DeGroote Women’s Professional Network is your ticket to opportunity
Milena Head, Professor, Information Systems, and Academic Director of the EMBA program at DeGroote
What exactly is the DeGroote Women’s Professional Network? It’s a passionate collective of professionals, faculty, community leaders, McMaster alumni and students dedicated to the advancement of women in business and society.
In other words, it’s all about having your finger on the pulse of the Southern Ontario business community.
The new Network will be formally unveiled during a sold-out January 19 event at Burlington’s Ron Joyce Centre, where upwards of 180 people are expected to attend.
As part of the dynamic suite of offerings, participants will be able to meet and mingle with new colleagues, take part in professional development events, connect with mentors and mentees and contribute to local philanthropic endeavours.
Popular events such as the Breakfast Series, Cocktail series and DeGroote Executive Education series will all be featured components of the DeGroote Women’s Professional Network, along with a wide range of other engagement opportunities and activities.
Broad participation from female leaders across the McMaster and DeGroote communities is encouraged. Natasha Sharma BCom ’00 is already on board.
“Nothing promotes change, growth and development quite like a group of ambitious professionals coming together for a shared cause,” says Sharma.
“That’s why I’m thrilled about the launch of the DeGroote Women’s Professional Network. Through continuous learning and mentorship, we can empower ourselves with the ability to transform our lives, and the lives of others.”
Sharma – who founded NKS Therapy in Toronto in 2012 – is a noted relationship therapist, personal growth expert, media spokesperson, speaker and writer. She achieved her Master’s degree in psychology from Johns Hopkins University, and is currently completing her doctorate in psychology with California Southern University.
“Women, in particular, gain a lot from the connections that emerge from these types of networks,” adds Milena Head, Professor, Information Systems, and Academic Director of the EMBA program at DeGroote.
“What’s most interesting is the fact that the DeGroote Women’s Professional Network will unite women of all ages, at various stages of their careers. Understanding each other’s roles and challenges will ultimately benefit everyone. There’s a lot we can accomplish by simply talking to one another.”
Lea Matulovic, a current MBA candidate and 2012 BCom alumna, knows first-hand just how valuable a robust and vibrant network can be to students and young professionals.
“I enjoyed attending the Breakfast Series as a member of the business community before beginning my MBA, and continue to attend as a current student,” says Matulovic, who is serving this year as President of the DeGroote MBA Association.
“The Women’s Professional Network will allow me to learn from a variety of excellent speakers, while interacting with influential people in the business community. Furthermore, the Network provides an opportunity for today’s business leaders to connect with students regarding co-op, summer, or full-time employment, act as mentors and, ultimately, impact the leaders of tomorrow.”
The launch event for the DeGroote Women’s Professional Network will take place Tuesday, January 19 from 7:30-9 a.m. at the Ron Joyce Centre – 4350 South Service Road, Burlington, Ontario.
The launch will coincide with a Breakfast Series event titled “Dancing with Change: Why People Resist and What to Do about It,” featuring Linda Morgan – MA, HSDP, President of the Clic Effect Inc. – as a keynote speaker.
In this session, Morgan will introduce a four-step framework for assessing change, as well as the corresponding reactions you or your team might have when dealing with change.
For more information about the DeGroote Women’s Professional Network, contact Kristine Leadbetter at 905-525-9140 ext. 27436 or klead@mcmaster.ca.
