Any woman who wants to succeed in business is encouraged to explore opportunities through Women in Networking Cleveland (WIN Cleveland)
By Mary Malik
Education and support. These are the pathways to personal and professional growth that Women in Networking (WIN) Cleveland offers its members, providing educational and philanthropic opportunities to build connections and support the next generation of businesswomen.
Created by Cleveland financial advisor Barbara Baxter 26 years ago, WIN Cleveland was formed to foster an environment where women could benefit from the same kind of supportive networking group offered to men. WIN Cleveland filled that void for women in business and is one of only a few organizations like it that remain active.
“Originally, we were geared toward small business owners trying to connect with other strong women to network and learn from each other,” WIN Cleveland president and treasurer Emily Smayda Kelly says. “Today, we continue that mission and also have the goals of strengthening our board and our membership to include women in every aspect of business.”
Emily says the goal of today’s board is to not only support the members, but to also work toward developing them into leaders of their organizations and businesses.
“Unlike most business organizations, this is a completely volunteer group,” Emily says. “What else sets us apart are our scholarship program and in-kind donations program that support select local organizations focused on women and children in Northeast Ohio.”
WIN Cleveland Women’s Business Major Scholarship Fund is an annual, need-based scholarship award presented to a junior, senior or graduate-level female student attending Ursuline College pursuing a business-focused degree and demonstrating financial need.
“Our mission to enable continuous professional growth through sharing ideas and resources and providing business support and opportunities for women is what prompted the WIN Business Major Scholarship,” Emily says. “All of the proceeds from our Annual Event fund this scholarship, and we are proud to partner with Ursuline College, the only college in Ohio that focuses on the education of women.”
Emily says Ursuline College students want to change the world both locally and globally, and WIN Cleveland is honored to be a part of helping them achieve their goals and develop into powerhouse businesswomen themselves.
Speaking of empowering women of all ages, this year’s WIN Cleveland’s In-Kind program beneficiary is Girls with Sole, an organization using free fitness and wellness programs to empower minds, bodies and souls of girls who are at risk or have experienced abuse of any kind.
“Liz Ferro, the founder of Girls with Sole, is the keynote speaker at this year’s Annual Event on Friday, December 8,” Emily says. “Liz has such a dramatic story herself, and what she has created with this organization by reaching out into the community and helping young women through athletics is truly inspiring. We are happy to support their mission.”
WIN Cleveland meets twice each month for a breakfast meeting the first Thursday and a lunch meeting the third Monday. Every meeting has a speaker and provides an opportunity for women to connect and build relationships. Monthly events are free to members and are $20 for nonmembers to attend.
“WIN Cleveland is a quiet gem in Northeast Ohio.” Emily says. “We don’t overly promote ourselves, but we are a close-knit, local and supportive group of women always looking for new members to help continue our mission.”
Emily invites all women involved in every level of business to stop in at a monthly meeting and see what success really looks like.
For more information on WIN Cleveland, a list of speakers and details on the 2023 Annual Event, email winclevelandorg@gmail.com or check the website WINCleveland.org.