‘Women with Energy’
Elevations Professional Women’s Network Luncheon
Thursday, June 20
11:30 a.m.- 1:30 p.m.
Charleston Marriott Town Center

Sponsorship registrations are now open for the third annual “Women with Energy” luncheon, the region’s premier forum on energy policy, economics and employment opportunities for women executives.

The event will be held Thursday, June 20, at the Charleston Marriott Town Center Ballroom.

Elevations is presented by the Charleston Area Alliance and Title Sponsor DOW.

Sharon O. Flanery, a petroleum engineer and attorney who leads the Steptoe & Johnson Energy Team, will moderate the third annual “Women with Energy,” a roundtable discussion with women business executives, lawyers, engineers and other professionals from the natural gas, coal and renewable energy sectors.

The panel line-up (in formation) includes:

• Carrie Hightman, executive vice president and chief legal officer, NiSource
• Miranda Jones, vice president, ESR, Crestwood Midstream Partners, Dallas.

The event begins at 11:30 a.m. with informal networking (optional), followed by a luncheon and program at noon. An invitation-only VIP reception for sponsors and dignitaries is scheduled for 11 a.m.

Click here to register

Individual registration will open on May 28. Registration is $45 for Alliance members/$55 future members through June 14. Prices increase to $55 Alliance members/$66 future members after that date.

This event is presented by Steptoe & Johnson. Co-sponsors to date are Appalachian Power and Columbia Pipeline Group.

Sponsorships, which include admission to a VIP pre-event, Meet & Greet with speakers and state leaders along with other benefits, start at $750. For more information, contact Leigh Anne Strickland HERE.

Click HERE for sponsorship details.

The mission of the 1,700-member Elevations Professional Women’s Network is to “enrich, empower and elevate women to achieve success.”  Through luncheons and other events featuring high-profile speakers, Elevations provides an affirmative network that connects professional women with the information, resources and contacts that helps them, their businesses and their communities succeed

The Alliance will be able to invoice only for groups of 10 or more. Contact Deb Coffman at DCoffman@CharlestonAreaAlliance.org for more information.

The Alliance cannot issue cancelation refunds within 48 hours of the event. Thank you.

Expect to Win: 
A Conversation with Carla Harris
Wednesday, May 29
11:30 a.m.- 1:15 p.m.
Clay Center for the Arts & Sciences

Carla Harris, managing director and senior client advisor at Morgan Stanley, and author of “Expect to Win,” will be the featured speaker of a special luncheon sponsored by Morgan Stanley and presented in partnership with the Charleston Area Alliance Elevations Professional Women’s Network and the Alliance’s “inclusion=innovation” program.

“Expect to Win:  A Conversation with Carla Harris,” will be held on Wednesday, May 29, 11:30 a.m-1: 15 p.m., at the Clay Center for the Arts & Sciences West Virginia.

Harris, one of the most powerful and respected women in business, will share advice, tips and strategies for surviving and thriving in any workplace environment.

Harris has been named to the “Top 25 Most Powerful Women in Finance” by U.S. Banker; “The 50 Most Powerful Black Executives in Corporate America,” by Fortune Magazine; “15 Corporate Women at the Top,” by Ebony; and “The 50 Women Who are Shaping the World,” by Essence magazine.

She received the Women of Power Award from the National Urban League and the Bill and Camille Cosby Award from the Associated Black Charities. Harris earned both her A.B. in economics (magna cum laude) and MBA from Harvard University. She holds numerous honorary degrees and serves on multiple nonprofit and foundation boards.

In her other life, Harris is a singer and has released her third gospel CD, “Unceasing Praise.”  Her second CD, “Joy is Waiting,” was featured on “BET Nightly News,” while her first CD was a bestseller on Amazon.com and was highlighted on the “CBS Evening News” with Dan Rather.

Registration for this special event is free for Alliance members courtesy of Morgan Stanley.  Reservations are very limited and must be made by May 22. There is a maximum of four registrations per company.

Click HERE to register.

The mission of  the 1800-member Elevations Professional Women’s Network, presented by the Alliance and title sponsor DOW, is to “enrich, empower and elevate women to achieve success for themselves, their businesses and their community.”

The “inclusion=innovation” initiative was created by the Alliance and title sponsor Ernst & Young to help businesses benefit from the contributions of all segments of our community and build a world-class diverse professional workforce in the Kanawha Valley.

