Making WISE Connections for Career Growth—Non-Profit Launches in Northern Indiana

WISE (We Inspire, Support, Empower), Inc., a new non-profit organization, launched September 19, 2013, to a packed venue including about 100 highly engaged attendees.

“The event turnout reinforces the need for this organization in our region. We commend the attendees for their dedication to professional career growth and look forward to their continued affiliation with WISE,” stated Tammy Allen, Director of Marketing, OrthoWorx, and President, WISE, Inc.

WISE aligns with OrthoWorx Community Enhancement Initiative (Diversity Council)—supporting diversity relative to gender and age. Marlene Mulero-Betances, IT Manager, DePuy Synthes Joint Reconstruction, OrthoWorx Diversity Council Member, and WISE Founding Board Member, stated, “At one point during our kickoff event, I took a moment to appreciate what was happening. I was overwhelmed by the energy and enthusiasm in the room. The diversity of our experiences, passions, backgrounds and ages create endless possibilities for what we can achieve and the impact we can make as a group.”

The formation of WISE, Inc. is the result of collaboration of 14 professional women, including OrthoWorx, its member organizations team members and additional leaders in the community. They identified the need for a regional organization to support the advancement and impact of women in their careers and worked to develop a new, non-profit organization for that purpose. See WISE, Inc. Board of Directors.

WISE will offer educational opportunities for development of knowledge and leadership skills, building professional and personal connections, promoting the presence of professional women and fostering mentoring relationships. “I am very excited about the WISE organization and the valuable career growth opportunities it will provide to women through professional development, networking and mentoring,” stated Debbie Yingling, CFO, Paragon Medical, Inc., and OrthoWorx Strategic Advisory Board Member. “I like the fact that WISE is regionally focused and being managed and supported by several exceptional, professional women who have a passion for leadership development. I commend the team for a very successful event and look forward to more to come.”

Attendees expressed interest in the WISE Mentor Program, slated to launch January 2014. “The WISE organization will be a valuable career resource to all women. For mentors, it will be a great way to give back, and mentees are fortunate to have access to a wide range of high-quality, professional resources. Everyone will have the opportunity to experience personal and professional growth through relationships,” stated Trina Hoy, VP Communications & Events, Warsaw Kosciusko Chamber of Commerce, and OrthoWorx Diversity Council Member.

The professional community is validating and supporting WISE through sponsorships. Paragon Medical, Inc. and Mahan 9 Group, LLC are Founding Sponsors. Event Sponsors included Kosciusko Community Hospital Lutheran Health Network, The Taharaa Room, Blue Llama Design, Miles Printing and DePuy Synthes Joint Reconstruction Women’s Leadership Initiative.

For more information about WISE visit WISEIncorporated.org.