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Who we are

Women 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. 

  • September: Women’s Leadership meetings were posted on Saginaw County Chamber’s website.
    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.

    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.


    2009/10

    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 1st Annual Report 2009: 118 members, 222 guests

    President, Jan. 2010: Janie Gugino


    2011/12

    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


    2015

    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


    2016

    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.


    2017

  • September 26 Strategic planning meeting Board of Directors determines vision and mission statement will be rewritten to alignment with organizational direction

    Board members committed to continue additional year to continue reorganization


  • 2018

      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

      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.


            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

                   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 

            2023

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

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

                 President: Tricia Rutherford 

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            2024

                 WIL is hosting our third annual RISE Summit where the topic of Renewing the Dream will be discussed. 

                 President: Tricia Rutherford 


            Women in Leadership 
            Great Lakes Bay Region

            PO Box 6717
            Saginaw, MI 48608

            wilteam@wilgreatlakesbay.org

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