Elevations:
The Business of Fashion
Wednesday, May 8
11:30 a.m.- 1:30 p.m.
WV Culture Center

Early bird rates have been extended for the next Elevations luncheon.

When it comes to the bottom line, the fashion industry is all business. According to the University of Delaware, $250 billion is spent in the U.S. annually on clothing and accessories, and some 4 million Americans are employed in a fashion-related job.

Charleston native and George Washington High School graduate Rachel Mallory Richards, a shoe designer for some of America’s most successful brands, will share an insider’s view of the fashion industry and the financial decisions that drive style at the next Elevations luncheon, to be held Wednesday, May 8, at the West Virginia Culture Center.

The event begins at 11:30 a.m. with an informal reception and preview of fashion from local retailers and women-owned businesses to be featured the following day at “Girl on Fire,” the West Virginia Symphony League’s annual fashion show. Lunch will be served at noon.

Reservations for this special event are $45 Alliance members/$55 future members.

Register here

Sponsor tables of eight are available for $750 Alliance members/$850 future members. Please contact Leigh Anne Strickland for more information.

The Elevations Professional Women’s Network is presented by the Charleston Area Alliance and Title Sponsor DOW.

After earning a bachelor’s degree in industrial design from the University of Cincinnati, Richards designed shoes for DIESEL for two years. During that time, she met her husband Kevin, also a product designer, in San Francisco and took the road north, where she exercised her skills as a soft goods designer.

However, Richards’ love of shoes couldn’t keep her away from opportunities in New York City. She and her husband moved, found a great apartment in the West Village, picked up a French bulldog along the way, and set out to pursue a life of shoes – lots, and lots of shoes. She landed a job with the Jones Group in 2009 and took on the role of design director for B BRIAN ATWOOD, BOUTIQUE 9,
RACHEL Rachel Roy and RACHEL ROY footwear. She was the lead designer who brought B BRIAN ATWOOD to life, helping the brand to win Footwear News Brand Launch of the Year 2011.

On April 1, Richards assumed a new position as Vice President of Design for Kenneth Cole Women’s Footwear. Join us for this exclusive look at the financial reality behind the fantasy of  fashion and a preview of what the well-shod woman will be wearing in months ahead.

Elevations:
The Business of Fashion
Wednesday, May 8
11:30 a.m.- 1:30 p.m.
WV Culture Center

Time is running out to take advantage of the early bird rates for the next Elevations luncheon.

When it comes to the bottom line, the fashion industry is all business. According to the University of Delaware, $250 billion is spent in the U.S. annually on clothing and accessories, and some 4 million Americans are employed in a fashion-related job.

Charleston native and George Washington High School graduate Rachel Mallory Richards, a shoe designer for some of America’s most successful brands, will share an insider’s view of the fashion industry and the financial decisions that drive style at the next Elevations luncheon, to be held Wednesday, May 8, at the West Virginia Culture Center.

The event begins at 11:30 a.m. with an informal reception and preview of fashion from local retailers and women-owned businesses to be featured the following day at “Girl on Fire,” the West Virginia Symphony League’s annual fashion show. Lunch will be served at noon.

Reservations for this special event are $45 Alliance members/$55 future members through this Friday. Prices increase to $60 Alliance members/$70 future members after that date.

Register here

Sponsor tables of eight are available for $750 Alliance members/$850 future members. Please contact Leigh Anne Strickland at LStrickland@charlestonareaalliance.org for more information.

The Elevations Professional Women’s Network is presented by the Charleston Area Alliance and Title Sponsor DOW.

After earning a bachelor’s degree in industrial design from the University of Cincinnati, Richards designed shoes for DIESEL for two years. During that time, she met her husband Kevin, also a product designer, in San Francisco and took the road north, where she exercised her skills as a soft goods designer.

However, Richards’ love of shoes couldn’t keep her away from opportunities in New York City. She and her husband moved, found a great apartment in the West Village, picked up a French bulldog along the way, and set out to pursue a life of shoes – lots, and lots of shoes. She landed a job with the Jones Group in 2009 and took on the role of design director for B BRIAN ATWOOD, BOUTIQUE 9, RACHEL Rachel Roy and RACHEL ROY footwear. She was the lead designer who brought B BRIAN ATWOOD to life, helping the brand to win Footwear News Brand Launch of the Year 2011.

