Women in Business

Women Excel program director, Diane Long

What does it take to start and run a successful business? How can you “own it” in your career and personal life? Who are the local women seeing success that can serve as inspiration? Learn all of this and more with the Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber’s Women Excel series, which is categorized in the following four core programs: WE Lead, WE Speak, WE Celebrate, WE Link and WE Succeed.

WE Lead is a leadership development program for accomplished women leaders, says program manager, Diane Long. “WE Speak is where successful women go beyond the bios to tell their stories and share success strategies in an informal, interactive setting,” she adds. “WE Link and the ATHENAPowerLink are mentoring programs for women-owned businesses. WE Celebrate is an awards program honoring the success of women-owned businesses. WE Succeed is an intensive three-month coaching experience that can guide you to your desired career results.”

According to Long, the WE Lead curriculum includes professional coaching and leadership opportunities while learning vital communication tools when attending classes. “Not only will you develop professionally but you will also be to develop personally which in turn will enhance your business,” she explains. “While attending classes you will learn how to achieve work/life balance, networking and strengthen negotiating powers and share valuable and life experiences with other attendees.”

WE Lead is a 10-month long program that is programmed for women managers, owners and leaders who want to gain skill for advancement in their business. The program kicked off in September 2013 and ends June 2014. The tuition for each Women Excel Lead participant is $3,300, which includes all meals, facilities, materials, etc. Partial grants may be available for those with financial need.

The next WE Speak luncheon event is October 29, from 11:30am-1pm. This event is $50 per person, and will feature the following speakers: Carla Eng, founder of Abstract Displays; Kathy Burklow and Lisa Mills, founders of Sprout Insight.

According to Long, this event is a discussion forum format. “Join the Chamber for an intimate conversation and hear about their personal experiences, career pathways and lessons learned,” she adds.

Another event to add to your calendar is the WE Celebrate Women’s Business Awards Ceremony on Dec. 5. at the Horseshoe Casino Cincinnati from 8–9:30am. “This is honoring ceremony breakfast for women in business for their achievement, innovation, social responsibility and mentoring,” Long explains. “This breakfast will be an inspiration to other aspiring women who are dedicated to success.

For more information, visit cincinnatichamber.com/welead or their Facebook Page.