Keeping Up with Valley Commerce: Women in Networking Members Weigh in on Women's Suffrage Victory8/18/2020 By: Anna De Simone SHELTON, Conn. – As the 100th anniversary of the historic ratification of the 19th Amendment approaches on Aug. 18, the Women in Networking Council (WIN) based their latest virtual meeting on how the women’s rights movement correlates with discriminatory occurrences that minorities face in today’s society. On Aug. 10, Joy DeMarchis, principal of JD Consulting, LLC and DeMarchis Family Holdings, LLC led a Zoom discussion involving 18 female participants. WIN members were enlightened on how the role of a woman has evolved tremendously throughout the years, yet still remains inferior to that of a man. “It all starts with a small group of individuals to make a change,” said DeMarchis. The presentation initiated with a brief PBS American Experience clip titled: “The Vote,” before DeMarchis mentioned women’s rights activist, Alice Paul, and her efforts in the August 1920 ‘War of the Roses.’ According to DeMarchis, individuals in favor of women’s suffrage wore yellow roses and individuals who were against women’s suffrage wore red roses to symbolize their stance in the movement. Alice Paul, Susan B. Anthony, Rosa Parks –these were just a few of the courageous women that DeMarchis highlighted in her “WIN Diversity Training” PowerPoint presentation. From there, the women discussed the comparisons between the 1920 Women’s Suffrage Movement and the racism that is still present in 2020. When referring to the Black Lives Matter movement, DeMarchis said: “Some say this is all ‘too much,’ but reality is: these are the signs of a movement.” She then added that in addition to the continued race problem in the United States, so does the fight against lynching. WIN members were asked to respond truthfully in an anonymous poll including three yes or no questions remaining on theme of diversity. To the surprise of many participants, DeMarchis said in terms of the lack of representation of women in the female-owned business statistics, “as women, we are a minority.” According to DeMarchis, the women’s rights protests normally took place in front of the White House, where a sitting president has the power to make change. She added that in Rosa Parks’ case, she went on that bus and knew exactly what to do because she was trained in nonviolent protest. “These movements,” said DeMarchis, “are what create social change.” Participants were then separated into ‘breakout rooms’ on Zoom, to think critically and share their thoughts with others. The two questions that DeMarchis asked the women to discuss were: ‘Have you been discriminated against?’ and ‘How is the networking field skewed to the male gender?’ Upon the five-minute discussion break, WIN members openly shared the points made within their individual groups. The main argument that all members agreed on? Women are the backbone of many businesses, yet aren’t recognized for all of their hard work in the workplace. Multiple members voiced their opinion that businesses are male-led but women are often doing much of the work. Another noteworthy detail that was mentioned by various members was the difference in the commonly-favored pastimes between males and females and its impact on the effectiveness of networking. Many men enjoy drinking beer and golfing; Many women, shopping and manicures/pedicures. DeMarchis said she recalls being told: “Joy, if you want to get further [in your career], you need to golf” as she was first starting off in the work field. “But I like to shop,” DeMarchis said before breaking out into laughter. Eventually, DeMarchis said she learned how to golf and thinks it’s fun. WIN members agreed that women often have to adhere to the networking style in the ‘male-world’ such as golfing and drinking beer instead of men learning how network with women through activities such as shopping and getting manicures/pedicures. Others chimed in with additional thoughts on the matter, agreeing that up until recently, men didn’t have to network with women at all and that a man is more likely to ask for a raise rather than a woman. Following an in-depth open discussion among the members, DeMarchis wrapped up the presentation with encouraging remarks of female empowerment. “Imagine cooking and taking care of their children on top of all this,” DeMarchis said with a chuckle. “They are amazing women –and so are we!” As final reminders to the members of WIN, DeMarchis stressed the significance of registering to vote and making voices heard in the upcoming U.S. presidential election on Nov. 3, 2020. To conclude, DeMarchis asked one favor of the WIN members in attendance: “Promise me you will honor the women who fought for your right to vote.” Interested in joining the next Women in Networking (WIN) virtual meeting? Information for an upcoming event is listed below: “Culture Matters” When: Tuesday, September 8, 2020 @ 8 a.m. Where: Zoom Organizational culture faces unpredictable and constantly evolving challenges. You know your organization needs to actively shape a culture that supports morale, recovery, and continued success. It might seem impossible to know where or how to begin—but we can help. Please join us to learn more about this exciting new learning and development tool designed to inspire a more engaged, collaborative culture that improves the overall quality of the workplace. Introducing Everything DiSC Workplace® on Catalyst™ Presenter: Celeste Barros --Founder of CWB Resource Group, has a 30-year history working to achieve large-and-small scale leadership skill development. She works closely with organizations right in our backyard as well as across the globe – BIC Corporation, Vibrant Health, UCONN. Celeste is a certified professional coach and has been helping individuals and leadership teams navigate ‘typical’ workplace challenges and the monumental changes of our world today. CWB Resource Group is certified by the State of Connecticut as a Woman-Owned / Minority Business Enterprise. |
CategoriesAuthorsGreater Valley Chamber Staff, Interns & Members Archives
November 2023
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