WOMEN IMPACTING STOREBRAND EXCELLENCE INC WISE

WISE 2023 ACCOMPLISHMENTS2023 marked an exceptional year for WISE! The DEI Learning Series garnered outstanding reception, with 15 sessions offered across 4 tracks (Human Resources, Leadership, Personal Growth, & CoHort) in partnership with ExecuInsight. A new addition to the series was the CoHort track, tailored for individuals who participated in the 2022 series and wished to continue their learning journey. With 125 participants from 30 companies, the series consistently delivers significant value to our members and will continue to be a cornerstone of WISE's program offerings, cherished as a valuable Partner benefit.Participants were surveyed and rated the program an average of 4.7/5.0! Topics covered included:DEI 101Real World Examples of DEI Programs in Similar OrganizationsAttracting & Onboarding Diverse TalentThe Latest Business Case info for DEI & the Consumer Demand for it, Self-ReflectionUnderstanding Your History, Leveraging DEI Strategy Incorporating into Talent & Business ObjectivesScorecarding & Institutionalizing a Sustainable DEI PlatformUnconscious Bias to Conscious Inclusion & LeadershipUnderstanding Your Work Style and How That Impacts Emotional IntelligencePromoting Inclusion in Our New Work Environment (Remote, Hybrid, In-person)Launching Successful Business Resource Groups & How to Have Inclusive InteractionsInclusive Leadership A Leaders Role in DEIHandling Difficult Situations & People Respecting Diversity in Co-WorkersInitiating Smart Conversations About Workplace IdentityCompassion & Civility in the WorkplaceAllyship.In addition to flawlessly executing the 2023 program, there was a ton of work to set the stage for 2024 content. In 2023, Jen Linke gracefully stepped down as our WISE chair in accordance with our bylaws, and Katie Blohowiak seamlessly assumed the role, demonstrating remarkable leadership. Additionally, two esteemed board members, Leslie MacNeil and Shannon Bornsen, resigned in accordance with our bylaws. While their absence will be felt, we are thrilled to welcome Erik Hjerpe from TreeHouse Foods, Megan Sparks from Whole Foods, and Kirsten Taylor from TreeHouse Foods to our Board of Directors, effective January 2024! Erik will provide valuable insights from a male perspective, enhancing the diversity of thought on our board. Megan and Kirsten transition to our board after serving on the Junior Board, exemplifying our strategic vision of fostering engagement at all organizational levels.In 2023, the decision was made to keep the WISE Annual Meeting virtual while reinstating our In-Person Networking event to coincide with PLMA. Building on the success of 2022's record-breaking attendance, we enhanced our preparations and implemented a more refined layout. The event proved to be a resounding success, drawing nearly 290 industry professionals who came together to network and collaborate.The Organization's 2023 Annual Meeting was energized by the presence of the incredibly dynamic and motivational speaker, Nicole Lynn. Attendees were gifted her book, "Agent You", adding depth to the event's message. The vibrant discussions that ensued during the in-person networking event brought the message to life, fostering connection and inspiration among participants.Below you can see the 2023 WISE Wins by the numbersConducted 4 webinars with nearly 500 attendeesPerformed 10 mentor circles with 68 participants from 15 companiesMonthly e-newsletters with original content & interviewsCompleted a second year of DEI Series with 125 registrants!