Local Businesses to Learn the Strategies for Driving Positive Social Change

Cedar Crest College gives local organizations the opportunity to better understand what drives community involvement through the Women Leadership Institute’s upcoming seminar, “The Power of Positive Social Change.” Heather Arnet, CEO of the Women and Girls Foundation of Southwest Pennsylvania (WGF), will lead the discussion alongside Cedar Crest College professor of social work, Suzanne Weaver, LSW, ACSW. The seminar will take place on Thursday, July 25 from noon to 4 p.m. in the Tompkins College Center on Cedar Crest’s campus.

This seminar aims to facilitate a discussion among local businesses on the challenges most often faced by non-profit organizations and the strategies necessary to implement positive social change. With the seminar’s focus on social entrepreneurship, both non-profits and businesses that include community activism in their mission will benefit from the discussion and gain ideas to help further their civic goals. Arnet and Weaver will also discuss the steps for creating and leading strong boards, communicating to stakeholders, and connecting social responsibility to business strategy. 

“Civic engagement is so important, and in this economy it’s essential for organizations, particularly non-profits, to adapt in order to grow and further their missions,” said Women’s Leadership Institute coordinator, Arlene Peltola. “Those who attend will have the opportunity to network with each other and discuss the challenges most often faced in their respective businesses and what they’ve done to combat them.”

Peltola added that she believes many participants will note similar characteristics among women who catalyze change in business and in our regional, national and global communities.

Heather Arnet spearheads efforts at WGF to develop the women leaders of tomorrow, while investing in better public policy today. Arnet joined WGF as its first CEO in 2004. Prior to joining WGF, she worked in marketing, business development, and government affairs in the private and non-profit sectors. She is passionately committed to social justice and gender equity.

Suzanne Weaver, LSW, ACSW, teaches social work and gerontology at Cedar Crest and designed the College’s Global Social Justice Living and Learning Community. Weaver has taken students on international service-learning trips, while also independently traveling around the world to conduct research and participate in humanitarian aid projects. 

“The Power of Positive Social Change” is the third of the Women Leadership Institute’s five-part leadership series that offers local business women, at all career levels, the opportunity for professional development. Past seminars have focused on leadership, networking and communication strategies, while future topics include cultivating a 2-year and 10-year career path, running your own business, and cultivating a leadership presence. For more information or to register, visit www.cedarcrest.edu/wli.