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.

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. 

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.

Branched out from Saginaw County Chamber, the team formed an official organization- Women in Leadership Mid-Michigan to include Great Lakes Bay Region.

Established by-laws, Board of Directors, Advisory Group (business owners), committees: advisory, membership, program, finance, marketing, nominations.

Received Articles of Incorporation (11/17/08)

Charged membership dues to fund the official WIL MM website that served as a communications and management tool.

President, Nov. 2006: Jeanne Murphy

Women in Leadership Mid-Michigan is an organization of successful women leaders committed to promoting and developing the potential of women and improving the communities of the Great Lakes Bay region through networking, relationship-building, education & training seminars and collaboration with other organizations.

Our Vision is to be the premier women’s leadership organization in the Great Lakes Bay Region by creating dynamic women leaders in economic growth and the ultimate leader-to-leader network.

Development of the organization: Mission and Vision

An official logo and website and obtained 501 (c)3 status, 2009

Began funding Non-Profit organizations with Girls on the Run 2011; YWCA in 2012

Provided first WIL MM 1^st Annual Report 2009: 118 members, 222 guests

President, Jan. 2010: Janie Gugino

Merger with Inforum Michigan

July 11, 2012 the Affiliation Agreement between WILMM & Inforum. WILMM became a Regional Council of Inforum known as “Women in Leadership Great Lakes Bay Region Council

Reason for merger:  to expand our reach; acquire additional resources for members; give members with business throughout Michigan a greater access to networking and growth opportunities through Inforum Affinity Groups.

Affinity Groups: Automotive, Healthcare, Manufacturing, Technology, Leadership Development

President, Jan. 2012: Kathleen McGraw

Merger with Inforum Michigan evaluated

Strategic planning with Board of Directors and committees, membership surveyOctober 2015 meetings to resolve issues.

Ended affiliation with Inforum Michigan. Not a good fit. Issues with organization’s emphasis, marketing and membership input and decline.

President, Jan. 2014: Drewe Robinson

Women in Leadership Great Lakes Bay Region

February 17 reorganized under Women in Leadership GLBR

President: Jenny Dumont

April 19 Women in Leadership GLBR kickoff luncheon

Programming offered monthly meetings varying between luncheons on professional and personal growth topics, Hang Outs for after-hours networking, & special events

Women in Leadership GLBR vision: To inspire, empower and connect accomplished women to grow their knowledge and expand their reach within the community while cultivating women leaders of tomorrow. Mission: To unite energetic leaders committed to developing the potential of women and improving the community through inspiration, empowerment and networking.

January 9 first WIL sponsored members workshop is offered: Dale Carnegie Training

March 9 Board of Directors workshop to re-write vision and mission

Tagline “Achieve Excellence” is established

November 6 partnership with Conscious Capitalism GLBR established

President: Jenny Dumont

Women in Leadership GLBR vision: That all women are inspired to achieve personal and professional excellence. Mission: Empowering a diverse community of women through relevant education, networking and social opportunities.

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

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

     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 

       WIL hosted our first annual RISE Summit where the topics of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion were discussed.  

     WIL Gives Back Campaign donated $10,000 to the Shelterhouse towards the construction of their SANE Exam Rooms. A                   portion of those funds were raised at our first annual WIL Gala at the Great Hall in Midland.  

     President: Jamie Price-Tober 

     WIL hosted our second annual RISE Summit where the topic of Bridging the Generational Gap was covered.  

     WIL Gives Back Campaign donated $5000 to the YWCA Literacy Lab.  

     President: Tricia Rutherford 

2024

     WIL hosted our third annual RISE Summit where the topic of Renewing the Dream was discussed. 

     President: Tricia Rutherford