What's in the works in the near future for PWA? We've got several projects ready to launch.

One of the themes for PWA in 2007 will be entrepreneurship. Activities will be focused in two main areas:

• Starting in early 2007 is a sub-group dedicated to budding entrepreneurs. If you're ready to act on your aspirations to your own business, this might be just what you need to successfully start you on your path. Planned presentations include such topics as developing your business plan, evaluating marketing techniques, and successful navigation of financial and legal requirements. Contact Rebecca Loades for further details.

• For those of you who are already business owners, or are self-employed, a monthly Entrepreneurs' Breakfast will start on 16 January. The breakfast, scheduled for the third Tuesday of the month, will give PWA members the opportunity to share experiences and seek advice on the specific challenges and issues of having your own business. Contact Barbara Niemann Fadani for further details.

Tentatively scheduled for spring 2007 is an event dedicated to charity. In the past, PWA has combined charitable fundraising with our special parties; this year we've decided to reserve an evening strictly for generating the most funds possible for our yet-to-be named beneficiary. In order to be truly successful, we'll be joining forces with other like-minded groups. If you'd like to be part of the organizing staff, please email pwa@pwa-milan.org with your skills and availability.

What else might you see soon? Perhaps a combination cooking lesson and team-building exercise held in the test kitchen of an internationally-known Italian cuisine magazine. Maybe a presentation on Italian art history held within a gallery. Who knows what else might be suggested as an extra PWA event?

We'll keep you updated as we confirm details on these various projects.

Maria Lassila
President

HOLIDAY PARTY

PWA Website Update

As the end of the year draws closer, PWA Milan has been laying the foundations for 2007. A key part of that work has been to update the website so that not only is it easier to find, and exchange, information but also gives us the ability to develop it further next year.

• The calendar section lists all upcoming PWA events, so get them marked in your diary now. Exciting speakers we look forward to welcoming in 2007 include Sue Stockdale, founder of Mission Possible, who will get your entrepreneurial juices flowing; and Cecilia Canepa, who will share the story behind the Milanese charity Siticibo.

• The site navigation has been changed slightly to make finding things easier. Important web pages to bookmark for reference include:
  • Member Event calendar
  • PWA newsletters
  • Useful links to resources in Italy and beyond
  • Frequently Asked Questions about PWA Milan, membership services, EuropeanPWN and more

MEMBERS section
Aside from containing the ever popular Career Board, the MEMBERS section has been expanded to include a member event calendar and the knowledge base.

• The knowledge base is a new section that will be home to all kinds of useful information about past PWA events. As it develops it will contain event summaries and supporting material that presenters used. You can already read about the October and November speaker meetings and download the presentations given by Ida Sirolli and Cristina Guarneri.

• The member event calendar was launched a month ago and gives all members a platform to publicise events of appeal to PWA members and guests. The calendar is visible to non-members (although they can't post events) and upcoming events are now publicised on our home page.

• The final 'big' change that we are very happy to announce is that PWA members can now change their own passwords to something personally memorable. If you haven't yet done so, access the MEMBERS only section and change yours!

Coming up in 2007

• The newsletter will be undergoing some changes in 2007. From January, you will receive a new, shorter, newsletter. Only the first part of each article will be displayed so you can browse through quickly and find issues of interest.

• In early spring a new employment sought section will finally come to life. Members will be able to post details of the work they are looking for. This can then be viewed by all so that you can find the right job that matches your skills.

In addition to the planned changes, we would value hearing how we can make our site better for you. Email Rebecca with your comments, suggestions and feedback.

Rebecca Loades
Webmistress

NETWORKING EVENT

For Love or For Work

All professional women welcome whether members or guests

A key factor affecting working, and personal, lives is the increased mobility of employees and opportunities to work abroad. While moving to another country can yield important career goals for professional women, it also brings with it big challenges that require motivation, an ability to adapt and strong will. Alternatively, for those following their partner, this move can interrupt careers and have psychological effects.

Francesca has been an "expat" for love and, as a result, made career sacrifices. During her time in the US, she faced difficulties relating to the different cultural and social environment. Coming back to Italy, she then had to adapt all over again. It was as result of these experiences that she decided to investigate the issue and has collected together the stories of 20 diverse expatriate women. Her book is an invaluable resource for those about to embark on new experiences abroad.

Francesca and two of the women featured in her book will tell us about the issues they faced. These range from the problems faced by those interrupting and starting their professional career; the tension between the excitement of new challenges and the fear of failing to build a career in a different environment; to concerns about returning home. This will be followed by a panel discussion.

Cocktails 7-8 p.m. / Presentation 8-9.30 p.m.
Centro Svizzero, via Palestro 2 (MM Palestro, Turati; trams 2, 61, 94)
Cocktail at La Terrazza, 4th floor, while the presentation will take place on the 3rd floor.
Free for members; €20 for guests, payable by cash at the event

Members: please register your attendance in the calendar section of EuropeanPWN <www.europeanpwn.net>

For guest reservations, and for more information in general, please contact speakers@pwa-milan.org

How to Join

Individual membership
The best way to find out if PWA Milan is for you is to experience the association by coming to one of our events as a guest. Meet members, ask questions, speak to the members of the board and see whether joining would be beneficial for you.

To join, simply fill in completely and submit the online application form at www.pwa-milan.org and pay the dues.

Membership fees
January 2007-December 2007    €100

Corporate membership
Companies may join PWA Milan, enabling designated women employees to benefit from all that PWA has to offer. For further information, please refer to the website www.pwa-milan.org or email pwa@pwa-milan.org.