September 2026 News - Brand Brainstorming & News
We had a wonderful September luncheon filled with celebration, recognition, connection, sisterhood, and an incredible educational program!
We started our meeting with Introductions/Networking – Name, Company or Organization and the question:
“What is one word you would want someone to use when describing your personal or professional brand?”
We heard some great answers around the room, including:
Clever • Reliable • Efficient • Freedom • Happiness • Creative • Fun • Recovery
It was interesting to hear the different words each woman chose and the impression she hopes to leave with others. It was also the perfect way to get us thinking about our own brands before moving into our educational program for the day.
CONGRATULATIONS, WOMEN OF MAGNITUDE!
We have something very special to celebrate!
Women of Magnitude Express Network earned STRIVING FOR BEST PRACTICES for the 2025–2026 league year!
ABWA recognized Women of Magnitude among the leagues that “set the standard for excellence in ABWA.”
This recognition belongs to all of us! It represents the dedication, participation, leadership, teamwork, and commitment of our members throughout the 2025–2026 league year.
To our 2025–2026 Executive Board, committee leaders, members, and everyone who contributed their time and talents to Women of Magnitude – CONGRATULATIONS and THANK YOU!
What a wonderful accomplishment to celebrate as we begin our 2026–2027 league year.
We earned STRIVING – now let’s keep building!
The Striving for Best Practices recognition graphic is attached.
PERFECT ATTENDANCE RECOGNITION
We had another accomplishment to celebrate during our September meeting!
Shirley New, Leigh Roberson, and Cheryl Schmandt earned Perfect Attendance for the 2025–2026 league year and were presented with their certificates during the meeting.
Congratulations, ladies, and thank you for your commitment to Women of Magnitude throughout the league year!
Your dedication and consistent participation help strengthen our league.
WELCOME, KELLY!
We also had the privilege of officially installing Kelly Sprague as our newest member of the American Business Women’s Association and Women of Magnitude Express Network!
Kelly was sponsored by Christina Adkison, who joined Kelly during her installation.
Please join us in welcoming Kelly to our Women of Magnitude sisterhood! We are excited to have you with us, Kelly!
WELCOME TO OUR GUESTS!
We were excited to welcome three guests to our September luncheon:
Christiane Rogers • Monica Miller • Nikki Stillson
Thank you, ladies, for spending your afternoon with Women of Magnitude Express Network! We hope you enjoyed the networking, fellowship, and educational program, and we look forward to seeing you again!
And we will be seeing one of our guests again very soon – Monica Miller will return on October 13 as our guest speaker!
FALL MEMBERSHIP DRIVE – SEPTEMBER 1 THROUGH NOVEMBER 30
Our ABWA Fall Membership Drive is officially underway!
At our meeting, President Cheryl Schmandt issued a challenge to our membership:
Invite ONE woman to our October 13 luncheon.
Think about a woman in your professional or personal network who could benefit from the education, leadership development, networking, and sisterhood that ABWA offers.
Sometimes all it takes is for someone to say:
“Come with me.”
EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM – BRANDING BRAINSTORM
A HUGE thank you to Leigh Roberson with The Gadget Girl for presenting our September educational program, “Branding Brainstorm.”
Leigh was phenomenal!
She challenged us to think beyond our logos and colors and really consider how we show up, how we communicate who we are, and what people remember about our personal and professional brands.
There were definitely some “Aha!” moments in the room!
Thank you, Leigh, for sharing your knowledge, creativity, experience, and energy with Women of Magnitude. What a great program!
SEPTEMBER 22 – AMERICAN BUSINESS WOMEN’S DAY
September is a special month for ABWA!
September 22 is American Business Women’s Day and also commemorates the founding of the American Business Women’s Association on September 22, 1949.
This is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate businesswomen, reflect on what ABWA has meant to each of us personally and professionally, and share our ABWA story with another woman.
And this year, Women of Magnitude has an especially fun way to celebrate!
BUSINESSWOMEN & BLADES – SEPTEMBER 22
What better way to celebrate American Business Women’s Day than spending the evening connecting and having fun with other businesswomen?
Tuesday, September 22, 2026
5:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Knockin Boots Saloon
6115 W. Jefferson Blvd.
Fort Wayne, IN 46804
Axe Throwing:
$20 per person – 30 minutes
$30 per person – 1 hour
Darts will also be available, and food and drinks can be purchased while we are there. A server will be available for our group.
There is no Eventbrite and no formal RSVP required, but we would appreciate an estimated headcount.
Bring a friend!
Reach out to a past Women of Magnitude member or invite one of your lady friends. This is a great opportunity to reconnect, make new connections, and introduce someone to Women of Magnitude in a relaxed and fun environment.
MONTHLY MEAL SPONSOR OPPORTUNITIES
We are accepting Monthly Meal Sponsors for the remainder of the 2026–2027 league year.
The cost to sponsor a luncheon is $60 and includes:
Your Monthly Networking Luncheon meal
Your logo on event promotions when provided in advance
5 minutes to promote your business, event, or nonprofit
The opportunity to place promotional materials on attendee tables
If you or someone you know would like to be a Meal Sponsor, please reach out to Michelle Crone at MichelleCrone@outlook.com to find out which months are available.
OCTOBER 13 – WOMEN OF MAGNITUDE MONTHLY NETWORKING LUNCHEON
Mark your calendar now for our next luncheon!
Our October Guest Speaker will be Monica Miller.
Monica will be presenting on how we can use the context of our own journey to develop our message and step onto the stage as a speaker.
Each of us has experiences, challenges, lessons, and successes that are part of our journey. Monica will help us look at those experiences and consider how our own stories can become part of the message we share with others.
Tuesday, October 13, 2026
Women of Magnitude Monthly Networking Luncheon
NEOTI Tech Center @ Parkview Field
And don’t forget our President’s Fall Membership Drive Challenge:
BRING ONE WOMAN WITH YOU TO OUR OCTOBER LUNCHEON!
ABWA NATIONAL – DATES TO REMEMBER
September 17 – NWLC First Timer Orientation
Attending the National Women’s Leadership Conference for the first time? Be sure to attend the NWLC First Timer Orientation.
Register Here – NWLC First Timer Orientation
September 22 – American Business Women’s Day
September 30 – National Women’s Leadership Conference
The National Women’s Leadership Conference begins September 30.
Register Here – National Women’s Leadership Conference
October 21 – Coffee Connections
Register Here – Coffee Connections
October 22 – Just in Time Webinar
Register Here – Just in Time Webinar
ADDITIONAL DATES TO REMEMBER
October 17, 2026 – Cardinal Crossroads Council 4th Quarter Meeting
10:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon
Henry County REMC Building
3400 SR-3 S, New Castle, IN 47362
October 24, 2026 – Autumn Brunch hosted by Novi Oaks Charter Chapter
10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Hellenic Cultural Center – Westland
36375 Joy Rd., Westland, MI 48185
NOVEMBER 7, 2026 – MAKE, BAKE AND BUY
Saturday, November 7, 2026
Parkview Field – Fort Wayne, Indiana
Hosted by Raintree Chapter & Women of Magnitude Express Network
Make, Bake and Buy will feature a buffet, live and silent auctions, and a bake sale, with more information coming about opportunities for special prizes.
Stay tuned for more information!
November 10, 2026 – Women of Magnitude Monthly Networking Luncheon
December 8, 2026 – Women of Magnitude Monthly Networking Luncheon