About us |
Who we areWomen in Leadership Great Lakes Bay (WIL) is a non-profit organization dedicated to inspire, empower and connect accomplished women to grow their knowledge and expand their reach within the community while cultivating women leaders. WIL is for women local to Michigan’s Great Lakes Bay area who are passionate about developing the potential of women and improving the community through inspiration, empowerment and networking. |
Our Mission:Empowering a diverse community of women through relevant education, networking and social opportunities | Our Vision:That all women are inspired to achieve personal and professional excellence |
Women in Leadership History |
2002 | Veronica Horn, Executive Vice President of Saginaw County Chamber of Commerce and Mayor Carol Cottrell established a Women’s Leadership luncheon group of women business and government leaders to promote community visions in Saginaw County. |
2004 | Saginaw County’s 1000 Leaders Program inspired four women (Polly Lynch, Kathleen McGraw, Jeanne Murphy, Drewe Robinson) to form a committee assisting Veronica with the women leadership luncheon series and expanding offerings. October: the first program speaker Marilyn J. Kelly, Chief Justice of the Michigan Supreme Court |
2005/06 | Under Saginaw County Chamber auspices the program offerings including: business issues such as leadership styles, financial planning, marketing tips, networking events, and higher education, government, healthcare, and philanthropy issues. |
2006/08 | Branched out from Saginaw County Chamber, the team formed an official organization- Women in Leadership Mid-Michigan to include Great Lakes Bay Region.
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2009/10 | Development of the organization: Mission and Vision
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2011/12 | Merger with Inforum Michigan
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2015 | Merger with Inforum Michigan evaluated
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2016 | Women in Leadership Great Lakes Bay Region
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2017 |
September 26 Strategic planning meeting Board of Directors determines vision and mission statement will be rewritten to alignment with organizational direction |
2018 | January 9 first WIL sponsored members workshop is offered: Dale Carnegie Training
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2019 | Expanded programming offering monthly luncheons, quarterly Hang Outs, and the addition of member lead WIL Connect (networking clubs), WIL sponsored members workshop: Kris Marsh Visions and Values Workshop, First WIL Retreat First WIL Gives Back Campaign donated $5000 to the Mustard Seed Women's Shelter in Saginaw, MI President: Dawn Luptowski |
2020 | Transitioned to virtual programming due to the COVID-19 Pandemic WIL Gives Back Campaign donated $2050 to the Justice Read library in Bay City, MI President: Amy Buben |
2021 | Transitioned back to in person programming WIL Gives Back Campaign donated $6300 to the Wig Room at Ascension St. Mary's in Saginaw, MI. A portion of those funds were raised at our first weekend fundraiser at the Drydock Beer Garden in Bay City, MI. President: Neena Hogle |
2022 | President: Jamie Price-Tober |