Another interesting international event

This event will be of interest especially for women.

International Visitors Center of Chicago organizes a reception honoring the 2008 U.S. State Department Middle East Partnership Initiative Fellows(a/k/a the "MEPI Ladies")

WHEN: Tuesday, August 19 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.
WHERE: the hospitality suite and rooftop terrace of the MDA City Apartments 63 East Lake Street, Chicago

Join the party and mingle with outstanding business and professional women from the Middle East and North Africa,with a special performance by the SIFA Africa Children's Choir of Ugandaand refreshments by the award-winning chefGloria "The Hat" Hafer

PRICE: $25.00
RSVP by August 15 at the IVCC website: http://www.ivcc.org/

*********************************
Most helpful Chicago Guide
http://www.legalaliensguide.com

Russian Women Magazine

Among tons of information for immigrants with Hispanic and Asian background I finally found a great resource for my countrymen - everyone who speaks Russian and lives in the U.S., especially women. It is called Russian Women Magazine http://www.russianwomenmagazine.com/ This website is non-for-profit and has 4 objectives:
1. Exchange of information among Russian women who live abroad
2. Communication
3. Self-expression
4. Sharing of experience
The editor and producer, Olga Sapp, is a Russian herself living in USA. She says that her goal is "to help women to find themselves in a changing world". The Russian version of the site now has 600 pages full of advice and useful information.

The English version of the site was created for American men who either want to help their current Russian wife or are looking for a Russian wife.

I hope everyone can find something useful for oneself on this wonderful website.

*******************************
Most helpful Chicago guide
http://www.legalaliensguide.com

Access to the Boys Club - career related event for women

Association of Latino Professionals in Finance and Accounting is a "national, non-for-profit professional association that creates opportunities, adds value, and builds relationships for its members, the community and its business partners while expanding Latino Leadership in the global workforce". ALPFA organizes various interesting events and here is information about one of them:

Access to the Boys Club

Come join other female professionals at this year's Women of ALPFA events as we explore traditional male characteristics that women can use to advance their careers. The night will consist of intimate table discussions revolving around topics such as taking risks, emphasizing your achievements, and communicating effectively in a male dominated environment.

Date
June 19, 2008 (Thursday)
Time
06:00 P - 09:30 P
Location
University Club of Chicago, 76 E. Monroe Street Chicago IL 60613
Cost
Professional Member
$45.00
Professional Non-Member
$60.00
Student Member
$20.00
Student Non- Member
$30.00

Attire
Business Professional

For tickets and more information go to http://www.myalpfachicago.org/content/pe_woa.php
Contact
info@chicago.alpfa.org

If you don't manage to get to this events check their calendar, this organization is definitely worth keeping in mind even if you are not from Latino background.

*******************************
Most helpful Chicago guide
http://www.legalaliensguide.com/

Network and learn

WHAT: A Workshop for Women Ready to take control of their lives and their finances.

Learn about achieving a healthier balance between work and personal life. This workshop is for women "ready to take control of their lives and their finances". It will also cover:
• Importance of having a life you love
• Making your dream life a reality
• Prioritizing your finances

PRESENTERS:
- Barb Heenan, CEC, ACC and Megan Walls, CEC, ACC of A Fresh Connection Coaching & Consulting
- Jeffrey C. Simon, CFP®, Financial Consultant, RBC Wealth Management

WHEN : Wednesday, April 23rd
Times: 12:00pm to 1pm for lunch
5:30pm-6:30pm for wine & cheese

WHERE: 500 W. Madison, Suite 2500, Chicago, Illinois

This event is FREE OF CHARGE

Please RSVP to Jeff Simon at 312-559-1704. Seating is limited

*******************************
Most helpful Chicago guide
http://www.legalaliensguide.com

Women. Identity. Purpose.

Another good organization for women:

Women. Identity. Purpose (W.I.P.) http://womenidentitypurpose.org/index.php is focused on empowering working single mothers. By providing financial awards, their goal is to promote career advancement, economic stability and the quality of life for their children. One of W.I.P. core goals is to guide women in obtaining profitable, yet fulfilling employment.

W.I.P currently has in Memphis and in the Chicagoland area, but plan to have sister locations in Atlanta, Cleveland, Seattle and the Washington D.C.

