Happy summer! August is often a time of the year to step back for some rest and relaxation. With the ritual of the upcoming school year in September, it is also a time to reflect on our goals for the year and where we are focusing our energy and efforts. One important ingredient in our own career management is giving back to our profession and community. Personally, paying it forward has always been an important value upon which I was raised. Being of service to family, neighbors, friends, as well as to our community was a key part of my childhood. I saw my parents volunteering their time, talents and funds in so many ways. Not only did they believe it was the right thing to do but they truly enjoyed being of service to other people. Watching the pleasure my parents gained from giving back was inspiring and became a common theme in my life. My service to others and community has evolved in the way that was role modeled by my parents and carried over to my career as I have volunteered in various capacities within professional and non-profit organizations over the last couple of decades. Servant leadership is all about enriching the lives of others, building better organizations and ultimately creating a world that is more caring and equitable. Not only is it personally rewarding but makes a difference in others' lives.

One of those organizations for which I have been very active for several years and have gained much back on a professional and personal level is The Boston Club, the premier organization of women executives and professionals in New England, promoting and influencing the advancement of women leaders. We believe more women in significant and visible leadership roles, including the C-Suite and board room, will mean better business performance and strengthened economic health in our communities. The Boston Club offers programming, events and other opportunities for women leaders of various professional stages and backgrounds to connect, engage and mentor. Our membership includes over 700 women from diverse backgrounds, professions, industries and demographics. Please take a moment to visit our website to learn more at www.thebostonclub.com. I am now honored and humbled to start my term as President of The Boston Club for the next two years. Kicking off at the annual meeting last month (pictures below) was a wonderful evening. I am extremely proud to be part of such a vibrant and accomplished community of women and am excited for the possibilities to come! I welcome the opportunity to speak to you about The Boston Club regarding qualified women for membership and/or as a corporate partner or sponsor.

The Boston Club, Annual Meeting
June 12, 2018

I am also thrilled to have been invited to volunteer as a mock board member at MIT's Martin Center for Entrepreneurship. The Martin Trust Center for MIT Entrepreneurship provides the expertise, support, and connections MIT students need to become effective entrepreneurs. They serve all MIT students, across all schools, across all disciplines, www.entrepreneurship.mit.edu. I have met inspiring young entrepreneurs who are creative, brilliant and highly motivated to fill critical needs with their ventures. A special thank you to Dr. Patricia Cotter for involving me and for her exemplary leadership.

Martin Trust Center for MIT Entrepreneurship
Networking Event, July 17, 2018

I also had the opportunity to volunteer as a coach for WEST (Women in the Enterprise of Science and Technology) for their Career Coaching Circle where I met many amazing women who were taking a proactive approach to managing their careers.

I would love to hear your experiences as well. Which organizations do you volunteer for and/or what are other ways do you serve and give back to your community or profession? I look forward to hearing from you!

Best Regards,

Rita Balian Allen

About Rita

Rita Balian Allen is the president of Rita B. Allen Associates, a national career management firm specializing in executive coaching, leadership development, management training and career development. She is a lecturer at Boston-area universities, a sought-after speaker and presenter, the author of numerous articles, blogs and the book, "Personal Branding and Marketing Yourself: The Three Ps Marketing Technique as a Guide to Career Empowerment". She has been a regular Huffington Post blogger and career management columnist for Leadership & Management Books. Rita was voted one of the top ten executive coaches by the Boston Women's Business Journal.

Services

Rita B. Allen Associates offers customized career management consulting and coaching services to individuals and organizations with specialties in a variety of talent management content areas including:

Upcoming Events and Presentations

The Boston Club, Distinguished Leader Series
presents Rita B. Allen, President,
The Boston Club
Boston College Club, Boston, MA
September 13, 2018, 12:00 - 1:30 PM