NETWORK OF EXECUTIVE WOMEN November 2009

NEW Leadership Summit reaches new heights

More than 700 consumer products and retail executives attended the ninth annual Network of Executive Women Leadership Summit in Dallas October 12–13 — a 21 percent increase over last year. In addition to record attendance, the Summit scored high marks in a preliminary tally of attendee evaluations: 95 percent of respondents said they would recommend the Summit to others; 93 percent said it was useful to their business; 89 percent said it provided an outstanding return on investment; and 87 percent said they made valuable business contacts at this year’s Summit. More than 99 percent of respondents said the content was professional and 94 percent said it was inspirational. More than 86 percent of those who have an opinion or have attended the Summit before said this year’s Summit was the best yet; 90 percent plan to attend next year. More

Engage white men on diversity, report urges

A new report from the Network of Executive Women says that too many diversity and inclusion efforts treat white men as problems to be fixed instead of partners to be engaged. “White Men: Enrolling the Dominant Culture in Diversity and Inclusion” includes interviews with diversity experts, industry executives, original research and an action plan for white men who want to get more involved in diversity and inclusion. The 12-page report is available to NEW members online at www.newonline.org (click on “Research”). More

Target tops list of NEW scholarship donors

This year’s NEW Scholar Shop silent auction raised $10,715, including a $5,000 grant from the Target Corporation. The fund-raiser was held on the opening day of the NEW Leadership Summit October 12 at the Sheraton Hotel in downtown Dallas. Donated items included jewelry, sports tickets, professional services, gift certificates and gift baskets. The Nielsen Company contributed a high-definition television and IRI made a $500 cash contribution. Since its inception, the Network’s scholarship program has contributed more than $58,000 to female college students enrolled in industry-related studies in the United States. More