RCC Women in Leadership

We had such a great time volunteering at the last month. It was such a fun and rewarding experience- thank you to everyone who came out and to the Warren Center for the opportunity to give back.

Network of Community Ministries (NETWORK) is in dire need of volunteers.

Thursday, June 27th from 4P - 7P, we currently only have 1 person signed up to help in the Food Market. As this is our only evening weekday shift, we'd love your help serving these neighbors who cannot make earlier hours because of childcare and/or work!
http://volunteer.thenetwork.org/

Saturday, June 29th, we are excited to be the beneficiaries of the Charity and Racing Society's parade. They will drive to Network between 10:30A - 11A to drop off food donations! This means we really need volunteers for our Saturday shifts this weekend to make sure we can take in all these donations and get them processed for our neighbors to access.
http://volunteer.thenetwork.org/

Network of Community Ministries

Don't miss tomorrow's Women in Leadership luncheon. Register today to attend Wednesday's session featuring Sandy Díaz Haley the Founder and Principal of SDH Communications.

Register here: https://buff.ly/44wDSmE
Thank you to our sponsors:
Signature Sponsor: Methodist Richardson Medical Center
Rising Sponsors: Texas Bank and Trust, Hilton Richardson Dallas

Spotlight - Meet Becky Deragon, ’s lastest Ambassador of the Year and a longtime Richardson resident:

Originally from Maryland (Go Orioles!), Becky relocated with her family in the mid 1990s due to the telecom boom and her dad’s job! Becky attended Liberty Junior High, then graduated from Berkner High School in Richardson.

Becky is a freelance, full time photographer with her company named RD Images ( . Becky completed the CPP (Certified Professional Photographer, through the world’s largest nonprofit trade association for Professional photographers) certification on the first try!

Becky loves food and was not able to pick out one favorite restaurant in Richardson, there are so many to love! Becky also enjoys the many art festivals Richardson has to offer.

Most recently Becky was awarded the Richardson Chamber of Commerce 2023 Ambassador of the Year and also serves on the Richardson Young Professionals committee. She is also a recent graduate of Leadership Richardson Class 39 “the Hottest Class.”

 
Advice to your younger self? Eat the cake, take the job, book the vacation, and trust your gut!! Enjoy life and indulge a little!!
 
Favorite Quote?  “If you don’t like the way you feel, change the way you think! “
 
One piece of advice for the younger generation? “Put down the phone and live in the moment with intention. Dance like no one is watching even if they are! Never take yourself too serious.

Volunteer with us at the on June 11 to make care packages, network and enjoy some light refreshments. The Warren Center is a nonprofit that advocates, serves and empowers the children and families impacted by developmental delays and disabilities.

Registration link can be accessed on the link in our bio or by visiting the website.

On this Mother’s Day, we honor not only the incredible mothers in our lives but also the women leaders who inspire us with their strength, vision, and unwavering dedication to our community.

From boardrooms to battlefields, women leaders serve as idols, icons, and visionaries, breaking barriers and shattering glass ceilings with their determination and resilience. They are warriors, fearlessly advocating for change and championing equality for all.

Yet, amidst their roles as trailblazers and change-makers, let us not forget that these remarkable women are also mothers – nurturing, guiding, and shaping the future generation with love and wisdom.

Today, we celebrate the multifaceted brilliance of women leaders – their tireless dedication, their unwavering courage, and their boundless love. Let us honor them not just today, but every day, for the indelible mark they leave on our hearts and our world.

Happy Mother’s Day to all the extraordinary women who lead, inspire, and uplift us each and every day. Here’s to you, our fearless warriors and beloved mothers. 💖👩‍💼🌟

We’re excited to announce our next quarterly luncheon on Wednesday, June 5 with | Life’s setbacks have fueled Sandy and she will share her personal story of adversity, triumph, and how you can also unlock your superpower through vulnerability. Register on the link in our bio or on the website.

The mission of Women in Leadership is to inspire, influence and champion women as they grow into their roles as business leaders in our community. Programming for our quarterly luncheons is made possible thanks to the support from our signature sponsor Methodist Richardson Medical Center () and our rising sponsors and . To learn more about Women in Leadership, learn about how to get involved or sign up for other events check out the link in our bio.

Thank you Maria Harris of BRYJO Roofing and Remodeling for hosting last week's Party on the Patio and sharing the current design trends for homes. It was enlightening to know what considerations to make when renovating or updating our living spaces.

Did you know peach and apricot are in especially for entryways?

Learn more about networking opportunities through Women In Leadership: https://www.richardsonchamber.com/women-in-leadership/

🎉 It’s ! Did you know that women in leadership roles have been shown to bring about positive changes in workplace culture? Studies indicate that teams led by women often demonstrate higher levels of collaboration, empathy, and innovation. 💼💡 This highlights the invaluable contributions women make to leadership and organizational success. Let’s celebrate the power of female leadership and continue to champion diversity and inclusion in the workplace! 🌟

🌟 It’s , and in honor of Women’s History Month, we’re thrilled to celebrate Merrilee Kick, an extraordinary woman in business! 💼💫 Merrilee’s achievements speak volumes, from being recognized in Dallas Business Journal’s top middle market companies to earning prestigious awards like the EY Entrepreneur of the Year and Enterprising Woman’s Award.

