This past weekend, Team Belvedere’s Women’s Initiative flew from Chicago to Boulder to grow, connect, and plan for 2025! Hear from our Women’s Initiative Committee Lead, Christine Smessaert, about their weekend: “The Women's Initiative committee touched down in Boulder, greeted by blue skies, crisp mountain air, and a palpable excitement… We set out not only to make plans but also to build deeper connections and make unforgettable memories. The week was all about grounding ourselves in the importance of our mission and diving into a discussion on women's career development. There was an energy in the room as ideas flew around about finding powerful speakers, organizing transformative workshops, and creating events that would inspire and elevate. We quickly realized the beauty of our collective diversity-each woman brought her own career experiences, perspectives, and challenges to the table. This blend of voices allowed us to envision programming that would resonate across the organization. Our evenings were reserved for unwinding together- cozy dinners, fun stories, and laughing so hard we cried. The unfiltered joy and warmth of each night reinforced why we were there- not just to create a strategy but to form friendships and an inclusive foundation of support. We crafted a holistic approach that reflected our different roles, backgrounds, and career stages by bringing together the women from both offices. We committed to building an intentional program that acknowledged this diversity, ensuring that each voice was represented. This retreat was more than just a planning session - it was a testament to the power of shared experiences and the strength that comes from standing together. 2025 will be a year of growth, advocacy, and impact.”
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