After working in healthcare for 15 years, Liz Verhelle decided that it was time to make a career change and was excited about embarking on a new chapter of her life. She had always been interested in finance and wanted to utilize her skills to make a difference in her clients’ lives. So in 2015, Verhelle accepted a position as a financial advisor at Edward Jones in Annapolis, where she has built a rewarding career that she truly loves.
“I am passionate about educating my clients, offering advice, and providing guidance as they work toward achieving their financial goals,” Verhelle says. “I especially enjoy helping women take control of and manage their finances. My career change and my enthusiasm for assisting women also sparked my interest in Chesapeake Women’s Network (CWN), and I became a member in 2015. As I learned more about the organization’s mission, I decided to play a more active role. So I joined the board of directors in 2016. I am currently the vice president and one of the event planners.”
Based in Queen Anne’s County, CWN is a professional women’s network that consists of nearly 100 active members. Since its inception in 1986, the organization has empowered women in business by offering opportunities for professional growth and personal enrichment in a welcoming, supportive environment.
“CWN is more than just a social network,” Verhelle says. “It’s a unique organization where women in business support each other both professionally and personally. We focus not only on our careers but also our personal lives. And I think that this [approach] is what makes us stand out from other women’s networking organizations. There is a definite sense of sisterhood. We are not just peers; we are friends. We encourage each other to achieve our goals and cheer for each other when we succeed. I’ve been a member of other networking organizations, but CWN is definitely the most supportive.”
Members of CWN meet on the second Thursday of every month and participate in a variety of events, which spotlight women in business. Some of Verhelle’s responsibilities include organizing and planning, choosing venues, and scheduling guest speakers. In addition to breakfasts, lunches, and other networking events, CWN also hosts an annual fundraiser.
But perhaps the highlight of the year is the scholarship dinner that is held in June. CWN is honored to award scholarships to women who are committed to pursuing their education. The scholarships, which are based on need, are awarded to women from all walks of life, including single mothers, women who are recovering from abusive relationships and trying to rebuild their lives, or women who are caretakers for a sick family member. Although the applicants are from different backgrounds and have unique life experiences, CWN takes great pride in its ability to help make a difference in their lives. Indeed, this June the organization will have awarded more than $100,000 in scholarships since its inception—definitely a cause for celebration. Not surprisingly, CWN’s service to the community has not gone unnoticed, and the organization was named Philanthropic Organization of the Year by Chesapeake Charities in 2019.
“Liz has been a valued board member of Chesapeake Women’s Network for many years,” says Heather Bacher, the president of CWN’s board of directors and a market executive for Shore United Bank. “She has served in various capacities and always gives 100 percent to everything she does on and off the board. Liz is a trusted professional in her industry, and we are so lucky to have her on our board.”
Verhelle enjoys playing an active role in CWN and is passionate about making a difference in women’s lives. In fact, one of the most rewarding aspects of the organization’s mission for her personally is the presentation of the scholarships. The event is extremely meaningful to her because it represents a life-changing moment in the recipients’ lives. It’s also a great way for CWN to give back to the community. In addition, Verhelle is appreciative of all of the opportunities that the organization offers her to network with like-minded professional women.
“CWN has helped me grow my business, further my professional contacts, and support me during difficult times in my life,” Verhelle says. “Being involved in such an inspiring organization has truly enriched my life. I would definitely encourage professional women to consider becoming members.”
To learn more about CWN, including information about how to become a member and the scholarship application process, visit cwnqac.org.
