A Year End Letter From Our Chair, Katie Blohowiak
This is always one of my favorite times of the year! Coming off of our WISE Annual Meeting with an incredible Keynote from Marie Quintana and straight into our Networking Reception and PLMA. You can just feel the energy and engagement coursing throughout WISE! My first year as the chair of this organization was a phenomenal experience. The group of women and men that serve on this board, along with all of the WISE volunteers, are truly some of the smartest and hardest working individuals I’ve met. Every day, week, month, year, we show up to further the mission and vision of WISE. No one makes any of us do this work; we do it because we all BELIEVE in this organization. We BELIEVE in elevating women and inspiring leaders. We BELIEVE in cultivating diverse collaboration through our programs and providing leadership to empower our industry's continued success. We BELIEVE that diversity will drive store brand industry growth.
Trying to sum up a year of programming and connection for you is not easy. Here are some of the highlights from the past year:
- Hundreds of people across the industry joined our quarterly webinars to boost their personal development and expand their thinking.
- 70+ people across 16 different organizations made up 10 unique mentor circles searching for ways to connect & grow.
- 50+ people gathered in Chicago for a Night of Dynamic Networking. They gained insight into the current landscape of Private Brands and the importance of fostering Belonging & Impact.
- 137 people across 27 organizations registered for our WISE Learning Series. They found ways to help our partner companies and industry attract & retain diverse employees, as well as lead and motivate diverse teams.
- More than 300 people joined us for our annual Networking Reception last month at PLMA. There they found an unmatched energy and comradery with peers.
And, all of that came to fruition because a group of men and women BELIEVE in Women Impacting Storebrand Excellence! It’s honestly incredible to look back on 2024 and see all that we have accomplished. I’m so proud! I’m so thankful! And I’m SO EXCITED for what’s to come in 2025!
Our team has been hard at work on Strategic Long Range Planning. We’re on the cusp of rolling out WISE University with some partner exclusive offerings! - Stay Tuned! And now, more than ever, our foot is on the gas. We’re full speed ahead. We look forward to engaging with so many of you over the course of 2025 in new ways.
I would be absolutely remiss if I didn’t give a HUGE Thank You to the BEST Partners! Because of you, we can continue to support our mission and grow. Your support is appreciated more than you know.
My inbox is always open, Please, reach out with ideas, questions or feedback. I love to hear from you.
Wishing you a happy and healthy end to 2024, and a blessed start to 2025!
All my best,
Katie Blohowiak
Chair, WISE