As a start-up organization with less than 60 employees, we strive to create a foundation that sets our employees, and the company, up for success from the very beginning. Many of our female employees are early in their careers, and crave opportunities for professional development. In addition, we want our women to help build the foundation of a strong, diverse workforce as they advance their careers.

In 2019, Idelic formed the Women’s Leadership Network and collectively identified areas that would achieve these foundational goals. Our intent is to ensure women’s participation and equal opportunities for leadership and involvement at all levels of decision-making. The collective action is to enable the women of Idelic to develop as leaders internal and external to the company. The program creates a cross-functional forum for discussion of professional challenges and issues.

The Women’s Leadership Network is still in its infancy and progressing toward measurable outcomes. We have encouraged strong peer support, increased confidence and established an early culture of cross-organizational networking in a safe, supportive environment. To date, the group has invited empowering guest speakers to share experiences, increased their way of thinking by reviewing the book, Dare to Lean by Brene Brown and also sought out womenfocused charities. Most recently, each individual was asked to share stories and experiences of mentors throughout her life and career, and to personally thank these individuals.

Nick Bartel