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About Women in Networking

Women in Networking is a diverse group of women devoted to fostering professional and personal relationships for the empowerment and development of women through specific programming and community service opportunities.

At WIN events, women from various businesses and life stages meet to discuss issues pertaining to women.

WIN encourages all women, regardless of age, to join as they create lasting friendships.

Why Join WIN?

Why is Networking Important?

Creating a strong network leads to numerous benefits for female leaders:

  1. It creates a community - A safe, supportive network for like-minded women is key. It provides women with a place to connect, communicate, and share about common experiences.
  2. It leads to quality referrals - A strong network provides greater opportunity to receive high quality referrals, allowing leaders to grow and thrive within the company.
  3. It's a great way to find a mentor - According to a study conducted by LinkedIn, 82% of women believe in the importance of having a mentor, though 20% of those women report not having access to one. Receiving advice from seasoned, successful women can help other women navigate and feel more supported.
  4. It helps build confidence - Belonging to a network of women where one is accepted and supported builds confidence. This leads women to take on challenges and opportunities that they perhaps wouldn't have otherwise.
  5. It inspires - What's more motivating than hearing the stories and lessons of women who have navigated and overcome challenges in their professional career? Not only will this inspire young professionals to rise through the ranks and will encourage them to become amazing role models for those that follow them.

Athena Award - Leading Ladies Luncheon

Join us at our International Athena Awards Leading Ladies Luncheon! We will celebrate the recipients of the Athena Leadership Award and the Athena Young Professional Award.

Women in Networking is pleased to present the 2025 Athena and Young Athena Awards at the Leading Ladies Luncheon.

Nominations will be accepted again in January 2027.

Women in Networking Scholarship

ATHENA Podcasts

Athena International presents the "Women Really Mean Business" podcast which features professional women talking about their unique journey in the world of business. The goal is to "connect women for learning, career growth and networking."

WIN Committee Members

Co Chairs:

Suzie Bell                             Elite Community Credit Union

Jen Draper                          State Bank of Herscher

Committee Members:

Ashley Peterson                CertaPro Painters®

Angelina Gear                    Visit Kankakee County

Ellen Schmidt                    KCC

Emily Greene                     CSL

Jackie Bruhn                      State Bank Trust & Investments

JoAnne Keen                      Franks Appliance & Sleepsource

Lindy Casey                         Village of Bourbonnais

Lisa Ravesloot                    Talent Strategy

Mary Thomson                   Kankakee Rotary

Natalie Norman                 Village of Bourbonnais

Sandi Cianci                        Kankakee County Circuit Clerk

Sara Jamieson                   Home Helpers 

Staci Lightfoot                   Peoples Bank

Tiffany Heneghan             Midland States Bank

2025 WIN Events

Events

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