As I write this message, spring is on the move throughout the northern hemisphere and the pace of change at TIAW matches the tremendous vigour of spring.
For our Microenterprise program, this has been a stellar time. Following on the heels of an incredibly successful fundraising effort by BouldeReach in Colorado, USA in the fall, we saw the Microenterprise program take another huge leap forward as the PrimeTime Business and Professional Women’s Association of Singapore reported that they had raised more than $40,000 to open village banks through the TIAW Micro program. As one of the most established women’s networks in Asia, with just one spectacular event PrimeTime provided an inspiring example of our motto “Connecting to Make All the Difference in the World”. As a result of their efforts, literally hundreds of women entrepreneurs will receive business loans in the developing world, changing lives forever in a ripple that will grow outward for years to come. On May the 14th, TIAW will host its first-ever Global Cities event in London, UK, a luncheon being co-hosted by Women in Banking and Finance. The list of attendees from amongst Europe’s most powerful and influential women was impressive at the time of writing and looks to be fully subscribed. TIAW will use the London event as a pilot, with the goal of offering in regions throughout the world with exclusive luncheon events that will enable influential women to meet one another and hear top-notch speakers. Later in the year, we hope to announce additional Global Cities events in other world regions, so stay tuned!
And finally, we are gearing up in a big way for the TIAW Annual International Conference, November 9th to 11th in Toronto Canada, co-hosted by the organization I am proud to work for, Canadian Women in Communications. In preparation for this international gathering, we are working with member networks, sponsors and advisers to create a new feature - special conference programming for corporate women’s networks. We will be making full use of TIAW’s powerful force as a connector to link individual women and women’s networks to each other, to important ideas, to vital business trends and ultimately to the advancement of women everywhere. You won’t want to miss it.
