business} “When we invest in women, it doesn’t just benefit the women. It benefits our children and ultimately, the community.” Statistics show that women typically invest a greater portion of their income in their families and communities, and by helping women achieve economic independence and take control of their own financial futures we are helping make Montana thrive.
in their careers. Women with mentors are six times more likely to stay at a job, and women who are mentors get promoted an average of five times more than those who do not mentor. In a 2011 study by LinkedIn, 80 percent of women reported never having had a mentor at work. According to women’s mentoring organization Levo League, nearly 95 percent of women were afraid to ask for a mentor. What does a woman have to lose from not having a mentor? The glass ceiling is alive and well, the pay gap remains intact, and the United States does not mandate paid family leave. There’s plenty of reason for women to feel dissatisfied with their careers and discouraged about their financial futures. By creating a culture of women helping other women, we can ensure that approximately half of our population has a seat at the table and a voice in the conversation. Many start-ups in big cities like Seattle and San Francisco have realized the potential of women, and now it’s time for Montana to follow suit. By sharing resources and opportunities with other women through PowerHouse Montana, we grow a culture of support, fresh thought and innovation.
PowerHouse Montana also organizes in-person networking events called #MentorMondayMT that occur on the 4th Monday of the month in communities across the state. Events are held regularly in Billings, Bozeman, Great Falls, Missoula, Helena, Glendive, and Kalispell. They’re grassroots events led by volunteer organizers where women come together to discuss issues facing women in the workplace, share business cards, and create new connections. Sometimes business owners use it as an opportunity to have an open house, other times, groups meet at restaurants to take advantage of happy hour. “I've gotten so much out of the #MentorMondayMT events in Bozeman, listening to and speaking with other women to learn how they lead, overcome challenges, and navigate busi-
ness in general,” said a PowerHouse user in Bozeman in an anonymous survey. “I've made significant connections at these events and even got a client for my business.”
In Kalispell, the group is new, but is growing at an exciting rate. In October, Susan Clarke and CrisMarie Campbell of Thrive, Inc. presented about having difficult conversations at work. In November, Robin Kelson of Robin Kelson Consulting and the Good Seed Company presented about building resilient businesses. Both events were held at Montana West Economic Development. The presentations typically begin at 9:00AM on the 4th Monday of the month, and those who are interested in more networking meet for breakfast before the presentation.
If you are interested in joining PowerHouse Montana and staying up to date on #MentorMondayMT events in your area, register yourself or nominate another PowerHouse in your life at www.powerhousemt.org.
PowerHouse Montana is a project of the Women's Foundation of Montana. Established in 1999, the Women’s Foundation of Montana is a component fund of the Montana Community Foundation working to grow the economic independence of women and create a brighter future for girls in Montana. With a permanent endowment of more than $1 million, the foundation has awarded more than $700,000 to organizations improving the lives of women and girls in Montana. Looking for a way to support women's entrepreneurship and opportunity, while saving on your income taxes this year? Find us at www. wfmontana.org and on Facebook. Learn more about the Montana Community Foundation at www.mtcf.org. Or call Jen Euell at 406-4617695 to find out how you can be involved.
w
Join us as we work to create a brighter future for Montana women and girls, because when women prosper, communities thrive!
406
oman.com 81