United Way of Greater Cincinnati - LIVE UNITED

WINGs Newsletter – Summer 2011

In this Issue:

• Step Up Step Out
• WINGs Luncheon with Laura Brunner
• Volunteer Project at Children, Inc.
• Advocating to State Legislators
• 2011 Volunteer Excellence Award
• New WINGs Steering Committee Members
• Upcoming Events

Step Up | Step Out
Promoting Early Literacy and Encouraging Community Involvement

On July 28, WLC and WINGs members gathered together for a spectacular night at the Great American Tower at Queen City Square. The event focused on “Raising Leadership to the Next Level with Inspiration from the Top."

Members and guests were treated like royalty and entertained by a very enthusiastic flash mob comprised of WLC and WINGs members as well as special guests from the Cincinnati Ballet.

The night continued on the 36th floor with a beautiful panoramic view of Cincinnati.  Members and guests were inspired by three exceptional speakers: Sandra Heimann, Victoria Buyniski Gluckman and Victoria Morgan. 

Click here to view a video from the event.  Feel free to post on Facebook and share with others!

WINGs Members Finding Inspiration and Purpose

WINGs Steering Committee member, Mary Beth Sauer of Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc., kicked off the program, held on May 25 at the Taft Museum of Art, with an impact update. She spoke about the progressive partnership between WINGs members and VISIONS Community Center in the West End, a United Way agency partner.

Laura Brunner, EVP of Business Development for Al Neyer, Inc., is a Women's Leadership Council member, and was the featured keynote speaker.

Laura delivered a highly personalized leadership message, acknowledging the challenges for corporate women to achieve their full potential in the workplace, while still maintaining a family and personal identity

Laura has found inspiration and purpose through her volunteer efforts. She is also committed to inclusion, fighting discrimination, and is passionate to change what she calls the 'wealth-gap' in commercial real estate, saying that "African-American ownership of those assets are non-existent."

In closing, Laura encouraged the members to be aggressive about asking for help, mentor other women, and choose significance after success.

WINGs Families Volunteer at Children, Inc. in Covington

In late July, more than 25 WINGs members and their families came together to freshen up a space at Children, Inc. in Covington.  The group cleaned and painted four offices and a conference room for the staff at Children, Inc.  Plus, kids attending  painted ceramic pencil holders and flower pots to welcome the staff into their new offices.  Children, Inc. has dedicated the space to WINGs and truly appreciated all the time we spent to make their offices ready for staff members to serve better children in the community.

Advocating to State Legislators

In early 2011, more than 15 women spent a day in Frankfort or Columbus to advocate for quality early care and education and home visitation programs.  Each group spent time learning about these issues and why they are important for success in our communities.  Plus, members learned about the elected officials and staff with whom they would meet – their personal passions, hot buttons and interests.  All of this made for great visits and well-informed advocates from WINGs.

Plans are underway for a trip to Washington, D.C. in early 2012.  Watch for more details if you have interest in joining the group. 

If big trips like these don't fit into your schedule, but you would still like to be involved, consider joining United Way’s Electronic Advocacy Network.  It’s easy to register so you receive periodic emails about important issues that need your attention.  You’ll be matched automatically with your legislators with draft emails prepared for you to send from the site.  Can’t get much easier than that!  Click here to register.

WINGs Receives 2011 Volunteer Excellence Award

Earlier this year, WINGs was the recipient of the Volunteer Excellence Award from the Leadership Council of Human Services Executives.  Five members were on hand to receive the honor recognizing our efforts at VISIONS Community Services and other volunteer endeavors.

Welcome New WINGs Steering Committee Members

In May, we welcomed four new members to the WINGs Steering Committee:

• Wendy Kurtz - The Procter & Gamble Company
• Vicki Rogers - U.S. Bank
• Pamela Schmitt - RiverPoint Capital Management
• Alex Shirey - GE Aviation

They join the following women working to take WINGs into the future through engagement of members in the community, education, networking and professional development opportunities:

• Eileen Budo - The Procter & Gamble Company
• Laura Hinegardner - Katz, Teller, Brant & Hild
• Ingrid Nobiletti - Vantiv
• Christi Novomesky - The Procter & Gamble Company
• Cheryl Rose - PNC Bank
• Mary Beth Sauer - Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.
• Susan Storer - Macy's, Inc.

WINGs also said goodbye to two long-time members of the Steering Committee.  Lisa O’Brien, U.S. Bank, and Tracey Fielman, Deloitte Tax, were founding members of WINGs and stepped down from the committee this summer.  We thank Lisa and Tracy for all their dedication to WINGs over more than four years.  You will be missed, but we know you won’t go far!

Upcoming Events

WINGs Luncheon – Build Your Advocacy Skills and Knowledge
Friday, September 16, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.
Hilton Netherland Plaza, 35 West Fifth Street, Cincinnati, 45202
There are many ways to advocate – send emails, visit legislators, talk to your friends and neighbors and much more.  Join WINGs members to learn about advocacy from two early childhood expert: Marcia Eggbert  from Ohio and Terry Tolan in Kentucky.  Plus, hear about the many exciting ways you can participate in the advocacy efforts of WINGs at the state and federal levels. RSVP.

Professional Development Event – Career Development
Tuesday, September 27, 5:30-8:30 p.m.
Hyde Park Country Club
Back by popular demand, join members of WINGs for this interactive session about career development.  Where are you in your career and where are you going next?  How will you get there?  It’s a great chance to talk honestly, hear great feedback and learn how to get to that next step in your career goals. RSVP.

Impact/Volunteer Event at VISIONS
Thursday, October 6, 4-5:30 p.m.
VISIONS Community Services, 425 Ezzard Charles Drive, Cincinnati
WINGs members will make an impact with the moms at VISIONS by sharing behavior expectations on the job.  We’ll also give the women insight into job options in the financial industry.  Come to share your experience and lend your support to these women - no expertise or preparation needed. RSVP.

WINGs & Art – Networking Event
Tuesday, October 11, 5:30-7:30 p.m.
Cincinnati Art Museum, Cincinnati, 45202
WINGs members will gather to enjoy the new flapper exhibit at the Cincinnati Art Museum.  Enjoy a relaxed evening with wine, hors d’oeuvres and networking.  Plus, take this opportunity to BRING ONE friend or colleague that wants to learn more about WINGs and how they might enjoy membership. RSVP.

Annual Celebration at Macy's
Wednesday, November 2, 5:30-9 p.m.
Macy’s Fountain Place, Cincinnati  45202
Macy's will host members of WINGs for our 3rd Annual Celebration at their downtown store.  Members will be treated to cocktails, hors d'eouvres, special fashion experience and shopping discounts (with a portion of sales going to United Way).  It will be an exciting evening to join together in celebration.  Watch for a formal invitation and more details soon!

To RSVP for an upcoming event, click here.

Learn More

• 2011 Brochure
• Membership
• WINGs Involvement Committees
• WINGs Steering Committee
• Interesting Facts
• Newsletter Archives