Find out how Women in Networking Cleveland is blazing trails in the business world—and in the community

By Mary Malik

Twenty-five years ago, Cleveland financial advisor Barbara Baxter formed Women in Networking (WIN) Cleveland to create an environment in which women could benefit from the same kind of supportive networking group offered to men.

“Women were excluded from these networking situations even just 25 years ago,” says current WIN president and CEO Yolanda Albergottie. “Barbara opened WIN to all professional women in Cleveland at that time. Today, it is one of only a few women’s networking organizations still around.”

Yolanda says that WIN Cleveland has since grown to extend beyond networking to include philanthropic endeavors with the goal of giving back to the community.

“Our main goal has always been to help women network, learn and thrive in their careers, while giving back to women in need by collecting wish list items at our meetings for local women’s charities,” says Yolanda.

Five years ago, WIN Cleveland made the transition to also focus on women’s education by creating a scholarship at Ursuline College in Pepper Pike for women majoring in business.

“We have a new focus on education,” says Yolanda. “Ursuline College is the only college in Ohio that focuses on the education of women. The scholarship recipient is also able to take advantage of the knowledge and experience of all our members. It’s a great opportunity for all of us.”

WIN Cleveland meets twice each month for a breakfast meeting the first Thursday of every month, and a lunch meeting the third Monday of each month. Every meeting has a speaker and is designed as an opportunity for women to connect and build relationships.

Yolanda says that her tenure as WIN Cleveland president and CEO has been devoted to shifting the focus of WIN to being more hands-on in terms of the charities they support.

“It’s easy to throw money at these charities but never form connections with the women involved,” says Yolanda. “I wanted to change that and form real partnerships.”

Last year, WIN Cleveland partnered with The Norma Herr Women’s Center, Cleveland’s only emergency shelter for women ages 18 to 80, which has the goal of helping women find permanent housing.

“We have been able to really get actively involved and make a difference at Norma Herr,” says Yolanda. “Last year we live-streamed a concert that raised a lot of money. WIN Cleveland members are able to get creative, reach out and really make a difference.”

Haven Home in Cleveland, an emergency overflow shelter serving women and children experiencing homelessness, is the WIN Cleveland charity focus this year.

“We have 100 women members, and many are hands on with these charities,” says Yolanda. “It’s just one more way WIN Cleveland members can not only support each other, but also reach out into the community and support women in need.”

WIN Cleveland meetings are open to all women regardless of profession. Membership is a great way to share knowledge, experience, resources and find help and advice to reach your business goals.

For more information on WIN Cleveland and details and ticket information for the Annual Luncheon, call 216-243-1003, email winclevelandorg@gmail.com or check the website WINCleveland.org.