December 2018
Women's Network is a Division of the Columbia Chamber of Commerce
The mission of Women's Network is to connect, empower and engage members through leadership development, educational opportunities and innovative outreach.
Holiday favorites from your Women’s Network leadership

Every year as the leaves from the trees fall to the ground, we find ourselves surrounded by the joy and festivities that the holidays bring. It’s almost impossible to avoid hearing Christmas music or watching heart-warming classics like “A Charlie Brown Christmas” or “Elf” on TV at least once. What makes this time of year so undeniably special? Is it the food or spiked eggnog? Is it presents? Is it family traditions? Women’s Network leadership wanted to share with you some of our favorites!



Upcoming Events

Women's Network events are a great way to challenge your comfort zone, meet new people, and get the most out of your WN membership. Make a point to attend one of our upcoming events this month! Visit our website for all events.
January Luncheon
January 17, 2019 | 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.
PeachTree Catering (120 E. Nifong Blvd)

Hacked!?! Cyber Risk and how you can protect yourself personally and professionally.
Matt Schwartz, Director of Information Security, Shelter Insurance

Criminals are trying to access private information about individuals and companies every minute of every day. The theft of data can cost companies greatly in money, time, and brand reputation. Cyber risk is a risk management issue and Matt will discuss how organizations, and individuals, can use the concept of cyber hygiene to remediate risk. Matt will also explain how threats are evolving and share some steps everyone can take to help protect themselves personally and professionally.
Luncheons are a great tool for building your network with the average 180 attendee congregation, gaining professional or personal development, or simply catching up with professionals across Columbia! Open to WN Members and non-members.


Advance registration is appreciated.  Online pre-registration is $15 for members and $18 for guests until 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, January 15, 2019  After this pre-registration deadline, attendees can pay at the door.  Door registration prices will be $18 for members and $21 for guests. We hope to see you there! 
Presenting Sponsor
Welcome Sponsor

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Missouri
January New Member Welcome
January 10, 2019| 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Masonic Home of Missouri ( 6033 N Masonic Dr Ste A)

If you are a new Women's Network in the past 6 months, join us for the New Member Welcome! It is a great opportunity to learn about WN committees, mission, and ways to get involved.

Please note:
This event is FREE for new members who have joined Women’s Network within the past 6 months. Everyone else will be charged a $10 registration fee to help cover the cost of lunches. You must register for this event in order to attend, as space is limited. Registration ends Tuesday, October 9 at 5 p.m.

Thank you to our sponsors: Presenting Sponsor  State Farm Insurance – Stephanie Wilmsmeyer, Agent ; Gold Sponsors  Columbia Daily Tribune/Tribune Publishing Co.  and  Johnston Painting & Decorating ; Location Sponsor  Masonic Home of Missouri ; Catering Sponsor  Central Missouri Auto Body ; New Member Gift Sponsor  White Dog Promotions, LLC
February Luncheon
Feb. 21, 2019 | 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.
PeachTree Catering (120 E. Nifong Blvd)


Eat Dessert First- Make TODAY Count

Kim Becking is an engaging, high-energy, fun and impactful motivational keynote speaker, change and leadership expert, success coach and award-winning author who helps organizations and leaders conquer change, boost resilience and build a Momentum Mindset® to accelerate success no matter what.

Kim knows a thing or two about change and challenges through her own experiences in business and life. As an attorney, serial entrepreneur running two successful businesses for over two decades , communications strategist and “recovering” political consultant, Kim has conquered the ever-changing tough worlds of business, government, and politics. She’s also conquered breast cancer and other life challenges.

Kim provides practical tools and strategies to effectively manage change and deal with difficult people, tough conversations, and hard issues.  Kim doesn’t want you to just bounce back after change and adversity – she wants you to develop a Momentum Mindset® where you push past limited thinking, get unstuck, and use the change and adversity in life as the fuel needed to propel you forward – faster, further, stronger and better than ever before. 

Please pre-register to help with meals and seating count.
Pre-registration closes February 19, 2019 and is $15 for WN members, $18 for non-members.  Walk in registration (any registration after pre-registration closes) will be $18 for WN members, and $21 for non-members. Please submit all dietary restrictions to Brandi no later than February 19 or we may not be able to accommodate you.
Welcome Sponsor

Christian Chapel Academy
Scholarships and Awards

Women's Network offers a number of scholarships and awards to its members. Scholarship and award nomination windows vary; for a complete list of scholarships and awards, visit the Scholarships and Awards page of our website!

ATHENA International
Nominations Open!

The 2019 ATHENA International Awards nominations are officially open! Women's Network began presenting the ATHENA Leadership award 25 years ago as a way to recognize and honor women in the community.

Nominate an individual for one of the two awards presented:

ATHENA Leadership Award  honors individuals who strive toward the highest levels of personal and professional accomplishment, who excel in their chosen field, devote time and energy to their community in a meaningful way, and forge paths of leadership for other women to follow.

ATHENA Young Professional Award   honors emerging leaders who strive toward the highest levels of personal and professional accomplishment, who excel in their chosen field, devote time and energy to their community in a meaningful way, and serve as a role model for women.
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committee email reminders?
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a specific list!
Upcoming Committee Meetings

*Leadership Development Roundtable | NO DECEMBER MEETING

*Changing the Odds | NO DECEMBER MEETING

Special Events | Wednesday, January 2 | 12 - 1 p.m.

Steering | Thursday, January 3 | 11 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Co-Chairs | Thursday, January 3 | 12 - 1 p.m.

