Columns



Lorri Rishar

Under the Dome

February 01, 2013

To provide women from across Michigan the chance to meet one-on-one with elected and appointed female leaders, Inforum and Dome Magazine host “Under the Dome: An Evening with Michigan’s Female Leaders” on Feb. 6 in Lansing. This is the third year Inforum has presented this unique opportunity.

The demand for Under the Dome is so great that it has sold out, indicating that women professionals want to remain actively engaged in the political process and learn from their female colleagues who serve as leaders in state government.

“Inforum is thrilled to welcome the leaders who will help shape Michigan’s future,” said Lorri Rishar, chair of Inforum’s Mid-Michigan Council and CEO of Edge Partnerships. “This is a great opportunity to speak directly with state policymakers and the female leaders who represent us in government.”

The event kicks off with a tour of Michigan’s historic Capitol where guests will be greeted by Senator Tonya Schuitmaker. Following the tour, Inforum members and guests will meet legislative leaders and other dignitaries at a reception at the popular Troppo restaurant, which sits one block away.

At a time when the state Legislature has the fewest elected females since 1992, the event is especially timely. Information collected by Rutgers University indicates that the 2013 Legislature is made up of 18.9 percent females. Compared to other states, Michigan ranks 36th for female representatives.

Last year, Inforum celebrated its 50th anniversary. What started with 23 women in 1962 as the Women’s Economic Club has evolved to become the leading professional organization focused on creating strategic connections and accelerating careers for women throughout Michigan and the Midwest. Through Inforum Center for Leadership, the education and research arm of Inforum, the organization now serves a range of professional women at different stages and types of careers – from emerging leaders to high-potential executives, entrepreneurs and corporate board leaders.

Inforum has members across the state, providing them with a number of ways to connect, build and sharpen skills, expand knowledge, and share experiences and best practices. It is Inforum’s premise and our experience that this enables both professional and personal growth.

For more information on Inforum, visit www.inforummichigan.org.

Lorri co-founded Edge Partnerships, a full-service marketing and public relations agency, in 2007. Most recently, Lorri and Edge co-founder Angela Witwer were awarded the 2012 Greater Lansing Entrepreneurs of the Year. In 2011, Lorri was recognized as the Pacemaker of the Year, the highest honored bestowed by the Public Relations Society of America. She can be contacted at http://edgepartnerships.com/