Are you an established, successful woman looking to give back to her community? Or, are you an entrepreneur struggling to set up a new business, or a working mom looking for support and encouragement? You don’t have to go it alone. There are several organizations in Williamson County where you can find the best professional and personal solutions from other women just like you.
100+ WOMEN WHO CARE
Making a difference in their communities
For women who want to give back
Nashville and Williamson County
Linda Staffen moved to Nashville two years ago. As a member of 100+ Women Who Care in her native Knoxville, starting a chapter in her new hometown was a priority. With the help of Leigh Bawcom and Diane Adcock, the first meeting in Williamson County was held in February of 2019. Members are asked to make a commitment to donate $100 per quarter. They don’t have to be present for the quarterly meetings - they are broadcast online, and proxy voting is available. “We call it 100 women, one hour, 10,000 dollars, it’s that simple,” said Linda. “So, four times a year, you have a part in making an impact in the community of 40,000 a year with your $400.” Members can nominate a local non-profit that serves Williamson County. All nominations are put in a pool, and every quarter three are selected to give a 10-minute presentation, followed by a
3 – 4-minute question and answer session. By the end of the meeting, members cast a vote and the winner is announced. Thus far, 100+ Women Who Care of Williamson County has donated $40,000 to four non-profits: Bridges Domestic Violence, Gilda’s Club Middle Tennessee, The Center for Living and Learning, Nurses for Newborns, and Healing Housing. “We are currently at 112 members and would love to grow and help launch any additional chapters across middle Tennessee.” To become a member, or to find out about starting your own chapter, go to https://www.100womenwilco.com/.
LADY LIKE LEADERS
Problem solving for business owners
For women who want to overcome hurdles
Nashville and surrounding communities
Lady Like Leaders offers women solutions to common professional challenges. Founder Diane Michel Canada believes in getting to the root of problems, not just putting a band aid on them. Her symposiums focus on bringing women together for a whole day in what she calls “enchanted settings.” She said that since women are visual, she believes they’re more relaxed and more comfortable engaging in these types of settings.
“One of the things I also did this year in order to reach a lot more women is to launch the Tennessee Entrepreneur Initiative. And, because of what’s going on right now with the coronavirus, we just opened it up to all entrepreneurs at no charge. Women can get some real-world help, live support, and access to an online platform. So when they hit barriers in their businesses, they can log in and get assistance right away.”
To find out more about what Diane is doing, go to https://www.ladylikeleaders.com/ and https://www.tennesseeentrepreneurinitiative.com/.
WORD OF MOUTH ENTREPRENEURIAL NETWORKERS (W.O.M.E.N)
Networking
For women to connect
Multiple chapters around Tennessee
Word of Mouth Entrepreneurial Networkers (W.O.M.E.N) was founded by April Consulo and Sue Apple. What began with nine members seven years ago has now grown to over 3000. “The biggest thing we offer is emotional support,” said April. “The second thing we do is try to use our resources and connections to help others connect with those who might be able to help them.” With Sue’s corporate and entrepreneurial experience and with April’s background in music, politics and real estate, they have plenty of connections. Helping with resources is the core of what they do, and their motto is “Educate, Elevate and Celebrate.” “We want women to take the dream off the shelf, to stop thinking it’s crazy, and to be around other women that don’t think it’s crazy either,” said April. “The most powerful advertising in the world is word of mouth - it’s cost effective and the most flattering.”
To find out more, go to https://wordofmouthen.com/.
WOMEN IN BUSINESS
Networking and development
For women who want to succeed
Williamson County
Women in Business allows women to network with other women and develop their professional and personal growth. Each year, it holds three professional development luncheons, two networking mixers, and a signature event – Women’s Leadership Conference. “I wanted to meet new people and help further my personal and professional development,” said Paige Thompson. “I have met so many amazing women at Women in Business. I’m extremely honored and excited to be the Women in Business chair this year.” Women in Business is a benefit of Williamson, Inc. membership, with no additional fee. Other guests are welcome to attend at the non-member rate. To find out when and where these Women in Business events will take place, please visit the event calendar at williamsonchamber.com.