The Waco Local Chapter held a professional networking meeting on August 15th at the Spherion/Conference Center, located at 334 Towne Oaks, where members and guests enjoyed a delicious, catered lunch from Jason's Deli. All attendees had the opportunity to meet and greet newcomers and members, welcome new Board members, and hear from three guest speakers.
Waco Local Chapter President Sandra Kennedy introduced the Chapter's newly formed Board that includes herself; Carol Ringwald, Vice President; and Vicky Smith, Secretary/Historian.
Sandra informed the group that two positions were still open, that of Event Planner, who would be responsible for planning each meeting, including ordering lunches, and planning and coordinating other events that the group decides to hold, and Treasurer. Member Diane Castello, who was one of the evenings's featured speakers, volunteered on the spot for the position of Treasurer.
As Treasurer, Diane will oversee the Waco Chapter funds. All attendees agreed Diane would be an excellent addition to the Chapter Board and elected her to the position of Chapter Treasurer.
"The group was in favor and we made it official!" said Sandra. "Diane was one of our guest speakers, donated two gift certificates, and became our Treasurer after experiencing our group for the very first time!"
After Sandra invited several new attendees to each share a 30-second self-introduction each, she introduced the three guest speakers and invited them to share with the group information about themselves and their work. The speakers were Pam Mohundro, Executive Director of Christian Women's Job Corp of Waco (CWJC); Diane Costello, Waco Owner of Painting with a Twist; and Destiny DeLillo, Executive Director (Central Texas) of Susan G. Komen Foundation.
"Everyone was engaged and delighted to learn more from these impressive women and their organizations," said Sandra.
Pam shared how CWJC provides educational opportunities for women in crisis situations who need to earn a GED and learn life, interviewing, and workplace skills. The organization also partners with Second Chance as they give women vouchers for clothing. Pam requested that anyone with donations to please give to Second Chance and let them know they are donating on behalf of CWJC. One of CWJC's major fundraisers is the Baskets of Hope that will be held in
October. She urged everyone to attend and told the women that if anyone wants to donate a basket, to please contact her.
"CWJC is an important charity doing outstanding work to help woman in our community grow and advance professionally," said Sandra.
Diane explained to members and guests how she has a day job with American Bank and now has opened her Painting with a Twist shop, where she works evenings and weekends. She shared how she had a bout with cancer and beat it, then decided to do what she loves. Diane enjoys painting with people to see them smile when they realize they can create a work of art on their own. She noted that anyone can register online for classes or to donate to specific causes, as she often hosts classes for charitable organizations.
"Everyone seemed to be greatly moved by Diane's personal strength to beat cancer, and her commitment to do what she loves and with people she cares about," noted Sandra.
Destiny talked about how the Susan G. Komen Foundation provides funds for free mammograms for women through their major fundraiser, Race for the Cure. She told members and guests that the organization is very busy during the rest of the year as well, providing health care in smaller communities throughout McLennan County.
"Destiny's professionalism and passion for what she does truly impressed everyone in the room," said Sandra.
The Chapter President next led a discussion about meeting days and times for future events. The group agreed the second Wednesday of each month works well for everyone and the current time of noon to 1:30pm is a good time to meet.
Sandra urged anyone who wants to suggest future speakers, topics, and other group partnerships to please let the group know and encouraged everyone to give some thought to these items. Also at the meeting, five door prizes were awarded: Kristi Morgan and Karen Tanner each received a Painting with a Twist gift certificate women's jackets ; Patsy Brooks won an Inspire Motivation Picture and Wind Chimes; an inspirational book, If Only I Knew and scented candles went to Vicky Smith; and Diane Castello was the lucky winner of a wine carrier gift bag of goodies that was donated by Spherion.
Diane Castello, the Chapter's new Treasurer, graciously offered to host the next networking meeting at her shop, Painting with a Twist, located at 1617 N. Valley Mills Drive. The meeting will be held on Wednesday, September 19th from noon to 1:30pm. Pizza will be ordered and a price per head will not exceed $5 each. Sandra will provide beverages and desserts at no cost to attendees. More details to follow in next month's online invitations.
"We'd like to extend our thanks to Diane for volunteering her place for the next upcoming meeting. I encourage everyone to invite at least one person to the next meeting and don't forget to bring recommendations for future events, speakers, and charities we want to learn more about," said Sandra.
The National Association of Professional Women (NAPW) is the largest and most recognized network of female professionals. NAPW provides a forum where women can interact, exchange ideas, educate, network, and empower. NAPW Local Chapters allow members to maximize their experience through meetings, networking opportunities, and professional events.
For additional information regarding the NAPW Waco Local Chapter and/or NAPW, please visit http://www.napw.com.
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