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First up is our WIN Houston Chapter! We need a WIN Houston Ambassador to support our WIN Houston Leader, Valerie Fabre. She just hosted Houston’s first meetup of 2025! Ladies of Houston joined the Dream Big, WIN Bigger Vision Book Meetup. It was a day of inspiration, connection, and transformation! Now, at Women Into Networking WIN we believe in supporting and empowering women within our communities. One of the ways we do this is through our program leaders. These women take charge of their WIN chapter to foster connections, mentor others, and build community! However, it’s always nice to have support in this effort. Hence, needing an ambassador. So, if you’re ready to get involved and find out more about our WIN Ambassador Program, please click here for more information.

At Women Into Networking (WIN), we are thrilled to announce the official launch of our inaugural book, “Winning Women: From Trials to Triumph.” This powerful collection features real-life stories from our remarkable members, each narrative a testament to perseverance, resilience, and victory. These stories aim to uplift and empower women everywhere, reinforcing our commitment to supporting women entrepreneurs and leaders globally. Virtual Book Launch Event Details Date: March 18th Time: 8 am EST Watch Live • Facebook:  Event Link • LinkedIn:  Event Link • YouTube:  Event Link What to Expect During the Launch Week • Get to know the voices behind the stories through interviews and personal insights. • Experience selected authors sharing excerpts from their chapters, offering a glimpse into their journeys. • Engage with authors as they delve into their trials-to-triumph experiences, sharing lessons learned and advice. • Take advantage of special promotions, including signed copies and exclusive book bundles. • Enjoy attendee-only discounts on book purchases during the launch week. Winning Women is more than just a book; it’s a celebration of courage, community, and the transformative power of shared experiences. These narratives not only highlight individual triumphs but also underscore the strength found in unity and support within our WIN community. Pre-Sales Begin Soon! Stay tuned for more details on pre-ordering your copy. Visit www.wincommunity.org/winningwomen  for updates and to learn more about the book and our upcoming events. Let these stories inspire your journey toward greatness. Together, we are unstoppable! #WinningWomen #WINCommunity #FromTrialsToTriumph #EmpoweredWomenEmpowerWomen Watch the Virtual Book Launch Event Here

At Women Into Networking (WIN), we believe in the transformative power of storytelling. Our upcoming book, Winning Women: From Trials to Triumph, is a testament to the strength and resilience of our community. We reached out to our incredible members to share what it means to contribute to this collaborative project, and their responses are nothing short of inspiring. The Essence of Collaboration Collaborating on Winning Women has been a journey of connection and empowerment. As one member beautifully expressed, “Being part of this book allowed me to connect with other women who have faced similar challenges. Together, we are stronger.” Another author shared her perspective on the impact of shared experiences: “Each story in this book is a thread in the tapestry of our collective strength. Sharing my journey is my contribution to our shared narrative.” Celebrating Resilience and Growth Winning Women is more than a collection of stories; it’s a celebration of resilience and personal growth. One contributor reflected on her motivation: “I wanted to show that no matter the obstacles, we can rise. Our stories are our power.” Another author highlighted the importance of community support: “This book is a mirror reflecting our struggles and triumphs. It’s a reminder that we are never alone.” A Testament to Empowerment The act of sharing these stories is an embodiment of our mission to empower women. As one member noted, “By sharing our stories, we light the path for others. This book is our legacy of empowerment.” Another shared her hope for the book’s impact: “I hope readers find strength and inspiration. Our collective voice is a powerful force for change.” Looking Ahead The pre-order countdown has begun! In just [18] days, you can own a copy of Winning Women: From Trials to Triumph. Visit www.wincommunity.org/winningwomen  for more information. These stories are a testament to the unbreakable spirit of women supporting women. Together, we are WINning! #WinningWomen #WINCommunity #FromTrialsToTriumph #EmpoweredWomenEmpowerWomen

