Balcony People

Here is a term for you - Balcony People.  Have you heard of this before?  Perhaps you might even be one or have one in your life.  Joyce Landorf Heatherley penned an intriguing book by that title.  I have actually read it and greatly enjoyed it.  When I learned that our speaker for the January meeting is going to be Kim Tharp-Barrie, a Vice President at Norton Healthcare, I immediately thought of her as a Balcony person.

I had the pleasure of meeting Kim last year and dynamic cannot even begin to describe her as a person.  She is extremely intelligent and fascinating to converse with.  Listening to Kim talk about her life and the "balcony" people she has had in her life, I can only imagine that Kim herself is at the top level in a lot of women's balconies cheering them on.

In short, a balcony person is a person that encourages and cheers other people on.  Imagine your life surrounding by levels of balconies with you standing in the middle.  Now think about all the women in your life that have given you advice, directed you, listened to you, and encouraged you.  Take those women now and imagine them all standing up in the balconies above you.   

I have found within BPW a multitude of Balcony People for me.  They are teaching me how to be a balcony person for other women as well.  Think about your life and your influence - it is more impactful than you can imagine. 

You will not want to miss this opportunity to hear Kim speak and meet her first hand.  Don't take my word for it; come grasp a part of her energy and passion.  We are meeting at the Bristol on Main Street January 11th from 11:30 to 1pm.  We WANT you there with us - please email your reservation today to BPWReserve@gmail.com. 

Now wave to the women in your balcony and then go find a balcony to stand in for someone else!

3 women win Nobel Peace Prize

Have you read this?  3 women win Nobel Peace Prize.

Liberian President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, and Leymah Gbowee, a social worker and peace campaigner from the same country, shared the prize with Tawakkul Karman, an activist and journalist who this year played a key opposition role in Yemen.  The three were chosen for their non-violent struggle against injustice, sexual violence and repression.

While these amazing women have made huge advances for women across the globe - we can also make a difference here in our own city.  BPW is the vehicle that can help you make that difference.  Plan on attending the Dec 14th luncheon to learn about women in legislation and get informed on women's issues and how you can help. 

I used to think that I had to do something really big and important to make a difference.  As I have grown older, I now realize that for most of us - the differences are comprised of small, consistent actions or words.  Every day you can make a difference in the lives of women.  Help us support the scholarship fund, give to our links for life cancer support, attend the meetings, coach someone on their career, attend our leadership events, encourage the women around you, and most of all - realize that you matter and have a voice.

Make your reservation today at BPWReserve@gmail.com.  Have a great week and find a way to support the women around you - email us with your ideas so we can share those. 

BPW - making connections

I have often wondered about other BPW organizations as well as the state and national levels.  Up until this weekend they were somewhat smoke and mirrors to me.

Did you know that any member of BPW can attend the Interim Board meeting of the State BPW chapter known as KFBPW?  I would encourage you to check out the website of KFBPW at http://www.bpw-ky.org to get the bigger picture of just how influential and far reaching BPW really is.  I met some amazing women this past weekend from all over Kentucky that are members of other chapters as well as leaders for the state organization of BPW. 

This is an excellent way to not only get connected with members from River City but to expand your network and knowledge about the other members and how they are advancing their local chapter and helping women.

The year’s event was held at Barren River Resort in Lucas Kentucky with almost 50 women in attendance. 

We had a great time together while sharing ideas, receiving training on the leadership program by Phyllis Hargrave and Bonny Manning, and participating in a live auction led by Debbie Pierce and her team to raise even more funds for scholarships. 

There are a lot of ways within BPW to make these alliances and get connected - come be a part and know at the end of the day - you made a difference in the lives of other women.

IBM appoints their first female CEO

International Business Machines Corp. (IBM)’s Virginia “Ginni” Rometty has grown throughout her career by taking on challenges she’s never faced before. Now she’ll tackle something no one has ever done.
Rometty, 54, will become the first female chief executive officer in IBM’s 100-year history.

In an interview, Rometty said she has grown the most in her career through “experiential” learning.

“I learned to always take on things I’d never done before,” she said

This month at Fortune magazine’s Power Women Summit, Rometty said she learned shortly after beginning to work that she needed to take risks to advance.
“Really early, early in my career, I can remember being offered a big job,” she said. “Right away I said, ‘You know what? I’m not ready for this job.’”
That night “as I’m telling my husband about this, he just looked at me and he said, ‘Do you think a man would have ever answered that question that way?’” she said. “What that taught me was you have to be very confident even though you’re so self- critical inside. Growth and comfort do not coexist.”

BPW River City Leadership event

What would it be like to sit down with the mayor of Louisville and talk about the plans for our city?  If you were one of the fortunate members of the BPW Leadership group today, you had that opportunity.  We had a wonderful conversation with Greg Fisher and his vision for Louisville in terms of education, community, jobs and growth.  Afterwards we enjoyed a tour of the Jefferson County Courthouse.  Our guide was filled with fascinating historical facts about Louisville and the courthouse.  For instance - can you guess where property deeds, marriage licenses and other records were originally stored?  Do you know what the original design of the courthouse looked like and why?  Most importantly - can you name the four major industries in Louisville that will drive our education plans?  This is your opportunity to become informed and network with the leaders in our great city.  Please contact Debbie Pierce  at dp2799@att.com to obtain information on the upcoming events.  This is only a fraction of what BPW has to offer to you - come be a part - help us make women a stronger force in this community.