Seventh Event of 2010 for Women of the World

Make sure to come to this riveting and informative event:

“Violence Against Women – Shout it Out & Stop it Now”

Wednesday, July 21, 2010
8:00 am – 9:30 am
Mid-America Club

An expert panel moderated by Noeleen McGrath of McGrath Communications:

Cheryl Jefferson – Author, “Use Your Anger: A Woman’s Guide to Empowerment”
Dr. Elif Oker – Medical Director, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois
Beth Fawver McCormack - Attorney, Kamerlink, Stark, McCormack & Powers
Cindy Wolfson - National Board Member NCJW - Silent Witness Initiative in Illinois

Violence against women is not just “fodder for TV cop shows” - it's a disturbing fact of life locally & globally. In addition to being a law enforcement issue, it is also a major health care concern. Each year countless lives are lost or changed forever by it. We will have the opportunity to hear from the legal, cultural & medical experts on this topic. We will also have the unique opportunity to view the “Silent Witness” life-size silhouettes honoring Illinois women who died in 1994 as the result of domestic violence.

The Zacharias Center Promotes Women Empowerment with Luncheon

8th Annual
WOMEN HELPING WOMEN
Benefit Luncheon
Friday, June 11
The Zacharias Center
Gurnee, IL


“Women hold up half the sky” - Chinese proverb
The best way to fight poverty and extremism is to educate and empower women and girls.

Pulitzer Prize winner Sheryl WuDunn is the keynote speaker at this important fundraising luncheon. She will be leading the attendees through “a journey through Africa and Asia to meet an extraordinary array of women struggling under profoundly dire circumstances—and an equally astonishing group that have triumphed.” She and her husband, Nicholas Kristof, created the nonfiction best seller Half the Sky. It has been touted throughout the world as a groundbreaking work of literature, which addresses the issues of women marginalized by their gender. WuDunn points out that it is the time for women to step away from oppression and seize the respect and equality they deserve. In fact, WuDunn herself is paving the path for women as a prominent businesswoman, outstanding journalist and author, and the first Asian American to win a Pulitzer Prize.

“Their insight into gender issues and the role of women in development inspires hope, optimism, and most importantly, the will to change. Both a brutal awakening and an unmistakable call to action, this book should be read by all.” Melinda Gates

“Half the Sky is a passionate and persuasive plea to all of us to rise up and say ‘No more!’ to the 17th-century abuses to girls and women in the 21st-century world. This is a book that will pierce your heart and arouse your conscience. It is a powerful piece of journalism by two masters of the craft who are tireless in their pursuit of one of the most shameful conditions of our time.” Tom Brokaw

“I think it’s impossible to stand by and do nothing after reading Half the Sky. It does what we need most, it bears witness to the sheer cruelty that mankind can do to mankind.” George Clooney

“Women facing poverty, oppression, and violence are usually viewed as victims. Nicholas Kristof and Sheryl WuDunn’s Half the Sky shows that unimaginable challenges are often met with breathtaking bravery. These stories show us the power and resilience of women who would have every reason to give up but never do. They will be an inspiration for anyone who reads this book, and a model for those fighting for justice around the world.” Angelina Jolie

Women of the World supports the mission and vision of Half the Sky. “We hope you join an incipient movement to emancipate women and fight global poverty by unlocking women's power as economic catalysts. It is a process that transforms bubbly teenage girls from brothel slaves into successful businesswomen. You can help accelerate change if you'll just open your heart and join in.”

This luncheon is a benefit for the Zacharias Center, a sexual abuse center with the following mission: to provide a place where survivors of sexual assault and abuse can heal and mobilize the community toward action to end sexual violence. By attending this luncheon, not only with the attendees step away with a new look at the amazing potential of women worldwide, but they will be supporting an end to sexual violence and the much needed work of the Zacharias Center.

To buy tickets or gather further information about this event, visit the Zacharias Center online: http://www.zcenter.org/index.htm

Sixth event of 2010 for Women of the World

Join Women of the World for our next event- "Twitter While You Work"

Wednesday, June 16, 2010

8:00-9:30 AM

Mid-America Club

An expert panel moderated by Noeleen McGrath of McGrath Communications featuring:

Jeannie Walters – Founder, 360Connext.com
Keidra Chaney – Co-Founder & Analytics Specialist, The Web Farm
Jacqui Monieson – Founder, Gossip Genie

What is Twitter and why does it keep following me around? “Twitter has many uses for both personal and business use. It's a great way to keep in touch with your friends and quickly broadcast information about where you are and what you're up to. For example, "Nordstrom’s is having the best sale on shoes. Anyone like to join me?"

For business, Twitter can be used to broadcast your company's latest news and blog posts, interact with your customers, or to enable easy internal collaboration and group communication.” Thank you Twitternet, that was easy.

A Summit on Business Growth Worth Attending!

Women of the World supports our affiliate Women’s Leadership Exchange and their upcoming, cutting-edge Virtual Summit. Don’t miss the chance to learn from speakers Edie Weiner and Arianna Huffington about how to thrive in this economy and grow your business. There will also be a chance to network with others participating in the summit and a live Q&A session.

“A new way of doing business”

The Summit is on May 26th (and will be archived for 3 months) and is accessible from your computer - in streaming video. It includes networking lounge, exhibit hall, seminars and amazing speakers.
May 26th, 2010 at 12 PM EDT
Access from your computer!

Sign up here!
http://www.womensleadershipexchange.com/index.php?pagename=virtual

What is Your Personal Brand?

