March 26, Meeting in Pictures

L-R front: Yasmin, Mietta and Beatrice. Yasmin, originally from Sierra Leone, is a nurse at Fairview Hospital & Clinics; Mietta originally from Liberia, works with Medica; Beatrice, originally from Rwanda, is a network technician at Metronic.

L-R: Elizabeth and Lydia. Liz works at the University of Minnesota as an administrative assistant; Lydia works with Hennepin County. Both are originally from Kenya.

L - R: Fatou and Joyce. Fatou is a journalist from Gambia who's new to the Twin Cities; Joyce is a seasoned business owner and provides quality hair extensions and services. A longtime AWC friend, she is originally from Nigeria.

L - R: Jayne and Bosola. Jayne, originally from Kenya, works in the area of social services with RS Eden. Bosola, originally from Nigeria, is an infectious disease doctor at Hennepin County Medical Center.

L - R: Marie Therese and Rosemary. Marie, originally from Rwanda, is a business systems analyst currently in transition; Rosemary, of Nigerian and British heritage, recently became a principal at a design and marketing firm.

L - R: Josephine and Regine. Josie is an experienced registered nurse at Fairview University Hospital and Regine also works as a nurse with a nursing home facility. Both ladies are originally from Rwanda.

L - R: Ruth, Hanna and Mahlet. Ruth, originally from Eritrea, works as a business analyst at Ameriprise; Hanna has a background in IT in the area of healthcare and is linen rental business owner. Hanna and Mahlet are both from Ethiopia.

L - R: Wokie and Mameneh. Wokie works in community relations at the University of Minnesota; Mameneh is a Minneapolis Public Schools staff and has a background in graphic design. Both ladies are originally from Liberia, are passionate about community and a often involved in organizing a variety of events.

Not pictured are Elizabeth W., originally from Kenya and works with Northpoint Wellness Center as a program coordinator; Veronica, a nursing student originally from Liberia; Khalilah an African American and also a nursing student; Rita, originally from Liberia, AWC Founder and works as a leadership program coordinator at the Metropolitan Economic Development Association (MEDA).

A good time was had by all!

10 Reasons to Join AWC Network

10 of many reasons why people seek out and/or return to AWC meetings:

1. Get A Life - As we get older and bogged down by the list of things that need to be done by such and such time, having a social life gets put on the back burner pretty fast. The only way to get it back is to work hard at developing and maintaining one, especially when our friends are just as busy. AWC is one way women can maintain and grow their social network.

2. Girl Date Night - Time an time again we see friends who just don't have the chance to get together as often as they used to but they make a date of AWC meetings to meet and catchup.

3. Prelude to Night Out on the Town - Some friends use AWC meetings as a prelude to their night out on the town. After all, you can't expect to have an enjoyable and meaningful conversation over loud music?

4. Put a Face on Business - Business owners have an opportunity to 'put a face on their business' by interacting with potential customers and/or referral sources. Research shows that women are more likely to buy from or refer a friend to a woman-owned business, especially when they've met the business owner.

5. Support Community - AWC Meeting host not only directly benefit from dollars spent by attendees but also gain potential customers and referrals for years to come. In addition, AWC conduct group volunteer activities to leverage members and participants skills and talents while making a difference in the community.

6. Meet Experienced Professionals - AWC members and participants are professionals in various fields, have solid work experience and are employed with some of MN largest corporations. Mine the group right and you can get inside scoop in organizations, get quality referrals, career move advice, get access to the right people and resources, etc. It was due to high interest in connecting on a professional level at the monthly meeting that resulted in establishing AWC Linked-In Group.

7. “Like Me” Quality - When you have family members and obligations spread out over two or more continents, conducting life and business in two or more cultures, and other double circumstances you can think of, you will appreciate spending some time with people who don't think your predicament is strange or insane. Attendees appreciate this “like me” quality about AWC meetings.

8. Brush Up on Networking Skills - Networking is not considered a fun thing for many people. AWC provides a more comfortable ad safe environment for practice. What you experience at AWC is comparable to any networking situation.

9. Unique Resources and Information - When can you find a good, affordable hair-braider? Who sews the best African outfits? Where can I find a licensed caterer that cooks tasty African food? What's the best phone card to call Africa? Know a hair salon that opens according to the hours marked on the window and keeps appointments exactly like they're booked? And on and on. What other networking event will provide answers to such questions.

10. Brush Up on People Skills - Girls will be girls. We're not perfect and not even trying to be. When we get together we want to relax and have a good time. So what if one or two persons are a tad bit loud or more obnoxious than you prefer? Don't we have such people everywhere? Find the good intentions in the situation and don't take it personally. Focus on the ones that interest you.