WiNning Together: Celebrating the Success of the Mersen Summit!
ELMM’s founder, Cassie Leonard, had the distinct honor of leading the workshops at the Women in Mersen (WiN) North American summit, held from May 7-9, 2024, in Roanoke, Virginia. This summit was a collaborative event aimed at supporting and uplifting women within the Mersen organization, bringing together participants from Mexico, Canada, and the USA. The summit’s objective was clear: to foster unity, inspire confidence, and strengthen the professional network among Mersen's female employees and their allies.
Over the course of two days, Cassie led workshops focused on self-advocacy, strength discovery, and goal definition. These sessions were designed to provide participants with practical tools and strategies to navigate their careers in a way that aligns with their own personal aspirations. The dynamic agenda integrate group conversations, small group activities, personal reflection, self-care exercises, and enjoyable surprises, ensuring an engaging and interactive learning environment. One of many highlights was a rapid action 2D art project within the medium of M&M’s. It was informative and delicious.
The overall feedback from the summit was a testament to its success. Participants were asked to share just three words to capture their thoughts on the final day. Terms such as “energizing, fun, informative” and “inspiring, contemplative, fun” were frequently used to describe the atmosphere. One participant noted the event was "efficient, welcoming, solid," while another remarked it was "refreshing, eye-opening." The focus on teamwork and shared goals was particularly impactful, with many noting how the summit made them feel less isolated in their professional journeys and provided a boost in self-awareness and community spirit.
In addition to the workshops, the summit included a volunteer event at HopeTree Academy and a tour of the Mersen Salem factory. These activities added significant value to the entire team. At HopeTree Academy, attendees participated in activities that strengthened their bonds and gave back to the community. The factory tour provided a platform for summit participants to highlight their manufacturing roles, demonstrating their skills and contributions to the company. These experiences underscored the importance of teamwork and mutual respect, enriching the collective understanding and appreciation of each other's contributions.
One of the most rewarding aspects of the summit was witnessing the power of bringing together women and allies in a traditionally male-dominated work environment. This gathering was crucial in building a sense of belonging and creating momentum towards achieving company goals such as increasing productivity, innovation, and retention. The inclusive atmosphere fostered during the summit ensured that participants felt valued and supported, which is essential for maintaining a motivated and high-performing workforce. As the event concluded, it was clear that the spirit of the summit — described by many as “fun, inspiring, uplifting” — would continue to inspire innovation and strengthen community ties within Mersen’s offices.
Looking for an experience like this for you an your team? Elevate your ERG's next event by inviting ELMM coaching to host or facilitate. Whether virtually or in-person, Cassie crafts tailored workshops and offsites that foster collaboration and celebrate the strengths of each and every attendee. Ready to cultivate a supportive environment where everyone thrives?
Reach out today to explore your options. Schedule a no-obligations discussion.
