SPWN.ORG

Siouxland Professional Women's Network Scholarship

SPWN — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 14:00:00 GMT

The Siouxland Professional Women’s Network offers a $1,000 scholarship to a woman from the Siouxland area seeking to pursue/continue her college education. Women, age 24 or over who are residents of the Siouxland region may apply. Applicants must have a permanent address within a 50-mile distance of Sioux City. Applicants must have completed high school or the equivalent and have at least 1 year’s break in education -

between high school and post-secondary institution
during undergraduate education
between undergraduate and graduate/professional studies
during graduate/professional studies

The applicant must be attending or plan to attend an accredited institution of higher education for the full 2010/11 academic year and must be enrolled at least half-time (as defined by the institution the student is attending). This scholarship can be used at either the undergraduate or graduate level. NOTE: If the recipient does not attend for the full year, a pro-rated portion of the scholarship must be returned to SPWN.

Preference will be given to applicants who have realistic educational goals and the potential for academic success.

Scholarship Application

Don't forget SPWN Monthly Meetings

SPWN — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 22:57:00 GMT

Do you want to get connected in the Sioux City Metro Area? Have a chance to network with women from various industries and backgrounds? If you answered yes then Siouxland Professional Women's Network is for you! On the second Tuesday of each month, we bring in different topics and networking ideas aimed to get you connected and involved. Our next monthly meeting will be March 9th noon meeting at the Hilton Garden Inn in Sioux City. It will be a speed networking event, so bring your business cards and be ready to make some contacts! Even better, there's still time to RSVP. Guests are always welcome, just send your name to info@spwn.org so we know who to welcome to our group.

We're looking forward to seeing you at our next meeting!

SPWN Early-Bird Seminar Registration

SPWN — Wed, 06 Jan 2010 00:36:00 GMT

Once a year, the Siouxland Professional Women's Network sponsors a seminar or workshop that is open to the Siouxland business community...men included! We are very excited this year to have secured Kathleen Deal as our presenter for the February workshop. Her credentials speak for herself and we feel so fortunate to have her on the agenda.

Among her accomplishments, Kathleen Deal has served as:

Assistant U.S. Attorney
Division Chief and Instructor, U.S. Dept. of Justice and Law Enforcement Training Center
Committee Member at U.S. Dept. Of Justice under Attorney General Janet Reno
Award recipient from the Executive Office of U.S. Attorneys for enhancing the mission of the Dept. of Justice

This workshop is FREE to SPWN members. Please download the registration form and bring it with you to the meeting next week or e-mail it to the address provided on the form. If you know someone who would be interested in attending, feel free to forward this registration form.

Thank you,

The SPWN Directors

Win $150 Spa Gift Certificate!

SPWN — Fri, 27 Nov 2009 18:01:00 GMT

Win $150 in Spa Services from Inspire!
Bring a guest to an SPWN meeting and you can enter a drawing for a $150 gift certificate from Inspire Chiropractic and Wellness Spa! Choose from a variety of pampering services including massage, aromatherapy, reflexology, and much more.You have nine meetings in which to build up your chances of winning! The drawing is held at the May meeting. So bring your friends and co-workers. You could be the next winner!

Past Scholarship Winners

SPWN — Fri, 27 Nov 2009 17:40:00 GMT

2008 Scholarship Winner
After graduating from Western Iowa Tech Community College in 1993 with an associate’s degree in architecture, Amy Chan is now continuing her education by pursuing a bachelor’s degree in business at Bellevue University. She plans to attain her master’s degree in architecture at Iowa State University in 2012.

My goal is to graduate and financially sustain a scholarship fund in memory of my son,” said Amy.

A single mother, Amy lost her 16-year-old son, Tyler, in a tragic accident in 2007. The college funds she had saved for herself and her son were used to pay for his funeral.

Receiving this generous gift will ensure my educational goals are realized; therefore, a scholarship in memory of my son can be established and awarded annually,” said Amy. “I anxiously anticipate the day Tyler’s scholarship will be awarded; thus continuing the chain of making dreams come true for future Siouxland generations.”

Amy currently works for Cannon Moss Brygger & Associates as an autocad technician. She hopes to work her way up the corporate ladder to become a partner in the architecture firm.

Amy has worked extensively as a volunteer for the United Way and currently leads a grief support group that meets monthly at the Morningside College Learning Center.

Amy was chosen from a field of 19 applicants reflecting a cross-section of the Siouxland region and several colleges and universities. While everyone was a deserving individual, the selection process selected five candidates from the 19 and then three were chosen for personal interviews.

2007 Scholarship Winner

Carla Jo Morgan of South Sioux City, Nebraska, is the recipient of the 2007 SPWN scholarship.

