The Professional Organization of Women, Inc. is “always in the recruiting business,” according to Lisa Muex-Sisson, president of POW.
“We are looking for women who want to empower African-American women to ‘Learn, Lead and Succeed,’” she said
Currently, there is a network of approximately 75 local POW members that consists of students and professionals. POW’s organizational goal is to be a catalyst for career, community and social enrichment for African-American professional women in the St. Louis region.
“The Professional Organization of Women is creating a pipeline of individuals who receive management and executive leadership training from senior executives and companies committed to powering business in this region and globally,” said Cheryl Polk, Executive Vice President and Chief Strategy and Engagement Officer at United Way of Greater St. Louis and a POW board member.
POW was founded in 1997 by six women who collectively felt there was a lack of diversity within St. Louis-based corporations.
“We found many young and talented professionals were leaving the area due to the lack of career advancement,” said Ralonda Jasper, founding member and Account Director of POW.
“Being a native of St. Louis, I and other founders had a vested interest in bringing attention to the issues and finding solutions to address the need of retaining the best and brightest.”
Malaika Horne, director of the Executive Leadership Consortium at the University of Missouri–St. Louis and POW board member, said she joined POW because of “its great reputation and work in the community.”
“It is the obvious organization of choice that seeks to assist African-American women professionals overcome obstacles,” Horne said.
The Brown Shoe Co. is among corporate sponsors that consistently use POW as a resource to recruit and hire professional women into their organization.
Geoff Green, Vice President of Talent Acquisitions at the Brown Shoe Co., and POW board member, was told by founding members that “there was a social void as far as networking and professional mentoring” for black women in St. Louis.
POW’s founding members were Jasper, Rhonda Bean, Kimberly Charles, Sheree Cunningham, Nicole LaBeach and Faustenia Morrow.
“Brown Shoe embraces diversity,” Green said. “We found that POW’s mission to ‘Learn, Lead and Succeed’ aligns with what we value in an organization. I enjoy the relationships I have due to my affiliation, as well as seeing the ladies of POW develop, personally and professionally.”
Other corporate sponsors include Edward Jones, Worldwide Technology, Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis, Energizer Holdings, Enterprise Grant Foundation, Emerson Grant Foundation, Express Scripts and Citi.
Talent management, Polk says, is a business imperative that requires an ongoing strategy.
“Successful organizations have created opportunities or provided access for team members to enhance their knowledge and skills through professional development,” she says.
POW offers its members networking opportunities to exchange ideas and opportunities with other professionals. In July, the organization held its Sip and Savor Networking Event at Lola. POW also hosts a Professional Forum & Silent Auction and Advancing Success Professional Development Series.
The professional development of African-American youth and young women is a top priority. “POW provides life skill classes that benefit young women entering into the workforce,” Muex-Sisson said. In the past, POW has teamed with GIRLS, Inc.
The Boys and Girls Clubs of America is POW’s current community partner. in which members agreed to work with the Smart Girls program.
“We are targeting young people, specifically young women from 14 to 18 years old, to prevent decisions that might be life-long and work with them to make sure we’re teaching them the right skills,” said Alyce Herndon, assistant director/academic advisor at Webster University and Frankie Muse Freeman Scholarship co-chair.
Next POW intends to expand its network into other cities.
“I think of POW in terms of an African proverb, Sankofa,” Herndon said. “Once you’ve reached your end result, you reach back and bring someone else forward.”
POW also hosts galas, luncheons and trivia events with proceeds benefiting the Frankie Muse Freeman Scholarship to help non-traditional students pursue their education. The 7th annual Frankie Muse Freeman Scholarship Breakfast will be held Saturday, October 13 at the Renaissance Hotel Airport.
New members may attend general body meetings held the third Wednesday of every month at the Brown Shoe store in Clayton (8300 Maryland Ave.). Frankie Muse Freeman tickets are $40/person. Call POW at 314-963-5287.
