Connect. Advocate. Lead.

The Women’s Network Leadership Institute (WNLI), a program of the Greater Akron Chamber, promotes gender equity, drives female leadership, and supports the growth and connectivity of professional women in the workplace.

Developing and Strengthening Networks

Increase access to other female leaders, gain insights from CEOs of top companies in the region and strengthen relationships with other women.

Women’s Network Leadership Dialogue Series

The Women’s Network Leadership Dialogue Series features a deep dive dialogue with high-profile female leaders. Through a set of regular events, attendees will learn more about the leader and her path to leadership; engage in dialogue about pertinent economic development or other topics; and have the opportunity to meet and interact with the leader and the other female professionals in attendance.

Women of Achievement Awards

The Women of Achievement event honors and recognizes female leadership across the region. Three awards will be announced to women who go above and beyond – personally and/or professionally – to support and advance women in leadership, celebrate their successes, and propel equity and inclusion efforts. During this event, attendees will hear from a keynote speaker and her perspectives on leadership, success, and steps toward gender equity in the workplace.

Advancing Growth and Development

Leverage the strengths of female leaders to drive impact and influence in the workplace and in the community.

Leading with Strength

This signature class offered by the Women’s Network Leadership Institute takes a deep dive into individuals’ strengths utilizing Clifton’s Strengths Finder. Women will leave with a better understanding of their strengths, how to leverage their strengths to enhance their performance, and a strengths-based action plan to achieve their goals.

Building the Pipeline of Female Leadership

Increase the support and impact of female professionals in the workplace and streamline opportunities to enhance visibility of women in companies and in the community.

Female Employee Resource Groups

In conjunction with the Greater Akron Chamber’s diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts, WNLI is leading the creation of best practices and resources to support women leading Employee Resource Groups in their companies and organizations.

WNLI Board Leadership Initiative

Through a series of informational sessions and a directory of female leaders, women will learn more about the importance of board service, ways to have the greatest impact on a board, and opportunities to increase their visibility for selection for a board. Simultaneously, work will be done to raise awareness among CEOs and other leadership within companies about the importance of supporting and best practices to support women in their organizations who serve on boards.

Supporting the Growth of Female-Owned Businesses

Advance the growth and success of female-owned businesses in our region through access to resources, connections, and opportunities.

PeerSpectives

Female business owners have the opportunity to participate in a business owner roundtable (PeerSpectives) alongside other women business owners. These facilitated dialogues take place monthly over the course of the year and all information shared is confidential. Together, the cohort discusses challenges, opportunities, shares best practices and builds a network for ongoing support and engagement as business owners.

Business Directory

The Greater Akron Chamber is working to create a regional directory for women-owned businesses that will connect business owners with companies looking to diversify their procurement. Women interested in being listed in the directory should contact Brynn Popa, SVP, Executive Vice President, at bpopa@greaterakronchamber.org.

Advancing Research and Advocacy

Create awareness around the importance of women in leadership in companies and in the community and illustrate the current landscape of female leadership in companies and in the community.

The Gender Equity and Women’s Leadership Study

WNLI’s first research piece, The Gender Equity and Women’s Leadership Study (2018), told the story of a region that lags in female leadership in the executive suite and the Board rooms of for-profit and not-for-profit. When the data is analyzed to include women of color, the numbers are even worse. Our research aims to illustrate the gaps, identify areas of excellence, and help companies and leaders understand the importance of being intentional about creating a pipeline of female leadership at all levels of their organization. The next iteration of this work is in progress.

WNLI Advisory Council

  • Gia Bell

    Chief Administrative Officer
    Mental and Behavioral Health

  • Erika Branch

    Client Executive
    OneDigital

  • Marie Brilmyer

    Partner
    Cohen & Company

  • Tracy Burkhart

    Partner, Tax Services
    Sikich LLP

  • Emily Grnach

    Manager, Ethics/Compliance (Training & Communications)
    FirstEnergy

  • Amina Hall

    Vice President of Development and Marketing
    Akron Urban League

  • Anne Hanson

    Director of Community Relations and Engagement
    The University of Akron

  • Shelly Hinton

    Vice President
    Famous Enterprises Inc

  • Montrella Jackson

    Chief Executive Officer / Court Administrator
    Akron Municipal Court

  • Dr. Leia Love

    Chief Executive Officer
    Leia Love Hair & Nail Salon

  • Melanie Maulding

    Vice President, Employee Benefits Consultant
    CBIZ Mayer Hoffman McCann

  • Meghan Meeker

    Owner
    Red Arrow Photography

  • Brynn Popa

    SVP, Strategic Initiatives & Engagement
    Greater Akron Chamber

  • Tia Ramlow

    President
    Great Work Employment

  • Alicia Robinson

    Director of Partnerships and Community Engagement
    Summit Education Initiative

  • Kathy Romito

    Community Outreach Manager
    Western Reserve Hospital

  • Michele Root

    General Manager, Commercial Leasing
    The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company

  • Dr. Jennifer Savitski, M.D.

    Chair, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology
    Cleveland Clinic Akron General

  • Casey Shevlin

    Analyst V
    FirstEnergy

  • Samantha Williams

    Corporate Communications, Senior Director
    GOJO Industries, Inc.

  • Neille Vitale

    CEO
    Tri Mor Corp.

Resources

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ON HOW COMPANIES CAN UTILIZE SERVICES FOR FEMALE EMPLOYEES, EMAIL

ANNA RICHARDS

Senior Manager, Programs and Events
arichards@greaterakronchamber.org

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ON HOW COMPANIES CAN UTILIZE SERVICES FOR FEMALE EMPLOYEES, EMAIL

ANNA RICHARDS

Senior Manager, Programs and Events
arichards@greaterakronchamber.org

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FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ON HOW COMPANIES CAN UTILIZE SERVICES FOR FEMALE EMPLOYEES, EMAIL

ANNA RICHARDS

Senior Manager, Programs and Events
arichards@greaterakronchamber.org

Component-125-Reversed