After a 28-year break in her education, Jo is currently pursuing her bachelor of science degree in nursing at Briar Cliff University.

Jo worked as a medical assistant for 15 years and at Blue Cross/Blue Shield for 17 years. A displaced farm wife with an empty nest, she wanted to obtain a "purposeful goal" to serve society. She chose to become a hospice nurse after experiencing the drastic need for home hospice care while caring for her aging parents.

After graduation, Jo plans on working in home health care to help families keep their loved ones in their homes as long as possible.

Jo was chosen from a field of 22 applicants reflecting a cross-section of the Siouxland region and several colleges and universities. While everyone was a deserving individual, the selection process selected five candidates from the 22 and then three were chosen for personal interviews.

2006 Scholarship Winner
Kriste Anderson has been very involved in the community for a number of years, working with Head Start and other activities to support children and families. Some time back, Kriste was not able to apply for a position because she was not a registered nurse. Rather than be discouraged, Kriste saw that as a sign to enter an RN program, and with the support of her family, she is on her way. Being fluent in Spanish, Kriste is confident that as a registered nurse she can continue to give to the Siouxland communities.

Kriste is a first year student at St. Luke's College. She was thrilled to be selected and could not wait to tell her two daughters, who have supported her efforts in returning to school.

Kriste was chosen from a field of 16 applicants reflecting a cross-section of the Siouxland region and several colleges and universities. While everyone was a deserving individual, the selection process selected five candidates from the 16 and then three were chosen for personal interviews.

Several people deserve thanks in this project -- the SPWN membership for supporting the idea of offering an annual scholarship and the scholarship committee for developing the criteria, reading through all the submissions, developing a workable process and providing feedback for next year's endeavor.

$1000 Scholarship Opportunity!

SPWN — Fri, 27 Nov 2009 17:33:00 GMT

The Siouxland Professional Women’s Network is pleased to announce a $1,000 scholarship opportunity for a non-traditional Siouxland woman planning to attend an educational institution for the academic term 2010/11.

Selection criteria are:

A Siouxland woman, whose permanent residence is within a 50-mile radius of Sioux City
A non-traditional student, which is defined as:
- 24 years of age or older
- at least 1 year’s break in education
  - between high school and post-secondary institution,
  - during undergraduate education,
  - between undergraduate and graduate/professional studies, or during graduate/professional studies
Must be attending or plan to attend an accredited institution of higher education for the 2010/11 academic year
Must be enrolled at least half-time (as defined by the institution student is attending)

How to apply:
The candidate is asked to complete an application (copies may be made as needed) and submit it by the deadline below.

Process:
Application materials are due April 23, 2010 to the address noted below. Up to three applications will be chosen from those submitted; those applicants will be invited for an individual interview with the scholarship committee during May 2010. One person will then be selected to receive the $1,000 scholarship. The successful applicant can only receive this scholarship once.

Mail application to SPWN, PO Box 1656, Sioux City, IA 51102.

Membership Questions

SPWN — Fri, 27 Nov 2009 17:30:00 GMT

SPWN is a unique organization whose goals and philosophy remain as the original founders established it – promoting growth, networking and support. Member success stories give others the courage to create their own successes or to continue their successful advancement up the corporate or small business ladder with skill and panache.

What kinds of people join SPWN?
Diversity is the essence of SPWN’s vitality and creativity. Our dynamic, open membership policy attracts a variety of backgrounds, professions and career levels. From re-entry women to highly trained executives, entrepreneurs and retirees. Women in transition from school to a profession, from one career to another, re-entering the workplace from homemaking or looking for new employment opportunities.

What are the program topics?
The topics revolve around networking, self-promotion, marketing, sales and business development. Members are invited to introduce themselves and talk about their businesses.

How many members does SPWN have?
SPWN has almost 50 members. Monthly meetings are regularly attended by 30 to 40 people.

If I can't attend every meeting, can I send someone in my place?
If your company paid for your dues and you are unable to attend a meeting, you may request that another employee of that company attend in your place. You must respond to the RSVP with the name of the woman attending in your place.

When can I join? When is renewal?
You may join anytime. Dues for the year are $135 in September and are pro-rated to the final meeting in May. Click here for a member application. If you are joining mid-year, email to find out the current dues.
Send your check to:
SPWN
PO Box 1656
Sioux City, IA 51102

What are the Benefits of Membership?

You will be motivated, energized, and inspired.
You can practice your interpersonal and leadership skills in a non-threatening and nurturing environment.
You have the opportunity to mentor others as well as to be mentored.
You will learn strategies to attain financial, business and personal-lifestyle freedom.
You can display informational materials at meetings.
You will have access to a membership directory.
You will receive reduced fees for monthly meetings.

Find out more! Attend a meeting!