Archives: Events

A couple years ago our community was shaken by the loss of a young man, Michael Collins. While this tragedy certainly shook our community and his family, he lives on in the many lives he touched through organ and tissue donation.

Join Professional Women of McLean County on Tuesday, August 13, 2019 as we welcome Lisa Dodson from Gift of Hope and Coach Collins with MC Strong as we discuss a sensitive but incredibly important topic.

Whether a manager or leader, or not, the human side of business is tricky. Join Professional Women of McLean County on Tuesday, June 11 as we explore; dealing with difficult employees, handling conflict, effective communication, leadership development, work-life balance, employee handbooks and the future of human resources. We are thrilled to welcome a panel of HR professionals including: Andee Radliff (Illinois State University), Angie Stine (Pinnacle), Tara Desmond (Core3), Ashley Cunningham (Four Seasons) and Sam Lewis (Pridestaff) Please register to attend so that we can ensure enough seating and food – we expect a full room with this incredible lineup of speakers! (http://pwmcinc.org/hot-hr-topics/)

The world remains far more unsafe for women than men. Every day, all over the world, women experience unsafe or uncomfortable environments or incidents of verbal, non-verbal or physical harrassment.

Even right here in Central Illinois, crime is real and pervasive.

Join Professional Women of McLean County in welcoming Officer Greg Leipold from the Normal Police Department to discuss safety – in our homes, in our workplaces and in our community.

Officer Leipold will help us identify our own unsafe habits and behaviors and share safety and self-defense tips. In addition, he will update us on crime statistics and information for our local community.

Plan to join us on Tuesday, May 14, 2019 for this important discussion. Advance registration (http://pwmcinc.org/fearless-when-youre-alone/) is requested so that we can have enough seating and food prepared!

You’ve probably heard that men are paid more than women are paid over their lifetimes. But what does that mean? Are women paid less because they choose lower-paying jobs? Is it because more women work part time than men do? Or is it because women have more caregiving responsibilities? And what, exactly, does gender bias have to do with paychecks?

The pay gap is one of the most pressing issues for women today.

Join Professional Women of McLean County and the YWCA of McLean County as we openly discuss the complex and often misunderstood gender pay gap. Each of the panelists will speak to their own expertise including the various movements surrounding equal pay, society’s understanding of the topic, the advocacy taking place right now and the different days of recognition.

Join PWMC on Tuesday, April 9, 2019 for this important discussion. Register on our website so that we can ensure adequate food and seating: http://pwmcinc.org/know-your-worth/

Friendship enriches your life and has a major impact on your health and well-being. Friends celebrate each others successes, prevent loneliness and offer companionship. Good friends are there when life gets rough and difficult.

What about those for whom making friends is more difficult? For those that feel isolated or left out, a lack of friends can be lonely and even detrimental to your health. This is where fear comes in! For those of who easily make friends or have established relationships, it often is scary to open up to new people. Conversely, those who already lack friendships often fear facing rejection. As fearless women we can work to break that cycle and, perhaps, even find more friendship along the way!

Best Buddies Friendship program builds one-to-one friendships between people with and without intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), offering social mentoring while improving the quality of life and level of inclusion for a population that is often isolated and excluded. Through their participation, people with IDD form meaningful connections with their peers, gain self-confidence and self-esteem, and share interests, experiences and activities that many other individuals enjoy.

On Tuesday, March 12, PWMC is proud to host Michelle Dempster from Best Buddies Central Illinois as our featured speaker. Michelle will dive into the importance of friendship in our lives, in our community and in our world. Please take a moment to register on our website so that we can plan for food and seating! http://pwmcinc.org/fearlessness-friendship/

Did you know public speaking is one of the top fears of society? Whether that is true for you or you are looking to find reassurance that you are doing it right, this lunch is for you.

Join Rachel Kobus, associate director of alumni engagement at Illinois State, as she shares tips and tricks on preparing and presenting and the do’s and don’ts of public speaking.

How many times have you said “this is the year” and made a resolution to change only to fall back into old habits by February 1? The issue is that we go into making resolutions with really great intentions – but, as it always does, we lose our motivation, we lose interest or we simply let life settle back to “normal.”

Join Professional Women of McLean County in January as we welcome Cassandra Newman, Vice President, Four Seasons Health Club. Cassandra will explore intentional living and setting goals that you’ll actually achieve in the New Year…and beyond!

Register on our website or simply mark “going” on Meetup! Remember – first time guests are always free http://pwmcinc.org/no-more-resolutions/

Join the Professional Women of McLean County as we celebrate 2018. Our December meeting is FREE for all guests – invite your friends and colleagues for networking, lunch, prizes and more!

This is a favorite event each year for our membership, as we mix things up and get to know our fellow members better than ever.

Along with our catered lunch at Eastland Suites, the Board of Directors will be supplying sweet treats for your enjoyment!

Whether you’re ready or not, we’re heading into the busy holiday shopping season! In a world where everything is available at our fingertips, being mindful of spending locally during these busy shopping times AND throughout the year, can be a challenge.

Join Professional Women of McLean County on Tuesday, November 13, 2018 for an engaging and thoughtful discussion with several area business owners including Jamie Mathy from Red Racoon Games, Julie Sibley from Fleet Feet and Vicki Tilton from Fox-n-Hounds.

We’ll dive deep into how our spending habits have an impact and what it truly means to shop small and shop local!

Make plans to join us – we look forward to seeing you there!

Whether you’re ready or not, we’re heading into the busy holiday shopping season! In a world where everything is available at our fingertips, being mindful of spending locally during these busy shopping times AND throughout the year, can be a challenge.

Join Professional Women of McLean County on Tuesday, November 13, 2018 for an engaging and thoughtful discussion with several area business owners including Jamie Mathy from Red Racoon Games, Julie Sibley from Fleet Feet and Vicki Tilton from Fox-n-Hounds.

We’ll dive deep into how our spending habits have an impact and what it truly means to shop small and shop local!

Make plans to join us – we look forward to seeing you there!