We Inspire Support Empower Inc., a non-profit organization dedicated to the education and support of the professional career interests of women, successfully launched its mentoring program.

Over 40 individuals converged at Champagne Jam @ 2517 the evening of Jan. 30 for the inaugural event. Utilizing group events and personalized mentoring, the WISE program is designed to help create strong peer networks, assist participants to grow professionally, develop new skills, explore new career paths and establish career goals while learning critical leadership skills and giving back both to the community and to the participant’s professions.

At the kick-off event, participants were provided an in-depth look at the program followed by a panel discussion. Panel members Marsha Carey, Mike Kissinger, Linda Land and Stacey Rhodes shared their personal experiences as both mentors and mentees, providing insight into what constitutes an effective mentor/mentee relationship and guidance as to how to get the most out of such a relationship. Following a question/answer session with the panel, those mentored were introduced to their mentors and the remainder of the evening was devoted to the development of these new relationships.

The mentoring program was developed and is directed by a team led by Stacey Trick and Carla Nussbaum and consisting of Andrea O’Day, Lisa Gomez-Osborn and Michelle Reedy. Trick shared the enthusiasm of the team and their excitement over the success of their first event.

“We had a great turnout with 42 people in attendance. In fact, our first-ever program has 22 mentee participants and of those, 21 were in attendance at the kickoff event which shows the enthusiasm and dedication of our participants.”

Though participation in this year’s mentoring program is now closed, Trick also shared, “We have received an amazing response from several people who are already interested in participating in next year’s program.”

W.I.S.E. Inc., a locally organized and governed entity, seeks to inspire, support and empower women by offering educational opportunities for the development of knowledge and leadership skills, building of professional and personal connections, promoting the presence of professional women and fostering mentoring relationships.

Organizing and hosting large and small events throughout the year directed at assisting women in their career development, WISE already has a full slate of opportunities planned for 2014. The next event, to be held at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 18, at 2517 Champagne Jam will focus on “Building Your Brand for Personal and Professional Development” and will feature Mandy Wee, a long time orthopaedic medical device marketer with a passion for assisting other professionals in leveraging their unique talents in order to influence their professional and personal worlds.

To learn more about this event or W.I.S.E. Inc., visit www.wiseincorporated.org or email us at [email protected]. You can also follow the Facebook page at WISE Inc. or on Twitter at @WISEINC_Org.