1979
RWN establishes itself as focused on program development, networking, and special focus groups, all under the watchful eye of the Women’s Career Center.
1980
- Committees form to govern programs, public relations, and members
- RWN affiliates with the National Alliance
- SIGs launch. “The Crones” SIG—“Five Women over Fifty”— met in a hot tub to share wine, wit, and wisdom
1981
RWN is able to stand independently, apart from the Women’s Career Center.
1982
- RWN incorporates as a not-for-profit agency, adopts its first set of by-laws
- The Board meets for the first time
1983
- “Powerlines” newsletter publishes for the first time
- Successful “Breakfast with the President” series initiated, inviting local corporate heads to speak to RWN members
- The Gala sells out for the first time
- A Long-Range Planning Committee forms in November, and the Board Outreach Committee begins to talk of placing qualified women on corporate boards
1984
Three-year objectives plan approved by the Board.
1986
- RWN joins the National Alliance of Professional and Executive Women’s Network at the George Eastman House
- Nancy Woodhull speaks at a Working Women’s Luncheon
- First “W” awards go to Deborah K. Smith, Emily Neece, and Joan Mullaney
1987
RWN purchases its first computer.
1990-1993
- New programs include a luncheon series at The Lodge at Woodcliff, Learning Shops, Ninety Minutes of Networking and a Diversity Series
- T. Mary McDonald became RWN’s first Patron member
- Powerlines replaced by Up & Coming, to inform members more efficiently about the growing numbers of programs
- A new mission and vision statement give evidence of new maturity and confidence about its purpose
- The Gala brings in a variety of prominent and inspiring speakers
- RWN’s logo is redesigned
1994-1995
RWN successfully nominates several women, including Ann Bancroft, Toni Morrison, and Dr. Shirley Ann Jackson, to the National Women’s Hall of Fame.
1996
- RWN.org launched
- A computer database is installed to track members
1998 – 20th Anniversary Year
A newly defined Executive Committee forms with a President, five Vice Presidents, and a President-Elect.
1999
Board Connections created to assist other non-profit businesses seeking potential board members by providing educational programs and opportunities for members.
2000
Adopts the tagline “Women Making Connections.”
2001
Leadership Development and Resource Development committees established.
2002
Marketing Committee re-established
2003 – 25th Anniversary Year
- Pat Mitchell, President and CEO of PBS, speaks at the annual “W” Awards Gala
- The Businesswomen’s Conference (now the Business Summit) highlights topics on Winning Life’s Marathon, and includes for the first time the Up & Coming Awards
- Mission and Vision statements revised
2004
A student membership rate is adopted for full-time, matriculated college students.
2005
- “W” Award election process changed to five “W” Award finalists selected by a panel of judges; the “W” Award recipient to be selected by a vote of the membership
- The Program Committee works to create more member networking opportunities
- The 10th Annual Businesswomen’s Conference, Thriving in a Challenging Business Environment, is held on November 1 at the Riverside Convention Center
2006
- A new logo is approved by the Board
- RWN begins emailing news and communications
- Website is updated
- The annual Business Conference is marketed to men as well as women, and features a kick-off by Monroe County Executive Maggie Brooks and wrap-up session by Robert Duffy, City of Rochester Mayor
2007
- Future Task Force convenes to ensure the organization’s longevity
- Online resources and program registration is launched
- “Women at Work” column first appears in the Sunday Democrat & Chronicle
2008 – 30th year
On its 30th Anniversary, RWN affirms:
- WE ARE RWN when we collaborate, become problem solvers, integrate our experiences and provide our “personal voice”
- WE ARE RWN when we support each other, celebrate each other’s strengths and respect each other’s differences and opinions
- WE ARE RWN when we are truly colleagues and mentors
- YES, We ARE THE NETWORK !
- Democrat & Chronicle publishes a feature on 30 years of RWN
- Twenty-three distinguished women from various countries around the world participated in RWN’S First Annual Symposium: Networking and the Advancement of Women
2009
- Connections Breakfasts at the Century Club invite women of color to connect with RWN Board members
- The Business Conference is officially retitled: Business Summit
- Corporate Membership level launched
2014-2015
- Website refresh added access to a members’-only section
- Free monthly networking became a featured member benefit
- RWN Loyalty program introduced to reward active event participation
2016-2017
- 30th Annual W Award presented to a sold out crowd
- Wine SIG Part Deux launched to meeting demand
- New Member Tea and Volunteer Appreciation Night introduced
- Nazareth College partnership launches, offering RWN members discounted tuition on graduate-level classes
2018
- RWN celebrates its 40th Birthday with a bash at Ballroom 384/City Grill
- New logo, marketing materials and website unveiled