FWI to Coach Women Via Online Course

Tuesday, January 22, 2008

(Financial Women International)

TACKLING THE GENDER PAY GAP, ONE CLICK AT A TIME

Financial Women International (FWI) is introducing another way for busy professionals to enhance their business skills and approach workplace gender gaps head-on.

Through the new FWI eLearning Center, women in business can go online any time to participate in new classes exclusive to FWI.

The eLearning Center’s initial offerings include the course “Getting Out of Your Own Way,” which details the subtle ways women may be undermining their own success. “Getting Out of Your Own Way – For Business Owners” focuses on small business strategies to get the most at the bargaining table.

“The financial services industry is facing an impending leadership gap as seasoned managers begin to retire,” said FWI President Regina Barr, CEO of Red Ladder, Inc. in Inver Grove Heights, Minn. “Our eLearning Center offers an additional channel for women to develop the skills to prepare for those opportunities.”

Throughout 2008, FWI members can register for one of the two new courses at no cost. This special membership benefit is available through the members-only section of the FWI web site, www.fwi.org.

With nearly 800 members nationwide, FWI is the longest-standing association devoted to the advancement of women in the banking and financial services industry. The Association’s research initiatives include Women at the Top™, an annual analysis of women executives at the nation’s banks; and The Leadership Gap, a study of financial services companies’ future leadership needs and the competencies today’s executives seek in their successors.

To cultivate talent among women in banking and financial services, FWI offers a variety of educational opportunities, including:

· Monthly, one-hour “TeleForums” on timely topics, available to FWI members as well as non-members at no cost;

· Half-day interactive workshops led by specially trained FWI leaders;

· Group programs, such as the new Professional Fitness™ Leadership Development Series;

· Fifty-minute books and video courses for self-led study;

· A Professional Development Program and Advanced Professional Development Program;

· Substantial scholarships to the Graduate School of Banking at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and the Graduate School of Banking-Colorado.

· Annual regional workshops and a national conference.

For more information about Financial Women International, visit www.fwi.org or call toll-free 866-236-2007.

Financial Women International and its Foundation are dedicated to developing leaders, accelerating careers, and generating results for professionals in the banking and financial services industry. Membership is comprised of financial executives representing all 50 states, Canada, and Russia.