August is here- time for those last few pool days or lake days, or maybe one last summer getaway before we shift into fall. For some, August is back to school time, getting backpacks and supplies ready, buying new clothes for the kids, and shifting to the school season schedule.

What shifts are coming your way? Do you have anxiety about what’s coming next in your “fall season”? For me, in August sadness can sometimes creep in because it means my kids are one year older, my travel slows down, summer is almost over, and colder days are ahead. But then I remember all the blessings and I’m able to snap out of that “Eeyore” state. One of those blessings for me is this group of women. IWIL has become a safe place, where I’ve made incredible friends and we experience life together, where I am supported and encouraged personally and professionally. As we shift into the new IWIL year, I hope that you find your safe place in IWIL also.

One big way that we support and encourage one another is through our Athena Awards which just took place last week. A big congratulations to our winner, Heather Burton, and also a huge thank you to the entire Athena Committee for organizing such a beautiful event. I hope you’ll join us at an upcoming IWIL event. On August 18 our Community Health Giving Circle, which supports women and children causes through grant making, will have an evening social and voting meeting to determine which non-profit will receive our funds this next year. Our first fall luncheon with Diane Newell as our speaker encouraging us to “Share the Good!” is on August 20. It is also time to register for our Women’s Symposium, a one-day women’s leadership conference that is completely organized by IWIL volunteers. 

If there is anything we (Sarah Goleman and I as your co-presidents) can do to make your IWIL experience better, please reach out. We are looking forward to this year and I’m ready for the shift!