Recap WITI Boston - Wine and Unwind with WITI Boston Leadership Team

Recap WITI Boston - March 20, 2013
"Wine and Unwind with WITI Boston Leadership Team"
By Emily Ubik

Snow and rain could not keep women from gathering at Avila Mediterranean Restaurant in downtown Boston last week for a relaxed meeting about the different committees that support the WITI Boston network. The committees include Programming and Events, Sponsorships, Corporate and Local Alliances, Social Media, Membership, and Knowledge Management. This informative dinner was a chance for those interested in joining the Leadership Team to hear about WITI's mission, and the process behind organizing worthwhile, networking events.

The evening began with introductions. Everyone went around the table and spoke about themselves, where they worked, their job description, and why each person decided to attend. As the food was served, stories and contacts were shared. The conversation continued as thoughts for improving and expanding the Boston chapter were exchanged. Some suggestions were a mentoring program, a movie night, and a purely networking event.

Next, the benefits of joining the Boston Leadership Team were mentioned. These include learning a new skill, such as event planning, speaker recruitment, or becoming more proficient in social media. The Social Media committee uses LinkedIn, Twitter, and Facebook. The volunteer positions also offer the chance to develop management skills in a friendly environment. For example, the Alliances committee works with established contacts and local universities on joint events. The Sponsorship committee which networks with various firms looking for perspective hosts and sponsors can strengthen your networking abilities. If you enjoy planning, the Events committee handles all event logistics and recruits the speakers. Attendees were reminded that you receive as much as you put into the programs and events.

WITI's mission is to build, empower, and inspire. During the meeting, the philosophy and code of ethics were shared with all of the attendees. The first policy is that ‘no one stands alone'. No matter what title, age, gender, or ethnic background each person is given equal support. At every event no person should be standing by themselves. After all, attendees are there to network and learn something new. Many at the table agreed that this is a highly commendable quality that WITI possesses. Second, WITI advocates for collaboration, not competition. It's about working together, not working against one another. A high expectation of integrity is set, along with a pledge to honoring past generations with a commitment to future generations.

Laughter and a steady chatter filled the room as the attendees had a chance to connect with one another and learn all about the Leadership Team volunteer opportunities. After an excellent meal the event came to a close, and the women departed full of excitement for more involvement with WITI to come.

About Our Guest Author:
Emily Ubik is a sophomore at Boston University pursuing a double major in electrical engineering and archaeology. She comes to Boston from the mid-west and was interested in getting to know women in business and making connections. She came across Women in Technology through her father, when he mentioned that WITI was trying to become more involved with universities. She is now an active member of the local network and will be writing many more articles this year.

Opinions expressed by the author are not necessarily those of WITI.