The University of Rochester’s new volunteer-led Women’s Network has a mission to harness and celebrate the rich contributions of women around the globe who are part of the University of Rochester family. Through dynamic programming and engaging conversations, the Network—launched in October 2020—helps members connect and support one another.
Alumnae organically developed regional groups due to a previous void of consistent programming in the women’s sphere. However, our regional networks only met the needs of 25% of our alumnae. Building on the success of those regional groups, we set out to develop a group that was accessible to all women globally using virtual programming—even before the pandemic. Our goal is to develop a pipeline of volunteers to ensure more women have seats in leadership and at decision-making tables.
It was important to us to build a program that balanced engagement and philanthropy, was inclusive of all of our constituents who identify as women, engaged volunteer leadership that reflected the diverse representation of our University of Rochester family, and had the support of the highest levels of leadership.
In addition to meeting the needs of our alumnae, parents, students, and friends for connection, we’ve also managed to increase the engagement and philanthropy of our women constituents, and have received feedback that the Women’s Network has been the bright spot in an otherwise difficult year.
