2007 FALL LUNCHEON
Fall Luncheon Raises $155,000 for Women's Fund
In 2006, 84 percent of women surveyed said a male-dominated corporate culture was the No. 1 obstacle to their success in the workplace, and 73 percent reported a concern for work and family balance.
Armed with these statistics – and many more – from its Women and Leadership in Omaha research report, the Women's Fund of Greater Omaha is reaching out to the community for solutions. On Sept. 27 and 28, Sally Helgesen, one of the world's most respected experts on leadership, met with individuals, human resource professionals and community leaders to talk about how changes in technology, demographics and the economy can help create opportunities for individuals and reshape organizations.
Some 770 persons attended the annual fall luncheon to hear Helgesen, who praised the Women's Fund research report as being on target, cutting edge and world class. Omaha is a large and diverse enough community where positive changes can be made, Helgesen said. Her own research shows that the qualities women bring to leadership, such as emphasizing relationships and being comfortable with direct communications and diversity, are characteristics organizations need.
Following the luncheon, nearly 100 human resource professionals met with Helgesen to learn how to recruit and retain talent in a challenging workplace. Nearly 40 community leaders at the Sept. 28 breakfast heard Helgesen talk about the evolving nature of the workplace, which now emphasizes a give-and-take structure rather than top-down authority.
The event raised $155,000 for the Women's Fund, including more than $30,000 that individuals donated in a "pass-the-hat" collection at the luncheon.