We are Women Inspiring Leadership Development (WILD) - empowering women through mentorship, community, and connection.
For women leaders, the WILD Council is a values-driven, professional networking group who give back to aspiring leaders, the community, and each other. We achieve this by supporting local non-profits, students, and community members through mentorship, education, and financial support. Here you will learn about the many ways we are changing the face of tomorrow’s leaders, one female at a time.
The WILD Council has shifted all events to online venues for time being. We currently have a monthly event scheduled for the remainder of the year so please be sure to stay connected to our Upcoming Events calendar with opportunities to engage with Professional Development opportunities led by our own members, along with our Quarterly Connection events. We have also opened up our events to non-members for the time being to create a greater connection with our communities.
The WILD Council's work has been active over the past decade as a result of a handful of women banding together to fight the lack of representation of female leaders in our community. Our values include:
Our passion for being part on the WILD Council is driven by our desire to motivate and encourage more women to pursue leadership and decision-making roles. There continues to be mounting evidence that companies with women in leadership positions have increased innovation and better financial performance. This is not about making things fair; it’s about making our world better. We hope you are inspired by our mission and are curious to learn more about how you can get involved!
Betsy Doughty & Carla McConnell, Co-Chairs
WILD Council
The WILD Council has shifted all events to online venues for time being. We currently have a monthly event scheduled for the remainder of the year so please be sure to stay connected to our Upcoming Events calendar with opportunities to engage with Professional Development opportunities led by our own members, along with our Quarterly Connection events. We have also opened up our events to non-members for the time being to create a greater connection with our communities.
The WILD Council's work has been active over the past decade as a result of a handful of women banding together to fight the lack of representation of female leaders in our community. Our values include:
- Leadership - We are leaders of positive change for women in our businesses and communities.
- Connection - We foster meaningful connections through mentoring, community engagement, and dedication to diversity and inclusion.
- Access - We are resources for each other and our community to learn, grow, inspire and be inspired.
- Inclusivity - We embrace diversity in all facets in our outreach and membership.
Our passion for being part on the WILD Council is driven by our desire to motivate and encourage more women to pursue leadership and decision-making roles. There continues to be mounting evidence that companies with women in leadership positions have increased innovation and better financial performance. This is not about making things fair; it’s about making our world better. We hope you are inspired by our mission and are curious to learn more about how you can get involved!
Betsy Doughty & Carla McConnell, Co-Chairs
WILD Council
“This organization helped changed my life. I was connected with WILD women in a delicate moment of transition. I was in the middle of a career change and honestly, my self-esteem had taken a big hit from failing at my first career choice. WILD women helped me find my ground while pursuing my MBA, land an internship during the program and get a job after I graduated. I look around at the women I’m surrounded by at WILD events today and I feel like I can do anything! I am so grateful to be able to remain involved in this organization and work towards paying it forward to younger generations. WILD is taking actionable steps to advance gender equity and drive real change in our community.”
- Mariana Menge, WILD Member since May 2019
- Mariana Menge, WILD Member since May 2019
Our Mission
MentorshipWe support and mentor young professionals, women at the Leeds School of Business at CU, and through various YWCA programs. |
CommunityWe foster meaningful connections through various programs including the WILD Summit, Boulder Start-Up Week, and our Podcast series. |
ConnectionWe are resources for each other to learn and grow, inspire and be inspired through networking and educational events. |
What We Do
The WILD Council began as an outgrowth of the Leeds School of Business at CU and has now expanded to further support women in the business community and help develop tomorrow’s leaders. We are a nonprofit organization under Glider, a community movement dedicated to inclusive thinking to create better communities. The WILD Council is one of their four programs that also include Ignite Boulder, TEDxBoulder, and Boulder Start-Up Week. WILD Council members support women in the community through mentorship, annual philanthropic partnerships, and community educational events. Members continue to support the University community by speaking in classrooms, mentoring students, acting as judges in business plan competitions, along with supporting a Young Professionals membership opportunity. Our current philanthropic partnership is with the YWCA Boulder County where our members participate in events and volunteer to support the work they do in our community. Members also gather throughout the year with one another to network, learn, and grow with one another. Overall, our members not only contribute through their areas of expertise and experience and act as role models for our future business leaders, but are part of an amazing community of powerful women leaders.