On April 1, Richards assumed a new position as Vice President of Design for Kenneth Cole Women’s Footwear. Join us for this exclusive look at the financial reality behind the fantasy of  fashion and a preview of what the well-shod woman will be wearing in months ahead

Elevations:
The Business of Fashion
Wednesday, May 8
11:30 a.m.- 1:30 p.m.
WV Culture Center

When it comes to the bottom line, the fashion industry is all business. According to the University of Delaware, $250 billion is spent in the U.S. annually on clothing and accessories, and some 4 million Americans are employed in a fashion-related job.

Charleston native and George Washington High School graduate Rachel Mallory Richards, a shoe designer for some of America’s most successful brands, will share an insider’s view of the fashion industry and the financial decisions that drive style at the next Elevations luncheon, to be held Wednesday, May 8, at the West Virginia Culture Center.

The event begins at 11:30 a.m. with an informal reception and preview of fashion from local retailers and women-owned businesses to be featured the following day at “Girl on Fire,” the West Virginia Symphony League’s annual fashion show. Lunch will be served at noon.

Reservations for this special event are $45 Alliance members/$55 future members through Friday, April 26. Prices increase to $60 Alliance members/$70 future members after that date.

Register here

Sponsor tables of eight are available for $750 Alliance members/$850 future members. Please contact Leigh Anne Strickland for more information.

The Elevations Professional Women’s Network is presented by the Charleston Area Alliance and Title Sponsor DOW.

After earning a bachelor’s degree in industrial design from the University of Cincinnati, Richards designed shoes for DIESEL for two years. During that time, she met her husband Kevin, also a product designer, in San Francisco and took the road north, where she exercised her skills as a soft goods designer.

However, Richards’ love of shoes couldn’t keep her away from opportunities in New York City. She and her husband moved, found a great apartment in the West Village, picked up a French bulldog along the way, and set out to pursue a life of shoes – lots, and lots of shoes. She landed a job with the Jones Group in 2009 and took on the role of design director for B BRIAN ATWOOD, BOUTIQUE 9, RACHEL
Rachel Roy and RACHEL ROY footwear. She was the lead designer who brought B BRIAN ATWOOD to life, helping the brand to win Footwear News Brand Launch of the Year 2011.

On April 1, Richards assumed a new position as Vice President of Design for Kenneth Cole Women’s Footwear. Join us for this exclusive look at the financial reality behind the fantasy of fashion and a preview of what the well-shod woman will be wearing in months ahead.

Elevations:
The Business of Fashion
Wednesday, May 8
11:30 a.m.- 1:30 p.m.
WV Culture Center

When it comes to the bottom line, the fashion industry is all business. According to the University of Delaware, $250 billion is spent in the U.S. annually on clothing and accessories, and some 4 million Americans are employed in a fashion-related job.

Charleston native and George Washington High School graduate Rachel Mallory Richards, a shoe designer for some of America’s most successful brands, will share an insider’s view of the fashion industry and the financial decisions that drive style at the next Elevations luncheon, to be held Wednesday, May 8, at the West Virginia Culture Center.

The event begins at 11:30 a.m. with an informal reception and preview of fashion from local retailers to be featured the following day at “Girl on Fire,” the West Virginia Symphony League’s annual fashion show. Lunch will be served at noon.

Reservations for this special event are $45 Alliance members/$55 future members through Friday, April 26. Prices increase to $60 Alliance members/$70 future members after that date.

Register here

Sponsor tables of eight are available for $750 Alliance members/$850 future members. Please contact Leigh Anne Strickland for more information.

The Elevations Professional Women’s Network is presented by the Charleston Area Alliance and Title Sponsor DOW. After earning a bachelor’s degree in industrial design from the University of Cincinnati, Richards designed shoes for DIESEL for two years.

During that time, she met her husband Kevin, also a product designer, in San Francisco and took the road north, where she exercised her skills as a soft goods designer. However, Richards’ love of shoes couldn’t keep her away from opportunities in New York City.

She and her husband moved, found a great apartment in the West Village, picked up a French bulldog along the way, and set out to pursue a life of shoes – lots, and lots of shoes. She landed a job with the Jones Group in 2009 and took on the role of design director for B BRIAN ATWOOD, BOUTIQUE 9, RACHEL Rachel Roy and RACHEL ROY footwear. She was the lead designer who brought B BRIAN ATWOOD to life, helping the brand to win Footwear News Brand Launch of the Year 2011.

