Page 12 - Coweta NCG 2017

Women of Prosperity

BUSINESS WOMEN ’ S NET WORK EMPOWERS
WOMEN MANA GERS T O SUC CEED ~ B Y D A N A B R O W N

ometimes you have to shatter a few ceilings Gwen Garrison of LifePlan Financial Advisors and chair of BWN;
to get to Prosperity’s Front Door, and in Samantha Brazie of Progressive Heating and Air and member of the
Coweta County there is proverbial glass Planning Committee and sponsor of BWN (along with Carrier Heating &
S raining down. Air); and Dr. Blanche Wallace of the Dynamic Strategic Leadership (DSL)
We are living in a new time where women are more likely to get Coaching Group and member of the BWN Planning Committee and
a college degree than men. More women hold advanced degrees Chair for the Stepping into Success Mentoring Program, are just a few of
than men. And more women hold managerial positions than men. the empowered women in BWN who use their time and talents to lead,
inspire and create future female leaders in Coweta County.
“It is important to offer BWN to the women of Coweta County
because the programs help develop relationships among women
who can be supportive of them in life and career,” explained Gwen.
“The programs also provide leadership development and inspiration.
And the experiences of volunteering with the Planning team and
participating in leading the programs gives opportunities for leadership
and collaboration that many women would not ordinarily have. Such
experiences build confidence and self-esteem.”
Samantha agreed that building confidence is an important
part of the program. “BWN is important because at times,
we feel isolated in predominately male-led industries.
Women need to know that it’s OK to step up and make a
move, to lean in and bring relevant information to the table.”
BWN does not have a membership fee but rather, as
Samantha put it, is a “pay-as-you-go” program where members only
pay for the events they attend. The program also caters to women from
age 21 and older.
“There is a purpose and role for women in each age group,” said
From L to R: Dr. Blanche Wallace,
Dr. Wallace. “Young women contribute energy and an aptitude
Samantha Brazie, Gwen Garrison
for innovation, while the mature professional woman provides
experience and wisdom. I am a firm believer in the ‘together, we can
do better’ adage.”
Women are not only rapidly filling the work place, but they also According to Gwen, in 2017 BWN is even launching a mentoring
are leading the business community into prosperity. program for both young career women and working mothers with
The Newnan-Coweta Chamber’s Business Women’s Network young children, which reinforces the idea that women at any life stage
(BWN) is a program designed to develop female leaders and level are encouraged to get involved.
engaged in community and professional leadership “It’s amazing what a small group of dedicated women can accomplish.
positions. The program offers a variety of events I have seen women grow, make career changes and see that they are
including luncheons with keynote speakers, conferences, more than they ever imagined,” said Samantha.
and coaching and mentorship programs where the idea of For more information about the Business Women’s Network, contact
empowered women empowering women runs deeply. The Chamber at info@newnancowetachamber.org or call 770.253.2270.

8 www.newnancowetachamber.org • 770.253.2270