When energetic, creative, and passionate women join together – no matter what the mission – you know incredible things are about to happen!
For the impressive group known as Professional Women of Winston-Salem (PWWS), building and strengthening a lasting professional network and providing countless opportunities that encourage women to constantly better themselves is what their mission is all about. Women typically travel very unique paths to their successes, but always find themselves empowered by creative collaboration – and that’s what drives the members of PWWS.
Launched in 1990, via a small, but dedicated committee of women, the group now includes a diverse mix of small business owners and representatives from the local corporate community. Boasting a strong and growing membership, the women of PWWS couldn’t be more excited about their growing influence in the Winston-Salem community, and about their theme for 2018: “Your Year of Transformation.” An exciting lineup of speakers has already sparked enthusiasm, and the remainder of the year promises even more growth for individual members, as PWWS strives to provide the resources and nurturing environment that women need to become the very best versions of themselves.
The first quarter of 2018 focused on transforming your health (nutrition-wise, spiritually, and even financially), while the second quarter offers more of a career focus, including networking, motivational speakers, and the ins and outs of being a successful entrepreneur. For the third quarter, transforming relationships – both personal and professional – will take center stage, with an emphasis on celebrating your successes (even the small ones!) and the successes of those women around you. The group expects to highlight community outreach in the fourth quarter, with creative ideas for giving back and strengthening the community for generations to come.
“We truly have a passion for encouraging and empowering women of all ages, with a big focus on personal development,” says this year’s president, Barb Smith.
Behind the leadership of Smith, as well as vice president Andrea Kimura, and an excellent, high-powered board of directors, PWWS has made amazing strides in membership goals and total development over the past year, while also raising money for their beloved project that provides yearly scholarships for single mothers who either reside in Forsyth County or who are pursuing a college degree within Forsyth County.
While serving the greater community, the group remains mindful of also lifting each other up along their varied daily paths, and works intentionally to serve other women through their unique organization.
“While sharing our experiences with each other, we intentionally build friendships that bring opportunities for growth on personal and professional levels,” explains Smith.
PWWS also has a new corporate sponsor this year – Daggett Shuler, Attorneys at Law – and is always seeking additional sponsors for their endeavors. For individuals, the benefits of membership in PWWS are many, and include the following:
- Building a lasting professional network through monthly networking opportunities
- Enjoying informative programs that promote personal and professional development, as well as social networking opportunities throughout the year to develop relationships within the PWWS family
- Growth in personal development by serving on the board or chairing a specific committee within the group
- Promoting your own business through their online, member-only directory
- Growing and developing through the new Mentoring Program
- Making a difference in other women’s lives by supporting the PWWS Scholarship Program
With monthly lunch meetings held the second Wednesday of each month from 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. at the Flow Club at BB&T Ballpark, and continued collaboration behind the scenes, PWWS is on track for continued growth throughout 2018 and beyond, as its enthusiastic membership continues to believe the best is yet to come!
To become a member of the Professional Women of Winston-Salem or learn more about their programs, email info@pwws.org, visit PWWS.org, and follow the group on Facebook for updates and events. Donations may also be made to the PWWS Scholarship Fund at any time during the year through their website.
