(CORRECTION) ADVANCE: Montgomery Women's Leadership Digest

The email below has been updated to reflect current information on how to make a donation to the Montgomery Women Scholarship Fund through the Montgomery College Foundation. If you have made a donation using the previous link, you will be contacted directly. Please direct any further questions to Deborah Peeples, Montgomery Women Scholarship Chair.

December 2022

A Message from Leadership

Season’s Greetings!

Montgomery Women has quite a bit to celebrate as we come to the conclusion of another fabulous

year!

We began our fiscal year planning programs, initiatives, and social events that helped connect us with other members of our community:

we now have a regular newsletter that provides updates about Montgomery Women events, its members, and tips to help us navigate our world;
we increased our membership while focusing on opportunities for young students to be mentored and learn from professionals;
we even “stepped up our game” and created a new hot spot at the Mosaic for our First Fridays, which have been well- attended by members and members of the community.

What a great way to end the year, but also great strides in moving Montgomery Women forward. This is important as we want our organization to be of value to the members who join. Our organization must continue to advance and adapt to the new times in order to meet the women and community we serve where they are.

As you know, a message from Ijeoma is never complete without a call for reflection. As we continue to grow, I want us to look at where we are now and consider where we want to be in the next year, the next three years and even five years from now. What will Montgomery Women look like? What will Montgomery Women offer? Are there things that we should be doing, but are not?

Our members come from different backgrounds and with professional experiences that make Montgomery Women a unique and truly dynamic organization. When we bring our ideas to the table to create, the successes that I listed above occur. This is why I am a member of Montgomery Women. I look forward to our meetings and events because I truly enjoy the energy that fills the room (even virtually) when we are together brainstorming new things or perfecting what we have from a fusion of intellections.

Here’s to the New Year and the best of what it will bring for Montgomery Women!

Yours Truly,

Ijeoma Enendu

Vice President, Montgomery Women

Member Spotlights

Anne Tallent

Executive Editor, Bethesda Magazine & Bethesda Beat

Anne is the executive editor of Bethesda Magazine and Bethesda Beat. She joined the publications in August 2021 after 16 years as an editor at The Baltimore Sun. There, she rose from copy editor to director of content/news, overseeing teams responsible for coverage related to breaking news, justice, features, magazines and sports, among other topics. Her leadership contributed to Sun coverage recognized by Maryland, Delaware, DC Press Association awards, the National Press Club, the National Headliner Awards and the Pulitzer Prize.

Previously, Anne had been an editor at the Democrat & Chronicle in Rochester, NY, and the Daily Oklahoman in Oklahoma City. She attended the University of Maryland and graduated from Oklahoma State University. Anne has been a resident of Silver Spring since 2015. She and her husband have a young son enrolled in Montgomery County Public Schools.

Francene Walker

Development & Alumni Associate, Montgomery College Foundation

Francene is a certified fundraising executive with over 25 years of development experience. Before joining the Montgomery College development team, Francene served as director for individual and planned giving for UNCF - United Negro College Fund - where she was responsible for overseeing initiatives that generated several million dollars in annual support from individuals. Throughout her career, Francene has worked with community service organizations, as well as regional non-profits where she directed general fundraising activities, including grant writing, corporate relations, and media/public affairs.

A big advocate for professional development, Francene formerly served as Secretary of the Board of Directors of the Association of Fundraising Professionals of the Greater Washington, DC Area. A native of Louisiana and transplant from Pittsburgh, PA, Francene has enjoyed living in Montgomery County since 1985.

Quick Tips

For the Everyday Leader

Taking time to learn about your team and to help the team learn about each other, can help improve communication and mutual respect. As a leader, learning about your peers and understanding their individual personalities, goals, and work styles can also help you develop better strategies for management. You can also use what you learn to establish an environment every team member feels like you listen to them and care for their well-being.

Servant leadership is a management style in which you focus on your team’s growth and well-being to put their needs first. The theory is that instead of employees serving the leader, the leader serves the employees. Servant leadership is important in business because it creates a work environment in which employees at all levels of your organization feel respected, appreciated, and valued. Businesses that follow a servant leadership philosophy tend to have stronger work cultures with high employee morale and engagement.

Have a leadership tip or resource you want to share? Click below.

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Key Updates

Join the 43rd Annual Women's Legislative Briefing

The Women’s Legislative Briefing (WLB) is the premier and longest-standing women’s legislative event in the state of Maryland. It is coordinated by the Montgomery County Commission for Women and brings together advocates, policy makers, and emerging leaders to empower, engage, and mobilize Marylanders around issues affecting women and girls throughout the state. Under the theme "Empowered Women Protect Democracy," this year's virtual event will take place on January 29, 2023 from 12:30 - 5:00 PM. Tickets can be purchased here.

Give to the Montgomery Women Scholarship Fund

One of our organization’s crowning accomplishments is our Scholarship Program through the Montgomery College Foundation. In the past ten years, our members have provided more than 50 scholarships that have changed the trajectory of so many young women.

As proud members of Montgomery Women, we are committed to advocating for women leaders in every sector for a strong, equitable community. We are all “doers” who make things happen! Help us reach this year's $10,000 goal by making a donation today! Under Gift Information, in ‘Different Area of Support,’ select ‘Other ’ and type in: Montgomery Women Scholarship.

Your donation will be matched $1 for $1 (up to $3,000). You can be proud that, over the years, 100% of our board members have supported the Scholarship Fund. Join us in helping more deserving women become tomorrow’s leaders.