W.I.P. offers 2 main programs:

The Buddy Networking Training Series
They provide personal and professional training in a workshop or seminar setting to assist their members in gaining invaluable information for effective career and life success. These public programs are facilitated by trainers in their Success Network.

"Success Partner Network" Program
For many years there has been a lack of role models, which has been cited as a barrier of success for many women. The Women Identity Purpose Organization's Success Partner Network program will offer mothers the opportunity to foster trusting relationships for networking, coaching, counseling, life lessons and for the best way to share their own knowledge, experience and expertise. Their Success Partner Network program" is made up of volunteer life, career coaches and mentors.

The organization also provides a number of awards and grants.

*******************************
Most helpful Chicago guide
http://www.legalaliensguide.com

Organization for single working women

Recently I wound an interesting organization for women - SWWAN - uniting "single working women everywhere" (http://www.swwan.com/) It is a membership organization with headquarters in Chicago especially helpful for entrepreneurs. The benefits offered are cntered around discounts and business promotion. They are as follows:

1.SWWAN membership card gives discounts and/or special services at restaurants, mechanics, car dealers, dry cleaners, banks, and hundreds of SWWAN-approved merchants everywhere. e-2. e-Newsletter provides articles and columns to help you work smarter in your job or be more profitable in your business.
3. Connect with
4. Win prizes: each SWWAN of the month wins something like a lunch or dinner for one at a participating SWWAN vendor restaurant. SWWAN of the year wins a luxurious spa.
5. Small business owners can cut down on your cost for developing marketing materials…save 15% on copywriting, editorial or design/layout services when you work with SWWAN-operated vendors. Get 15% off public relations services to promote your business.
6. SWWAN member also get discounts on other essential business services like shipping, for example. .
7. List your services or products for free on SWWAN’s online store
8. Get listed as an expert in your field in the SWWAN Book of Experts.

As far as I understood they don't have networking events as such but they try their best to cover some other needs of single working women.

*******************************
Most helpful Chicago guide
http://www.legalaliensguide.com

Palatine Business Professional Women

It is often believed that all major networking events happen downtown Chicago, which is not true. For, instance, in my book, "The Legal Alien's Guide", I list more than 30 networking groups which help those in career transition and which get together locally in each Chicago suburb.

The same is true for networking groups for small business owners. The only problem is that it is much easier to find information about a big Chicago based organization than about a small local one. Here is an example of a Palatine group for professional women: Palatine BPW http://www.palatinebpw.org/

The goal of this organization is "To achieve equity for all women in the workplace through advocacy, education, and information" As it is mentioned on their website, Palatine BPW provides the following opportunities for women:

- The opportunity to stay current on the professional and community issues affecting working women today.
- Development of professional and leadership skills by participating in organization activities and the Individual Development Course offered by locals.
- Networking with other working women in the area, throughout the state and across the country as well as networking with other working women in the community.

Some of the activities that Palatine BPW hold on a regular basis:
- Monthly meeting with guest speaker
- Fundraisers for scholarships
- Career seminars
- Educational seminars for young girls
- Young Careerist competition Outstanding
- Working Woman competition or recognition
- Social outings (plays, ball games, special exhibits and events)

Therefore, this is an example of a "well-rounded" group that offers something for small business owners, those who a looking for a job and those who just want to meet likeminded people at a social event.

*******************************
Most helpful Chicago guide
http://www.legalaliensguide.com

Network and Educate yourself with other women!

RBC Dain Rauscher organizes an educational and networking event for women:
Women, Wisdom and Wealth, a Seminar for Women Ready to take control of their finances Thursday, November 14th Tuesday, November 27th 12:00 p.m. or 5:30 p.m. 12:00 p.m. or 5:00 p.m.
The seminar will take place at 500 W. Madison Street Suite 2500 Chicago, IL 60661

The event is one hour.

The seminar will cover the following topics:
- Importance of having a life you love
- Prioritizing your finances
- Making your dream life a reality

Please RSVP to Jeff Simon at (312) 559-1704 or e-mail a response Seating is limited.

*******************************
Most helpful Chicago guide
http://www.legalaliensguide.com

Distinguished Remarkable Women

A new organization for women entrepreneurs has recently formed in Chicago - DRWomen (Distinguished Remarkable Women). The aim of this organization is to encourage women to be entrepreneurs by supporting each other.

