Hartford Business Journal

www.HartfordBusiness.com • May 14, 2018 • Hartford Business Journal 21 Continued > " " "I see a lot of juggling and hard work. These women all basically echo the same theme: Collaboration is critical to their success," said Holly Campo de la Vera, vice president, SBA relationship manager at Webster Bank. "They are facing the same challenges that most do as woman professionals." With that in mind, the bank has set about shoring up the women on its team to be the best that they can be, while simultaneously promoting a message of female mentorship and networking to its clients — and the broader business community. WeWIN One of Webster Bank's core values is its belief in taking personal responsibility for meeting the needs of the customers and communities it serves. This value spurred an initiative of internal networking, skill-building and mentoring programs for women within its ranks: the Webster Women Initiative Network, or WeWIN. Started by a group of women at the bank in 2015, WeWIN off ers events such as the one last December at the Marriott in Trumbull, where over 100 leaders participated in panel discussions, presentations such as "Building Strategic Alliances and Growing Your Infl uence" by women's leadership expert Karen Hinds, and networking. WeWIN and its activities are all designed to help members maximize their career potential. Women Presidents' Organization With Webster Bank as its sponsor, the Hartford Chapter of the Women Presidents' Organization (WPO) was launched in 2016. The non-profi t organization, with 137 chapters globally, is geared for million-dollar- or-more companies that are owned and led by women. It off ers an opportunity to share insight, learn from guest speakers and make connections, all in a supportive, non-competitive environment. Led by Chapter Chair Cathy Crosky, the group is looking to double its membership over the next year. Non-competing industry members include those from the fi elds of life sciences, culinary, wealth management, marketing and communications, health care, printing and employee benefi ts. Though diverse, the industries and their leaders share common issues, she said, such as employee engagement, changing regulatory demands, scaling the business, fi nding talent and succession planning. WPO members learn from each other, get diff erent perspectives and become stronger leaders as a result. www.HartfordBusiness.com • May 14, 2018 • Hartford Business Journal 21 "It's often the isolation that aff ects women, when you consider traditional routes," of becoming a part of the local business community, Dorman said. "It's a little daunting for a woman to integrate herself." | Erin Dorman is Webster Bank's senior president of commercial banking. | | Collaboration is critical to their success," said SBA relationship manager, Holly Campo de la Vera, of women the bank serves. | Sponsored Content WEBSTER BANK INTELLIGENCE SERIES

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