The group also collected gently used clothing and handbags to support women in the workplace
WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. – WIN: Women in Nationwide welcomed more than 200 attendees to its inaugural event at PrimeTime in New Orleans last month, showcasing the strength and scope of female business leaders in its membership, the vendor community and its own organization.
In addition to a panel discussion that featured Amy Gardner, sales director for Whirlpool Corporation; Velicia Sutton, vice president and relationship manager for Wells Fargo CDF; Missy Hodges, vice president of appliance merchandising for Nationwide Marketing Group; and Lisa Jessup, executive director of Nationwide Florida; the WIN event also included a humorous and inspirational presentation from Jody Urquhart, author of All Work & No Say.
But the highlight for many WIN leaders was the opportunity to support Dress for Success New Orleans, an organization that provides women with professional attire and career development tools to help them secure employment and achieve economic independence. As part of its kickoff event, WIN contributed $5,000 to Dress for Success New Orleans, along with gently used clothing and handbags donated by PrimeTime attendees.
“The core mission of WIN is to support and encourage women to step into leadership roles within our industry, but we also want to support organizations in our communities that share our mission,” says Jennifer Danko, vice president of technology at Site on Time, a Nationwide Marketing Group company, and a founding member of WIN. “Dress for Success does an amazing job of encouraging women in the workplace by providing clothing and development tools that can build confidence. I can’t think of a better organization to partner with and support as part of our inaugural event in New Orleans.”
Wells Fargo, which sponsored the initial WIN event at PrimeTime and contributed to the monetary donation, also presented Dress for Success New Orleans with leather portfolios and pens to help the organization’s clients be better prepared for interview opportunities.
“Female empowerment is imperative to Wells Fargo and we’re proud to work alongside WIN to support an organization like Dress For Success, which dedicates itself to that goal every day,” says Chad Lyon, president of E&A Group, Wells Fargo CDF. “WIN was formed to advocate for women and, like Wells Fargo, recognizes that empowerment often starts with giving back.”
Brianna Reddeman, director of programs for Dress for Success New Orleans, said the contributions from WIN and Wells Fargo would be felt long after PrimeTime ended.
Dress for Success New Orleans Brianna Reddeman (left) and Nationwide Marketing Group’s Megan Kelly
“Dress for Success New Orleans serves over 400 women each year, many coming in for Interview Suitings, then returning once they gain employment,” Reddeman explains. “On average, it costs us about $100 to outfit one woman for an interview and $500 to prepare a woman for a new career. Thanks to WIN: Women in Nationwide’s generous $5,000 donation, we are able to help even more women lift themselves and their families out of poverty, by providing the confidence and tools they need to take that next step. More than half of our clients are single mothers and heads of their household, so by helping one woman become financially independent, you’re also helping her children, family, and those that rely on and look to her for support and inspiration.”
WIN: Women in Nationwide will be holding monthly webinars and networking opportunities at future PrimeTime events. To learn more or join the group, visit the Women in Nationwide (WIN) Facebook page at www.facebook.com/groups/womeninnationwide/.
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About Nationwide Marketing Group
Nationwide Marketing Group works on behalf of thousands of independent appliance, furniture, bedding, electronics, specialty electronics, custom installation and rent-to-own dealers helping them grow their businesses and thrive on their own terms. With more than 5,000 members operating some 14,000 storefronts, Nationwide Marketing Group is the largest buying, marketing and business support organization of its kind, representing billions in combined annual sales across the membership. For nearly 50 years, the organization has remained committed to the independent channel, empowering members with the scale, sophistication and efficiencies they need to compete while delivering the unmatched business intelligence, tools and resources required to win in an ever-changing business environment. To learn more, visit nationwidegroup.org.
