offers a number of benefits, including training and professional development programs, networking events, scholarships, and outreach and advocacy activities.
Women in Aerospace (WIA) was founded in 1985 as a means to attract women to the aerospace sector and provide them with career development and advancement opportunities. The WIA regularly holds professional development events that cover topics such as “Strategies for Salary Negotiation” and “The Power of Networking.” As of the present, the WIA consists of over 2,000 individual members representing 250 companies.
After being denied entry into an existing professional organization, a group of Wall Street women decided to take it upon themselves to create their own forum where women in finance could share knowledge and receive career support and guidance. For nearly 70 years, the Financial Women’s Association (FWA) has awarded scholarships, provided mentorship, and opened the door to new opportunities for women in finance. Most recently, the FWA welcomed its first Black President, Hermina ‘Nina’ Batson in 2021.
Association of Women Business Centers
The Association of Women Business Centers (AWBC) was founded in 1998. The organization offers training, career development support, mentorship programs, and financing opportunities to more than 150,000 women entrepreneurs every year, and it currently supports a network of over 100 women’s business centers (WBC) in the United States. The AWBC has recently partnered with Verizon to create Verizon Small Business Ready, a program that provides small business owners with personalized content, coaching, and networking opportunities.
Sandra Yancey founded eWomenNetwork in 2000 and since that time, the organization has grown to become one of the largest and most recognized business network associations in the United States. eWomenNetwork encompasses a variety of industries including business, sports, and entertainment, and offers its members access to career coaches, speaker events, and professional training. The organization’s mission is to create a “success system” for women entrepreneurs by providing them with networking opportunities and professional resources, among other benefits.
The American Business Women’s Association
The American Business Women’s Association (ABWA) was founded in 1949 by Shirley Cupp, Irma Beisel, and Frances Stuckey. At the time, the idea of women working in full-time careers was unheard of, and the ABWA sought to provide women with a platform with which to build their careers and achieve financial independence. The ABWA hosts more than 5,000 networking events each year, and partners with several key organizations that help to make a positive impact on the lives of professional women.
In the early 1950s, American Women in Radio and Television was founded. The organization flourished, establishing an annual award program that later became known as The Gracies. In 2010, its name was changed to the Alliance for Women in Media (AWM) to better reflect its commitment to all professional women in media. The organization provides support and guidance through professional development and recognition events, and creates a platform for women to expand their networks, share ideas, and receive professional training.
Whether you’re a student, a young professional, or a career veteran, having a solid professional network is extremely important. Women’s professional networks play a crucial role in advocating for positive change in the workplace, while also fostering career growth and building a supportive community that encourages personal and professional success.
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