The Power Behind Women’s Networking Groups

Featuring Kimberly Patterson, Talent and Workforce Management Vice President, PPL

PPL Corporation’s Women’s Network (PWN) is a business resource group that is dedicated to the development of women employees to help them maximize their potential.

Through a robust number of programs and events, PWN works to cultivate our employees’ leadership skills, business practices, career opportunities and personal networks. In addition, the organization offers employees opportunities to learn how they can contribute to the success of the company.

Started in 1998, PWN has more than 250 members in Pennsylvania and Montana and is PPL’s longest-tenured business resource group.

PWN’s main focuses are professional and membership development, and business and community outreach. It offers several programs to members.

“Our women’s business resource group is an asset to PPL,” says PPL’s Talent and Workforce Management Vice President Kimberly Patterson. “Its participation in new employee and intern events helps create a connection with those critical groups, serving as a key voice for the company. And by hosting networking events, PWN helps new employees understand and embrace our culture in a meaningful way.”

These programs also help members develop and grow essential business skills that are critical to their success at PPL.

Programs include the Power of Women Breakfasts, where members get the opportunity to meet and network with PPL’s women leaders, and professional development webinars, which focus on developing business skills.

PWN has also held annual conferences that allow members to meet colleagues from various areas of the company; foster personal and career development; and hear from dynamic leaders from various external industries and companies including the fields of law, higher education, finance, and the military.

This year’s conference, themed “Making a Difference, One Piece at a Time,” will feature best-selling author of Leading from the Front and Marine Corps veteran, Courtney Lynch. Lynch is the founding partner of Lead Star, a leadership development consulting firm, and a National Stevie Award for Best Female Entrepreneur recipient.

PWN members are also strong corporate citizens. Members have organized and volunteered for various philanthropic causes including uniform and school drives for local schools throughout PPL’s service territory; clothing drives for the Dress for Success Program at the YWCA in Allentown; food and supply drives for various food pantries and homeless shelters; campaigns to raise awareness and funds about cancer and cancer research; and cell phone collection drives for survivors of domestic violence.

“At PPL, our people are the power behind our success,” Patterson says. “Working together with PWN, as well as our employees, allows us to develop and energize a talented, innovative workforce that strives to be as diverse as the communities we serve. A team with many perspectives and backgrounds puts us in the best position to provide safe, reliable and reasonably priced electricity to our customers. It also makes us a great place to work.”