Happy Summer Everyone!

Welcome to the new IWIL year, in which Jen and I will be sharing the load as your new co-presidents.

We picked a theme this year of ‘Better Together’ and Jen shared a great story at our transition meeting about Aspen Groves. I wanted to share with you my IWIL journey to show how being ‘Better Together’ has always been true of our mighty group.

I joined IWIL about 8 years ago. Linda Jones was the president back then and we met at the Sangamo Club downtown. I confess I don’t remember the speaker that first day I attended, but I do remember being floored by the number of brilliant women in the room, and at how easily they buzzed between tables, greeting friends, doing business and introducing themselves to one another.

There were powerful moments in the networking space, occasionally someone would make an ask, or an offer “I’m looking for a board position”. “My daughter needs an internship for the summer”, “Do you know a good accountant”, “Can I sponsor your event”…

I was very much an observer that first meeting. I sat, without knowing it, next to someone who would become one of my best clients. She listened to my halting pitch and took time to build a relationship with me. Honestly, it was why I came into the room, but it wasn’t why I stayed. I stayed because the women sitting next to me was like every other woman in that room, she opened doors, she offered her time, her energy, and her compassion to the group of friends around her. This was a woman I wanted to emulate.

And so, I have tried to emulate her. I love how IWIL spans generations, cultures, education and professional backgrounds. I love how we can call on one another’s expertise. I love that we, cumulatively, sit on almost every board in Springfield. This group of women can do anything, because we want to be better and make our community a better place.

So, I hope that you will enter our spaces this year, make your ask in this room. If an ask is made of you, or you see a problem, we welcome you to help find solutions because if you do, you won’t just end up with a great network, you’ll end up with great friends. You can start with Athena next month or simply mark your calendars for the 3rd Thursday of the month, starting in August.

If you’re reading this, you already belong. Come help us build something beautiful. We’re Better Together.

Sarah Goleman 

Co-President, Illinois Women in Leadership