In 2016, a small group of Kansas City employees began discussing the need to create a network to help women navigate the unique challenges they face in their professional and personal lives. The group’s founding committee members felt it was important to take a grassroots approach, starting small and growing organically. They created a Purpose and Goal to clearly establish and communicate objectives for the group’s being:
Purpose: “To connect and build camaraderie for women as they navigate their careers.”
Goal: “To share wisdom, knowledge, and ideas to become our best selves in a positive, authentic, professional way while remaining true to who we are as individuals.”
“Moment connection” is a structural engineering term that describes a specific type of connection between two pieces of steel that support one another. It also captures the mission of JE Dunn’s female-centered employee resource group, which focuses on creating strong, supportive, and resilient bonds between women and their allies.
Chief Financial Officer Beth Soukup provided the framework and a strong foundation that would ensure resources and strategic direction for the group to succeed. Her leadership, guidance, and discipline with the group’s structure and purpose was critical to Moment Connection’s successful launch in Kansas City.
After two successful years in Kansas City, Moment Connection regional leaders were selected to spearhead launches across the other regions and offices. With this strategic national rollout, the group extended their female camaraderie from coast to coast. Today, Moment Connection boasts more than 500 members, and they hosted nearly 200 events in 2023. From volunteer and networking events to jobsite and industry tours, Moment Connection provides many opportunities to create connections inside and outside of work.
Recently, Moment Connection began hosting summits that have assembled operations leaders from across the country to share experiences, enhance leadership skills, and build lasting relationships amongst our female leaders.
National Chair Susan Schaefer reflects on how much the group has grown and what it means to her: “Walking around the halls here and seeing the number of thriving, successful women, is just so inspiring.”
Moment Connection’s foundation and success paved the way for the creation of other employee resource groups at JE Dunn and serve as a shining example of how grassroots initiatives can drive positive change and foster a supportive, inclusive workplace.
