Professional Women of Winston-Salem (PWWS), a professional and personal development organization for local businesswomen, is celebrating 30 years of vision in creating an environment where women can strive to be their best selves. PWWS is a group within which women can grow professionally toward reaching goals and building strong, long lasting relationships. The year 2020 marks the beginning of exciting new opportunities for the local business community to engage with PWWS through well thought out, and rewarding, sponsorship opportunities. 2020 also brings about additional philanthropic scholarship offerings from PWWS to deserving women in the community. Andrea Kimura, newly elected president of PWWS, states, “PWWS is expanding on our vision of professional growth for members by ensuring PWWS offers a premier spot for women to be comfortable and authentic while sharing mentoring and friendship. Our group provides a welcoming atmosphere for all women who want to attend our monthly luncheons.” PWWS luncheons are held the second Wednesday of each month in downtown Winston-Salem at Footnote Coffee and Cocktails on 4th Street, 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. These meetings not only provide networking and camaraderie, but also offer a series of high caliber speakers presenting invaluable professional development tools.
PWWS has expanded its tool box of professional development opportunities by becoming an affiliate member of The International Alliance for Women (TIAW). TIAW is a global charitable foundation dedicated to being the world’s leading network for women’s economic empowerment, leadership and innovation. PWWS members now have access to the global networking and learning opportunities offered by TIAW. More can be learned at tiaw.org.
PWWS is excited to announce that, in addition to individual memberships, they are now offering corporate and business sponsorships at various levels that include open seats and promotional opportunities at the luncheons, on social media and in their monthly newsletters, as well as potential speaking opportunities. PWWS encourages businesses of any size, from large corporate organizations to individual entrepreneurs, to sponsor and participate in their inspirational programming, leadership training, career advancement strategies and much more.
PWWS has a history of philanthropy, beginning in 2000, by raising funds and donating them through its scholarship program to assist employed single working mothers in Forsyth County who are working towards the completion of a college degree. Going forward in 2020, this philanthropy program will be continued and increased with additional scholarship opportunities for single working mothers pursuing training and education in the trades. Monies for these scholarships come from the PWWS annual silent auction, and in 2020, from the new corporate and business sponsorships.
PWWS is a well-rounded organization offering women from all industries in all stages of their careers opportunities for networking, professional education, leadership training, personal and professional recognition for career achievements and milestones, philanthropy opportunities and a venue in which to build strong, long-term relationships with other business women in their community. At PWWS, members will find value placed on honesty, positive attitudes, passion, authenticity, resilience, curiosity, open communication, commitment, inspiration, and most of all, belief in self.
For more information about membership or sponsorship opportunities, as well as updates about ongoing programs, visit pwws.org or email info@pwws.org. You are also encouraged to donate to their scholarship fund throughout the year by visiting the website.
2020 PWWS Board of Directors: Andrea Kimura – President, Julie Bell – Secretary, Katherine Brown – Treasurer, Natalie Dillard – Membership Chair, Erika Mielke- Programs Chair, Jennifer Chapman – Marketing Chair, Peg Weir – Scholarship Chair, Wendy Strader – Special Events Vice Chair, Rita Bottoms – Membership Vice Chair, Susanne Traub – Membership Vice Chair/Database, Jean Marie Johnson – Scholarship Vice Chair, Barb Smith – Past President/Corporate Sponsorship.
