By now, we hope you've heard about the WILMA Women to Watch Leadership Initiative, a new effort to develop women as leaders of our area's businesses, nonprofit organizations, government bodies and boards of directors.
 
Numerous large employers, small businesses, nonprofits and others in the region have come together to start this initiative.

The initiative includes several components, some of which have already launched and others that are coming soon:

• Increased coverage of leadership topics in the monthly issues of WILMA, its WILMA Weekly email newsletter, and on its website.
• The Women to Watch Awards program that spotlights finalists and winners in seven categories: Arts, Education, Health Care, Business, Public Service, Nonprofit/Volunteer, and Rising Star. Nominations for the awards run through July 1. Click here for the nomination form.
• Three large annual events to bring together women leaders and up-and-coming women to have fun, connect, and learn. The launch party on June 18 is the first event. Click here to learn more.
• Small groups where women can connect with others in a similar industry or area of interest. We’re currently working with tekMountain to create a women in technology group.
• The WILMA Leadership Institute will give eight women annually the opportunity to go through more intensive leadership training. 
• A “Get On Board!” program will help match women with board of director opportunities on area nonprofit, government, and business boards. WILMA is partnering with United Way and QENO on this program.
• A mentorship program will match up-and-coming women in the community with women and men mentors to assist with their leadership development.
• The WILMA Network will help women find each other online and through the magazine.