Taking care of business.

It was an exciting few days in Miami FL, last week as the Verizon Business Group (VBG) held two impactful off-site events, celebrating milestones and looking to the future. Here’s a recap of all the ways we’re taking care of business:

Women of the World (WOW) gather to celebrate recent grads.

Over 400 women from across VBG completed a year-long program that empowers the women of Verizon with the skills, networks and personal insights to advance within the organization.

Since men should -- and must -- be part of the conversation when it comes to diversity and inclusion for women, Tami Erwin moderated a panel comprised of all-male VGB leadership, discussing how we steer the conversation of female inclusion in a progressive direction.

The next day, two-time Olympic gold medalist and World Cup champion Abby Wambach surprised attendees with a keynote address. Abby challenged the group to form their own #wolfpacks to create the change they want to see as we push for gender equality in the workplace. The remarks and real talk Q&A session that followed was the perfect finale to an enriching year for the WOW graduates.

You can learn more about the WOW program here.

Leadership gathers to set goals and inspire one another.

The VBG “Top 400” leadership team took over the Miami meeting space on Wednesday to discuss the state of the business and make personal commitments to an ambitious course for 2020.

“We have a once in a lifetime opportunity before us,” said Tami Erwin during her opening remarks. “You don’t get to sit on the sideline. If you’re in this room and you’re practicing leadership, you have to suit up and get in the game.”

Hans Vestberg offered further motivation, telling the gathered group: “How you show up every day -- how you treat people -- is actually making a life change for many of your employees.”

The meeting recognized two V Teamers for the the inaugural VBG Volunteer All-In Award. The first honoree, Jerry Silber (nominated by John Frantz), is a prolific participant in our Legal Department’s Pro Bono program and developed a new mentoring program for kids from disadvantaged communities in the White Plains, NY, area.

The second, Brian Rudy (nominated by Karen Maguire), has maintained a significant leadership role with Cub Scouts/Boy Scouts of America, serving as scout leader for five years and logging an impressive 200 hours of service per year with the organization.

Attendees also attended panel discussions featuring real talk on what each VBG team will need to win in 2020.

The week concluded with a moment of recognition for the just-announced 2019 President’s Circle, the inaugural VBG Gold Club, and Volunteer All-In winners. Congrats to all!

#Alln
#ForwardTogether
#GoFightWin
#NowIsOurTime

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