One of the best ways to maximize the value of
your FWA membership is to join a committee and get involved with
the organization's important committee work. FWA is a
volunteer-run organization, and we rely on the time, talents and
enthusiasm of our members to conduct our work and to help the
organization grow and expand our capabilities and reach.
There are many of opportunities to get involved,
both large and small. There are nine
permanent committees:
See the list of Committee
Chairs.
Alliance
Facilitate connections with other organizations
having complementary goals and interests. Engage alliance
partners in co-sponsoring ongoing FWA programs and initiatives
with us. Provides the opportunity to increase your exposure to
other business/civic organizations.
Communications
Produce a quarterly member newsletter,
distributed electronically, to keep members informed of relevant
events and activities, introduce new members, and increase the
value of their membership (one co-chair). Maintain the
organization's website, working with an outside vendor (second
co-chair). If interested, pursue other methods of member
communication. Provides the opportunity to
demonstrate/strengthen communications skills and develop working
relationships with many board members.
Corporate Sponsorship
This new committee is charged with developing a
Corporate Sponsorship program that targets both local, regional
and national companies. It will develop a year-round program and
cultivate relationships to provide support for both the
organization as a whole and for the FWA Scholarship Fund.
Provides the opportunity to create a network with a range of
companies in the Bay Area and beyond and gain valuable fund
raising experience.
Diversity
The Diversity Committee designs and implements
the FWA's Diversity Program to assure that FWA's membership and
programs reflect the diversity existing within the Bay Area
financial community.
East Bay
Develop and plan programs for the newly
established East Bay arm of FWA to provide opportunities for
members living/working in the East Bay; promote FWA to East Bay
companies and prospective members; encourage prospects to join.
Provides the opportunity to get in on the "ground
floor" of this adjunct group and put both your big-picture
skills and attention to detail to work.
Financial Woman of the Year Event
Plan the annual Financial Woman of the Year
Event, held each fall. This is our annual signature event, which
raises money for the FWA Scholarship Fund and draws 800+
attendees each year. The Financial Woman of the Year Committee
is comprised of several subcommittees: nominating, corporate and
foundation sponsorship, communications; program; arrangements;
sponsor appreciation event; and advertising/public relations.
Lifestyle and Special
Events
Plan FWA's annual summer outing, holiday party
and other lifestyle events relevant to our membership that
extend beyond our ongoing business programming. Allows members
to mix and mingle. Provides the opportunity to create great
memories while having a great time.
Marketing/Public Relations
Heighten awareness of FWA and communicate its
role as the premier organization for women in finance in the Bay
Area. Through media outreach, event invitations, brochures and
other marketing and publicity initiatives, reinforce the mission
and accomplishments of FWA among members, prospects, media,
potential corporate sponsors and the general public. Provides
the opportunity to actively promote the organization and make
contact with high-level women (and others!) in the financial
industry.
Membership
Work to maintain and increase FWA's membership.
Welcome new members, design and execute membership drives, and
plan fun activities geared toward growing our membership.
Provides an opportunity to meet many fellow and prospective FWA
members. Provides the opportunity to meet and work with a
wide range of prospects and members.
Mentoring
Coordinate and manage FWA's mentoring program,
which links scholarship winners to FWA members on an annual
basis. Plan and arrange events where scholarship winners and FWA
members meet, establish and oversee mentor/protégé relationships,
and provide suggestions to improve the program. Provides a
unique opportunity to connect with a broad range of financial
women, from those just starting out to those at the top of their
game.
Professional Development
Plan events with speakers on various topics,
with a goal toward providing an intimate forum to facilitate
interactive discussions between each event's speaker and FWA
members/guests. Provides an opportunity to develop unique
opportunities and to develop contacts with interesting experts
on a range of subjects.
Programs
Identify, recruit and host speakers for FWA's
industry leader series in San Francisco, and refer prospective speakers to
program organizers for Silicon Valley and East Bay meetings, focusing
on topics of current interest in financial services and speakers
who are noted experts or leaders in their field. Provides the
opportunity to put big-picture skills to work as well as contact
with high-level experts in the financial services field.
Scholarship
Coordinate with Bay Area Colleges and
Universities to provide applications for our scholarship
program, review applications, conduct final interviews and
provide recommendations to the Executive Board for Scholarship
recipients. The Scholarship Committee also coordinates the
mentor program between FWA members and the scholarship
recipients. Provides the opportunity to meet inspiring young
women and help them on their road to success.
Silicon Valley
Develop a diverse program of roughly 10
events/activities per year to be held during lunch or evening in Palo
Alto, ranging from "Meet the CEO" series to personal
Issues; provide networking and holiday events. Provides an
opportunity to put your big-picture thinking and skills to good
use as well as contact with senior executives in the region.
See the list of Committee
Chairs.
