The summer has flown by but Next OnBoard has been busy engaging young professionals, learning about board governance, connecting with senior professionals and building a network of accomplished peers. We've had several successful and impactful events this summer. If you missed out on our summer events, be sure to keep an eye on the events page to register for our upcoming fall events. We encourage you to bring a friend, and men are always welcome in helping to further our mission.

Wine & Wisdom Round Table Event
In May, we hosted our first Wine & Wisdom roundtable event at Serendipity Labs in Buckhead. This event featured 5 guest speaker tables, each with an experienced and engaging leader to guide the conversation – plus a different wine to taste! The topics ranged from developing emotional strength in the workplace, to embracing leadership opportunities at any level in your organization, to turbo charging your career. The groups rotated throughout the evening so that each attendee left with helpful insights and new connections.

Happy Hour Networking
At the end of July, Next members and friends gathered at Fado's in Midtown for a casual happy hour of networking and connecting. These events are a great chance to come meet some of the Next OnBoard members and learn more about our mission.

Panel Discussion & Luncheon
In August, we partnered with Emory's Alumni Leadership Circle for a luncheon and panel discussion. 60 attendees learned from four experienced executive women on how to manage through feelings of doubt that can plague women in the workplace. They discussed how to help support female professionals and conquer Imposter Syndrome.

Here are our top 3 takeaways from the event:

• Women often feel like they have to be fully baked, but we have to give ourselves runway to learn, especially in new situations.
• You can be you and be a leader. You can leverage your differences instead of trying to be like the guys.
• It takes courage to be vulnerable. And good leaders are courageous enough to show their vulnerability.

Thank you to our wonderful speakers for sharing their knowledge and experiences.

Be sure to check out Next OnBoard's event page for upcoming events.

– The mentorship program's third year is in in full swing with five wonderful mentors and 17 mentees. This is another great benefit for Next OnBoard members to connect with OnBoard members and learn from their vast knowledge and experiences. Here's what some of our mentees have to say about the program:

"When I signed up for the Next OnBoard Mentoring Program, I thought that it would be a very formal - almost interview-like - process to get to know my mentor and my co-mentees. I was honestly surprised by how generous Stephanie (my mentor) is with her time and her willingness to help me and the others in my group. And the same goes for my co-mentees and their willingness to make introductions and share tips/ tricks to navigate work and life. I realize that I can learn as much from them as I would from Stephanie, if not more. This is a truly formative experience that is shaping how I think about paying-it-forward when it comes to those I mentor and coach now and in the future." - Namratha Vedire, Next OnBoard member and mentee

"To put it simply, our mentor group (led by Suzanne) is amazing. This experience for me has been the first experience I've had where I get to spend time with other professional women outside of my office. Our group because very open for all of our issues and questions from the beginning. Suzanne has been beyond encouraging when it comes to empowering ourselves, advising us on how to take initiative and even how to handle struggles that we have faced in the office. This mentoring group has honestly been the best mentoring experience I've ever had - as cliché as it sounds, I mean it with 100% my heart." - Taylor Benatar, Next OnBoard member and mentee

Here are just a few of the many reasons to become a member today.

1. Discounts to Next OnBoard and OnBoard events throughout the year, plus a complimentary headshot at the Happy Hour & Headshots event.
2. Exclusive access to our mentorship program where you will be matched with an experienced professional and a small group to connect with and learn from throughout the year.
3. Run for leadership and committee positions to enhance your professional experience and skills.

Learn more about the benefits of membership here.

Whether you are a current member or haven't yet joined Next On Board, we want to hear from you! Please take this brief survey to help us learn how we can improve Next OnBoard and make it a valuable resource for you. Click here to take the brief survey.