Oct. 28, 2021

Still feeling the burn weeks later! Not really — but a small group of ladies focused on our health and wellbeing on October 28th in preparation for leftover Halloween candy. The team at Orangetheory Fitness in Rocky River led us with grace through an intense, hour long workout while providing encouragement to finish strong. We welcomed Liz Boyd as a new member and were joined by our local WIPN advocate, Bill Fazekas. Post workout beverages and networking were enjoyed at Gormely’s Pub.

On September 24, 2021, WIPN NE Ohio enjoyed a night of networking at SOHO Chicken & Whiskey in the iconic Ohio City neighborhood of Cleveland. In all, there were 18 in attendance who were able to enjoy a fresh twist on Southern fare & drinks. To better acquaint ourselves with each other, we engaged in a game of Human Bingo where the squares on the board included personal traits such as “I speak more than one language” or “I don’t like coffee”. This provided a light-hearted way of starting conversations and kicking off the networking event. We have a strong core of WIPN members who attend events supported by a tremendous group of Sponsors. A special thank you to our sponsors for this event: J.P. Morgan, Transamerica, PIMCO, MFS, Invesco and National Associates.

On June 17, 2021, the NE Ohio Chapter of WIPN gathered at the Great Lakes Brewery Company for a time of education and networking. We enjoyed a sampling of Great Lakes Brewery Company beverages alongside some lite fare to compliment the tastings. Our speakers, Rob Elwood of Prudential and Rob Duffey of Invesco, presented on “Defining Times and Hot Topics”. We learned about current trends in the marketplace as well as changing demographics, plan design shifts and participant financial wellness. This was our first in person event of 2021 with 26 in attendance including speakers and sponsors. Aside from the robust networking, we also came away with members who are ready to join in volunteering for future events! In all, the event was sponsored by the following:

• Prudential
• Invesco
• T. Rowe Price
• Federated Hermes
• VOYA

The NE Ohio WIPN Chapter facilitated a webinar sponsored by T. Rowe Price on May 13, 2021. JeanDunn, Insights Leader at T.Rowe Price, led a discussion on “Finding and Funding your ‘Why’”. Our speaker educated the group about various factors which inform our saving habits including gender norms, family backgrounds and generational influences. Regardless of what mindset a person possesses with relation to investing, finding your “why” can be a great motivator for helping you achieve your financial goals. The discussion was a great reminder to take ownership of your finances and to mentor the next generation in their financial journey.

On April 13, 2021, the NE Ohio WiPN Chapter met virtually for an interactive tutorial on Decorative Desserts.  We worked with various pastel colors of melted chocolates to cover Oreos in a fun and artistic way.  Our demonstrator, Carla Gasser, lives locally in NE Ohio with her family.  She is the author of a book called “The Beauty of an Uncluttered Soul” and started an organization called Oasis with its primary goal of connecting women.  In addition to this, Carla creates custom Oreos for events ranging from graduation parties to weddings.  We took a break from the technical demands of our work-life to kick off 2021 with a sweet treat.    We had 20 attendees for this fun and relaxing event which was sponsored by Federated Hermes.

On October 20, 2020 the NE Ohio Women in Pensions Network chapter stepped out of our home and enjoyed the evening outdoors at High & Low Winery in Medina, OH. We explored individual wellness practices and stress management with Aneta Ardelian Kuzma, Integrative Nutrition Health Coach, Life and Executive Coach. Aneta shared practical solutions to taking control of our days by creating simple self-care routines including morning and evening rituals and meditation practice. The evening was especially powerful when Aneta talked us through a mediation experience. The noise of the traffic faded and the brisk air became more comfortable and warm.

Getting together also provided the opportunity to support the Greater Cleveland Food Bank. 132 pounds of non-perishable foods and personal hygiene items were donated. Thank you to our guests who bravely ventured out for a fantastic evening and supported our communities.

We extend a special word of thanks and greatly appreciate the support of Federated Hermes.