WHAT THEY DO: "We are an intergenerational women's group with a passion for women's issues and personal growth. The organization provides a vehicle to spur entrepreneurship among women and a forum where experience and knowledge is shared. Our goal is to enrich all our lives, and challenge ourselves to achieve our dreams. Our programs are one-of-a-kind. We offer value and innovative ways to engage in enterprise and secure opportunities to cultivate effective partnerships. Men are welcome in our organization. Our goal is to provide the opportunity to create effective partnerships." - http://drwomen.org

DRW first big event will take place this month and I believe it is worth checking out:
Face of Chicago Nomination Event
WHERE: DelaCosta465 E. Illinois Street Chicago
WHEN: Thursday, November 15 6-9pm
Dress to Impress. Join the party for the nomination of Women And Men Who Define Chicago.
Dance, Live-Art , Elements of Fashion, Featured Guest Singer Appearance by Element's Contemporary Ballet Dancers
To RSVP and purchase tickets visit: http://drwomenfaceofchicagoevent.eventbrite.com

*******************************
Most helpful Chicago guide
http://www.legalaliensguide.com

A networking event in Palatine, IL

If you are located close to a Chicago suburb of Paltine, IL here is an interesting event to attend and network: Plalatine Professional Business Women organizes a dinner meeting on Tuesday, November 13 at Vittorio Del Roma, 154 W Northwest Hwy in Palatine.

You will not only have an opportunity to meet people, network, but also listen to a featured presentation from Tomboy Tools (http://www.tomboytools.com/) by Sharon Storbeck. You will learn about another type of "get together" in America which is good for networking - home parties.

RSVP: by Tuesday, November 6th via phone (847-622-4366) via email (http://us.f539.mail.yahoo.com/ym/Compose?To=rsvp@palatinebpw.org)

*******************************
Most helpful Chicago guide
http://www.legalaliensguide.com

Seminar/Discussion/Networking event at Harris Bank

Harris Bank organizes an event for women on Building Wealth - Beginning with the End in Mind -- How to Monetize the Value of your Business.

Whether you run a retail establishment, nonprofit organization, professional practice, service business or manufacturing company, this interactive, educational series is for you. Join an exciting group of seasoned women business owners to explore leadership issues through a panel and round table discussions.

The moderator will be Marilyn Hellman, an independent consultant and entrepreneur. Marilyn has become a "coach" to other women entrepreneurs by assisting them in every phase of business from crafting a plan to marketing and growing their business, to transitioning and moving on with the next phase of their lives.

The panelists will be Hope Newman, CLTC, Senior Sales Associate of GCG Financial, Inc.; and Jackie Runnberg, Financial Advisor for Harris Investor Services; and Margaret Johnsson, CEO, Magnolia Restorations LLC.

When: Wednesday, November 1, 2007 Registration: 5:30 p.m. Program: 6 p.m. - 8 p.m. Where: The Harris Executive Dining Room 111 West Monroe St. Chicago, Illinois

RSVP by calling Jeanne Doherty at (312) 461-6184 before October 25, 2007 to reserve your place.

*******************************
Most helpful Chicago guide
http://www.legalaliensguide.com

For moms/women anywhere in USA

Here is a great on-line networking community which is called CafeMom: http://www.cafemom.com/

You can join it for free and enjoy the interaction wherever you are in USA. The membership is FREE and there are 2 useful sides to this network: it provides social interaction opportunities (mostly for moms, obviously) and information on employment opportunities. In terms of the latter not only moms but any women can benefit from the information provided if she wants to work part-time or work from home.

When you sign-up you can join multiple groups on this site: if you are interested only in employment you can join a group called "Staying at home and making money", for instance. And this is just an example because there are loads of other groups within this network discussing job opportunities. Alternatively, you can join any of the social groups in such categories as: home and garden, schools and education, cultures and ethnicity, and many other. You can also find groups by geographic location.

I am sure every mom and most of women will find at least 1 group of interest on this site. If you are new to this country this is a good start to build new friendships!

*******************************
Most helpful Chicago guide
http://www.legalaliensguide.com

Dialogue on Diversity

Dialogue on Diversity http://www.dialogueondiversity.org/ is a nonprofit educational organization, an official NGO recognized by the United Nations. It is based in Washington D.C. and it organizes nationwide conferences, seminars, internships, and annual leadership award recognition as part of its larger program of entrepreneurship training and international exchange. It's mission is: "The social and political advancement of women and men from diverse cultural, ethnic, and national traditions, fostering increased economic empowerment through promotion and development of entrepreneurial excellence, technology training, networking, and education."