At Women Into Networking (WIN), we believe in the power of connection and collaboration. Our meetups are designed to bring together women entrepreneurs, professionals, and creatives who are ready to elevate their businesses, careers, and personal growth. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to scale, WIN offers a supportive environment where you can learn, share, and thrive. What to Expect at WIN Meetups At WIN meetups, you can expect a perfect blend of learning, connection, and fun. Engage in meaningful discussions on business development, leadership, personal growth, and work-life balance, all centered around real-world challenges and practical solutions. Gain valuable insights from expert speakers—industry leaders and experienced professionals—who openly share their journeys, strategies, and lessons learned.  Expand your network by connecting with like-minded women, exploring collaborative opportunities, and building relationships that extend beyond the event. Take your skills to the next level with hands-on workshops and seminars focused on business strategy, marketing, funding, and personal development. And because we believe growth should be enjoyable, our meetups also feature collaborative games, themed activities, and moments of celebration, making every experience both enriching and memorable. How to Attend a WIN Meetup 1️⃣ Become a WIN member by visiting our official website and completing the membership application. Membership gives you access to exclusive events, resources, and a powerful network. 2️⃣ Once you’re a member, you’ll receive updates on upcoming meetups and special events through email and social media. 3️⃣ Sign up for meetups through our online event calendar. Early registration is encouraged—our events fill up fast! 4️⃣ Attend meetups ready to engage, learn, and connect. Bring your business cards, your questions, and your authentic self. Our meetups aren’t just events—they’re opportunities to recharge, learn, and celebrate shared success within a thriving community. We’re building something special, and we want you to be part of it. 💜 Ready to WIN?  Visit our website https://www.wincommunity.org/meetup  to stay updated on upcoming events. We can’t wait to see you at the next meetup!

" There's a beauty to wisdom and experience that cannot be faked. It's impossible to be mature without having lived. " - Amy Grant Internships are often framed as a stepping stone to our careers, a necessary checkbox to prove we have some form of real-world experience. But I’ve come to realize that the true value of an internship isn’t just about adding something to your resume—it’s about proving to yourself that you can envision  what it would actually be like to work in your chosen field. It’s about seeing, in real-time, how your skills translate beyond the classroom and into a tangible career path. The Power of Perspective One of the most unexpected lessons I learned during my internship with the WIN community was perspective—on my strengths, my work preferences, and what I actually want out of a workplace. Think about it: for the duration of an internship, you’re surrounded by the same people, sometimes up to six or seven days a week. That experience forces you to ask yourself some crucial questions: What kind of environment do I thrive in? What mission or purpose do I want my work to align with? What type of leadership style brings out my best work? What does an ideal workday look like for me? These aren’t just hypotheticals—they’re insights that help shape the kind of career you want to build. An internship isn’t just about doing the job; it’s about understanding how  you want to do the job and where  you want to do it. Application Over Theory For many of us, an internship is our first taste of what I personally like to call my “big girl job.” We may walk in with a solid academic background, but applying what we’ve learned is a completely different ballgame. And here’s the kicker: how we apply that knowledge can look different from person to person, and that’s okay. Project management, for example, is a skill I initially thought was all about spreadsheets, timelines, and strict deadlines. But in reality, it’s about adaptability, communication, and understanding how to make moving pieces work together. My experience taught me that skills aren’t just about technical ability—they’re about how well you can apply  them in dynamic, real-world settings. The Student Mindset & Vulnerability One of the most valuable things I’ve needed during the internship experience is a student mindset because no matter how much you think you know, there is always room to grow. That growth comes from being open, from listening, and from absorbing knowledge from those around you. And let’s be real—this also means learning to be and embracing vulnerability. It’s not always easy to admit you don’t know something or to ask for help. I learned that the best professionals aren’t the ones who act like they have all the answers; they’re the ones who actively seek out ways to learn more. Connection & Mentorship Hand in hand with being a student is having a mentor. Internships offer an invaluable opportunity to connect with people who have been in your shoes. They’ve made the mistakes, they’ve learned the lessons, and they’re often more than willing to share their knowledge. Having mentors during my internship reassured me that I wasn’t alone in my challenges. More importantly, they showed me that growth isn’t about fitting into a role—it’s about shaping the role to fit you . Confidence & Collaboration So, you have the experience—now what? What do you do  with it? The answer lies in confidence. Confidence isn’t just about believing in your abilities; it’s about leveraging them to lead, to collaborate, and to make an impact. Can you work with others? Can you take initiative? Can you turn experience into leadership? These are the questions an internship helps answer, not just in theory but in practice. Because at the end of the day, it’s not just about what you’ve done—it’s about what you take forward and what you can bring to the table. The Intern Position Internships are more than a career prerequisite; they are a personal and professional mirror  that reflects who you are in a workplace setting. They offer perspective, practical application, mentorship, and the confidence to step into your next role with a clearer vision of where you want to go. So , if you’re about to start an internship or are in the middle of one, my advice? Stay curious, stay open, and most importantly, stay a student . The experience is what you make of it—and trust me, there’s a lot to gain.