As CEO of Manufacturing & Beverage Operations, Merrilee excels in vertical integration, marketing strategy, and international business. But her impact extends
beyond the boardroom – she’s also a seasoned CBS News Anchor, writer, radio newscaster, public speaker, wife, and mother.

Merrilee’s dedication to excellence and empowerment is evident in her roles as a teacher, mentor, and active member of organizations like the Committee of
200 and Women’s President’s Organization.

Join us in applauding Merrilee Kick for her outstanding contributions to the business world and beyond! 🎉

🌟 Happy International Women’s Day! 🌟 Today, we celebrate the incredible achievements and contributions of women in leadership roles around the world. From breaking barriers to driving positive change, women leaders continue to inspire and empower others every day. 💪 Let’s honor their resilience, determination, and unwavering commitment to making a difference. Together, we’re shaping a brighter, more inclusive future for generations to come. Here’s to all the trailblazing women leaders who are leading the way! 🚀💼

🌟👩‍💼 Celebrating Women in Leadership! 👩‍💼🌟

We’re thrilled to kick off our first Women in Leadership Quarterly Luncheon of the year!🎉 This event was nothing short of empowering, thanks to our incredible guest speaker, Jennifer Bartkowski, who shared her insights on “Leadership Like a Girl Scout”. 💪 Her journey is a testament to the power of perseverance and determination in achieving one’s goals.

As we embark on Women’s History Month, let’s take a moment to recognize and appreciate all the remarkable women in leadership roles, driving positive changes in today’s society. 🌟💼 Your contributions are invaluable and continue to pave the way for a brighter future.

Here’s to the trailblazers, the innovators, and the change-makers! 🎉 Let’s continue to uplift and empower each other as we strive for excellence in leadership. 💫

With our luncheon a few days away, our committee members took a trip down memory lane to reminisce their Girl Scout days. Share your favorite Girl Scout memories or your favorite Girl Scout cookies in the comments below and register for the upcoming luncheon on March 6 on the link in the bio! 🍪🏕️

Don’t miss out on this opportunity to reconnect, be inspired by CEO of Jennifer Bartkowski’s leadership journey, and empower the next generation of Girl Scouts!

📍 **Location:**

Let’s come together to celebrate Women’s History Month and the legacy of women leaders who continue to make a difference. See you at the luncheon! 🍪💚

- Join us for our first Women In Leadership Quarterly Luncheon on March 6 to hear from Girl Scouts of Northeast Texas CEO Jennifer Kiehl Bartkowski. Register on the link in our bio today!

Jennifer Bartkowski is a trailblazing leader who has dedicated her career to empowering young girls and women to reach their full potential. As the CEO of Girl Scouts of Northeast Texas, she brings a wealth of experience and insights into leadership, mentorship, and fostering a culture of inclusivity.

This luncheon is an incredible opportunity to:
✨ Gain valuable insights from Jennifer’s leadership journey and the impact of Girl Scouts in our community.
✨ Connect with like-minded professionals and expand your network of empowered women leaders.
✨ Be inspired to lead with purpose, passion, and authenticity in your own endeavors.

The mission of Women in Leadership is to inspire, influence and champion women as they grow into their roles as business leaders in our community. Programming for Women In Leadership is made possible through sponsorship from our signature sponsor Methodist Richardson Medical Center and our rising sponsors Texas Bank and Trust and Hilton Richardson Dallas.

📬🌟 **Happy National Send A Card to a Friend Day!** 🌟 📬


Today, we’re celebrating the timeless tradition of sending handwritten cards and the significance of maintaining personal connections in our fast-paced world. Let’s pause for a moment to express our appreciation for the friends who bring light and laughter into our lives. 💌💕 Whether near or far, a simple card can brighten someone’s day and strengthen our bonds.


💫💕 Feeling unsure of what to write in your card? Here are 5 prompts to get you started on writing your card:
1. Reflect on a cherished memory or inside joke you share with your friend. 2. Express gratitude for their presence in your life and the positive impact they’ve had on you.
3. Share a personal anecdote or story that highlights your friendship and what makes it special.
4. Offer words of encouragement, support, or a listening ear if they’ve been going through a challenging time. 5. Include a favorite quote, poem, or song lyric that resonates with your friendship.

Let’s keep in touch with others in a personal way and spread kindness one card at a time! Who will you be sending a card to today? Tag them in the comments below and let them know they’re on your mind. 🌸💖

‘AI is an amplifier and accelerator for everything we do… having diverse teams, asking the right questions and data are the key,’ explained Lisa Jordan from at our luncheon - a huge thank you to Lisa for sharing her insights and tips on AI with us. As well as a big thank you to our presenting sponsor Richardson and associate sponsor

The mission of Women in Leadership is to inspire, influence and champion women as they grow into their roles as business leaders in our community. To learn more, become a member or sign up for an event check out the link in our bio. We’d love to connect with you and see you at our next event.

