5 TAKEAWAYS | AVIXA Women’s Council Keynote Session

The AVIXA Women’s Council is a global network platform enabling female professionals in the AV and technology industry to meet, to learn, find mentors and empower each other. How will the Women’s Council group open new paths to grow careers? How can you get involved to lead a local group in your city? What are local group activities that fulfill the mission of providing support and increased opportunities for women in the AV community? As local groups are forming in Australia/New Zealand, this session provided hands-on information for female AVIXA members interested in joining, establishing and running local AVIXA Women’s Council groups. Two leading representatives from the U.S. Women’s Council shared their amazing experience of initiating and leading the expansion of local groups in their region.  This session was presented by AVIXA.

If you missed the session or would like a recap of the session check out our 5 takeaways below!

1. Education, Empowering Women and Enriching Professional Growth

Starting four years ago, the AVIXA Women’s Council has grown exponentially on a global scale, now with 45 groups having been established worldwide. Based on a mission to provide the global community of members and other professionals that are committed to supporting and empowering women who work in the AV industry, the work the council do is focused on the three pillars of education, empowerment and enrichment.

“The council culture is contagious, it’s all about supporting women, however we can,” says Brandy Alvarado of the AVIXA Women’s Council.

“We really want to change the landscape of the AV industry and get women at the head of the table. I’m proud that our events are all about straightening each other’s crowns and helping and supporting each other,” she stated.

2. What’s on offer?

The council are involved in a number of initatives that are run by the wider foundation. These include such programs as the Career Empowerment Alliance (CEA) which is exclusive to the council, focused on discussing topics such as career-advancement and work-life balance in the industry.

“We could all use a place to help with our professional and personal growth in the AV industry.” – Ericka Shumpert, AVIXA Women’s Council.

Speaking on the mentoring program that is also offered, Brandy cited the experience as “one of the most rewarding and enriching experiences”. Starting out as a mentee, Brandy is now a mentor, highlighting the growth one can draw from in getting involved in the mentoring program. “It is comforting to know that I can just pick up the phone and talk to someone that is there to support me in my work”, she continued.

Alongside these initatives, the council Brandy and Erika also highlighted the Safety Initiative, a program that is there to create tools and resources to help women feel safe in attending AV events. “We are seriously working on this with AVIXA and there’ll be more to come!” said Brandy.

3. So, what’s in it for me if I join?

Ericka noted being able to network and develop friendships as two of the main benefits in joining the Women’s Council. “I found I developed great friendships with like-minded people”. Beyond this, she also talked on new contacts and connections that one can attain by getting involved, gaining access to a database of local and global professionals in the AV industry.

The council also offer a number of opportunities for professional and personal growth, offering up a myriad of tools and resources, including training courses and certifications.

So how can you help? “We need everyone’s help to keep the momentum going” said Ericka. From leading or co-leading a group in your region and hosting or sponsoring an event, through to sharing ideas, inviting friends and contacts, or even organising for a field trip to an AV installation, the council are always looking to get as many people involved.

“The more people we invite, the greater our community grows,” said Ericka.

“The council is member-driven, we listen to what you need. We have grown organically as we are extremely social, and work to supplement the AVIXA databases. Share on social media, invite a friend, touch base with people and keep in front of people, especially in a time like this,” said Brandy, as she spoke on the community that is created by the council.

4. Giving Back

Amidst the great work the council do in providing opportunities for women in the community, they also aim to give back as much as possible. Su Morgan highlighted the events the council held for International Women’s Day, as did Brandy, noting their participation in the ‘Each for Equal’ campaign.

The council also utilise their events to donate to a number of charities such as foodbanks, women’s shelters, with Brandy also highlighting a particular event run in Orange County, that donated baby products to an organisation that helped mothers who were in need.

5. How do I get involved?

If you are keen to get involved and want to join the AVIXA Women’s Council, you can head to their website and find out more about the work they do, and the local groups you can get involved with, or even start one of your own!

“All are welcome.” – Brandy Alvarado, AVIXA Women’s Council

Citing a number of testimonials offered by members, Brandy continued “They found the council to really help connect them and network with the wider AV community.”

“We are all about celebrating the successes of women in the industry and empowering professional growth”.

Panellists
Su Morgan,Oceania AVIXA Woman’s Council
Brandy Alvarado, AVIXA Women’s Council
Ericka Shumpert, AVIXA Women’s Council

A big thank you to our speakers for being a part of an Integrate first. And remember, there is still time to register!