Network. Learn. Teach.

When the new board members of the WCT London chapter came together in the summer and fall of 2015 (after having taken a recent hiatus), we asked ourselves some very pointed questions about the value of revitalizing the London chapter. There are plenty of networking groups in London, many of them women-focused as well. What we wanted to create was something that was very purpose driven.

So, as we began to collaborate and outline what a successful group could look like, working to bring together women who work specifically in both communications and technology, we took our lead from the WCT Vision statement: “…to be the leading organization that inspires and advances women as leaders and contributors to Canada’s digital economy,” and planned how we would create and curate events under the framework of network, learn, and teach.

We decided to host an Open House to reintroduce the chapter to the local London community once again, and started the night with some beers (thanks Steamwhistle!) and food while many took some time to ogle the newly renovated London Roundhouse (and office of Ellipsis Digital and Engine74) for the first time. Each board member took a few moments to share why we had joined the board, and the experience and benefits we’ve had as WCT members, from attending the Banff World Media Festival, to winning a scholarship to attend the Rotman MBA Essentials for Managers program.

One great question that was asked by an attendee was “Do I belong here? I’m not really sure where I fit in.” The answer she got from the board was, “Absolutely!”

Most women who work in the fields of communications, technology or any combination thereof, rarely have a linear career path, and we hope that the London chapter is the place for any woman to discover the multitude of opportunities in the fields, both from a learning and a teaching perspective.

Then we moved onto some very purposeful networking, where women from across so many roles and companies got a chance to connect and learn more about one another and why they had decided to attend the open house. Who was there?

Women who work in broadcasting as content producers and on-air talent, women who are fine artists looking to expand their repertoire to include more technology, graphic designers, system administrators, coders, gamers, entrepreneurs, young graduates, community activists, many women that are currently in transition, and new arrivals to London from just outside the 519 including one who just moved here from Quebec.

One attendee noted:

“I’m pretty connected in London, and there are a ton of people here in the room that I didn’t know, and that’s awesome!”

Another attendee shared,

“I didn’t know people in the room, and I wanted to leave, but I thought, no, I’ll stay for a while longer, and I’m so glad that I did!”

Next, the women were asked to think about their own skillsets and identify where they believed they could help someone by teaching them about

Women often think that if they don’t have some official designation, they’re not legitimate enough in their field. As one attendee, who is a radio broadcaster, said, “I don’t think I could teach anything,” until she was challenged on that idea. She speaks to the public in an intimate and engaging way every single day for her day-job; certainly enough credibility and professional experience to be able to give other people insight and guidance on how to better their own presence, right? When it was put to her that way, that she could help other women build their own confidence in public speaking, her response changed to, “You’re right! I could totally help someone in that way.”

Each woman took the time to identify at least one thing that they felt they could teach, and one thing that they’d like to learn. It took hardly anytime at all for each section to be fully loaded with “I can teach” and “I want to learn” post-its.

The exercise was created to help women change the way we talk about ourselves, and how we support other women in sharing our expertise so that we can all benefit from that knowledge and skillset. There’s a shared experience amongst women that have either been working alongside many other women in their fields, but aren’t seeing enough of them represented in their leadership, or women who experience working in their fields as a notable minority. We want to be able to support these women in reaching their own personal career goals, as well as positively influence the companies that they work for and with.

The opportunities in London are almost limitless, because of the number of companies that are both building and growing in London, and due to the huge number of successful and talented women who are ready to lead within their organizations, as well as within the London community. Being a part of the WCT London chapter helps connect you to opportunities, mentors, and resources that are specific to the communications and technology industries, so we encourage you to sign up for membership and become an active part of this growing community of women. (Remember too that many organizations will cover the cost of your membership to professional associations!).

Originally published at medium.com on February 9, 2016.