Left to Right: Mary Horan (Vice President, Director of Marketing & Public Relations Lake City Bank and WISE, INC. President), Andrea Reed (Manager, Kosciusko Chamber of Commerce and WISE, INC. VP of Events), Kathleen Ameche (Gartner Executive), Gail Farnsley (Gartner Executive)

By KLARISA KINDIG
Vice President of Marketing and Communications, WISE, Inc.

We Inspire Support Empower Inc. a non-profit organization dedicated to the education and support of the professional career interests of women, held its first W.I.S.E. Professional Development Workshop: Improving Your Presence, Impact and Influence on Nov. 13 at the Champagne Jam.

The half-day workshop was led by Kathleen Ameche and Gail Farnsley, executive partners with Gartner Executive Programs, a nationally known executive development organization. Both Ameche and Farnsley have extensive experience in a variety of industries.

Ameche kicked off the event by engaging the audience in discussion about personal brand. She gave practical advice on using social networks, particularly LinkedIn, to network, establish a personal brand, and as a tool to change careers or jobs. She encouraged participants to understand and articulate their distinguishing characteristics, traits, experiences and values to make the most of perceptions of them

In addition to the keynote presentation, Farnsley led a panel of professionals through an interactive discussion on their career experiences. Panelists Mary Horan of Lake City Bank, Amy Mencarelli of Warsaw Community Schools and Edwina Payne of Zimmer- shared stories about their personal journeys and advice about navigating in the professional world.

The advice they shared included encouragement to be confident and opportunistic, to know personal weaknesses, but capitalize on strengths, and to find a mentor and maintain a network.

Participants concluded by networking and exploring opportunities with WISE membership and its robust mentoring program, which is currently open for enrollment.

The event was sponsored by Zimmer, Paragon Medical, the Champagne Jam and Wyndham Garden Hotel.

About WISE, Inc.

WISE, Inc. is a non-profit organization dedicated to the education and support of the professional career interests of women. WISE seeks to inspire, support and empower women by offering educational opportunities for development of knowledge and leadership skills, building professional and personal connections, promoting the presence of professional women, and fostering mentoring relationships. WISE recognizes Founding Sponsors Paragon Medical Inc., Biomet and Mahan 9 Group for their support. Visit www.wiseincorporated.org for more information.