I always say the best way to learn is to DO. What better way is there to gain knowledge about a career field than an Internship? Sure, classes are extremely helpful, but an actual experience could be worth much more! Professional Skills An internship will provide you with industry knowledge beyond what anyone could write on paper. You will be able to gain understanding of how the industry works in a real-world setting, how cool! In addition, you will learn about various industry-specific technology or software (like Wix!); this is guaranteed to give you a leg up, wherever you may land next. Also, an internship will help you to learn project management skills. Responsibility and timeliness are key when it comes to handling tasks and deadlines! Workplace Etiquette Understanding the ethics of a workplace is only fully done when you are part of one. So, an internship is the perfect way to learn the way an 'office' operates, as well as what is right and wrong. Ethics vary from workplace to workplace, but you will be able to apply respect and consideration everywhere you go. You will learn how to collaborate with others, whether it is a team of peers or a mentor. An internship experience will also help you gain adaptability, making it easier for you to fit-in elsewhere! Soft Skills Internships will help you gain interpersonal skills which enable you to work effectively with others. Communication is one of these skills; whether it be presentations or collaborating with team members, an internship will give you real-world experience to practice. Your problem-solving skills will also benefit as an intern; this might be the first time you are solving problems- not for a grade! This will push you to improve in the end! Last but not least, your networking possibilities are endless with an internship; if you work on these skills and be your best self, there is no doubt the experience will leave you with new contacts that will definitely be useful for your career!

Internships are an important part of the learning, growing, and maturing process. They bridge the gap between education and career. You might think you want to skip this process and go straight to a job, but you will miss out on important lessons and skills an internship can give you. Communication Time Management Interpersonal skills Networking Resumes Interests Confidence #1: Communication There is a huge difference between communicating with your friends and even professors and communicating in a professional environment. It can be a learning curve for some people. When taking that step towards your career, it is vital you know how to communicate in a professional environment. The good thing about an internship is that they know you are new and young. You are not expected to know everything right away. This allows you to observe, learn, and then practice your communication skills. #2: Time Management Managing your time is a major skill you should have, and it can be a struggle for some people. The good thing about an internship is that, in most circumstances, you are working while still in school. This gives you the chance to learn how to manage your time correctly. Between classes and an internship, it will be vital you manage time in a way that works for you. You will be able to test different time management strategies, to ensure when you move on from internship to career you know what works. #3: Interpersonal Skills An internship can give you the chance to see how a company works. There is hardly ever one person doing everything. You need to work as a team, collaborate, and resolve conflicts. You will have to know how to give your ideas, listen to others, and work together. #4: Networking Internships will allow you to connect with people in your area of interest. These relationships can be valuable when moving into your career. They could give recommendations, advice, and feedback that will help you. These people will have experience for you to learn from. They can also serve as potential recommendations for job applications. #5: Improving Resumes The most important thing you can have on your resume is experience. Employers are going to pay attention to what experience you have. The more experience you have the more you will stand out from your competition. Internships are a great way to add experience in a related field. #6: Interests Internships are a great way to determine whether a career path is right for you or not. If you are unsure whether a career is correct for you an internship is perfect for you. It allows you to try a job without committing to it. An internship typically lasts a few months. During this time you will learn whether you are interested in that path or not. If you are, great! You now have experience and connections in that field. If not, then you learned it is not for you, and you did not take a job path you do not like #7: Confidence Lastly, internships give you confidence in the workplace and yourself. As a student, it can be extremely intimidating to go straight into the workplace. People tend to feel imposter syndrome, feel like they do not know enough, and just have low confidence. An internship can help you feel more comfortable when it is time to move to the next step. Naturally, the more experience you have, the more confident you will feel. Internships are a great opportunity. They help ease you into the workplace without throwing you straight in the deep end. They can give you important skills, and allow you to learn about professional work and careers.

