"Leading by Example" by JENNIFER HOEWE

Township Times

April 16, 2008 Issue, Front Page 4-16

Drewe Robinson did not find what she was looking for when she moved to Michigan. Instead, she created it. Moving from Rochester, Minn. brought enough obvious adjustments, but it was the lack of female-based leadership groups that struck her as truly puzzling. “I kept asking, ‘Where do I go to meet other professional women?’” Robinson said. “I tried other organizations and was not getting what I needed.”

Taking initiative, the representative and trust officer at Tri-Star Trust Bank decided to follow in the footsteps of her predecessor, Veronica Horn. Through her affiliation with the Saginaw County Chamber of Commerce, Horn began Women in Leadership in 2002, only to find it lacked staying power. Two years later, Robinson partnered with Horn and three other women to engender Women in Leadership Mid-Michigan.

The five original members grew to more than 80 within barely four years of the group’s existence. Robinson, the organization’s vice president, credits this surge in numbers to the dire need for a professional women’s organization in the area. “We needed to create a product useful for women to network,” Robinson said. “We now have that product, which women in this community will find beneficial.”

Those who attend the monthly meetings are encouraged to promote themselves and their businesses, she added. Activities including business card exchanges and three-second commercials that advertise the presenter’s profession highlight the group’s agenda. “We give women permission to talk about themselves in a professional manner,” Robinson said. “This provides a safe way to ask for and get referrals.”

Amid networking opportunities, keynote speakers address topics applicable to members and the continued development of their business and leadership skills, Robinson said. From “Business Trends in the Valley” to “How to Get Women Elected,” presentations focus on topics pertinent to career-oriented women. “We look at issues from a global perspective, not just individual,” Robinson said. “Education doesn’t stop, so you shouldn’t stop.”

Meanwhile, the speakers’ audience consists of locally-based women donning careers in law, government, medicine and education, among others. “We want a good representation of the people in our community,” Robinson said, “This is definitely not just a Saginaw event.”

Board members work ardently with the advisory committee in hopes of attracting additional members from surrounding areas, she added. And by no means is the group limited by age or career level. While Women in Leadership Mid-Michigan began with experienced working women, it now boasts a broad spectrum of talents and abilities, Robinson said. “We try to find mentors for women who will be our next leaders,” she explained. “From sales reps to CEOs, it’s critical to have that range.”

Among those working toward continued professional success, Sue Adams, independent associate with Pre-Paid Legal Services, Inc., said she joined the group for its leadership-building potential. “It gives women a chance to network with their peers and build relationships,” Adams said. “It provides resources and support for women as they pursue their personal and business goals.”

The professional motivation provided by this united front is invaluable, Adams added. Fellow member Monica Reyes called the meetings “inspirational” in their ability to connect like-minded individuals. “A lot of us are juggling work and a family life,” Reyes said. “It’s great to have the support of a group of working women.”

Reyes, director of the Office of Continuing Education and Professional Development at Saginaw Valley State University, became a member during the group’s infant stage three years ago. Since then, Women in Leadership Mid-Michigan has continually welcomed discussion on progressive issues. While staying abreast an ever-changing work environment, a willingness to uphold nonpartisanship maintains a learning environment with fewer biases, Robinson said. “Things that were once accepted are not accepted anymore,” she said. “We try to keep members up to speed by presenting different perspectives.”

The jointure of members and nonmembers helps increase diversity among meeting attendants, Robinson added. Though enrollment steadily rises, the group continues to welcome guests in hopes of further expansion. “We found an obvious need, and we’re trying to fill it as best we can,” Robinson said. “I’m 100 percent certain more of these groups are needed.”

Members of Women in Leadership Mid-Michigan conversed Friday at Horizons Conference Center during their monthly meeting. (Photo by Jennifer Hoewe)