As 2019 winds to a close, we reach both the end of the year and the end of the decade. An auspicious time for reflection.

As I traveled from Los Angeles to London at the beginning of December, those reflections gave me more than memories, they lit the fire to ignite a new chapter in the history of The Alliance of Channel Women (www.allianceofchannelwomen.org).  The ACW logo is a lovely image of delicately shimmering grasses. It speaks to the grassroots nature of our founding, the flexibility we as women must demonstrate to fulfill the many roles we inhabit, our resilience to elements that would cut us down and yes, it also hints at roots that go deep.

Carried through the sky on the wings of an airplane, I was also carried by the collective intention and support of co-founder Hilary Gadda of TPx, Informa’s next generation of advocates  – Kris Blackmon and Kathleen Connolly, and loyal sponsor John DeLozier of 8×8. All had seen the vision of bringing the message of ACW to the women in the burgeoning channel in Europe. We have become an integral ingredient for channel development and growth.

I had been told the women there are 10 years behind us in terms of their penetration in the tech industry as well as their autonomy and equality at home and in the workplace. I found this information shocking, and inspiring. The fire was burning to carry our message, to enroll these women in the principles that have taken the members, sponsors and our channel at large so far in our last 10 years. I thought of how ready we were to embrace the mission of collaborating with each other to grow our businesses, to support each other as women in a male dominated industry and to mentor each other and younger women into the channel. 10 years later, would the ground be as fertile in Europe as it was at our first meeting in Las Vegas? Would I once again have the privilege of stepping into a “yes”?

I got my answer as our small group of 25 gathered the next day. They entered the room somewhat shy, tentative, not sure how to approach myself, current President Stacy Conrad of TPx and President-Elect Amy Bailey of Telarus. We did our best to put them at ease, to invite them into an environment where it was safe to speak of our darkest fears and greatest failures. To use those feelings and experiences not to give up but to step up. To be honest in seeing not only our part but also how a change in our attitude could change the trajectory of the future for all. To acknowledge we have the power to elevate each other.

In classic ACW fashion, we asked other women to help us and they were willing. Marcela Gonzales of Vonage served as our warm and welcoming MC. Kris kicked off the event with a heart felt message of solidarity and support. Estelle Johannes of CompTIA flew in from northern England to participate in a panel that was expertly led by Kelly Danzinger of Informa. I spoke of those roots mentioned earlier, how Hilary, Bita Milanian of Ribbon and I dreamt of being the change. And our panel shared experience, strength, hope and practical tips to negotiate for what we want and deserve. At the breakout tables afterwards, comments like; “I’ve never been to anything like this before,” and “I can’t believe how honest they were,”. The message had been carried.

The next day, I was introduced to a woman who could be the leader to create this group, this collection of like-minded women, there in Europe. How fitting…10 years behind, 10 years later, the message resonates. What an honor to be a part of women finding their collective voices to bond and grow together, to make our industry and yes, our world, stronger.

“All had seen the vision of bringing the message of ACW to the women in the burgeoning channel in Europe. We have become an integral ingredient for channel development and growth.”