One of the many reasons I love living in West Michigan is the people. And I think we all benefit from knowing more of them.
And that’s what I do in my work as Inforum’s West Michigan Brand Ambassador—help build connections. Inforum is a nonprofit whose mission is to help accelerate women’s careers, and I thrive on helping women—and men too—make the connections they need to help them navigate their careers. Many of these connections also become friends.
We know that getting to know other women in business can feel difficult and sometimes intimidating. That’s why members have created affinity groups to ease the process for other members. Gathering around common interests in an informal atmosphere makes it easy.
If you’re not already an Inforum member, I invite you to join us and investigate these options:
- Architectural, Engineering, and Construction (A/E/C) (in person): Focusing on creating opportunities for professional growth through developing leadership competencies and making strategic connections – all within a spirit of inclusion and support.
- Arts & Culture: Plans activities throughout the year, including performances, art shows, live music, and more, with plenty of opportunities to network and socialize.
- Dinner: Meet at a local restaurant to network with other Inforum members. Bring plenty of business cards.
- Emerging Professionals (in person & virtual): This group was formed to bring together younger members who are looking to network, develop relationships, and better themselves in their personal and professional lives.
- Golf: Whether you’re a seasoned pro or have never held a club, all are welcome.
- Happy Hour: Creates a “happy” environment in which to build personal and professional growth through building genuine relationships. Come happy hour in a variety of ways and locations in Greater Grand Rapids.
- Lakeshore Lunch: Join this group for a cup of coffee and make strategic connections with others who are interested in establishing and building professional relationships.
- Lunch: Feed your mind. Feed your stomach. Feed your network!
- ManufacturingNEXT: An extension of our ManufacturingNEXT industry group, this group discusses industry matters, leadership development, and technical subjects pertinent to manufacturing, along with building strategic industry relationships and offering manufacturing facility tours.
- Women of Wellness (virtual): The statewide group is focused on providing information, resources, and support for women around health and wellness issues. It provides accessible strategies, techniques, and resources women and allies can adopt to make positive changes in their own health and lives.
- WeOwn Collective (in person): This is a dynamic group of women entrepreneurs committed to fostering innovation, collaboration, and success, providing a supportive platform for women at all stages of their entrepreneurial journey.
- Words & Wine (in person): Love books and a great conversation? Join our West Michigan Book Club, a welcoming group of readers who follow Reese’s Book Club picks and mix thoughtful discussion with relaxed networking.
Membership information can be found here, and more details about our affinity groups are here.
Come join us!
Darlene O’Neal is the West Michigan Brand Ambassador for Inforum, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit with membership groups in West and Southeast Michigan. Inforum also serves companies and their team members globally. You can reach her at [email protected]
Courtesy of Inforum.
Photos Courtesy of Inforum.
