2018 DC Networking Trip
OHIO Women in Business (OWIB), had the opportunity to take 22 members to Washington, DC for a networking trip from February 26 through February 28.The trip was able to be attended by all members from various age groups. Freshman, Kelly Thaxton said “On the DC trip I got to see amazing companies, network with women like Beverly Jones, and get closer with my fellow OWIB members all while seeing beautiful DC. The trip was everything I could have imagines and I’m so glad I went.”
Throughout OWIB’s time in DC we got to interact with three different companies: Monumental Sports, Gartner, and Women Giving Back.
The first night in DC OWIB was welcomed at Monumental Sports by Adam Heintz. Adam, an OHIO alumnus, took time to explain what Monumental Sports does, as well as introduce us to a few of his women co-workers. This was a panel discussion where OWIB members asked very professional questions on topics relating to work life balance and what it is like to be a woman in the sports industry. Some key points discussed during the conversation was that women are an asset to the table, to be a hand raiser, and to understand the difference between quality and quantity. The most important takeaway from that interaction is to be personable while staying professional. That night all the members split up to explore the city.
The second day in DC OWIB took on the White House. For many, this was their first time touring the magnificent building. Without OWIB, I honestly believe, a lot of our members would have never gotten that chance. After the busy morning we were welcomed for lunch at The Liberty Tavern with a fellow Ohio University alumna. During this members got the chance to work on their networking skills while eating.
Next stop after the alumna lunch was Gartner. Gartner was grateful to give us a tour of their new building, explain more about their company and the recent acquisition of CEB, and have a panel of women from their office answers OWIB members questions. A huge thank you specifically to Monique M. Mcdonough for telling OWIB member the history behind Gartner and how they came to own the company she worked for, CEB. Some key points discussed during the panel and by Monique was that sales is the center of everything. Another point made was that as a woman we have to have drive and be bold with what we do. As young, female college students we need to recognize that it is okay to end up on a different path than the one we have planned in our minds. Gartner was even kind enough to offer our members Panera Iced Green tea and cookies afterwards (A treat for us since the closest Panera to Athens is 52.5 miles away).
All of the girls then had free time to explore Georgetown. Some enjoyed some coffee while others treated their sweet tooth to a legendary Georgetown Cupcake. But, we all eventually met up for our last alumna meal with Beverly Jones, an executive coach, at Flavio, an old-world dining room with traditional Italian veal, seafood & pasta dishes. Beverly, an OHIO alumna, was kind enough to answer all our questions, not just about her profession, but also about the changes in OU.
Finally, on the third day OWIB got the chance to meet with Women Giving Back, a nonprofit foundation. Women Giving Back helps women and children in need. We got the chance to tour their facility which included seeing all the clothes and items that they give away to women and children in need. Women Giving Back stressed the importance of giving back, community, welfare, and perspective. We need to remember that people from different generations think and act differently. While at Women Giving Back, OWIB members also got to network with alumna Alexandra S. Schneider, a capture manager at Leidos. She shared with us that bobcats do look out for bobcats. Thank you Alexandra for then offering to be a contact if any OWIB members want a job in the DC area.
A final thank you to everyone who made the 2018 DC Networking trip a possibility. This was an experience of a lifetime where OWIB members got a real look inside companies. OWIB is grateful to all the opportunities presented to us.