On September 12, 2018 the N.E. Ohio chapter of WIPN hosted an Evening Dinner Cruise on Lake Erie. About 30 Women in Pension Members and our generous sponsors celebrated the end of summer with a sunset cruise. We sailed on the Nautica Queen for a 2 ½ hour cruise. After a warm welcome as we boarded, we shared some great stories and opinions as we answered Ice Breaker questions with our Sponsors.  The buffet dinner exceeded our expectations, and after desert was served we watched the sun set on the city skyline while enjoying cocktails and dancing. A variety of WIPN members made many new “Connections that Count.” We would like to thank our Admiral Sponsors MFS and Principal; our Captain Sponsors American Century, Mass Mutual, John Hancock, Putnam, Oppenheimer, BlackRock and Federated; and our Lieutenant Sponsor National Associates. Co-Chairs Angie and Pam would like to thank everyone for coming and look forward to our upcoming Holiday Charity Fund raiser.  Details to follow….

The N.E. Ohio chapter of WIPN held a Personal Branding event June 5^th at Merwin’s Wharf. The Hartford’s Greg Seaver sponsored Jill Slomski, President of Niche Marketing. Jill and her team specialize in personal Branding, coaching, speaking, and team building.  She provided the N.E Ohio Chapter with personalized strategic personal branding plans and advised us that following the eight basic steps of personal branding will lead to a path of self-discovery, which includes in enhancing our strengths, communicating our value, attracting more clients, and reaping the benefits of effective networking.

Our group enjoyed her presentation and the great view off the deck of Merwin’s Wharf.  We provided the group with the latest information and tools from WIPN along with networking, some laughs, great food and drinks. We want to thank our sponsors, Chris McAvoy of T. Rowe Price, Ernie Lopez of Ivy Funds, Mike Demler of J.P. Morgan, B.J. Grassman of OneAmerica, Rebecca DeHainaut ofJohn Hancock, and Aaron Hassinger of Pimco.

A huge THANK YOU to Mark Glatley from J.P. Morgan and Dave Kovacs from Voya Financial for sponsoring our creative,  fun event!  We genuinely appreciate their support and participation!   We are copying those who had hoped to attend as well, but couldn’t due to scheduling conflicts.  The attached pictures capture the true essence of the event — the fun, the inspiration, the laughs, and most of all – the meaningful networking connections that were made!  The Amy Cuddy Ted Talk had some great information for us all.

Be sure to check out  Amy Cuddy’s Power Pose Ted Talk which highlights how our body language dictates how we SHOW UP at meetings and presentations (both group and individual interactions).

Noteworthy Highlights from Amy Cuddy’s Power Pose Ted Talks:

• Non-verbal behavior is a powerful form of communication: ie. expressions, posture, eye contact
• People determine how strong, how confident, how knowledgeable, how likeable you are based on “how you show up” with your body language
• Your audience will also predict a related outcome based on your non-verbal behavior (you’ll win or lose, they will or will not do business with you, they will or will not trust you to lead a key project……)
• Slight physiological changes can make you feel more power or lead through a position of power (power poses require you to look more open or expansive)
• Power Poses demonstrate that you feel a sense of victory, undeniable confidence or competence;  that you appear disinhibited and open to growth

The WIPN Northeast Ohio event was awesome!!  We had a holiday dinner at a local brewery “hot spot” called Market Garden Brewery.  It was a happy hour followed by a sit down family-style dinner with keynote speaker, Lisa Ryan.  Lisa spoke about Harnessing the Power of Gratitude through the Holidays and Beyond. It was an informal presentation with a lot of interaction among the women in attendance.  Everyone left with some great ideas on how to let gratitude help improve their lives.

The Northern Ohio Regional Chapter event On August 3, 2017 was held at Oswald Center with approximately 35 people in attendance.  Our sponsors included Prudential, OneAmerica, Hartford Funds, Wilmington Trust and MFS.  We had a drop in sponsor at the ballpark – Fidelity Funds – as well.  Jackie Salmon from OneAmerica was the main presenter.  After the chapter co- chairs did a brief overview of WIPN and upcoming events, Jackie spoke for approximately 40 minutes.  “Get Your Head in the Game” was a heartfelt presentation that provided guidelines for life.  She gave us tools and guidelines on how to successfully navigate our changing world, ways to stay safe and sane while maintaining our families and careers.  The feedback on her presentation was very positive and people walked away a little better than when they arrived.  We provided baseball themed snack and drinks, and a ticket to the Cleveland Indians game including a beverage at the park.   After the presentation  approximately 25 of us went to the game.  We all sat together and networked while we watched.  It was a really fun event.  Our Cleveland Indians even won.  We beat the Yankees!!