Women’s Network of Rapid City

 When you join Women’s Network of Rapid City, you become part of one of the longest running women’s networking groups in the Black Hills.

The group that was to become Women’s Network of Rapid City, Inc., first met in January of 1981 under the direction of Lois Weston. Members referred to themselves as “All the Good Old Girls” (AGOG) after a similar group in the Minneapolis/St. Paul area.

In the beginning, there was much discussion about various organizations open to women in Rapid City, their structures, and the possibility of networking in those groups. There were no formal programs, and those attending mainly discussed Rapid City community affairs and employment opportunities in the area.

During that first year, members mainly became acquainted and shared career goals. Since its inception, it seems, Women’s Network has shared these core values: Meeting new people and building relationships. Sharing information. Supporting and encouraging each other to grow both personally and professionally.

When KEVN and Joe Ames of the Rapid City Journal interviewed Lois Weston, the resulting publicity helped make others aware both of networking and the newly formed organization.

In the second year, Women’s Network members created more structure and began introducing formal programs. A steering committee was formed to make policy decisions, and the group began to meet regularly. Audrey Lang took over as emcee of the meetings in June of 1982, and The Guide featured Women’s Network in a front-page article, resulting in new memberships.

After meeting for more than two years with an informal structure, Women’s Network of Rapid City, Inc., was incorporated on August 26, 1983, under the leadership of Kathy (Newkirk) Cline.

Since that time, Women’s Network has continued to grow. Our membership currently includes women with a remarkably diverse array of backgrounds, careers, and talents.

Become part of our legacy — join us for our Women’s Network Luncheon to see what we’re all about!