The WICT Network: Midwest unveiled its 2023 programming plans on February 23, 2023. Members and non-members joined us in-person in St. Louis and virtually in our North region. Amber Schwiesow, President, welcomed guests to an exciting year for The WICT Network: Midwest. In-person, virtual and hybrid programming is planned for every quarter of the year, giving our members many opportunities to get involved in the chapter.

The event was sponsored by Apex Systems. Representatives from Apex shared professional development opportunities they offer. Please take a few minutes to check out their offerings:

Upcoming Events

Past/Recorded Events

The WICT Network: Midwest Presents 2023 Programming

Member Engagement and Feedback

We’re asking members for their feedback on programming. Please take a moment to let us know what you would like to see.

We have many opportunities to get more involved in the planning and execution of our events. If you are interested in helping, check out the opportunities available.

Membership

Chasity Shahi, Director of Membership, reminded attendees to renew their membership for 2023 and to spread the word about The WICT Network: Midwest to your colleagues. In addition to our chapter programming, members can access live and recorded programming from our parent organization, The WICT Network, as well as other chapters’ live programming.

There is a requirement this year to reset your password on wict.org when renewing.

Charter Communications – New and Renewing Members

Comcast – New and Renewing Members

All Other Companies – New and Renewing Members

If you have questions, please connect with our membership team.

Leadership Development Opportunities

The WICT Network: Midwest currently has two leadership development program opportunities for members. Karen Zumwalt, Mentoring Chair, gave an overview of our mentorship program, a free, year-long program that pairs mentors and mentees within our chapter. Applications are currently open for both mentors and mentees. Applications are open through February 28.

Lisa Neuwirth, Immediate Past President, highlighted our Premier Management Development Series. The WICT Network: Midwest and Watermarq Consulting have collaborated to create an interactive, personalized development program that explores what it takes to be an effective and impactful leader and supports participants’ development through both learning sessions and peer-to-peer coaching groups. Applications are open through March 24.

Programming

Kristina Gustafson, Director of Programming shared upcoming programming planned by quarter. We’re meeting members in a variety of ways – in-person, hybrid and virtual – to ensure all members have opportunities to get involved. There is also an increased focus on in-person parity for programming available for members in the Northern part of our Midwest region. Keep up-to-date on programming on our events calendar, through social media and by reading our weekly emails.

Q1

  • Speakership Program
  • Mentoring
  • Networking Lunch
  • Headshots

Q2

  • Virtual Webinar
  • Premiere Management Development Series
  • Summer Kick Off
  • Happy Hour

Q3

  • Golf Lessons
  • Virtual Webinar
  • Annual Signature
  • Events:
    • Tech it Out
    • Spirit of the Midwest

Q4

  • Favorite Books Panel
  • Discussion/Lunch
  • Virtual Webinar
  • Holiday Happy Hour

We’ve added the event deck, if you would like to view more information about the topics covered.

The WICT Network: Midwest is thrilled to welcome new and returning board members for the new term starting in 2023. These women are successful leaders within their current organizations and we look forward to them sharing their talents with The WICT Network.

Amber Schwiesow
Amber Schwiesow

Board Position: President

Title: VP of Procurement & Supply Chain at Midco

Amber previously served on the board as the Tech it Out Chair.

What are you most excited about for this upcoming term on the board?

“I was on the board for two pandemic years. It was a really weird time. We had to figure out how to do everything virtually, and while I feel like we did the best we could, connection was hard and so was impact. When thinking about what excites me about this term on the board, I have three words that are resonating with me: Connection, Action and Impact. I am excited to connect with global and chapter leaders, I am excited to put plans in place and take action with the team and I am excited to be on a board that can create impact for the women in our industry.”

Kate Moore
Kate Moore

Board Position: Director of Board Operations

Title: Senior Manager, Engineering @ Charter Communications

What are you most excited about for this upcoming term on the board?

“I am most excited about collaborating with other board members and recruiting new members to ensure that WICT continues to offer premiere programs that inspire and support the contributions and strengths of women in our industry.”

Chasity Shahi
Chasity Shahi

Board Position: Director of Membership

Title: Sr. Mgr Enterprise Operations Support – Process Engineering at Charter Communications

Chasity is currently service on the board as Communications Chair and will be changing to the position of Director of Membership in 2023.

What are you most excited about for this upcoming term on the board?

“I’m most excited about spreading the word about all the great programming and events that The WICT Network Midwest offers to encourage and excite new members to join, and existing members to renew. The membership growth can be accomplished with a close partnership with the Programming, and MarComs teams.”

Kristina Gustafson
Kristina Gustafson

Board Position: Director of Programming

Title: Sr Director of Portfolio Management for Agent Tools at Charter Communications

Kristina is currently service on the board as Director of Membership and will be changing to the position of Director of Programming in 2023.

What are you most excited about for this upcoming term on the board?

“In the upcoming term on the board, I’m most excited about reenergizing the membership community with fresh and relevant programming and offering some in-person networking opportunities.”

Noelle Tieszen
Noelle Tieszen

Board Position: Programming Chair – North

Title: Senior CX Operations Manager at Midco

What are you most excited about for this upcoming term on the board?

“I am most excited to connect and collaborate with other WICT members and board members.”

Deena Reiniger
Deena Reiniger

Board Position: Programming Chair – South

Title: Network Operations Analyst III at Charter Communications

What are you most excited about for this upcoming term on the board?

“After many webinars, an opportunity to attend the leadership conference a few years ago and now participating in the WICT Midwest PMDS program, I realize WICT has so many great programs.  I believe my involvement on the board will help stretch my leadership skills and give me confidence to take on new challenges.  I have a passion for helping others learn, grow and be successful.  As Programming Chair I am looking forward to building lifelong colleagues and friends in an environment where I can grow, learn and excel. I also look forward to assisting the director in planning 2023 and 2024 events.”

Victoria_Bizzoto
Victoria Bizzotto

Board Position: Communications Chair

Title: Senior Manager, Human Resources at Comcast

What are you most excited about for this upcoming term on the board?

“Uniting with a group of inspiring women to combine our superpowers and make waves in the telecom industry!”

Anna Jankord
Anna Jankord

Board Position: Social Media Chair

Title: Operations Training Program Manager – Business at Midco

Anna is returning to her role as Social Media Chair.

What are you most excited about for this upcoming term on the board?

“We gained a lot of momentum and rallied excitement about The WICT Network: Midwest on social media this year – new social initiatives, innovative promotions, and live posting from our signature events. I am most excited to continue to grow our social presence in these ways and more, especially with the talented Marketing and Communications Team as well as our new Board members.”

Lisa Rahja
Lisa Rahja

Board Position: Outreach Chair

Title: Training Coordinator at Midco

Lisa is returning to her role as Outreach Chair.

Debra Malick
Debra Malick

Board Position: Spirit of the Midwest Awards Chair

Title: National Account Manager at Diversant

Debra is currently serving on the board as an Ambassador and will be changing to the position of Spirit of the Midwest Awards chair in 2023.