April Ready to Work

This session includes an encouragement network hour led by Ardell Fleeson followed by a job search skills practicum. Workforce Development Committee Chair Phyllis Kolmus will facilitate.

Ardell Fleeson, Managing Director, Business Development, Human Capital Advisors LLC, will lead a session of tips, observations, realities, good news, and food for thought for the job seeker. Guest speakers, those with expertise in the job search and human resources areas and those who have recently found work will also address the group. Participants will have the opportunity to share recent challenges and victories.

Speaker: Ardell Fleeson, Managing Director, Business Development, Human Capital Advisors LLC

Pre-registration for this event will close at noon the day before. Onsite registration will be accepted at the event on a space-available basis. The WIT office must be notified of cancellation 48 hours in advance of the event. No shows will be charged. Log in to register online.

Workforce Development SIG — Creating Relationships to Empower Your Success This event has been postponed due to facilitator illness. Please watch for a new date!

Executive Women's SIG — Let's Celebrate the Spring — Networking Event

By popular demand we are going back to the Irish Inn at Glen Echo!

Please join the Executive Women's SIG networking event after a long winter. Let's get together and catch up with old friends and meet new colleagues. A variety of interesting appetizers and beverages will be provided.

Pre-registration for this event will close on Wednesday, April 2 at 12:00 pm. Onsite registration will be accepted at the event for an additional $10 fee. The WIT office must be notified of cancellation no later than 48 business hours in advance of the event. No shows will be charged.

Marketing to Government: How to Develop and Maintain Momentum

The uniqueness of the government market dictates a deep understanding of government missions, and the building and nurturing of trusted relationships in order to successfully market and sell to this critical segment. This panel discussion will address major trends and drivers affecting government buying behavior; how to follow the money; how to map offerings to government priorities and solutions; and how to develop necessary partnering strategies, especially when targeting cross-government and cross-agency specific projects.

Speakers:

Teresa Bozzelli, COO and Managing Director, Government Insights
Mark Meudt, Vice President Communications & Marketing, General Dynamics IT
Martha Lloyd, Principal Consultant, Strategic Pathways, Inc.

Pre-registration for this event will close on Monday, April 7 at 3:00 pm. The WIT office must be notified of cancellation no later than 48 business hours in advance of the event. No shows will be charged.

Second Annual Women Business Owners' Conference: Strategies for Corporate Growth

The WBO is pleased to announce the Second Annual "Strategies for Corporate Growth" conference. The 2007 event was very well attended and we expect the 2008 conference to be even bigger!

Please join us for an afternoon of networking, professional development and sharing of tips and techniques as we present a topic-rich afternoon, including such topics as:

• Hiring for Impact: 1099 vs. W2 employees
• Marketing considerations and must-haves
• Executive mental fitness: becoming mentally prepared for extraordinary performance

There will also be a networking session to wrap up the conference featuring great conversation, appetizers and an open bar.

Topics and Speakers:

Hiring for Impact: 1099 vs. W2 Employees
Kathy Albarado, President & CEO, Helios HR

Marketing Considerations and Must–Haves
Kelly Harman, CEO, Zephyr Strategy
Kathryn McGeehan, CEO, Market Wise

Executive Mental Fitness: Becoming Mentally Prepared for Extraordinary Performance
Harvey Goldberg, Vistage Chair

This is a WBO members-only event. Pre-registration for this event will close at noon the day before. Onsite registration will be accepted at the event for $80. The WIT office must be notified of cancellation no later than 48 business hours in advance of the event. No shows will be charged.

WIT New & Prospective Member Orientation

WIT is holding a New and Prospective Member Reception prior to the April WIT.Connect.

This meeting is targeted to:

• All new members who have joined.
• Other members who have never attended a new member orientation.
• Anyone who is considering joining WIT and would like learn more about our organization (feel free to bring a friend!).

The focus will be on introducing you to the variety of programs, events, and resources WIT has to offer. Leaders from WIT committees will be on hand to detail upcoming events and ways you can get involved. Many members find that committee and special interest group (SIG) membership is an excellent way to meet people and develop their careers.

Feel free to pass this invitation on to any of your friends or co-workers who may also be interested in WIT.

Agenda:

5:00 – 5:30 pm – Networking with WIT SIGs and Committee representatives to learn about their activities and how you can get involved.
5:30 – 5:45 pm – Brief presentation on what WIT has to offer and introduction of Board of Directors
5:45 – 6:00 pm – Continued networking
6:00 pm – Break for WIT.Connect (Registration required for WIT.Connect)

* PLEASE NOTE: There is no charge for attending the orientation, but if you wish to stay for the event afterwards you will need to register for both events. The cost for WIT.Connect is $35 for members, $55 non-members, plus a $10 fee for on-site registrations. Pre-registration closes at noon, April 16.

WIT.Connect: Networking — It’s More Than Working the Room

"Successful leaders have a nose for opportunity and a knack for knowing whom to tap to get things done. These qualities depend on a set of strategic networking skills that non leaders rarely possess."

The value of networking to your career cannot be understated. Networking is a core skill and key business tool.

