As Inforum’s West Michigan Brand Ambassador, I thrive on helping. I spent a long career with the City of Grand Rapids and retired as City Clerk. Helping people is in my DNA.
And that’s why I took this position with Inforum, a nonprofit whose mission is to help accelerate women’s careers. I thrive on helping women make the connections they need to help them navigate their careers. Many of these connections also become friends.
We know that getting to know other women in business can feel difficult and sometimes intimidating. That’s why members have created affinity groups to ease the process for other members. Gathering around common interests in an informal atmosphere makes it easy.
If you’re not already an Inforum member, I invite you to join us and investigate these options:
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Architectural, Engineering, and Construction (A/E/C): Focusing on creating opportunities for professional growth through developing leadership competencies and making strategic connections—all within a spirit of inclusion and support.
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Arts & Culture: Plans activities throughout the year, including performances, art shows, live music and more, with plenty of opportunities to network and socialize.
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Coffee Connections: Join this monthly meeting for low-cost networking with other Inforum members who are interested in establishing and building professional relationships.
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Dinner: Meet at a local restaurant to network with other Inforum members. Bring plenty of business cards.
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Emerging Leaders: This group was formed to bring together younger members who are looking to network, develop relationships and overall look to better themselves in their personal and professional lives.
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Happy Hour: Creates a “happy” environment in which to build personal and professional growth through building genuine relationships. Come happy hour in a variety of ways and locations in Greater Grand Rapids.
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Lakeshore Lunch Affinity Group: Join this group for a cup of coffee and make strategic connections with others who are interested in establishing and building professional relationships.
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Lakeshore Dinner Affinity Group: The same as the lunch group, except it’s dinner.
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Lunch: Feed your mind. Feed your stomach. Feed your network!
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ManufacturingNEXT: An extension of our ManufacturingNEXT industry group, this group discusses industry matters, leadership development, and technical subjects pertinent to manufacturing, along with building strategic industry relationships and offering manufacturing facility tours.
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Words & Wine: Join this relaxed gathering at a local restaurant to discuss recent reads and enjoy a lively interactive discussion. The group encourages members to suggest books for subsequent monthly book club get-togethers.
Membership information can be found here and more details about our affinity groups are here. Come join us!
Darlene O’Neal is the West Michigan Brand Ambassador for Inforum, a 501c3 nonprofit with membership groups in West and Southeast Michigan, also serves companies and their team members globally. You can reach her at [email protected].
Courtesy of Inforum.
Headshot photo courtesy of Melvin Wimbley, Wimbley Photography.