Join us on December 6 for our last Quarterly Luncheon of the year to learn about Artificial Intelligence (AI) with CG Infinity’s Lisa Jordan at the Hilton Garden Inn in Richardson. Lisa has over 30 years of experience helping business and technology teams create and evolve new capabilities from concept to reality.

Register at the link in our bio or on the website.

The mission of Women in Leadership is to inspire, influence and champion women as they grow into their roles as business leaders in our community.

Programming for Women In Leadership is made possible by our Title Sponsor Methodist Richardson Medical Center and our associate sponsor

A heartfelt thank you to everyone who joined our Threads & Connections event ! It was an inspiring evening of connection, knowledge sharing, creativity, and empowerment.

✨ **We weaved trendy, cozy chunky scarves sand stronger bonds:** It was a pleasure to see both familiar faces and new ones, all learning and networking together to strengthen the fabric of our community.

Our Threads & Connections networking event is tomorrow and there’s still time to register- our members shared a few Spooktacular Networking Tips for a Hauntingly Good Time at Our Threads & Connections Social Event on November 2 and anytime! 🎃👻

1. Mingle Like a Ghost, But Leave an Impression - Approach networking with confidence and the intent to make lasting connections. Just like a ghostly apparition, your presence should linger in the minds of those you meet.

2. Trick or Treat at the Food Table - Use the food table strategically. Strike up conversations with fellow attendees while sharing your favorite nibbles. It’s the perfect way to bond over common tastes!

3. Share ‘Witch’ Way to Stay in Touch - When exchanging contact information, specify how you’d like to stay connected. It could be LinkedIn, email, or even good old-fashioned coffee meet-ups!

Don’t forget to register for our Threads & Connections Social event on November 2nd. It promises to be a night of networking and fun. You can register on the link in our bio, our story or the website. 🎃🌟 We can’t wait to see you there!

🕷️🦇

It’s time in - and we got your posh chunky scarf needs covered! Join us on Nov. 2 for an evening of networking, nibbles and no-skill needed creative weaving at - register on the website or using the link in our bio

Thank you Sweetwaters Coffee & Tea for hosting our social this morning. ☕ We had so many new faces connecting and engaging in meaningful conversations. And let's not forget those amazing pastries! 🥐

If you are looking for opportunities to be encouraged, inspired, or partner with other local women, please join us at our next event on November 2.

Start your morning expanding your network and with free coffee and pastries at our WIL breakfast networking event on Oct. 5! You'll have an opportunity to introduce yourself to the group and visit with each other. RSVP using the link in the bio or directly on the chamber’s website.

We are still reveling in the wisdom of Mary Pat Higgins of Dallas Holocaust and Human Rights Museum from last week's luncheon:

"Upstander behavior should not be heroic, but standard and common, it should be seen as how we should act."

Thank you all for attending and being upstanders in our community. Let's continue the conversation at our next social on Thursday, October 5 at 8 a.m. at Sweetwaters Coffee & Tea. Register for this free event:

https://business.richardsonchamber.com/events/details/wil-social-oct-5-12062?calendarMonth=2023-10-01

On behalf of the Women in Leadership Committee, we want to thank yesterday's attendees to hear Mary Pat Higgins, President & CEO, Dallas Holocaust and Human Rights Museum

During her session, she highlighted that "Doing nothing is an active choice" as leaders "We can choose to be upstanders to help others and stand up for ourselves."

Special thanks to Methodist Richardson Medical Center, presenting sponsor, and Texas Bank and Trust, associate sponsor for sponsoring the luncheon.

If you enjoyed the session, please register to join us during our next social on October 5 at 8 AM. https://business.richardsonchamber.com/events/details/wil-social-oct-5-12062?calendarMonth=2023-10-01

What does it mean to be an upstander?
Join us and keynote speaker Mary Pat Higgins, President and CEO of the Dallas Holocaust and Human Rights Museum, as she shares her insights on Inspiring Upstander Behavior at our next quarterly luncheon.

Register today (link in bio).

Event Details:
Tuesday, Sept. 12 from 11:30 am - 1:00 pm
Hilton Richardson
701 E. Campbell Road
Richardson, TX 75080

Meet - she’s one of our Women in Leadership Tri-Chairs and was recently named as Richardson’s Volunteer of the Year - learn more about Marta and her commitment to our community on the recent feature by the

What does it mean to be an upstander?

Join us on September 12 as we host Mary Pat Higgins, President and CEO, of the Dallas Holocaust and Human Rights Museum as she shares her insights on Inspiring Upstander Behavior.

Register online:

https://business.richardsonchamber.com/events/details/women-in-leadership-quarterly-luncheon-sept-12-12061?calendarMonth=2023-09-01

Thank you and for hosting our last Women in Leadership Networking Social - we loved going backstage, getting a preview of the upcoming season, and networking with the most delicious appetizers in the beautiful Hilton lobby. Also a big thank you to for organizing the event and to all the amazing women who attended.



Interested in networking, professional development and more? Check out the link in our bio to learn how you can get involved with Women in Leadership and sign up for our upcoming events.