Participants addressed the issues of equality, diversity and inclusion through play in the post-AGM event; Credit: The NETWORK

The NETWORK, the first English-speaking professional women's network in Luxembourg, held its Annual General Meeting (AGM) on the evening of Wednesday 24 March 2021.

In light of the ongoing COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic, the AGM was once again held as an online meeting. Members of The NETWORK gathered remotely to review the previous year’s activities, approve the financial statements for the past year, look at the auditor’s report and appoint the new Board.

President’s Report

After having approved the AGM agenda, The NETWORK’s Marie Louise Ashworth presented the President’s Report. The returning president recalled that 2020 had been a particularly challenging year due to the pandemic. And yet, The NETWORK stepped up to the challenge and “proved itself to be resilient”.  She noted that the volunteer Board and Committees “rapidly adapted to the online world of events, ensuring that all members with internet connections had access to events and maintaining contact to discuss our hopes and fears in a safe environment”.

Over the past year, The NETWORK also increased its social media presence, promoting its events and regularly addressing topics in line with the organisation’s four pillars: professional development, personal growth, community issues and social networking.

Marie Louise Ashworth also pointed out the “critical role” played by women throughout the pandemic, recalling that “The NETWORK is dedicated to connecting, encouraging, and empowering women”. She added that the organisation recently launched its own mentoring programme to further reach this goal.

Financial Statements & Auditor’s Report

Members approved both the financial statements and the auditor’s report. Despite a challenging year, The NETWORK ended 2020 with a strong balance sheet. Carol Rech, EMEA Treasury Professional, reviewed the accounts and confirmed the audit carried out for 2020.

New Board

Following the discharge of the previous Board, members approved the appointment of Board members for 2021/22. Board members are appointed for a period of three years.

The new Board is thus composed of the following:

  • President Marie Louise Ashworth
  • Vice-President Christine Impens
  • General Secretary Muriel-Hélène Buchet
  • Treasurer Concettamaria Sganga
  • Events Director Danijela Hebat-Meyer
  • Membership Director Lisa Smits
  • Communications Director LaTasha Baker
  • Auditor Carol Rech

President Marie Louise Ashworth concluded the AGM by thanking the outgoing Board members for all their hard work and welcoming on board the new Board. She expressed excitement at being able to “drive this next generation” but confirmed that this would be her last year as The NETWORK’s President.

Post-AGM Event

The AGM was followed by the fun-filled online event "Equality, Diversity & Inclusion - building creative solutions". Facilitated by Michel Cloosterman and Jelle de Jong from Bricks and Business, participants explored how to develop their thoughts through the concept of LEGO® interactive fun.

During this 100% interactive workshop, the challenge was to think about and come up with ideas to enhance equality, stimulate diversity and inclusion and build an answer using LEGO® bricks.

At the end of an evening of uninhibited creativity, the facilitators praised participants’ diverse ideas and encouraged them to work together to overcome hurdles to equality, diversity and inclusion.

To renew membership or become a member of The NETWORK, visit thenetwork.lu/membership.