Title: Women in Leadership Mid Michigan: Roots in 1000 Leaders Initiative

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Saginaw: Women in Leadership Mid-Michigan have special reason to celebrate the completion of the 1000  Leaders Initiative, a program through Saginaw County Vision 2020.  The organization has its roots in the 1000 Leaders Program. 

In 2004, four women who had just completed the 1000 Leaders 3-day training met to discuss how they might support women’s efforts to make a difference through leadership in the community.  After much discussion, Polly Lynch, Jeanne Murphy, Drewe Robinson and Kathleen McGraw working together with Veronica Horn from the Saginaw County Chamber of Commerce launched the group that now includes women leaders in government, business, and nonprofit throughout the Great Lakes Bay Region.

Women in Leadership Mid-Michigan will move their regular luncheon meeting on June 11 to MBS Airport’s Sky Room where they will celebrate with 1000 Leaders graduates and other leadership groups in the region. The event is hosted by the Leadership Alumni Association of Saginaw County (LAASC) to celebrate the completion of the 1000 Leaders Initiative.  Mary Lou Benecke, Executive Committee, Great Lakes Bay Region Alliance, will speak to the graduates and encourage them to accept the challenge and engage in collaborative efforts in the region.    

Women in Leadership Mid-Michigan focus on such topics as women-owned businesses, running for a political office, business trends in the Valley, branding, leadership in philanthropy, and issues in education and healthcare.  Luncheon meetings are normally held on the 2nd Friday of each month at Horizons Conference Center in Saginaw. The group has grown to over 100 members and offers members opportunities for personal growth; provide tools to effectively manage the work and home environment; and information on taking on leadership roles in business, government and nonprofits.
 
Besides offering opportunities for women, Women in Leadership Mid-Michigan help fund the start of the program Girls on the Run in the region. Girls on the Run is a non-profit prevention program that encourages preteen girls to develop self-respect and healthy lifestyles through running (ages 8-13) and address all aspects of girls’ development – their physical, emotional, mental, social and spiritual well-being.  

Women in Leadership members are proud to join other 1000 Leaders graduates who have been instrumental in leading community improvement and development programs.