Do you make the people in your network look good by treating them with respect, rather than obligation and entitlement? Jason Jacobsohn, Director of Venture Development at Aegis Profession Service in Chicago, lists a variety of ways to “enhance your brand with class, ease & enjoyment.”

Accept hospitality from others
Smile when you enter a room
Give a firm handshake
Dress appropriately
Help others whenever you can

Recently I read an article that involved journalists discussing personal branding. Drew McClellan, Top Dog at McClellan Marketing Group, creates a great framework for sharing your brand with the world, using the analogy of a dandelion.

“Once you figure out what your personal brand is all about.... you hold it out to the world, like a dandelion. Sure...the wind will gently blow some of the seeds along, letting them land somewhere and take root. But...if you really want your personal brand to be spread far and near...you need other people. When someone holds a dandelion close to their mouth and gives a big blow.... those seeds go everywhere. What would make someone want to use some of his or her power and influence to help spread your personal brand? “

How do you determine the brand that suits you best, the one that fits like an Armani suit and FitFlop sandals? You follow the path that circles back to your mainframe – you embrace your purpose and passion. You are the brand from the moment you enter a conference, business after hours, breakfast, lunch, or tapas bar.

Drew gives 5 reasons why people might want to spread your personal brand:

Are you a Go-Giver? (Don’t miss this book that spells out the principles of “give to get”). If you share resources and information with others, they will deliver you to their network faster than a Domino’s pizza.

Are you Consistent and Reliable? People will never use one ounce of energy and space by introducing you to their world if you don’t honor your promises. No shows + appointment cancellations =bad karma.

Are you a Credible Resource? The current human currency is relevance and value. You must not only talk the talk, you must lay your tread on the runway and take ownership of the plane you pilot.

Are you Real? If you change your tune each time you find a new pulpit, you will NEVER have the opportunity for growth through relationships. People will consider you toxic exposure to their network.

Are you Grateful? I can’t say enough about this. Your attitude of gratitude goes a long way in work and in life. When you feel grateful and fail to express it, you are wrapping a present and not giving it. If you want others to introduce you and your brand to the world, make sure you are fully armed with a smile and meaningful thank you.

John F Kennedy captured its essence, “As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them.

Women of the World has a unique brand – we support and inspire women to achieve their full potential. We collaborate, share thought leadership, network and mentor with this vision: When women act locally and think globally, we can effect change. Women have the passion and purpose to make this world a safer place for children, family and communities, free from domestic violence locally & globally. We look forward to your involvement.

(This article by Donna Gutman- as seen in January's issue of Empower Women Publications)

Fifth Event of 2010 for Women of the World

What is personal branding? What makes a strong personal brand? How do I create one? Join us to learn about personal branding from an expert panel and put the wheels in motion!

“Your Personal Brand – It’s Who You Are”

This fascinating panel is moderated by Noeleen McGrath, McGrath Communications

Featuring:
Susan Fignar: President Pur*sue Inc
Ina Pickney: Chef & Owner “Ina’s”
Lennie Rose: CEO, Big Ooga

What is a Personal Brand? It is the essence of YOU. It is who you are, what you believe, what you put forth to others how you make other people feel. Gratitude, consistency, reliability & authenticity are key factors in conveying the real you. These experts will personally interact with you and help you discover your personal brand.

You can register for this event on the Women of the World website: http://womenwotw.org/events.php

Fostering Leadership at ATHENA

ATHENA International is a nonprofit organization with an important mission: supporting, developing and honoring women leaders. ATHENA hosted its Leadership Summit in Chicago earlier this month rolling out the Leadership Circle. Women of the World is a partner organization to ATHENA. The story begins with Martha Mertz (pictured right).

Martha Mertz founded ATHENA International in 1982 with the hope of providing women the opportunity to grow in leadership roles worldwide. As a prominent businesswoman, she found that women were often overlooked as influencers and rarely honored with awards in these positions. With passion and purpose, Martha shifted the landscape. She created panels of professionals, offering mentoring and training programs to women. Each year I am delighted to attend the Athena Leadership Summit in Chicago where women are not only awarded for their vision and skills, but I am inspired by the quality of passionate women both attendees and speakers who ignite creativity and foster collaboration. Martha eventually stepped aside from the Presidency in ATHENA, developing new Athena leadership and enabling her to promote ATHENA's message worldwide as the ATHENA ambassador. Martha remains a board member and active participant in the organization.

What makes Martha so inspirational? Not only did she found a major organization, but she created a space for women leaders to share, mentor, connect and be honored. Martha saw a gap between male and female leaders, sought to elevate those under-recognized women and create equal acknowledgment and appreciation for men and women.

Today, one of the cornerstones of ATHENA is the Leadership Model. Martha Mertz interviewed hundreds of ATHENA Award recipients and compiled their prominent traits and driving beliefs. The point of the model, Martha explains, is “to distill these distinctive ways of leading into a blueprint that aspiring leaders could follow.”
The ATHENA Leadership Model follows these eight tenets of leadership:
• Live authentically
• Learn constantly
• Advocate fiercely
• Act courageously
• Foster collaboration
• Build relationships
• Give back
• Celebrate

Women of the World applauds Martha for her support of women locally and globally. Thank you for your promotion, mentorship, and inspiration to other women. We know Martha’s book Becoming ATHENA: Eight Principles of Enlightened Leadership will serve as a stepping stone to implement your leadership skills. Go forth and inspire!