NAPW Raleigh-Durham, NC Local Chapter Held Team-Building and Networking Event in June
Garden City, NY (PRWEB) July 03, 2013 -- Members and guests of the NAPW Raleigh-Durham, NC Local Chapter gathered in the evening of June 18th and again in the afternoon of June 22nd for professional networking meetings.
Both events gave the group of professional women opportunities for team building, networking and discussing Chapter plans and objectives.
At the latter meeting, Motivational Speaker Cynthia White delivered a dynamic presentation about the importance of first impressions.
On June 18th, Raleigh-Durham Chapter President Louise Ukochovera welcomed members and guests to the meeting at Bahamas Breeze in Raleigh. She emphasized that this was a networking meeting and re-assured members of her commitment to the organization.
Introductions were made and, as an incentive, tickets to the Success 2013 Business Conference were given to the first eight people who arrived before the meeting started.
“Chapter member Dr. Ethel Hasty served as moderator for the meeting and added her words of welcome, encouraging members and guests to be at ease, to relax and to enjoy the meeting!” said President Ukochovera.
The objectives of the meeting were for purposes of team building, decision making, presentation of information and networking. The Chapter President reviewed the mission of NAPW, which is to connect with like-minded professional women to develop social and business relationships, to offer resources and benefits and to network.
Dr. Hasty explained to members what was expected if someone chose to be in the Member Spotlight. She said that it is an opportunity to put a spotlight on members, their experiences and how they have benefited from membership in NAPW. Further, she indicated that it offers the member an opportunity to share her story with colleagues. Dr. Hasty and the President encouraged members to grab the spotlight.
“Remember, your story might inspire future members and strengthen awareness of your profession and the many benefits of NAPW membership,” Dr. Hasty told the group.
Raleigh-Durham Chapter member Donise Benton shared information about Dress For Success, the charity the Chapter will be supporting.
“Members were asked to continue to make donations that would be collected and submitted with the hopes that these donations would serve to help women in need dress in a professional manner, which might lead to employment for them,” said Chapter President Ukochovera. “Many members have already made generous donations.”
The group met for a second time on June 22nd at the Manchester Grill in Raleigh where Motivational Speaker presented to the attendees.
“Cynthia White is a dynamic, energetic, motivational speaker who is going to help us understand how important first impressions are,” said Chapter member MaryAnn Wood as she introduced the speaker.
Addressing the group, Ms. White indicated how everyone needs to be clear about who they are, but to do that, they have to dig deep down inside.
“We were reminded that it takes only the very first seven seconds for people to size you up, or to form judgments about you,” said Chapter President Ukochovera. “First impression matters, she told us.”
The message the speaker passed on to the group is that they need to work very hard to give a good impression the first time, because they do not get another opportunity to change what has been done. The speaker said that everything should tell a story of what they are.
“Further, she stated that when we encounter people, we are making connections and we do not want to mislead. Ms. White gave us an exercise including practical ways that directed us to write three words that described us,” said President Ukochovera.
The group of professional women then shared those words with individuals seated at their tables. The speaker quoted Steven Covey, who said "Live life, with the end in mind.”
Ms. White said that a person’s core value is crucial, so she posed the question, "What do you like about myself?"
The guest speaker challenged the women to determine how they want people to perceive them. In order to bring the point home, she demonstrated appropriate dress, including the appropriate colors to wear, how to wear belts and choosing clothes that match your current shape.
“In short, she said that visually when you stand in your closet make sure your clothes bring creativity to what they are,” said President Ukochovera.
“Using Michelle Rogers as a model, Ms. White demonstrated what the best colors were for her complexion to give all of us an idea of making appropriate choices.”
The next Raleigh-Durham Chapter meeting dates are July 16th, which will be a mid-week activity or Member Spotlight and July 20th, where the Chapter will host either a Member Spotlight or a guest speaker.
Other upcoming meeting dates(s) are August 14th, September 28th, October 26th, November 23rd and December 21st.
In attendance at the June 18th meeting were members Louisa Ukoch, Michelle Rogers, Dr. Ethel Hasty, Oge Davis, Donise Benton, Ebele Orceto, Peggy Lorello, Juliet Mulit and Ursula Nokennoko. Guests present were: Joy Goudeau and Tregha "Grace" Tesfai.
In attendance on June 22nd were Louisa Ukoch, MaryAnn Wood, Zuri Sulivan (guest), Chantal Blanchelle, Karen Sullivan, Joann David, Leslie Scheakel, Kim Mangal, Sue Wiggins, EL Idriss Houda, Christopher Blakely (guest), Angela Tallen, Michelle Rogers, Letitia Rawlins, Laura Davion (guest), Lesley Marson, Blessen Ukoch (guest), Cynthia White (guest), Sandra Wiggins, Ursula Nkonoko, Jen Lawrence, Tiffany Haywood (guest), Tiffany Kea, Kit M Holmes, Nida Amro, Kim Sharpe and Liz Taylor.
The National Association of Professional Women (NAPW) provides a forum where women can interact, exchange ideas, educate, network and empower. NAPW Local Chapters allow members to maximize their experience through meetings, networking opportunities, and professional events.
For additional information regarding the NAPW Raleigh-Durham, NC Local Chapter and/or NAPW, please visit http://www.napw.com.
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Karen Slusser, NAPW 1, 516-877-5500 213, [email protected]
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