Elevations
Professional Women’s Luncheon
Wednesday, March 6
Noon- 1:15 p.m. Check-in begins at 11:45 a.m.
Embassy Suites
300 Court Street

In conjunction with Women’s Day at the Legislature, Elevations is proud to partner with the WV Women’s Commission to present “Empowering Female Veterans and Women in Military Families,” a luncheon and workshop to be held March 6 at the Embassy Suites.

The featured F7 Group promotes business, training and entrepreneurial opportunities for women who serve. Attendees will enjoy a networking luncheon, followed by optional breakout training sessions with the renowned F7 Group.

The event will open at 11:45 a.m. with informal networking, followed by a luncheon program at noon.

Registration is $30 for Alliance members, $40 for future members through Friday, March 1. Fees increase to $40 Alliance members and $50 future members after that date.

Click HERE to register.

Women veterans are invited to attend with a complimentary ticket. Veterans should contact Leigh Anne Strickland as soon as possible to reserve your seat.

If you work with an Alliance member business and need assistance locating your password to access exclusive member discounts, please email Leigh Anne Strickland.

Elevations is presented by the Charleston Area Alliance and Title Sponsor DOW. The mission of the 1,800-member group is to enrich, empower and elevate women to achieve success for themselves, their businesses and their community.

About the F7 Group

Recognizing and believing in the courage, value adn abilties of women who serve our country in many different capacities, the F7 Group provides fundamental tools, systems and networks through retreats, boot camps and technology based platforms. The group also provides corporate training programs to teach companies “how to speak VET”. Visit the F7 Group online to learn more about the services, trainings and programs offered for women veterans and the corporate and business communities.

“You have to understand delayed does not mean denied. Even though you don’t get it when you want it, it will happen if you continue to push forward, if it is something you’re passionate about deep inside.”

This advice from Delegate Meshea Poore was among the many leadership lessons that were shared by dynamic speakers at the third Annual Elevations Academy, presented by the Charleston Area Alliance and DOW on Monday, Oct. 29.

More than 300 executive and young professional women registered for the half-day workshop that included a keynote speech by Rep. Shelley Moore Capito, inspiring remarks from WV First Lady Joanne Tomblin, and presentations and panel discussions featuring outstanding local business and community leaders.

As one attendee said: “I’ve worked at the South Carolina Commission on Women and been interested in women’s issues for many years. This is the most positive, uplifting and educational event I’ve attended. What a great group of inspiring women speakers and attendees.”

In case you missed it…learn more about the Academy at:

State Journal: Women Business Leaders Talk About Lessons Learned

Daily Mail: Manager realizes she could lead after derecho hit

Elevations Photo Album

“Attendance broke all records and sponsorship support was overwhelming,” said Alliance Senior Vice President JoEllen Zacks. “Our region’s businesses understand that if they don’t maximize the potential of their employees, they are leaving money on the table.

“Last Monday’s Academy programming will help women achieve success for themselves, their businesses and their community, and will strengthen our economy and region.”

Last Monday’s Academy was approved for 4.8 CLE hours for attorneys and 3.0 CE credits for accountants. To secure your credit, contact Debbie James at djames@charlestonareaalliance.org.

The Alliance is also extending its clothing drive for Dress for Success.  Donations will be accepted at the Alliance offices, 1116 Smith Street, through Friday, Nov. 9.

Thanks to our sponsors

Title Sponsor
Dow

Wine, Women & Wisdom Sponsor
Steptoe & Johnson

Summit Sponsors
Chesapeake Energy
United Bank

Ascent Sponsors
Dixon Hughes Goodman
Huntington Bank
Summit Community Bank
West Virginia Executive
West Virginia Women’s Commission
Women’s Business & Training Center

Table Sponsors
Appalachian Power
Arnett Foster Toothman
Charles Ryan Associates
Decota Consulting Company
Dinsmore & Shohl

Expo sponsors
b. belle events
Better Business Bureau
Brown, Edwards & Company
CAMC Foundation
ContactPoint IT Services
Council on Aging
Gibbons & Kawash
iFitt24
Mountaineer Montessori School
New York Life Insurance
Rosie the Riveter Project
Samuel I. White
Simply Pearls
Transform to Success
Turner Medical Spa
University of Charleston
WV Senior Medicare Patrol/AARP
WV Symphony League

“We Can Do It!”:
Elevations Enrichment and Leadership Academy
Monday, October 29
11 a.m.-5 p.m.
Embassy Suites

Advance registration ends tomorrow for the third annual Elevations Enrichment and Leadership Academy on Oct. 29 at the Embassy Suites. The event is nearly sold out. Sign up today to secure your spot at the region’s premier event for executive and young professional women.