I already posted information about an event put together by Dialogue:
http://legalaliensguide.blogspot.com/2007/06/dialogue-on-diversity-symposium.html But now I wanted to draw your attention to organization itself. The programs it offers are great for both entrepreneurs and those working for someone else. The issues they address directly concern legal aliens here in the U.S. because all of them constitute the diverse strata of American population.

Also it is important to point out that a lot of their events are free of charge (like the aforesaid 1 day Diversity Symposium that took place in Chicago in July). They also provide you with free newsletters. It is worthwhile monitoring their website for up-coming programs and events in your area and may be even become a member.

*******************************
Most helpful Chicago guide
http://www.legalaliensguide.com

8th Annual National Small/Diversity Business Awards Program Announced

Here is interesting information for diverse small business owners (those who represent various ethnicities and nationalities as well as women-owned businesses) from a press release that I have recently received:

On Agust 21, 2007 DiversityBusiness.com, one of the biggest American small business Internet portal announced that it "will be conducting it's 8th annual "Top Small Businesses in America" survey. This year's survey will determine the Top 500 Small Businesses, Top 500 Women Owned Businesses and Top 500 Diversity Owned Businesses in the United States. Also, for each State, the Top 50 Small Businesses, Top 50 Women Owned Businesses and Top 50 Diversity Owned Businesses."

"DiversityBusiness research has been recognized and published by the world's most preeminent publications including Forbes Magazine, Business Week and thousands of media outlets throughout the world. Honorees will be recognized and honored at the 8th Annual Multicultural Business Conference in April of 2008 in Orlando, Florida."

In order to participate, businesses should register at www.DiversityBusiness.com/BusinessAwards by September 15, 2007. All Small, Women and Minority owned businesses are encouraged to register. Last years winners received enormous recognition and exposure for their companies.

"DiversityBusiness is the nation's largest and most comprehensive online resources for Small, Women, and Minority owned businesses and large procurement organizations. It is a membership-based exchange platform that facilitates contacts and communication, streamlines business processes and provides vital business news and information. "Small businesses are now a fundamental element of the business landscape in America", said Kenton Clarke, CEO of DiversityBusiness.com. "Our job is to provide full administrative and organizational support to our members at every stage of their business cycles. With DiversityBusiness behind them, companies can devote all energies to expanding their multicultural markets: publicizing their organization, negotiating contracts, and providing or receiving goods and services", said Clarke. "

About DiversityBusiness.com: it was launched in 1999 and now has over 35,000 members. DiversityBusiness provides research and data collection services for diversity including the "Top 50 Organizations for Multicultural Business Opportunities", "Top 500 Diversity Owned Companies in America", and others. Its research has been recognized and published by Forbes Magazine, Business Week and other print and Internet publications.

*******************************
Most helpful Chicago guide
http://www.legalaliensguide.com

Networking group for women in Chicago western suburbs

West Suburban Women Entrepreneurs (WSWE) http://www.wswe.org/ is an organization that provides a forum for women business owners in Chicago's western suburbs.

WSWE organizes monthly meetings and special programs which are good networking opportunities for members and which have some educational content as well. The purpose of this organization is also to provide support and referrals for women entrepreneurs. Another advantage for business owners is that WSWE publishes information about all its members on its site which is good advertising.

Membership is for a fee which is a little bit higher than an average fee in a women network in Chicagoland but if you are based in Western Suburbs and are looking for a support group this is the one for you.

*******************************
Most helpful Chicago guide
http://www.legalaliensguide.com

"What Works in Women's Networks"

This article was published in June 18, 2007 issue of Business Week magazine. It tells stories of 3 big companies, GE, Best Buy and Deloitte, that realised the importance of networking for finding and promoting talent as well as promoting their business.

Importance of networking for getting a great job: This issue was described on the basis of Deloitte experience. Though most of the companies try to first find talent withing their organization when it comes to a lucrative job opening, women found it hard in Deloitte to get to positions they aspired to have. That's why internal Deloitte women network, WIN, was created. Why is this relevant to people who are not working for Deloitte and who are not women? Because if it is extremely difficult to get that great job being already in the company, imagine how difficult it is for an outsider to penetrate into the system unless he/she has a way in through a reliable and trustworthy contact he/she has within the company. And such contacts are obtained mostly through networking.

