Following a well-established tradition, Executive Women in Government's President, Margaret (Peg) Weir welcomed women leaders from across the federal government with a holiday toast to their leadership, creativity and generosity. Ms. Weir highlighted
Toys for Tots and the wonderful work done by the Marine Corps Reserves who makes sure that the toys and checks donated by tea attendees reach needy children in time for the holidays. We were honored to have two Marines, Staff Sergeant Emily Clem and Lance Corporal Mindy Watson, join us to accept the EWG contributions. In her remarks at the tea, Lance Corporal Mindy Watson told members that we can be sure that each toy will brighten a child's holiday.
EWG also lent its support to the
Wounded Warrior Project which is dedicated to raising awareness and meeting the special needs of severely injured service men and women once they return home. Championed by our very own EWG member, Naomi Zeavin, who is tireless in her efforts to help Wounded Warriors, EWG responded generously with a contribution of $990. EWG's contributions will be used for backpacks filled with toiletries and other essentials to greet injured patients who arrive for treatment at Walter Reed with nothing but the clothes they are wearing. With this year's contribution, EWG has now donated more than $4,000 toward Wounded Warriors, and members will have another opportunity to donate at the March 2010 Summit.
Another very bright spot in the evening was when EWG's Corporate Advisory Board Director, Amy Dillon, announced
Green World Investments as one of EWG's newest corporate sponsors.
EWG's gatherings are all about connecting with each other: relishing old friendships, making new friends, finding ways to help each other as professionals and as women. One of the best ways to connect is to share experiences not normally shared in the workplace. EWG has found that nothing brings us together better than shopping for interesting items and holding a fashion competition. This year we were delighted to welcome a few very special vendors whose hats, jewelry, candies and clothing created a flurry of activity and brought out the fashionista in some of our members. It was all great fun and we are pleased to be able to support women entrepreneurs like Andrea Bray, from
Andrea's Fine Hats in Silver Spring, Maryland;
Ida's Ideas clothing Boutique in DC; Amy Yule's
Pecan Yummies in Easton, Maryland, women artists from
Gallery West in Alexandria, Virginia;
Diane Clark's creative jewelry.
This year's
Hat Competition was one of the highlights of the tea, with our very own expert on everything fashionable, Kate Perry, acting as the judge. Ms Perry's task was a difficult one since many of the members had worn lovely hats while others had purchased them on the spot from Andrea Bray. Nevertheless, and drawing on her legal training, Miss Perry was able to name winners in two categories: past president Virginia Robinson won the prize for Best Holiday Ensemble (for her red hat and matching bag) and past president Maria Vickers walked off with the prize for Best Overall Hat (for her new, feathered creation from Ms. Bray).
We are delighted that EWG's seventh annual tea was such an enjoyable event for our members; everyone was engaged and the networking was going strong! Tea at the Ritz at holiday time is a wonderful tradition we hope to continue: the tea and refreshments nourish our body, the good we do nourishes our souls, and the fun we share nourishes our spirit. To echo our President, Peg Weir, happy holidays to each and everyone of our EWG sisters and supporters; we wish you joy, good health, and success in the new year.
Nothing we say about our events is more meaningful or important than the reaction of our members, and while many of our colleagues told us they enjoyed this event, Dr. Gina Myers took the time to write us a note. It so perfectly captures what our events are about, why it is important for our members to come together as federal women leaders, and what we can take away from these events, that we want to share this input with all of you.
"It was wonderful to take some "time out" from my chaotic work environment, to reconnect with new friends and to meet fascinating women who are doing great work at other Federal agencies. In addition to seeing my pals with their sophisticated and colorful hats, my greatest pleasure was found in talking with a retiree who provided some great mentoring advice. I appreciated her rich perspective and the wisdom she shared about working in the Federal government and the unique ways to overcome the political obstacles found in different Federal agency cultures. It was also great to have my own insights and perceptions validated through this conversation. I walked away from the EWG Tea feeling buoyant, hopeful, and encouraged. I've noticed that each time I attend an EWG event, I walk away with a warm, supportive, and fun feeling. It's a gift to me. A gift that every woman should have. Kudos to the planners!"
See more photos from the Holiday Tea
