WIB San Diego has been a member chapter of the original organization for over 40 years, and has a very important place in the hearts of its members.
Inspired by a “Women, Work and Power” seminar held at UCLA in 1974, a few women who had met there continued to meet informally, to share ideas, achievements, and experiences. Eventually, in 1976, this group incorporated and WIB was officially born. Its goals – then and now – are to provide a forum for increasing professional development, personal growth and visibility – all factors that enable women to exert influence over and shape their worlds.
Individually unique, the women of WIB San Diego are some of the most prominent and progressive women in San Diego County. We represent many professions, everything from corporate America to the world of non-profit … from the halls of education to the halls of justice and government. WIB San Diego members are diverse, encompassing women who are both starting their careers, as well as those who are in full stride … who come from all races and ethnic backgrounds … women who are single, married, with kids, and without. One thing we all share is a commitment to succeed at our given professions; another is our desire to have a place to garner support, knowledge, and friendship just by showing up.
WIB San Diego members and guests find many events that personally appeal to them every month. As examples …
Monthly Programs are held on the second Wednesday evening of each month. These events are often dinner and a featured speaker – a woman who’s an expert in her field – but can sometimes be an “outing” of interest. Typical speakers educate us on anything from forensic science to feng shui; an “outing” of interest might be a box lunch at the Organ Pavilion in Balboa Park, or a behind-the-scenes tour of the Old Globe Theatre. Our most popular programs return year after year such as our Progressive dinner, wine tasting, our delicious cooking demonstration in the Fall, and our festive Holiday Party in December. No matter what, most of us come directly from our offices, still in business clothes, eager to see our friends, enjoy dinner, and be entertained and/or educated.
First Fridays are our monthly luncheon tradition, held – as you might guess! – on the first Friday of each month. We meet for good food, a good hour or so of catching up with each other, and meeting the guests whom members often bring. The conversations are lively at First Fridays, and the friendships are evident. In order to accommodate most, these luncheons alternate monthly between Mission Valley and North County locations.
Casual Connections events are more informal gatherings, typically fewer members who are looking for an alternative way to meet fellow members. Casual Connections events have included a night at the movies, chocolate tasting, creating a vision board, happy hour and a make-up demo/lesson.
Finally, WIB San Diego prides itself on the fact that it is NOT a chapter focused on networking … a breath of fresh air when compared to our daily lives. Here the pressure is off, and the good times and good friendships are on! To learn more about our membership criteria and how to join, visit the Membership link.
Click HERE to view our calendar of upcoming events.