As part of the women’s network Wings Women, I have learned a lot. In this post, I share my personal insights. I have been part of the core team of the women’s network for more than a year and a half.
What does the Wings Women core team do?
The core team consists of nine women who steer the network. I am one of them. Together, we plan events and offerings for the Wings Women, we represent the network at events, and maintain contact with our management.
The network was founded in 2019. It somewhat fell asleep over the pandemic. Therefore, the network, as well as the core team, was reformed at the International Women’s Day event in 2024 – that was the first event of the network I attended, and suddenly, I became part of the core team.
What I have learned through the network
Since then, I have attended several events and organized many myself. Despite my organizational role, I have learned and taken away a lot from this time. Here are my three insights:
👽 Be an Alien: Being different is a strength
Sometimes you stand out, for example, as the only woman in a male-dominated group. As the youngest or oldest woman by far. As the only mother in the leadership circle. Don’t doubt yourself or feel awkward: being different is a strength. Use it for yourself. Or to put it another way: “Be an Alien!” – That’s what I took away from my favorite event of our network – a panel talk with Iva Strauss on International Women’s Day 2025.
🖇️ Just do it: Networking is helpful
I am actually a social person, yet the word “networking” triggers a slight discomfort in me – who likes to approach strangers and engage in small talk? For me, it’s a challenge every time.
But – from 5-minute speed networking to detailed conversations over lunch thanks to Lunch Roulette – at every networking format of Wings Women, I have met amazing women and had awesome conversations. In the end, I always think: That was fun! And not only that, often I have learned something new or received information that I could use helpfully for the network or my work. Even though it takes effort – it’s always worth it!
💪 Female Empowerment: Women's networks are timely
We often hear the question whether a women’s network is still needed. I think, yes!
Our network has grown steadily over the past 18 months – 145 women have joined Wings Women during this period and now we have over 300 members. Our events are well-attended and increasingly so. For me, this is a clear sign that the need for female empowerment is still significant. In conversations with members, I notice that many women share similar challenges and questions.
For me, the network is a space where we can strengthen each other, discuss our ambitions and challenges, grow together, and stand up for our interests. I am proud to be part of Wings Women and thereby enable female empowerment.