Gwen Rhys, the UK’s leading networking expert, will conduct a networking exercise during our cocktail time and teach us how to use techniques she has introduced through her consulting business to develop strategic networking skills. Gwen’s clients include leading global financial, pharmaceutical and retail organizations as well as leading educational institutions.

Join this high-energy, interactive seminar delivered by one of the most refreshing, exciting and contagious facilitators in the business. Whether you're a novice networker, a reluctant networker or a seasoned networker you'll leave this session with renewed confidence, energy, and enthusiasm for making the most of your connections.

By the time the evening is over you will:

• Understand why some people are smarter networkers than others.
• Discover the five key characteristics of effective networkers.
• Gain invaluable tips and tools you can use immediately.
• Boost your strategic networking skills.
• Maximize your career and business opportunities.

Speaker: Gwen Rhys

For more information visit www.gwenrhys.com and www.citywomen.co.uk.

Pre-registration for this event will close at noon the day before. Onsite registration will be accepted at the event for an additional $10 fee. The WIT office must be notified of cancellation no later than 48 business hours in advance of the event. No shows will be charged. In case of inclement weather, WIT follows the Federal government for closures and program cancellations. Go to http://www.opm.gov/status/ for the latest status update.

Meet the Company : SiloSmashers

WIT’s Meet the Company Series provides an intimate setting to facilitate the relationship between WIT members and large technology companies that have significant presence in the DC Metro area. This Series is designed to provide WIT members with potential career opportunities and a general understanding of companies’ businesses, strategies, and culture.

As a leading management and IT consulting firm, SiloSmashers serves as a trusted advisor andsolutions partner to a diverse range of government, business and not-for-profit organizations.

Applying proven expertise and methodologies, we help our customers to align and mobilize every aspect of their operations, strengths and resources to achieve Peak Performance® and increased business value—today and through the years ahead.

Lunch Bunch — Meet the Board

Click here for an event flyer.

Meet the WIT Board Members: Learn their secrets to success

Join us to meet our Board members and hear firsthand how they navigated their organizations and challenges for great success. Each Board member will share their primary secret to success. Our leaders and a dynamic and interesting bunch of ladies in a variety of businesses ranging from Fortune 500, Systems Integrators, Government Agencies and Small Businesses.

After initial comments from each panelist, we will lead a Q&A format. This is sure to be an interesting event.

Pre-registration for this event will close on Friday, April 18 at 3:00 pm. Onsite registration will be accepted at the event for an additional $10 fee. The WIT office must recieve notice of cancellation no later than 48 business hours in advance of the event. No shows will be charged.

Ninth Annual Leadership Awards

Save the date!

This annual event honors the women in greater Washington who exemplify the WIT values of "Connect. Lead. Succeed." in their professional endeavors. This dinner celebrates finalists in the following categories:

• Corporate
• Entrepreneur
• Government
• Rising Star
• WIT Champion
• Lifetime Achievement Award

Don't miss out on your chance to support women in the Washington DC area who create success for others. We're looking forward to seeing you there.

Sponsorship opportunities are still available. Contact Ellen Quinn at 240-606-2814.

Partner with SAP to support Fisher House — Deadline April 15

Women in Government would like to make WIT members aware of a unique opportunity to partner with SAP, one of WIT's corporate sponsors, to support the Fisher House.

Fisher House is “a home away from home” (much like a "Ronald McDonald" house) for families of patients receiving medical care at major military and VA medical centers. Wounded soldiers and their families can stay at no charge during their often extended recoveries. The homes are normally located within walking distance of the treatment facility or have transportation available. There are 38 Fisher Houses located on 18 military installations and nine VA medical centers. Five more are under construction or in design or planning.

SAP as a company and as individual employees have been supporting the Fisher House in its effort to comfort our Warfighters and their families for many years. This year the goal is to raise $750,000 for this cause. SAP is asking for donations in the form of $25.00 gift cards (or more!) from just about any merchant, chain restaurant, and/or other similar sources. Please send these gift cards or donations to

Sara Younger
c/o SAP
1300 Pennsylvania AV NW
Washington DC 20004
202-312-3925
sara.younger@sap.com

The deadline is April 15. Please mention you are a WIT member when you send your donation.

Accepting Applications for the Mentor-Protégé Program XXI

We are currently accepting applications for new protégés in the Mentor-Protégé Program XXI. Full details are on the WIT web site. Applications are due by April 15 and the Orientation will take place on Tuesday evening, June 10 with monthly sessions continuing through November. Thirty protégés are accepted into this cornerstone WIT program. If you are seeking to expand your horizons, learn from other successful women, and re-energize your career, this is the program for you. Women interested in participating as a protégé can apply via the web. New mentors can also apply on this same link.

The annual WIT Leadership Awards gala recognizes women who have demonstrated leadership in the local technology industry. We are currently recruiting committee members to help plan the 2008 event. If you are interested in learning more, please contact Marcie Cheney at mcheney@citizant.com.

