Transforming the Workplace Through Community

NEW Cincinnati, an organization focused on advancing women, growing business and transforming the workplace through the power of community, is commemorating its 10th anniversary. In celebration, NEW Cincinnati featured keynote speaker Dr. Condoleezza Rice, the 66th U.S. Secretary of State, at its learning and networking event on March 21.

NEW (Network of Executive Women) is a nonprofit organization focused on gender equality, workplace transformation and fostering women in leadership. While NEW was launched nationally in 2001, the NEW Cincinnati Region was established in 2008. Since then, the NEW Cincinnati Region has grown exponentially, reaching over 12,000 consumer products and retail industry leaders and college students.

At its 10th anniversary event, NEW Cincinnati attracted a record number of 1,000 male and female leaders, due in large part to keynote speaker, Dr. Rice. In addition to her political experience, Dr. Rice has a wealth of business experience, currently serving on boards such as Dropbox, C3 and Makena Capital.

"We were thrilled to host Dr. Rice to kick off our 10th anniversary," said Jill McIntosh, Vice President, The Kroger Co., and NEW Cincinnati Co-Chair. "NEW Cincinnati started 10 years ago, led by a partnership between Kroger and P&G executives who believed it was a critical initiative to further the advancement of women in our industry. We were aware at the time, and still are today, that there is a need for groups like ours to mentor and really promote the advancement of women, and provide a network of support, training and development."

Networking is an important part of NEW’s platform, providing resources to create and build professional connections. NEW Cincinnati’s event attendance has risen from more than 380 at its inaugural semi-annual event to nearly 1,000 this spring. Keynote speakers like Dr. Rice offer leadership advice and inspiration that male and female attendees can implement within their company’s workplace.

Dr. Rice also offered the advice of four skillsets for today’s students, such as the importance of strong writing skills; understanding the backbone and basic concepts of coding to make better business decisions; statistical understanding to improve decision making and performance in the workplace; and a deep understanding and appreciation for history – particularly a great civilization that rose and fell (humility that even in best of times you can still fall).

With a successful 10th anniversary celebration kick-off, NEW Cincinnati is focused on its continued growth to foster and embrace a community of women in leadership.

For more information about NEW Cincinnati, visit www.facebook.com/NEWCincinnati, email NEWCincinnati@newonline.org or visit www.newonline.org.