March 2022 - Celebrating Women's History Month
As Women’s History Month draws to a close, we want to celebrate all that has happened during the month of March for WID. In the spirit of our core value of Inclusion, Equity and Diversity, we delved into the top of ageism with our latest episode of Deconstructing Development, where the concept of consulting and entrepreneurship as an increasingly important entry point for women in the C-Suite came to light. What do you think? I’d love to hear your thoughts on this topic.
We also launched a special President’s Council series, Ladies Lunch and Learn, with a captivating conversation on the remote job search process with Carmel Napolitano, longtime friend of WID and VP at Lindauer Global. It was an enlightening and thought-provoking conversation. I also want to take this moment, as I did during that event, to “name names,” if you will. You see, many years ago, at a small restaurant in East Midtown Manhattan, a search expert friend and I had lunch, where I expressed that I was thinking of moving on in my career, but I’d been out of the search realm for so long, I wasn’t sure where to begin. She asked me for my current salary and when I told her, she was aghast at how underpaid I was. I had become a bit complacent; I knew how to navigate that job situation and truly believed in the mission of the organization. So, I stayed put, despite knowing it was time to move on. She gave me a search primer and enlightened me as to what I really should be paid and it took all I had not to pick my jaw up from the floor. It began a new chapter in my professional life and lit a fire beneath me to ensure that women in our profession are fairly compensated. This is a fire that has yet to be quenched. She did it with such compassion and empathy that I never forgot the moment and always knew I would pay it forward. Well, that search expert was none other than Carmel Napolitano. I mention this story often but realized that I never mentioned her by name. Carmel Napolitano. There you have it. And I am giving her my profound gratitude and appreciation. This is also an example of the power of the community that we find as members of WID.
You’ll also catch this month’s installment of Meet the Philanthropist, with the incomparable Eileen Heisman, President and CEO of the National Philanthropic Trust. Just listen to how she recalls the early days of Donor Advised Funds! Something to behold, and thank goodness for technological advances.
Next up for us is a WID stalwart, I to I, which is happening tomorrow evening. It promises, as always, to be a spectacular time of learning and camaraderie. I hope to see you there! I also look forward to seeing as many of you as possible at our upcoming Woman of Achievement Luncheon on May 20th. If you haven’t already purchased your tickets, I encourage you to do so, as we anticipate this reunion to be a popular event on the calendars of WID members. Sending you joy and wishes for every success this Women’s History Month and beyond.
Onward, Upward, Forward,