Message from Louise: Leadership Works! Celebrating Local Chapter Presidents

Every one of our Chapters works together under the NAPW “umbrella,” with each Chapter having their own unique, special personality, encompassing various professional women from a wide array of backgrounds and fields of expertise. All of the Chapters’ specific attributes contribute to the overall achievement and success of NAPW and the NAPW Foundation’s philanthropic initiatives.

During my Local Chapter visits, I am in a key position to properly evaluate and understand how the many positive differences between our Chapters guides the appropriate support and dedication needed for each Chapter President to function and create their own special “flavor” of leadership. My recent trips are proof that Local Chapter Presidents are true visionaries, leading their Chapters to continued success, empowerment and accomplishment. While in Virginia, I attended four inspirational events dedicated to power networking while providing an outstanding opportunity for NAPW members to give back and make a positive difference in the lives of women throughout their communities and the world.

Our Norfolk Local Chapter’s Dress For Success event featured an amazing cocktail party hosted at the Hampton Road Dress For Success headquarters. In celebration of the following day’s event, everyone in attendance had a marvelous night of networking, fun and excitement in support of our NAPW Foundation philanthropic partner. The following day, it was off to a local country club to continue the festivities; proving, once again, the generous, caring, professional women of NAPW step up to help others whenever, wherever they can. Beautifully created and presented, this day’s event was candy to the eyes, even for a color expert such as myself, a true visual beauty with every detail in place. And, since Norfolk Chapter President Ivory Morgan-Burton is a professional event coordinator, her talents were evidenced with each color carefully chosen to reflect NAPW branding. From fabric and flowers to wine goblets, every visual piece created a tone and feel representing the day’s success. With over 100 in attendance, including Chapter Presidents and NAPW members, this was an event to remember, which included Chapter Presidents working together and Ivory supporting our Newport News Chapter President Marlo Calloway by donating the festive flowers to Marlo for the next day’s event.

Dress For Success Hampton Roads Chapter Executive Director/Co-Founder, Debra Dandridge; NAPW Norfolk, VA Local Chapter President, Ivory Morgan-Burton and Louise Newsome, NAPW National Director of Chapters

An enthusiastic turnout for the Norfolk Local Chapter celebration of Dress For Success

These festive flowers were shared with the Newport News Local Chapter for their next day’s event

Marlo’s Newport News Chapter held a Women’s Empowerment Day, focusing on the powerful, intelligent women of their Chapter along with the strong influence of the military that pervades their local area. Through diverse speakers such as career coaches and members of local support groups, the day’s events were inspiring, influential and provided an extraordinary opportunity to take networking success to the next level. Marlo did an excellent job, and she shared her excitement with me about embracing the women in her community.

Experiencing the power of Newport News’ Women’s Empowerment Day

Louise Newsome (center) and the dedicated leaders of the Newport News Local Chapter

Additionally, Ivory took creativity to a whole new level by hosting a super-fun Presidents Slumber Party at her home. Nothing like a slumber party to wrap up my trip to Virginia! Local Chapter Presidents in attendance included Marlo, Takara Shelor from the New River Valley Chapter and Mary Liepertz from the Midlothian Chapter as we bonded over some great conversation, Chapter ideas and networking tips along with delicious wine and cheese. Chesapeake Local Chapter President Cheryl Davis was unable to stay but was very generous in driving me back to my hotel, which provided some time to discuss future Chapter endeavors.

The generosity and hospitality of all NAPW Virginia Chapter Presidents in attendance will always be remembered. And, as National Director of Chapters, supporting all NAPW Chapter events throughout the country is the real highlight and inspiration of my position. Feel free to reach out to me to discuss any event you’d like me to attend.

Here’s to success!

Louise Newsome
NAPW National Director of Chapters
NYC Local Chapter President