Women in Facility Management (WFM) was formed in 2011 with the goal to promote a communication network for the female members of NJ IFMA. Talented and diverse women within the membership have fostered friendships and companionships with others who share the common bonds of working in the facility management industry and facing challenges all working women share. They have become a source of support and information for each other.
Several times a year, this group is invited to participate in an outing or event. Over the years, this has included golf, trips to museums, a painting class, a trip to an arboretum, and volunteering at Junior Achievement. For the past eight years there has been an Annual Beach Day. A different beach at the Jersey Shore has been visited each year ending with a delicious dinner at a local restaurant. It has proven to be a great casual day of networking and fun.
On January 26, 2022, from 5 PM to 6:30 PM, 19 ladies from the IFMA NJ Chapter gathered via Zoom for a first ever “Show & Tell”. I must admit, I needed to be talked into this. The idea came from Jackie Lewis, who always has a few suggestions to keep us connected with both social and educational opportunities.
The “Show & Tell” was advertised as a no pressure event – you could have up to 5 minutes to show the group something, or you could choose to just watch and be a good listener. We provided some examples – Grandma’s handwritten recipe, an antique, a good read, a skill, a craft.
The time flew by as we learned two of our participants were award winning dancers, saw some sentimental family treasures, saw a recently finished quilt, and a new engagement ring! We shared some book recommendations, met a few pets, and saw vacation photos. We may be planning a trip to Easter Island. (Not 😊)
While many of us feel zoomed out, all agreed this was time well spent. It was good to connect, see and hear voices that we had not in a while, and express our hopes to meet in person soon. The connections are what is great about the NJ Women in FM group. WFM does not ask NJ IFMA for financial support. The outings are paid for directly by the attendee.
If you are a female NJ IFMA member, you automatically receive the invitations to the outings. Please consider participating when you receive your next invitation.
For more information, to get involved, or to submit an idea, please fill out the Contact Us form via the link below and someone will contact you. Thank you!
