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Chesapeake Professional Women's Network
A unique group with a unique mission
Among the many networking groups that abound
in Maryland is a unique group with a unique mission.
The Chesapeake Professional Women’s Network,
or CPWN, was established in June of 1996 in
response to the growing need for communication
among women in the workplace. Fifteen years later,
the group has grown to more than 200 members
and remains committed to offering personal and
professional support and mentorship to women
in the northeastern Maryland business community
and beyond.
Something for Everyone
Based in Harford County, Maryland, today CPWN
still provides networking opportunities but has also
added social events, business resources and
philanthropic activities to its annual schedule.
In addition to monthly networking events with
varying meeting dates, times, and locations to
accommodate members’ diverse schedules, the
group hosts business card exchanges and social
events including an annual holiday party for
members. And while some events are networking
only, others feature speakers on issues pertaining
to women and business. Recent events have
featured a panel of women’s health experts, Harford Community College president Dr. Dennis Golladay and Baltimore restauranteur Cindy Wolf, a two-time James Beard Foundation finalist for Best Chef.
Members receive access to a variety of benefits, including a members-only section of the website with an online message board, a monthly newsletter with a calendar of events, networking tips, member news and
other articles of interest and advertising and sponsorship opportunities.
Women Supporting Women
In addition to supporting women within the group, CPWN actively supports a number of important local
women’s initiatives, including:
- Athena Award – CPWN is a sponsor of the Harford County Athena Award, which recognizes women who demonstrate excellence in their business or profession, devote time and energy to the community and generously assist women in attaining their full leadership potential.
- New Visions for Women – CPWN also sponsors New Visions for Women, a fun, power-packed day of workshops and sessions held annually at Harford Community College, designed to energize, invigorate and celebrate women as unique individuals and as a collective force in the community.
- Anna’s House – A non-profit organization that provides transitional housing for Harford County women and their children and also off ers case management, counseling, career skills training and employment assistance.
- SARC- A non-profi t organization based in Harford County that works to end domestic violence, sexual violence and stalking, to aid its victims and to create a society free from abuse and fear. Over 2,000 people a year turn to SARC for help.
- Family and Children’s Services – Th e Harford County office of this nonprofit agency provides child sexual abuse treatment services, employee assistance, general counseling and school outreach and advocacy.
- Scholarship – CPWN sponsors a $1000 scholarship for Harford Community College, awarded annually to a female student who exemplifi es professionalism and commitment to the community and who meets certain academic criteria.
To raise funds to support the groups and initiatives above, CPWN holds its signature fundraising event, the
annual Fashion Show, which last year raised more than $13,000.
Giving Is Always in Fashion
On Tuesday, October 11 from 5:30 – 9:00 p.m., CPWN hosted its signature fundraising event, the
13th Annual CPWN Fashion Show. Held at Richlin Ballroom, this fabulous event featured great fashion,
a silent auction, amazing raffle prizes and delectable food and drink with all proceeds going to benefit local
non-profits and the CPWN Harford Community College scholarship. This one-of-a-kind event would not have been possible without the support of many area business sponsors, including Diamond sponsor The Cosmetic Surgery Center of Maryland; Platinum sponsor Evans Funeral Chapel and Cremation Services; Silver sponsors Point Breeze Credit Union, PNC Bank, Thompson Automotive, Bel Air Alliance, Dr. Teddy Wray/Laurel Bush Family Dentistry and Brightview Avondell; and Bronze sponsors The Kelly Group, The Arc Northern Chesapeake Region, Media Wise and Gessner, Snee, Mahoney & Lutche, PA.
How You Can Help
If you are interested in supporting CPWN, visit www.cpwnet.org. The website also provides more information on membership and upcoming events for those interested in finding out more about this unique group of professional women.
Submitted by Rich Robinson
Models (above) and attendees (below) at the 2010 CPWN Fashion Show.
