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El PasoExecutive Forum was founded in 1984 and is made up of women executives and community leaders dedicated to the empowerment of women, who work to impact the economic, civic and cultural landscape of the El Paso region. The organization provides a supportive platform for women in leadership to share experiences, leverage their collective expertise and amplify their influence.
HISTORY
Executive Forum was the idea of Jean Groesbeek Kahn in the latter part of 1981 "to start a dream of women networking and to develop the professionalism of women wanting to grow."
The charter's members were:
R. Katherine Brennand
Vicki Byrnes
Stephanie Caviness-Tantimonaco
Nancy Walker
Helen Williams
This group consists of business and professional women dedicated to promoting and enhancing the civic, political and economic development of the El Paso/Juarez metrolex. They sought members who were established in their profession and who had the qualities of leadership necessary to make them role models for other women. Since then, the Forum membership has grown to over 130 members who represent most major fields in El Paso's business and professional community. Members serve on civic, professional and political boards, and include elected government officials and school board members. The organization is committed to the enlightenment of its members, to the creation of a network where all can share ideas, and finally, the community as a whole.
1982-1983 Vicky Byrnes "As President of Executive Forum during its first year of existence, I was granted the opportunity to lead a bold and enthusiastic membership away from traditional purposes, procedures and attitudes typically found in most business groups, and toward the new 'business forum' approach for which the organization was organized. We had no limit, and as a result, enjoyed testing, and thereafter, adopting many of the different and innovative ideas and concepts that Forum follows today." | 1983-1984 Edith S. Brannon "I was President of the Executive Forum during the formative years. We were able to write the original guidelines which would lead us into the future. Those of us who were privileged to be part of the beginning, were dedicated to the creation of a support system which would help individual members in their personal lives and careers. The vision and leadership provided by the member in the early years helped the Executive Forum evolve into a strong organization with a diverse membership committed to serving the community and its members." | 1984 - 1985 Jan Dreher "Executive Forum has provided me a safe and nurturing environment for personal and professional growth. The opportunity to mentor and to be mentored at such a high level is incredible." 1985 - 1986 Dorothy Drummer "When I was growing up, there were no visible "Executive Women' role models. As my career progressed, I found all women executives - everyone dealing with the same barriers - were my role models. The opportunity to lead Executive Forum for a year was a challenge and an honor." |
1987 - 1988 Diane Troyer "Executive Forum has provided me and continues to provide a means to celebrate the outstanding potential of El Paso's women leaders and an environment which allows open communications, creativity, the exchange of new ideas and a support system which can't be topped." 1988 - 1989 Nancy Goff "During my year as president, the organization concentrated on facilitating better usage of the McKelligon Canyon Amphitheatre. As that time, the amphitheater was rapidly deteriorating and there were no funds being made available for repair or general upkeep. We met with the County Parks and Recreation Board, Commissioners Court and City Council and received their concurrence on a proposal to the State for the amphitheater and pavilion to become part of the State park. The request was submitted to the State of Texas which was unable to accept the facility due to lack of budgeted funds. It did, however, bring the condition of the facilities to the attention of both the City Council and Commissioners Court. Shortly after, there was a fire at the amphitheater which destroyed many of the props of VIVA. As a result of the plea from VIVA and an already concerned political group, there have been almost $200,000 allocated for improvement of these facilities in the last few years. I truly believe that Executive Forum laid the groundwork for this to happen." | 1989 - 1990 Lee O. Cannell "...All I can say is, the most memorable events during the time I was involved in Executive Forum was when new members were added to my team." 1990 - 1991 Mandy Chew "The Executive Forum has served as a vehicle for many a professional woman to lean, grow and realize her greater potential. The foundation on which the organization has been built, was given careful though and has endured. Thanks go to those founding mothers who have made it possible for women of El Paso participate in levels of decision making that would not have been possible otherwise." 1991 - 1992 Myrna J. Deckert "It's a pleasure to be president of Executive Forum during this 10-year celebration of our founding! I'm grateful for the foresight of our founders and now realize the legacy we all must have for our 'sisters' as we seek to support and nurture one another." |