Area women have created a northwest Ohio chapter of WELD (Women for Economic and Leadership Development) and will host a virtual Coffee Chat on January 25 to introduce the organization to guests.

Circe Krout, an Edward Jones Financial Advisor in Ottawa and Amanda Riess of Clemans, Nelson & Associates, Inc. of Lima spoke with the Icon about their interest in networking with area women and the opportunities for enrichment provided by WELD.

Reiss had lived out of state for 15 years before moving back to Ada during the COVID pandemic. “My network was still in Illinois,” she explained, “so this has helped me broaden my network, coming back here and meeting a lot more professional women in northwest Ohio.” 

Krout explained that there are four virtual events planned for 2022 and one in-person meeting in the works in Bowling Green. For the coffee chats, “We’re just going to invite members and prospective members to get together through Zoom and cover a topic, where we just brainstorm with each other.”

With record numbers of people changing jobs and careers, this is an opportunity to build an external network with other women. The organizers are also talking with area universities about student engagement.

Chapter leaders also include Kristina Eiting of Owens Corning and Margie Uncapher of Infineon Technologies. 

To join the chapter’s first Coffee Chat at 9 a.m. on January 25 via Zoom, contact Krout at circe.krout@edwardjones.com or Riess at ariess@clemansnelson.com. Krout and Reiss noted that because the chapter is currently an “e-chapter,” dues are just $50 per year.