When I started my internship, I thought I was just gaining work experience for my resume. But what I was yet to discover is the real importance of the life experience an internship gives you - both professionally and personally.  Keywords revolving around "internship" Work VS. Academic An internship is a bridge between the theory taught in classrooms and the actions in the real world workplace. Every internship experience differs from each other because of the uniqueness in each of us and because every company has its own culture and work ethics. It’s important to understand these last ones as it’s going to facilitate the adaptation to a new work environment. However, adaptability it’s not the only professional skill that you will develop in an internship but along with it you’ll find yourself embracing communication, teamwork and problem-solving skills as you advance in your internship.  Importance of Networking During the internship, you’ll find yourself working with professionals and learning from the industry in first person. You’ll learn from expertise in your field as they share their experience and knowledge with you, and you’ll create professional relationships with them which are important to maintain for future opportunities. Networking is really important as 70-80% of jobs are because of a connection. This person could be your mentor. Mentors play an important role because they follow your progress and help you achieve your goals.  Additional benefits This work and life experience will boost your confidence in taking over projects and making real contributions with real results, while also developing your independence in overcoming challenges and taking decisions on your own. Independence also comes from being able to be organized and responsible toward others and your duties.  Conclusion One last point I want to touch on is how internships help you understand what your skills are and how to use them, while realizing what you enjoy (or don’t) in a work setting. It will help in your long-term career path because it will make you start ahead of the “game”.  Through internships one learns important skills together with resilience and adaptability as well as the necessity of moving past the comfort zone. The learning experience from internships creates more than workplace skills since it transforms you into a confident professional with additional strength.

What is an Internship? An internship is typically applied to by college students to gain work-experience in their major. Internships are usually sought out to be field specific to what the student is studying. Internships can be paid or unpaid, regardless, the impact of hands-on experience is worth it. Internships are typically in the summer when students have a Ibreak from school, but internships can be found for any time of year. They also typically last eight to twelve weeks.Internships allow you to gain skills that are not taught in the class room. It also teaches you what aspects you life and do not like about your future career, and internships will help you find the best section of your field for you. Internship Skills to Gain Internships can help shape you personally and professionally by teaching you about your future career and about your strengths, weaknesses, likes, and dislikes. Internship Skills include: Understanding industry norms Networking Communication both written and verbal Leadership Presentation skills Teamwork and diversity Technical skills Softwares within the field Professionalism Adaptability Time management Long-Term Impact Internships can shape your future career goals and aspirations because of the early exposure to the industry. The internship skills will set you a part from other applicants in the future, and it usually will provide you with reliable references and mentors. These internship skills will be helpful within your college and post-graduation life as you take on your career.

Credit to our WINtern: Ashleigh Hey WIN Community, Our Virtual Meetups are back in action for 2025! We have made some changes such as our meetups will not be held monthly, but in a quarterly basis, just like our in person events. Let’s reintroduce you to our leadership team… First is Teecee Okore our WIN Virtual Leader. She is CEO of TeeCee Business Solutions . As a mompreneur, she has been a trailblazer, helping countless women unlock their potential, scale their businesses, and achieve success on their terms. Second is Dr. Manuela Jimenez, Ed.D. our WIN Virtual Ambassador. She is an accomplished teacher, author, and model. Most recently, she’s Dr. World Latina 2025, she proudly represents the principles of female empowerment and leadership. In addition, Teecee and Dr. Jimenez are both mentors to our WINterns (aka mentees.) Now, don’t miss this incredible opportunity to connect with a diverse community of ambitious women who are passionate about personal and professional growth. Grab your favorite beverage (wine, coffee, hot cocoa), find a cozy spot, and get ready for a fun hour of networking! Please RSVP Here to gain access to the Streamyard link. We can’t wait to meet you!