Importance of networking for growing your business: This issue was described o the basis of GE experience which created a network that included not only GE employees but also its customers and suppliers. In such a network the opportunities for cooperation and strengthening ties are endless. This example shows that a company of any size benefits from building networking relationships with potential and existing customers, partner, suppliers, etc. This is especially true for entrepreneurs, small business owners who don't have the GE's leverage and who need their own circle of support.

To sum up, this article once again underlines the importance of networking nowadays both for job search and business development. You can read the full article at: http://www.businessweek.com/magazine/content/07_25/b4039069.htm?chan=search

*******************************
Most helpful Chicago guide
http://www.legalaliensguide.com

Chicago Women in Trades

Chicago Women in Trades http://www.chicagowomenintrades.org/ is a non-profit organization committed to improving women's economic equity by increasing the number of women working in well-paid, skilled trade jobs traditionally held by men. It is not a networking but rather a support, advisory and educational organization for women who want to have a career in trades.

Careers in the trades include carpentry, plumbing, welding, auto mechanics, and other high-wage, high-skill blue-collar careers. These careers offer women insurance benefits, pensions and career advancement.

CWIT offers:
1. Information Sessions on succeeding in these careers and the entry routes into apprenticeship programs and employment opportunities. These sessions are held 4 times a month and you can see the schedule on the organization's website.
2. Useful resources on CWIT website, for instance PowerPoint presentations of webinars.
3. Information on available apprenticeships posted on the website and job leads sent to its members.

CWIT also organizes various events, such as Pride! Parade participation and 25th Anniversary Gala.

This is quite a unique organization in Chicago the only one I know of in this field.

*******************************
Most helpful Chicago guide
http://www.legalaliensguide.com

University of Chicago Women Business Group

UCWBG is good networking group for professional women and women business owners. The motto of this organization is: "Connecting With Leadership and Growth". Though many women in this group are University of Chicago alumni you don't need to be one to join the community.

UCWBG organizes excellent networking events targeted to personal and professional development of women, many of them are great events for women entrepreneurs. This is also a good community for social interaction too - UCWBG promotes connections on multiple levels: business, professional AND personal.

Events take place either at lunch time or in the evening and include open or structured networking, a presentation on a topic important for any woman in business (such as "Secure in Business" or "Package Yourself Successfully", for instance.) and some food/drinks.

Main events take place in downtown Chicago, but there are a couple of active subgroups in the suburbs: one in the North and one in the West

Membership and events are for a fee.

You can learn more information at: http://www.ucwbg.org/

*******************************
Most helpful Chicago guide
http://www.legalaliensguide.com

Doing business on the golf course

In my Guide I devote special attention to golf as an important business development and relationship building experience. If golf is not popular in your country I must tell you that a lot of networking is done on the golf course in USA. You will be able to learn Why and How from the Guide but here is a unique opportunity to learn more practical tips about golf at the following FREE networking event:

Demystifying the Golf Outing Experience
An educational event for glofers and non-golfers sponsored by RSM McGladrey and Harris Bank

The event will take place on May 30, 2007 from 2 to 7 pm at Hyatt Regency Downtown, 151 E. Wacker Drive, Chicago, IL.

The event will include:
1. Golf Simulator with LPGA Pro
2. Various seminars related to the golf outing expereince for golfers and non-golfers
3. Fashion Show sponsored by Macy's and Networking Cocktail Reception with seasoned women business owners and professionals.

Please, RSVP your attendance to Debra Reid via e-mail at Womens.Leadership.Event@rsmi.com or phone 847-413-6368

*******************************
Most helpful Chicago guide
http://www.legalaliensguide.com

Flexible Employment

Here is a great organization - Mom Corps (www.momcorps.com) - which helps people who are trying to find flexible employment (flexible working hours, part-time work, work from home, etc.) and that's what working moms often look for. And though this organization is an obvious choice for the latter, Mom Corps supports Equal Opportunity policy and help everyone regardess of their gender, race and age

The services are FREE for all candidates. You can post your resume on the company's site and also look for positions in their on-line database. Mom Corps also organizes various events which you can check out on their News and Events page.

This is a nationwide organization and they currently have offices in Atlanta, Boston, Charlotte, Chicago, New York and Washington.

*******************************
Most helpful Chicago guide
http://www.legalaliensguide.com