This past weekend I attended the first Florida regional meeting of WIN, Women in the Industry. The WIN group is made up of women in the timeshare and related industries who hold various levels of positions and come from various levels of experience and needs. 

The opening event was a networking session on Friday evening. There were many women that I had the fortunate blessing to have met throughout my years in the industry previously, as well as many whom I was anxious to now be able to meet. We numbered about 40 with two men in the mix. I mingled through the room most of the evening participating in conversations and being introduced to members. At one point though, I found myself sitting alone for a few minutes just looking around the room really thinking for the first time about how important this event and group was. 

I have worked for several timeshare companies now, usually starting at the bottom and working my way through the ranks of the job, always fighting against the challenges of being a woman in the workplace. It was through several of my female mentors, that I would gain knowledge, understanding, and expertise on how to handle the day to day challenges of my work. As I looked around the room in that few moments, I thought about how wonderful it would have been to have a group like this when I was in my 20's, or even over the last decade as I progressed through my career. I became intriqued and excited at the idea of perhaps being able to help a woman new to the work force and/or the industry in exchange for the years of assistance and support I had recieved from my own mentors and friends.    

You are going to hear alot out of me about this group and my weekend over the next few days, and months.. perhaps years. I am planning a small mini-series of blogs about the things we did, discussed, learned and the things that are coming in the future for the group. I will also be keeping you updated on future meetings and events, and the benefits that come along with membership in this group. 

After all, a special quote was offered by one of the members that really hit home with me.. "There is a special place in hell for a woman who does not support other women".
 
Make sure to check out the website for yourself! 
www.womenintheindustry.org