Heroines in Technology Call for Volunteers

The March of Dimes and Women in Technology are issuing a call for volunteers interested in serving on a planning committee for Heroines in Technology. Since 2001, March of Dimes and Women in Technology have partnered to present Heroines in Technology, a black-tie gala to recognize and honor women in the field of technology for their dedication to community service. Heroines in Technology will take place on Friday, November 14, 2008 at the Hyatt Regency Reston in Reston Town Center. This event includes a cocktail reception, dinner, live band, dancing and fabulous silent and live auctions. Proceeds from Heroines in Technology benefit the March of Dimes mission to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects, premature birth and infant mortality.

This year's event chairs are Gayle Sweeney of North Highland and Sandy Scearce of Grant Thornton. If you are interested in serving on a planning committee, please email the following information to Tina Solomita at csolomita@marchofdimes.com. The planning committees will begin meeting in April or May and will meet monthly until the event. Thank you for your interest!

• Committee of Interest (Sponsorship & Table Sales, Auction, Communications or Nominations)
• Name, title and company
• Mailing address, email address and phone number

Women in Technology Education Foundation (WITEF) Chair
Volunteer Position Announcement

The WITEF Chair will be an accomplished foundation leader with a passion for technology and the drive to educate and encourage girls to excel in science and technology. The candidate will also have obvious enthusiasm and a high degree of motivation for taking the fundraising efforts of the foundation to the next level as the senior executive. The candidate will have proven experience and skills in fundraising, communications, marketing, and financial management. As a dynamic communicator both internally and externally, the candidate must demonstrate a keen ability to articulate a vision for the Foundation to a diverse array of audiences and a track record of influencing others to action. Prior success in fundraising for major gifts, corporate sponsors, capital campaigns, or large foundation grants is preferred. An understanding of business principles applied to a nonprofit organization, particularly a background of revenue enhancement and good budget management is also necessary.

Reports to: WITEF Board of Directors and WIT President

Major responsibilities:

• Lead and manage the Foundation in accordance with the Bylaws of the organization including presiding over the Board of Directors.
• Establish and maintain the Foundation mission, vision, and target funding profile.
• Set financial targets for fundraising and devise plans to achieve them.
• Solicit and/or develop programs that educate and encourage girls in technology fields.
• Develop new funding opportunities and/or income-generating initiatives.
• Serve as primary spokesperson for the Foundation; design and implement marketing and PR programs that enhance fundraising efforts.
• Develop and operate within an annual budget; ensure that all funds of the Foundation are appropriately safeguarded and administered. Arrange for an independent annual audit.
• Assure the fiscal solvency of the Foundation through earned income or other funding as appropriate, including but not limited to grants, donations, and other sources.
• Identify and attract appropriate candidates for the WITEF Board; actively participate in succession planning.
• Demonstrate knowledge of issues of diversity and their effect in the workplace.

Contact staff@womenintechnology.org to express interest or for more information.

New WIT.Word Column: Sponsors in the Spotlight

Are you a WIT Sponsor? Do you have news you'd like to share with other WIT Members? Send text for consideration (75 – 100 words max) to joannelozarglenn@verizon.net. WIT reserves the right to edit submissions for length and in accordance with WIT in-house editorial style.

Call for WIT.Word Volunteers!
 
WIT.Word needs you!  Volunteers are needed to be reporters, writers, and graphic web designers! Volunteers for these positions should be self-starters who are able to adhere to deadlines. Workload would generally be light depending on how many volunteers respond to our call for help.  
 
We welcome reporters/writers with previous experience, as well
as those willing to learn. General assignments that might be assigned to reporters/writers include profiles of executive women in technology, interviews with technology leaders, coverage of WIT events, and feature articles. Graphic web designers need to have a working knowledge of Dreamweaver or equivalent HTML editing package and will assist in the layout and design of the WIT.Word issues. (Template already exists.)
 
If you're interested in being a volunteer for WIT.Word please contact
Le-Marie V.J. Thompson or call 301-452-2258.

Share a Little WIT.Wisdom and Enter to Win!

What clients, connections, contracts, or career advancements have you gained from your involvement in WIT?

Share a story, anecdote, or just a few thoughts about how your participation in WIT has been of value to your business, career, company, or philanthropy goals by sending a brief email to Women in Technology (put WIT.Wisdom in the header), or filling out a WIT Testimonial Card at one of our monthly programs.

We will read one of the submitted stories at an upcoming WIT.Connect. The author will receive a free certificate redeemable for an upcoming WIT program.

Help us voice the benefit of our organization — share your WIT experience, and we'll share in celebrating your success!

Members on the Move — WIT.Word

Changed jobs? Received a promotion? Know someone who deserves recognition for a recent career move? Let your fellow WIT members know about it! Send a brief description to Joanne Lozar Glenn for inclusion in the "Members on the Move" column in the next WIT.Word newsletter.

Add WIT to Your Address Book

Don't miss an issue of WIT.Wire! Make sure to add staff@womenintechnology.org to your email address book to ensure that all WIT emails come right to your inbox. If you do not wish to receive future emails from WIT, respond to this message with Unsubscribe in the subject line. Your request will be processed within 10 days after receiving the request. To subscribe to WIT emails, respond to this message with Subscribe in the subject line.