Part of what I love about showcasing different networks, is how it can expand people’s views and ideas about networks and networking. As a former professional conference organiser, I can attest that there really is a network for everyone and everything!
Today’s review is around the WILL Network – Women in Learning and Leadership.
Kathryn Corbett and Rachel O’Connor are the inspiring ladies behind the network. The network was set up in 2022 to support aspiring and inspiring female leaders in education, by creating opportunities for networking both in-person and online.
As of 2024, it is now a supportive and positive community with almost 2,000 members.
Aims & Objectives:
I love their ethos: Use Your Power to Empower! The ultimate aim is to establish a professional network for women in education.
Their aim is to create and build a network for aspiring female leaders in education, to support, share and learn from each other.
Every objective for WILL is underpinned by these core values:
Communicate-Learn-Inspire-Collaborate-Kindness
What’s On Offer:
- There is a quarterly brunch called the WILL Brunch. Each edition has a theme and the latest one as of October 2024 was on Authentic Leadership.
- The focus is on making connections with each other.
- To provide opportunities for aspiring female leaders to meet with inspiring female leaders, to form connections, both personally and professionally.
- To create an honest space for discussions, empowering women to be strategic in their career paths,
- To provide opportunities to explore the barriers for females in leadership positions within education, and by sharing experiences
- To identify possible bridges to those overcoming the barriers.
2. Kathryn and Rachel host a monthly zoom meet up called WILL Chats. It’s in the evening time and they publicise the theme, the date and the link to book via social and their newsletter. At each event, they welcome a person from the education sphere and a person from outside the world of education to come and speak to some of their community.
I had the pleasure of doing a call with the ladies recently about networking – funnily enough!
Investment:
There is currently no cost to be a part of the community and network. Kathryn and Rachel have brought together a community which was needed. They have ambitious plans for the future, with their main focus on having an impact on the sustainability of leadership in education in Ireland.
Who To Follow & Reach Out To:
X: @network_will and @KCorbett10
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/the.will.network/
Newsletter signup: tinyurl.com/36y8eynw –
Linkedin: Kathryn Corbett & Rachel O’Connor
If this network might be useful to someone you know who is within the education system, why not pass the link to them and #payitforward.
As always, reach out to me at jean@networkingjean.ie if you’ve a network you think should get a showcase opportunity and be on people’s radars!
Jean Evans is an expert on all things networking. It is her passion; one that is borne out of experience and plenty of trial and error, mistakes and mishaps. Through her blogs, podcasts and social media channels, Jean shares tips, techniques and ideas on how to become a confident networker in business and professionally.