The Dayton Better Business Bureau and Women in Business Networking are supporting women in business in a big way
For 10 years, Women in Business Networking (WiBN) has a been a vital part of the Dayton and Miami Valley region Better Business Bureau (BBB). Though the group of like-minded women first met in 2008, the program didn’t officially become a part of the BBB until 2014. But the group’s vision of the power of connecting, and how it could lead to growth and success, is evident still today.
Sheri Sword, executive director of WiBN and vice president of the Dayton and Miami Valley BBB, says that members have many similarities. “The women of WiBN share a motivation for achievement and prosperity, build relationships with other dynamic women, learn from one another and share resources to achieve their goals,” she says. “WiBN continues to provide a supportive, educational and dynamic atmosphere for Miami Valley businesswomen and beyond.”
In the fall, WiBN hosts two annual events: The WiBN Awards Gala and the WiBN Leadership Conference. This year, the awards gala will be held Oct. 12 at Mandalay Banquet Center and the Leadership Conference will be held Nov. 12 at Sinclair Community College.
The WiBN Awards Gala was started to recognize women who are working to improve their communities, leading and developing others in their professional networks, and advocating for all women. The highlight is the WiBN Women to Watch.
“A Woman to Watch inspires and encourages those around her to actively challenge the status quo,” Sword says. “She is a force of change in both her professional and personal life and she makes a lasting impression on others. She is passionate about her work, philanthropy and relationships. Her efforts are not always splashy and bold. Instead, she impacts the world around her through ripples that turn into waves.”
The formal event also recognizes the WiBN volunteer and ambassador of the year.
The WiBN Leadership Conference is an event designed to “inspire, influence and impact attendees.”
“This conference is perfect for women who are, were or about to be in the workforce,” Sword says. “[You can] connect with women who can help you take the next step in your career and whom you can help through quality connections. “
Over 300 women gather at the Leadership Conference annually to learn through keynote speeches, panel discussions and breakout sessions.
Those who have been WiBN members say that it helped them grow as leaders, gave them a space to be authentic and discuss issues. Outside of the annual Awards Gala and Leadership Conference, WiBN hosts Coffee n Connections events, Lunch n Learns and Mastermind Hot Seat events to help women connect with others and enhance their skills, says Sword.
At WiBN, you’ll find that diversity and inclusion are important to its goal.
“We learn from each other through our differences, no matter what they are,” Sword says. “We want everyone to embrace the feeling of belonging, which helps us connect, be innovative, as well as be productive. We learn from new perspectives and experiences. All are welcome at WiBN.”