Click HERE to find out what the Elevations Academy can do for you and your business.

Leadership lessons from the June 29 derecho and strategies for transforming a passion into a profitable business or career are among the topics on the agenda for this half-day workshop.

This program has been approved for three hours of continuing education credit for CPAs. Approval is pending for CLE credit.

Speakers and presenters include:

• Shelley Moore Capito, West Virginia Second Congressional District
• First Lady Joanne Tomblin
• Emily Bennington, Forbes blogger  and author, “Who Says It’s a Man’s World: The Girls’ Guide      to Corporate Domination”
• Emilie Couch, Yarid’s
• Buddie Curdette, West Virginia Rosie, World War II veteran
• Kathleen DuBois, Progressity
• Crystal Good, Mythology Marketing
• Betty Ireland, former WV Secretary of State
• Susan Lavenski, Charles Ryan Associates
• Jennifer Miller, Mission Savvy
• Anne Montague, West Virginia Rosie the Riveter Project
• WV Delegate Meshea Poore
• Rachel Mallory Richards, Brian Atwood Designs
• Nesha Sanghavi, University Girl Apparel
• Jennifer Sayre, Kanawha County manager

For a complete lineup and event details, please click HERE.

For individual registration for the event, please click HERE.

Registration for the event is $95 Alliance members and $105 for future members.

The “Wine, Women & Wisdom” dinner at the Bridge Road Bistro, which follows the Academy, is SOLD OUT

A range of exclusive sponsorship opportunities is available. For more information, contact JoEllen Zacks, jzacks@charlestonareaalliance.org.

Attendees are also encouraged to bring donations of gently used professional clothing, outerwear, shoes and accessories, which will be collected by Dress for Success and distributed to disadvantaged women entering the workplace.

The Alliance will be able to invoice only for groups of 10 or more. Contact Deb Coffman at DCoffman@CharlestonAreaAlliance.org for more information. The Alliance cannot issue cancelation refunds within 48 hours of the event. Thank you.

“We Can Do It!”:
Elevations Enrichment and Leadership Academy
Monday, October 29
11 a.m.-5 p.m.
Embassy Suites

Early bird rates end tomorrow for the third annual Elevations Enrichment and Leadership Academy on Oct. 29 at the Embassy Suites.

The academy is a half-day workshop featuring inspiring speakers and informative sessions to help professional women realize their potential and take their career to the next level.

This event will be submitted for continuing education credit. for attorneys and CPAs

This year’s academy will be followed by a “Wine, Women & Wisdom” dinner at the Bridge Road Bistro.

Speakers and presenters include:

• Shelley Moore Capito, West Virginia Second Congressional District
• First Lady Joanne Tomblin
• Emily Bennington, Forbes blogger and author, “Who Says It’s a Man’s World: The Girls’ Guide to Corporate Domination”
• Emilie Couch, Yarid’s
• Buddie Curdette, West Virginia Rosie, World War II veteran
• Kathleen DuBois, Progressity
• Crystal Good, Mythology Marketing
• Betty Ireland, former WV Secretary of State
• Susan Lavenski, Charles Ryan Associates
• Jennifer Miller, Mission Savvy
• Anne Montague, West Virginia Rosie the Riveter Project
• WV Delegate Meshea Poore
• Rachel Mallory Richards, Brian  Atwood Designs
• Nesha Sanghavi, University Girl Apparel
• Jennifer Sayre, Kanawha County manager

For a complete lineup and event details, please click HERE.

For individual registration for the event, please click HERE.

Registration for the event (excludes the wine dinner) is $85 Alliance members and $95 for future members. The cost goes up $10 each after Oct. 5.

To register for the “Wine, Women & Wisdom” dinner, please click HERE.

You cannot register for the dinner unless you are registered for the Elevations Academy daytime program.

A range of exclusive sponsorship opportunities is available. For more information, contact JoEllen Zacks, jzacks@charlestonareaalliance.org.

Attendees are also encouraged to bring donations of gently used professional clothing, outerwear, shoes and accessories, which will be collected by Dress for Success and distributed to disadvantaged women entering the workplace.

The Alliance will be able to invoice only for groups of 10 or more. Contact Deb Coffman at DCoffman@CharlestonAreaAlliance.org for more information. The Alliance cannot issue cancelation refunds within 48 hours of the event. Thank you.