WAM international

Message from WAM International President, Michele Costello

As we transition to Fall, it is a good time to reconnect with WAM.

In my last newsletter, I updated you on local chapter initiatives such as industry networking events, film nights, keynote speaker dinners, and WAM gender working group support.

This month, I would like to highlight ways that collaboration is increasing the reach and impact of WAM globally.

Below are just a few examples:

• WAM Sister Chapters: The sister chapter relationship is intended to formalize the normal networking and dialogue of WAM members in the form of regular contact between two chapters to share best practices, ideas, and to support chapter growth. One example is the newly formed WAM Canada and WAM Chicago sister relationship, where exchange of ideas on member outreach has begun. Another example is WAM DC and WAM Middle East relationship, where DC is sharing ideas to revitalize the Middle East chapter.
  
  
• WAM Joint Sponsorship of Events: WAM chapters are leveraging their financial and people resources by jointly hosting events with other microfinance organizations. For example, WAM NY and the Microfinance Club of NY jointly hosted a "speed networking" event for industry professionals in September. Both organizations benefitted from the wider networking base, cross-advertizing of the organizations in marketing materials, and a shared financial burden for the event.
  
  
• WAM Networking at Industry Events: WAM International and WAM DC will jointly host a happy hour after the SEEP Conference in Washington, DC this November. The event is not affiliated with the SEEP Conference, however allows an industry professional in attendance to participate in networking with WAM and non-WAM practitioners who have a focus on women. More details on this soon!
  
  

I also request your continued support for the WAM scholarship initiative, which aims to enhance outreach to and impact of women in microfinance by funding skills-based training for female practitioners. Please find a way to either support scholarship fundraising at your local chapter or contribute to the fundraising initiatives of other chapters, such as the upcoming WAM NY silent auction and wine tasting event (WAM NY Fundraiser Link).

As always, I appreciate your feedback and suggestions. Please do not hesitate to contact me at: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Kind regards,
Michele Costello
President, WAM International