Black History Month is a time of reflection, celebration, and recognition of the countless contributions Black individuals have made to society. It is also a powerful reminder of the resilience, innovation, and entrepreneurial spirit that has shaped generations. At Women Into Networking (WIN), we honor this legacy by empowering women entrepreneurs and recognizing the men who uplift and support them on their journeys. The Legacy of Black Entrepreneurship Black entrepreneurship has deep roots in history, from the pioneering businesswomen of the early 20th century, like Madam C.J. Walker, America’s first self-made female millionaire, to today’s trailblazing Black women building multimillion-dollar enterprises. These women faced systemic barriers yet forged paths of economic empowerment and generational wealth. Their stories serve as a testament to the importance of community, mentorship, and resilience, all values that Women Into Networking (WIN) embodies. Empowering Women Entrepreneurs Through Connection and Collaboration At WIN, we believe that success is built on relationships, collaboration, and shared knowledge. Black History Month is an opportunity to reinforce our commitment to empowering women entrepreneurs through: Providing access to resources, workshops, and expert-led discussions that equip women with the tools they need to succeed. Creating spaces where women can connect, learn, and grow together while celebrating cultural heritage and achievements. Amplifying the voices of Black women in business and ensuring their contributions are recognized and celebrated. Honoring the Men Who Serve and Support Women Entrepreneurs While WIN focuses on empowering women, we also acknowledge and appreciate the men who uplift, mentor, and advocate for women in business. Throughout history, men have played an essential role in allyship, whether through investing in women-led businesses, offering mentorship, or championing policies that promote equity and inclusion. This Black History Month, we encourage men in our communities to: Mentor and sponsor women entrepreneurs by sharing knowledge, resources, and opportunities. Advocate for diversity and inclusion in business spaces and leadership roles. Support Black women-owned businesses by investing in and promoting their products and services. Strengthening Our Community As we honor Black History Month, let’s continue to build a future where Black women entrepreneurs thrive, supported by strong networks, mentorship, and unwavering advocacy. At WIN, we are committed to breaking barriers, fostering connections, and ensuring that all women ”especially Black women” have the opportunity to succeed. We invite you to join us in this mission by: Attending our WIN networking events and workshops. Engaging with and support Black women-owned businesses. Becoming an advocate for equity and inclusion in entrepreneurship. Together, we celebrate the rich history, resilience, and brilliance of Black entrepreneurs, who shape the world through innovation, leadership, and community. Let’s honor the past, empower the present, and build a thriving future together. Click Here To become a WIN Member #WomenIntoNetworking #BlackHistoryMonth #EmpowerWomen #SupportBlackBusinesses #WINCommunity

Hello! My name is Danielle Latalardo and I am originally from New York. I am in my third year at Auburn University in Alabama, so I am a ways away from home. This is difficult because I love my family so much and I do not get to see them that often, but it does make for fun reunions! I am a very creative person, I have an eye for design, and thinking outside the box is one of my strongest attributes. From graphics to t-shirts, I love creating! Whether I’m experimenting with new design software, sketching out ideas, or collaborating with others, I find so much joy in bringing concepts to life. I am particularly inspired by bold colors, unique patterns, and the ability to tell a story through visual elements. Creativity for me is not just a hobby; it's a way of expressing who I am and connecting with others. I also have a deep love for children and have been fortunate to work at a daycare, where I watch over infants and pre-K kids. This experience has been incredibly rewarding, as it allows me to nurture young minds, provide a safe and joyful environment, and witness their growth and milestones. Spending time with children has taught me patience, empathy, and the importance of creating positive early experiences. Beyond my passion for design, I strive to be the best version of myself in everything I do. I want others to see me as strong, kind, and someone who puts their heart into their work. I value building meaningful relationships and creating a positive impact in the lives of those around me. Please feel free to check out some examples of the graphics I’ve created below, and don’t hesitate to connect with me through my socials linked down there! I’m always open to new collaborations! Examples of graphics I have created for a local band!