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

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

Merger with Inforum Michigan evaluated

Strategic planning with Board of Directors and committees, membership survey. October 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

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

President: Jenny Dumont 

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, the addition of member lead WIL Connect (networking) Clubs, a WIL sponsored members workshop: Kris Marsh Visions and Values Workshop, and the first WIL Retreat

WIL Gives Back Campaign was launched, with the Mustard Seed Women's Shelter selected as the first annual recipient. Thge organization received $5000 to fund one bedroom as part of its expansion efforts.

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. The funds supported the purchase of a Little Free Library, books for the Justice Library and Community Read program, and marketing efforts to promote the initiative.

President: Amy Buben

     Transitioned back to in-person programming.

Underwent a rebrand in collaboration with Autumn Gardner Designs 

     WIL Gives Back Campaign donated $6300 to the Wig Room at Ascension St. Mary's in Saginaw, MI. The goal of the Wig Room is to help patients feel confident and beautiful, allowing them to move through society without drawing attention or stigma related to their illness. A portion of those funds were raised at our first weekend fundraiser at the Drydock Beer Garden in Bay City, MI.  

     President: Neena Hogle until mid-October 

Vice President Jamie Price-Tober stepped into the role of President following its vacancy. 

      Introduced the first annual RISE Summit

     Hosted our first WIL Gala: A Gatsby Prom 

     WIL Gives Back Campaign donated $10,000 to Shelterhouse of Midland, MI to support the construction of their SANE (Sexual           Assault Nurse Examination) room. 

     President: Jamie Price-Tober 

     In 2023, WIL Gives Back Campaign donated $4000 to the YWCA for their Digital Literacy Lab empowering local women by providing barrier removing technology.

In 2024, WIL Gives Back Campaign donated $3500 to the Underground Railroad Survivor’s Art Fair. The Art Fair was a collaborative effort with Shelterhouse, Bay Area Women’s Shelter, and Studio 23 to educate and inform the community about the epic proportions of physical abuse and sexual assault.

In 2024, WIL celebrated our 20th Anniversary. Gifting our founding mother’s flowers and honoring them for their diligence and vision.

2024 saw the passing of one of our founding mothers, Polly Lynch. 

President: Tricia Rutherford