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WLI Frequently Asked Questions

Basic Information

What is the Women's Leadership Initiative (WLI)?
MPI created the WLI as an "initiative" in 2001 to help bring awareness to the fact that, although women are the great majority in this industry (75% of MPI members are women), they are the minority in leadership positions in their organizations (11% in 2002).

Where did the WLI come from?
The WLI was founded through the awareness and leadership of a longtime woman MPI member who was at a high level in her organization and raised the fact that there were not many women "up there" with her in this industry. (Christine Duffy - COO of McGettigan in 2001, CEO of Maritz-McGettigan as of 2005.)

What does the WLI do?
As an "initiative" the WLI's Vision & Mission is to be the leading  source for research, advocacy, education and resources for and about women in the meetings industry.  See Women's Leadership Initiative on www.mpiweb.org for more information.

What has the WLI accomplished?
Baseline and Grassroots Research in the US, Canada and Europe; Local Implementation around the world in MPI's 60 Chapters/66 countries; Programming and resources at MPI international, Chapter events and web site to help women develop their careers; Books specifically for women; Articles and features in periodicals - especially the MPI magazine (The Meeting Professional); Major Scholarship program (over $230.000); Raising the awareness that women are the majority in this industry and the industry needs to consider this in planning and implementation of programs, processes and leadership selection.

Is there a Women's Leadership Initiative Committee?
The need for a Committee in 2006-2007 changed when the Board of Directors directed that the WLI become a part of the fabric of MPI. But for the five years prior to this, the Women's Leadership Initiative was driven by the vision and input from of women and men leaders who participated and led this important MPI body.

Who is heading up the WLI now?
MPI has incorporated the principles and work of the WLI into the standards of how it does what it does. This means, the fact women are the primary member and participant in MPI programming and services should be evident in what you experience. Each division/department is responsible for enacting planning based on the fact women are our primary members. No one person heads that up.  MPI makes it happen throughout the enterprise.

How do I join the WLI?
WLI is not something you can join.  MPI members get the benefit of women-centric awareness, programming, research and sensitivity in MPI's programs and services.

Does the WLI offer courses or conferences?
Any women-centric programming from MPI headquarters is designed and offered through MPI's Professional Development department.  Many MPI Chapters also offer local women-centric programming - some at their own regional conferences.

Chapter Implementation

Does the WLI do anything at the Chapter level?
The great majority of MPI Chapters do "women-centric" planning and programming.  Many even have a special leadership group (WLI Committee, Team, etc.) that does this work. Others incorporate women-centric planning into their standard programming.

How do I help my Chapter with the WLI?
Most Chapters have sub-committees/teams that do the "WLI" planning. Those who lead these groups are often called "WLI Chapter Liaisons".  Contacting the leaders in your Chapter and finding out what your Chapter does will be the best way to help.  If your Chapter does not do anything - you might express your opinion and suggest some ideas or offer to help make it happen.

Moving from Initiative to Integration

I heard that MPI is doing away with the WLI - can you tell me what's happening?
MPI did not do away with the WLI. The Initiative was so successful it's principles and work are being incorporated into the standards of MPI beginning in FY 2006-07.  

What's happening with the Women's Leadership Initiative (WLI)?
The Initiative was designed to be a start-up and had five-years of sponsored funding.  That funding continues up to June, 2006. In July, 2005, the MPI Board of Directors decided the Initiative was successful enough to make it part of the ongoing business objectives of MPI and directed staff to build it into the FY 2006-2007 Business Plan.  This means the principles and work of the WLI is being integrated into the standard operating procedures of MPI and after FY 2005-2006 there is no longer a need for it to be a separate initiative.

What is MPI going to do now that it has discontinued the WLI?
MPI has incorporated the principles and work of the WLI into the standards of how it does what it does. This means, the fact women are the primary member and participant in MPI programming and services should be evident in what you experience in MPI.

I understand the departments of MPI have taken over the work of the WLI - what are they doing?
MPI has incorporated the principles and work of the WLI into the standards of how it does what it does. This means, the fact women are the primary member and participant in MPI programming and services should be evident in what you experience with MPI.

How will MPI continue to offer programs/resources for women?
MPI has incorporated the principles and work of the WLI into the standards of how it does what it does. This means, the fact women are the primary member and participant in MPI programming and services should be evident in what you experience.

Are the Chapters still going to have the WLI?
Chapter level implementation of the WLI depends, as always, on the local leaders. Some continue separate, sub-committee type based planning; others integrate planning into their annual plans; a minority do not do anything of note especially for/because women are their primary member and attendee. It is up to the local leaders.

What does MPI plan to do for women in this industry?
Women are the great majority (75%) members of MPI and estimated to be close to % of the industry. MPI keeps this awareness in its planning and execution of programs and services.  This means women are MPI's primary member, primary market, primary participants and primary sources of revenue. This is not to negate the presence and importance of men - it is simply to reflect the reality of our membership.

Is there still someone at MPI that can talk to me about what MPI is doing for its women members?
MPI has incorporated the principles and work of the WLI into the standards of how it does what it does. This means, the fact women are the primary member and participant in MPI programming and services should be evident in what you experience.

Still Have Questions?

I understand you have a Women's Leadership Initiative - is there someone who can advise me on starting one?
The Initiative was a "start up" and is no longer needed since its principles and work is integrated into MPI as a whole.  However, you can find the history and more on the MPI web site.

I'm with the Media and want information on the WLI - is there someone I can talk to?
You need to talk with our Communications department.  That would be Kathryn Goldstein at kgoldstein@mpiweb.org

Is there somewhere I can get information on the WLI?
On the MPI web site under Women's Leadership Initiative or at www.wli.mpiweb.org.