WOMEN CONNECT

Women, Business, Life.

There is something very unique about the bond that can develop between women. Whether it is its depth—unparalleled in its intricacies—or its forged-by-fire strength attesting to trials unique to the female gender, this bond has been the backbone of movies (i.e. Thelma and Louise) and at the forefront of the fight for women’s rights. And yet, it is not uncommon for women to, at times, feel a negative energy or a lack of support from other women, such as on the school grounds (a la Mean Girls) or in the workforce.

Identifying both the bond and connection that women share and also having honest conversations about the barriers that women face have become mutually inclusive themes for a new Fargo/Moorhead/West Fargo Chamber of Commerce initiative entitled “Women Connect.” Supported through grants from programs such as the FM Area Foundation Women’s Fund, Women Connect is focused on “Content, Challenge and Connection,” and works to bring together women in meaningful ways to help them “learn from each other, laugh with each other and challenge and support each other.” From these connections both professional growth (i.e. through the Coffee Challenge) and initiatives that give back to the community, such as Shoes for Dress for Success, have sprung.

Under an umbrella of “Women, Business, Life,” Women Connect was established in

January of 2015 as part of a chamber focus to “develop women in the business community.” With a mission “to connect women in a unique forum that will build connections, foster long-term relationships and encourage leadership in business and life,” a Women Connect committee comprised of twelve area women was formed. This committee has developed once-monthly community attended sessions, focusing on topics important to women’s professional and personal lives. Held at the Avalon Events Center on the fourth Tuesday of each month (starting at 3:30 p.m.), the success of the sessions has shown committee member Michelle Kommer how she “completely underestimated the appetite for these developmental opportunities created for women.” Initially anticipating 80 registrants, tickets for the first session sold out in less than two days with over 500 women registering online.

By identifying obstacles and barriers that can “get in the way of women being able to support one another,” Kommer explained that the sessions encourage communication about the overall development of women in the community. Committee Chairperson Tonya Stende, one of the founding members of 35 under 35, described how the sessions address the need “for women building and fostering each other, while holding each other accountable and being champions to each others’ successes.”

Conceptualizing that women share universal experiences—no matter their industry—but that they tend to internalize lessons learned rather than mentoring each other, Women Connect draws no distinction between championing women in the business world or at home. Pam McGee, committee vice-chair, details how Women Connect “fills the void in the middle … It’s not about feminism. It’s about an equal spot at the table. We are not at the table and we don’t put ourselves at the table.” Whether the table is within the dining room or the boardroom, Women Connect highlights the potential for women to strengthen their roles and develop their presence, and provides an authentic voice to the barriers and experiences that all women face. Pam further details how the program’s growing success mirrors the strengthening connections formed amongst the committee members, each of whom embodies the heart behind Women Connect: taking risks, working towards their dreams, supporting one another and utilizing flanking strategies to achieve goals.

While Women Connect is still experimenting with content and welcomes ideas from the community, sessions have included (and will include) topics such as Women For Women: examining relationship dynamics in the workforce and viewing women as sources of inspiration rather than competition; and Connecting With Presence: learning how to make a lasting, authentic impact. Sessions are open to registered community members through the Chamber of Commerce website, and a social hour from 5–6 p.m. is offered to all attendees after each session as an “opportunity to connect with women at a deeper level and develop lasting relationships.” [AWM]

For Further Information

or to register for an upcoming session, please visit the Chamber of Commerce website at www.fmwfchamber.com or the Women Connect Facebook page.