Twenty years ago, I went back to school for an Executive MBA while working full-time at Mead & Hunt. I found invaluable support in a women’s business group at UW, which offered me a scholarship. At this early stage of my career, I looked to professional organizations to give something to me. Groups like the Transportation Research Board offered me networking connections, a chance to develop new skills, and a forum to practice public speaking. This support was instrumental in my subsequent professional success. Throughout my career in a male-dominated field, I’ve experienced firsthand the power of support received at a pivotal moment.
Now that I’m further on in my career, I’ve experienced a shift in thinking. I’ve gone from searching for help and support myself to giving help and support back to others. This shift is critical. As I’ve climbed the ranks I’ve learned that once you’ve reached a certain level of success, it’s incredibly beneficial to stop and help others rise as well. I joined The Business Forum (TBF) for the specific purpose of giving back to women.
Why do organizations like TBF matter?
The Business Forum is a group of diverse professional women dedicated to strengthening the position of women in our community through events, special programs, and philanthropic work. TBF has been committed to breaking down gender barriers since its inception, as it was the first women’s organization allowed to meet at The Madison Club—a space that, previously, had been for men only.
Launched in 1988, TBF began as an idea: often women possess professional value and resources that go unused. Expanding a network of meaningful connections can allow us to tap into these resources to the betterment of our communities. TBF’s goal was therefore to create an expanded network for women working in business, government, education and non-profit sectors, and give them a way to contribute their talent and financial resources to the community.
When I became involved in TBF, the Community Investment Committee (CIC) specifically interested me for two reasons: it provides scholarships to women, and it supports women through volunteering. Both of these activities assist those who, due to various barriers, might not otherwise have the chance to achieve professional goals.
Helping others helps us all
In 2019, CIC awarded six scholarships with a total value of $30,000. Scholarship recipients are invited to a luncheon where they receive their awards and share some of their journey. As a member of the Committee, at a recent luncheon I hosted an extremely impressive high school senior who received a scholarship to help her study mechanical engineering at UW. She is the first in her family to attend college and seeing her parents beam with pride as she received her award highlights what’s really at stake here—through this support, lives are changed for the better.
In addition, I’ve helped conduct interviews with applicants. These amazing women have often overcome significant challenges to get to where they are today. Listening to them describe clear plans for the future is inspiring. When I see their courage as they work to improve their lives in the face of any number of obstacles—from escaping poverty to learning a new language to surviving an abusive relationship—I feel we are moving in the right direction.
I am honored to have had the chance to help other women through TBF. It’s one thing for any one woman—or any person from any traditionally marginalized group—to make it to the top. That’s a good start. But one successful individual does not instigate substantive change. To really change minds, attitudes, cultural norms, we must all rise together.