Article of Interest: Defining a Dream

In Entrepreneur

As the busy founder and president of Latitudes International, a private-label designer and manufacturer of fragrance products such as candles, potpourri and room sprays, Jill Belasco may not be stopping to smell the roses every day. While some would have found the twists and turns of her entrepreneurial ride too tumultuous to stomach, and her unexpected obstacles insurmountable, Belasco and her business have emerged successful.

Find out how and why here.

News: Minority Executive Scholarships For Business Owners

In Indian Country News

More than a great idea and hard work are needed to run a company: it takes money, training and a break or two. In the cutthroat world of commerce, minority-owned businesses must compete with companies with deep pockets, managed by Ivy-leaguers trained at the finest schools.

To offset this extra burden, companies like Bank of America pay attention not only to the diversity within their own work force, but also in the companies with which they do business. Bank of America's supplier diversity program not only encourages and supports contracts with diverse suppliers, it also helps fund the Dorothy B. Brothers Minority Executive Scholarship, providing minority business owners with access to high-caliber management education. These scholarships help those business owners formulate and implement business strategies to achieve a competitive advantage, and to manage their company's growth in order to successfully bid, win and manage larger contracts.

To qualify, all you need is at least three full-time employees and sell between $500,000 and $50 million a year. For more information, visit here.

Article of Interest: Little Girls and a Little Business

In Wisconsin State Journal

Anna Brunner, 13, a 7th grader at Whitehorse Middle School, never thought of herself as "a business person." But when her best friend, Tess Burat, joined a group called Girls' Biz, Anna did, too.

Ali Gee-Lewis heard about the program from her mom. "I wanted to learn how to be an entrepreneur," Ali said. "I like to solve things ... and make money."

So it's never too early to recruit members for the Women Presidents' Organization!

Event: The University of Chicago Women's Business Group Presents Their 5th Annual Networking Event (11/17/05)

I encourage everyone to attend "Linking Professionals to Nonprofit Boards" on November 17th from 4:40 - 8:00 p.m. at the Mid-America Club. This networking event, now in its 5th year, allows professionals who would like to explore board service with a not-for-profit organization to meet representatives from over 50 nonprofits who are interested in adding members to their boards. This is one of the most significant ways that we can help women to raise their profile in the community and bring their expertise to bear on significant community concerns.

UCWBG is a Community Partner to the Women Presidents' Organization (Chicago).

For more information and to register, please visit:
http://www.ucwbg.org/

News: WPO Partners With ATHENA International

I had the great privilege to meet with ATHENA International Executive Director Dorothy Huisman last week along with her spirited team. In case you don't know about ATHENA, it is a global organization which supports, develops and honors women leaders. They also inspire women to achieve their full potential, creating a balance in leadership worldwide.

In the course of our discussions, we determined that the Women Presidents' Organization and ATHENA International will work together as often as possible on all fronts concerning the advancement of businesswomen around the world.

Please join us in welcoming ATHENA International into the WPO fold as a "Community Partner" and take a moment to visit their website. They have so much to offer.

I will be attending the ATHENA Chicago Award Luncheon on November 7th, honoring individuals who demonstrate excellence in their business or profession, provide valuable service to the community and actively assist women in realizing their full leadership potential. I hope to see you there.