Monthly Program | Wednesday, January 9 | 12 - 1 p.m.

*denotes meeting date outside of normal committee schedule

January Leadership Development Roundtable

Vision and Purpose
Lead by Carolyn Paris
January 23, 2019
12 - 1 p.m.
The Walton Building (300 S. Providence)

The beginning of the new year is the perfect time to consider your vision for your life and career, along with how that vision aligns with your purpose. Come learn with us about how living life with vision and purpose leads to greater accomplishment of goals and increased satisfaction with your life.

LDR’s are great, free professional development opportunities lead by esteemed professionals in Columbia. Discussions are free to attend and are open to members and non-members. Bring your lunch and join in on a the conversation, or sit back and take it all in!

Don't forget to bring your business cards for networking, and your lunch if you would like to enjoy it during the discussion! Please register to help us plan for seating.
Check out what's going on with our members!
Welcome New Members

Mary Pratt | Central Bank of Boone County

Brenda Breland | Columbia Country Club

Amanda Gilleland | Plumb Supply Company/DKB

Megan Steen | Burrell Behavioral Health

Beth Cowgill | Atkins Inc. Commercial Cleaning, Turf, Tree and Pest Management

Jenny Flatt | University of Missouri

Jentry Mills | Evexias Medical Center

Candyce Payne | DeSpain Cayce Dermatology Center & Medical Spa

Amber Gibson | The Broadway - A Doubletree by Hilton

New Leadership Announcements
Meet WN's newest leaders!
Bethany Schoengarth, Columbia Marketing Group
Co-Chair, Marketing and Communications

Bethany Schoengarth stepped in to the co-chair position after Kalynn Ramsey was elected to fill a vacancy on the Steering Committee. Congratulations, Bethany!
Diversity Training
Women's Network leadership welcomed Nikki McGruder, Inclusive Impact Institute, for an hour conversation and training on diversity and inclusion. The conversations focused on barriers that Women's Network faces in diversifying the membership. The group discussed opportunities moving forward, and hosted great discussions all around.

Thank you to our location and food sponsor, The Tiger Hotel! They welcomed us with a beautiful space, warm food, cupcakes that were to die for, and even arranged for a light snow shower for a beautiful window view.
Holiday Party

Women's Network celebrated the holidays with good food, a beautiful view, in good company and supported by amazing sponsors. Committees, leadership, and sponsors supported the annual silent auction which raised $970 to benefit the Women's Network Changing the Odds committee.


Please help us to thank our sponsors; Without them, the event would not have been possible!

Presenting Sponsor  Veterans United Home Loans ; Gold Sponsor  Dave Griggs Flooring America ; Location Sponsor The Broadway Hote l; Silver Sponsors  Tigers Community Credit Union , and  Servpro of Columbia ; Beverage Sponsor N.H. Scheppers Distributing Company ;Decor Sponsor  A-1 Rentals ; Door Prize Sponsor  Any Time Fitness ,  Columbia Area Career Center ,  Focus on Health Chiropractic ,  Serenity Valley Winery , and  Tin Roof Monogram and Gift ; Silent Auction item/basket sponsor Central Bank of Boone County , Columbia Country Club , DogMaster Distillery , Talking Horse Theatre , Orange Theory Fitness , Stephens College , Tiger Hotel , Addisons , The Columbia Chamber of Commerce
Professional Development Resource
Personal branding is a way of establishing and consistently reinforcing who you are and what you stand for in your career and life. Forbes shares 5 ways to build your personal brand in this insightful article!

Non-Profit Spotlight
Grade A Plus Incorporated

Organization mission:  Investing in the academic support and enrichment of youth and their families through after school tutoring, mentoring, and advocacy.

What are some ways that individuals can get involved? Helped children to improve their academic performance through out of school support and enrichment resulting in better grades and achievement in school and pursuit of college. Provided advocacy assistance for families surrounding school issues, encouraged parents in supporting their children to pursue success in school, and acknowledged parent leadership for supporting their families in spite of odds and obstacles.
Member Milestones and Celebrations

Congratulations to Sara Humm, City of Columbia , for graduating with her Masters in Public Affairs!

Congratulations to Bethany Schoengarth for accepting a new position at Columbia Marketing Group and for her new role as the Marketing and Communication Co-Chair!

Congratulations to Chair-Elect Krista Kippenberger , Focus on Health Chiropractic for her induction in to Columbia Business Times 20 Under 40 Class!

Congratulations to Sara Cochran , University of Missouri System , for her induction into Columbia Business Times 20 Under 40 Class, and for being elected to serve as a Director at Large for the United States Association for Small Business and Entrepreneurship (USASBE), an international organization for entrepreneurship professors, scholars, program directors, and practitioners that advances entrepreneurship education through bold teaching, scholarship, and practice.

If you have any milestones or celebrations to include next month, please send them to
Sara Humm at [email protected].
Your newsletter contributors include:

Sara Humm , Co-Chair (Marketing Committee), City of Columbia
Laura Kogut , Steering Liaison (Marketing Committee), Landmark Bank
Teresa Snow , Steering Liaison (Marketing Committee), MU Health Care
Bethany Schoengarth , Columbia Marketing Group
Elizabeth Stephens , The Columbia Missourian
Justina Dial , Central Bank of Boone County
Audrey Sharp, Veterans United
Women's Network
a Division of the Columbia Chamber of Commerce

300 S Providence Rd
Columbia, MO 65203

(573) 874-1132