Dear WILD,

Before looking forward to 2021 we want to take a moment to briefly reflect on 2020.  I think we can all agree it was a bizarre ride – some experienced loss, others experienced growth, and each of us at some point probably stretched our own emotional spectrum more than we ever thought possible. However 2020 affected you, we hope that The WILD Council provided some stability and consistency within the madness.  We adapted to the circumstances by going 100% virtual and tried to keep the content exciting and relevant given the circumstances, and we thank you for adjusting with us.  While it took some growing pains, it worked out well.  So for the foreseeable future we expect to keep this going but hope that when the time is right for everyone, we will be able to shake hands, laugh together and hug another!
 
Thank you for continuing to support each other, our vision and most importantly, our community.  We couldn’t think of a better time to come together in this way and we hope that you are inspired by the work we have done together this year and are excited about what is to come in 2021!

Betsy Doughty & Carla McConnell, Co-Chairs

EXTENDING YOUR MEMBERSHIP!

Given our move to virtual connection, your current membership will be extended through 2021. We look forward to continued connection!

SAVE THE DATE
 
WILD KICKOFF WEBCAST
FEBRUARY 4 | VIRTUAL
Join us to learn about what we are planning for 2021 and to recap 2020!

CU LEEDS PROFESSIONALISM SUMMIT
APRIL 2, 2021 | TBD

The Leeds Professionalism Summit is a one-day professional development “boot-camp” delivered as part of the academic curriculum for Leeds students enrolled in the BASE (Business Applied Semester Experience) class.  Approximately 850+ students will participate with mentors, alumni, and corporate partners in panels and interactive sessions oriented around professional and business etiquette skills.  As a volunteer you will either be assigned to participate in the interactive interviewing session or assigned to a topical panel.  You will be notified of your assignment prior to the event and provided with any related details.

2021 WILD CONNECT EVENTS
 
We have found that we all want to connect, but our in person events  perfect translation to a virtual format. Since we learned a few things last year, one of the things we want to focus on most is creating a format for our members to share their talents and expertise with other members. We want to encourage ALL OF YOU to lead a session of your choice this year at some point! It is a great opportunity to practice and take your leadership skills to the next level! Topics can include Professional Development training, Discussions, or whatever you are up to in the world that excites you! The moment is calling for any type of connecting and we welcome you forward to join the 2021 Mini-Connect calendar! Also note that the time of day is flexible. It does seem that majority of membership is available just after 5. But during this time, lunch might work too!

Please reach out to Dana Stillman and Madeleine Pollak who lead our Connections Committee with your ideas!

BECOME A MENTOR - LEEDS PROFESSIONAL MENTORSHIP PROGRAM
 
The PMP was started in 2009 with just 134 participants, and has grown to include over 740 professional mentors, serving over 500 Leeds students.

• The PMP is a two-year program, open to junior and senior undergraduate students
• Mentors represent all functional areas of business, a broad range of industries, and come from across the U.S. and overseas 
• Mentors are matched with 1 student at a time and remain matched through their student’s graduation
• Students and mentors commit to connecting (in-person, by phone, Skype, etc.) at least twice per semester for an hour and, ideally, communicate informally on a more frequent basis
• Students and mentors discuss things like resume and cover letter creation, how to be successful in the business world, networking strategies, etc.
• All matches are based on student preferences regarding mentor experience, industry expertise, geographic location, and other interests

APPLY NOW!

DON'T FORGET TO JOIN OUR LINKEDIN GROUP!

In an effort to keep us connected regularly while keeping our inboxes clean, please join the WILD Council LinkedIn Group! This is where we can all post about upcoming events, calls for action, coordinate, post job openings, ask for help, offer advice, and more! We want this to be a place for members to connect, so feel free to share news, job postings, or just chat.

JOIN NOW!

WILD Council Members,

We hope you are taking advantage of the summer and some of the silver linings of more downtime. Carla and I were reflecting on how we haven’t had this much time to ourselves in decades and how nice it has been to spend time with family, cook, read, walk our dogs, and have relaxing weekends. That perspective shift has been a nice change!
 
With the changes in our WILD Council activities and the ways we connect, we wanted to give you an update on what we are up to for the rest of 2020. We ARE STILL The WILD Council, we just look a little different…
 
·We plan to stay virtual for the time being. Our quarterly connects, mini-connects, learning and volunteer opportunities have all easily transitioned. So let’s stay connected in the new way!
 
·We will be announcing the plan for our next Quarterly Connect soon!
 
·We’ve got some great upcoming mini connects:

• The Clash of Traditional Management Styles in Today's Professional Environment
  with Melissa Reeve (Discussion)
  Thursday, August 27th || 5:30pm (Virtual)
• The Facilitator Leader: The Hidden Power and Vital Skills of Running Effective Meetings
  with Ginny Corsi (Professional Development)
  Thursday, September 17th || 5:30pm (Virtual link coming soon)
• How to Start a Service Based Business in 2021 
  with Dana Stillman (Professional Development)
  Thursday, November 19th || 5:30pm (Virtual link coming soon)

 
·We are postponing the WILD Summit in 2020 to ensure an in person event. Look for it to return in 2021.
 
·Our non-profit partner the YWCA of Boulder County will be holding a virtual Dash and Bash in September. We will get you information on how to participate in the 5K or 10K as soon as it’s available.
 
·CU will be looking for mentors for their incoming students – make sure to sign up here.
 
·The YWCA held a special session of their Anti-Racist training, which many WILD Council members attended. They shared a 21-Day Racial Equity Habit Building Challenge that outlines a number of suggestions for reading, watching, connecting, and ideas for action. Check it out.
 
We hope you are all doing well and look forward to “seeing” you at one of our events soon. Bring a friend, we are opening up all of our connects and mini-connects to our networks!
 
All the best,
Betsy & Carla