October 18, 2020
Dear Berkshire BPW members and friends,
The foliage is beautiful and the fall weather in the Berkshires is superb right around now. I hope this e-Newsletter finds you well and taking advantage of warm afternoons outdoors.
As of our board meeting this week, I handed over the reins as President to Kalee Carmel, our President Elect. I will be staying on the Board as an Advisor through the end of my term next June. It has been fun and an honor leading this organization and I am proud of all we as a team, working together, have accomplished. I would like to thank each and every member for their support and engagement. It has been a time of exciting growth and renewed energy in our organization. I so appreciate your efforts throughout our work, supporting each other and our mission.
Here is this month’s Berkshire BPW scoop:
Woman of Achievement: Despite current circumstances, we held a great event, both in-person and streamed on September 21st. DA Andrea Harrington was thrilled to be honored as our Woman of Achievement 2020 and to support our fundraising efforts. With all the planning and efforts of the WOA team, we raised enough money to cover all 22 scholarships, after expenses. It was also so great to see people in person, at a distance, with a mask! Thanks to Lynn Wallace and all who contributed to the successful event!
Grow with Google: At the live event, Katherine Westgate of Stockbridge joined us as my guest. In thinking of how she could help our members and the Berkshire community, she shared a program offered by Google. Here is the information on the program; check it out!
Looking to expand your skills during this challenging time? #GrowWithGoogle is offering free online training to help job seekers, small business owners & entrepreneurs learn how to navigate this new normal. Sign up for a virtual #OnAir workshop or 1:1 coaching to learn how to improve your resume, reach customers online & more → https://g.co/growonair
Scholarships: All 22 scholarship recipients were recognized at our October 5th meeting. It was just terrific to hear from these women, who were so excited to pursue their education! Thanks to June Roy-Martin and the Scholarship Committee for your efforts! New Scholarship Committee Co-Chairs Ivy Rodriguez and Hannah DeLisle-Stall are already brainstorming on how they can lead and take our Scholarship program to the next level!
November meeting: Our November meeting will be held virtually on Monday, November 2nd at 5:30 pm. The topic will be “Conquering Your Financial Stress” –This will be an overview seminar that briefly touches upon budgeting, credit, credit report error disputes, credit freezes and tips on combatting identity theft and fraud. Presented from certified financial coaches from Greylock Federal Credit Union.
New Process for Requests to be added to monthly program agendas: We are receiving many requests to be added to our monthly meeting agendas, so the Program team put together the following easy process.
- Requests must be received on or prior to the 3rd Wednesday of the month for next meeting
- Requests should be sent to bbpwprograms@gmail.com
- Please put IN ALL CAPS “REQUEST FOR AGENDA TIME”
- In your request we need to know:
- What you would like to discuss
- How much time you are requesting to present
Will you need the ability to screen share? - Once approved- you will be assigned your time slot and must be ready when called on.
(We understand that last minute requests will come up and will do our best to accommodate them.)
Monthly e-Newsletter, Member Portal and Monthly Spotlight: We are always looking for members who would like to submit an article for publication in the enewsletter. We also offer any member’s business or organization to be featured in our Monthly Spotlight. And please check out our Member Portal and add your profile today! Our email list is growing and this is a good way to get the word out about your business and to do business with women-owned businesses.
As we head into fall and winter and will continue to operate virtually, I invite you to browse the website to stay current: www.berkshirebpw.org.
Our Mission/Vision/Values:
Mission
We empower women to rise, eliminate barriers, and achieve our greatest individual and collective ambitions.
Vision
To foster and celebrate an inclusive community of women supporting women of all professions and career paths, life stages and experiences.
Values
- To provide safe and positive space for women to collaborate and thrive:
- Personal and Professional Development
- Networking, connection and relationship building
- Pairing mentors with mentees
- Community support of women owned and operated businesses and services
- Career advancement scholarships for working women
- Leadership development and resume building through volunteer committee opportunities
Let’s stay together in spirit, stay safe and stay well.
All my best,
Celia
