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.

Creating Relationships to Empower Your Success

Where do successful professionals go for advice and ideas that help them get ahead?

They consult a wide range of trusted advisors and mentors for insight, perspective and plain-old practical advice.

This is an interactive workshop on how to create and maintain a variety of effective advisory relationships to put you on the inside track.

• Increase your knowledge of the benefits from effective mentoring relationships
• Gain a clear understanding of how to identify beneficial mentors
• Learn to effectively develop and implement a personal mentoring plan
• Recognize how to match the needs of your career plan with the appropriate type of mentor
• Learn to successfully choose specific mentors who will provide a helping hand in your career

Speaker: Patricia A. Crew, MA, LCPC, NBCC, Master Career Counselor, Comprehensive Career Counseling

This is the second event in a two-part series. Registration is available for the second part at $25 for members and $35 for non-members.

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.

Call for Nominations for the 2008-2009 WIT Board of Directors

Nominations are now open for the 2008-2009 WIT Board of Directors. For a list of open positions, as well as for the application materials, please visit the About WIT page of our website.

WIT Member Ann-Marie Triolo assumes new role as Associate Director — Corporate Strategy, AT&T

Congratulations to WIT Member Ann-Marie Triolo as she steps into her new position as Associate Director, Corporate Strategy for AT&T. The position takes Ann-Marie to corporate Headquarters in San Antonio.

Mike Jeffrey, Executive Director, made the announcement: In her new role, Ann-Marie will be conducting research and analysis on priorities determined by Corporate Leadership that could include Mobility, Consumer, Media and Entertainment, Business and International. Ann-Marie brings over nine years of company experience spanning Enterprise Business, Strategic Partnerships & Alliances, Market & Partner Development and AT&T Government Solutions (AGS) Channel Development into the corporate strategy role. Her most recent experience at AGS leading the Channel Management and Inside Sales team along with the experience from her prior positions will make her invaluable to her new organization that has been mainly focused on Consumer and Mobility. Ann-Marie has been a wonderful asset to AGS helping improve our relationships with Federal Systems Integrators and Strategic Suppliers with a focus on the generation of new revenue. The effective date was April 1 and Ann Marie's last day in the office was March 28. She will be missed.

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.