This time last year, who would have thought life as we knew it would turn upside down? From a global pandemic that claimed over one million lives while crushing the economy, to civil unrest, to a divisive US presidential election—most of us cannot wait for 2020 to be over. It is easy to think and express the hardship during 2020, but as we approach a less-than-ideal holiday season, it is really good for all of us to challenge ourselves to think deeply about all we are grateful for. 

Throughout history and around the world, gratitude has been known as the “social glue” that fortifies relationships—between friends, family, and romantic partners—and serves as the backbone of human society. In fact, studies have shown gratitude is even associated with benefits including better physical and psychological health, decreased materialism, and increased happiness.

Let’s put gratitude front and center this pandemic holiday season by reflecting on the goodness 2020 has brought. With our FWSF lens on, we have celebrated many milestones for women this year including announcing FWSF’s first African American president in the history of our organization, Olivia Barbee. We also celebrated 100 years of the women’s constitutional right to vote and witnessed the first woman and woman of color to be elected vice president of the United States. Finally, as no small task, FWSF succeeded at moving a full calendar of programming online. 

We are so thankful for every one of our members and sponsors for all of the generous support. Thanks to you, we were able to hold successful events and maintain our connection virtually, grow our membership, and give thousands of dollars to FWSF scholarship winners this year. 

We wish you all a healthy and happy holiday season. We hope you can recognize all that you are grateful for in your own lives and that it brings you joy.

By Anne Evers, Membership Committee

This is the last of three Path to the Board articles (miss the earlier ones? Check them out: Path to the Board: First Step ─ Maximize Your Membership by Joining a Committee and Path to the Board: Co-Chairs Speak Out). We’ve heard from various committee members and co-chairs about why they are involved with the organization. Scholarship Committee Co-Chair Tamarra L. Brown said it best: “Being part of the board is an opportunity to see the hard work of many dedicated members to make FWSF possible. Board members are supportive and active in all aspects of FWSF.”

If you’re new to the organization, give it a try! Raise your hand and volunteer for a committee (see info at end of article about whom to contact). After gaining experience about the inner-workings of the organization on a committee, if you’re ready, the next step is a board position as a committee co-chair, more than likely related to the committee(s) for which you have volunteered. Committee co-chairs serve for a maximum of two years, then either transition to another committee or possibly become a VP.

In this article, Connections got input from three VPs who have been involved with FWSF for a number of years: Susan Mazzetti, VP Programs, Karen Crowley, VP MarCom, and Janeth Medina, VP Diversity and Inclusion. VPs have a few committees in their portfolios. Eventually, some of the VPs may become officers of the board. Read on…

 Click here to read more!

Did you know that members can post or view job opportunities on FWSF’s website? Use your member login to access the Members Corner and look for the Job Opportunities link! It’s a great way to share opportunities with other members of FWSF, or take a look at options for the next step in your career.