History

In late 1997, Eileen LaPorte, the founder and first president of WIC, organized a small network of long-time consultants who could benefit from collaborating in consulting engagements and sharing best-practices in their own businesses. Originally called SEWN, the Self-Employed Women’s Network, WIC was born at the first official meeting in January 1998.

The purpose was two-fold. First, create an organization of high caliber professionals who were dedicated to their own consulting practices, who wanted to improve their prospects for interesting projects and the breadth of their potential offering, and to tap into a wealth of experience to improve their own business. Second, become the first destination for companies seeking seasoned professional consultants in a wide range of specialties.

Within months of the first meeting in the back room of Vic’s Restaurant in San Carlos, the invitation list grew to more than 200. Ten years later, WIC has exceeded all of its original goals.

Today, WIC has more than 400 members, an active community of members and affiliates, satellites in the East Bay, the Peninsula, San Francisco, and the South Bay, and a regular calendar of events that delivers best-in-class business advice on a wide spectrum of topics. WIC hosts an active email community that provide a forum where members and subscribers ask questions, get advice and find business partners.