About Us

Growing Together

THE BEGINNING

WOWnet was the brainchild of founder Laura Kapp Miller. As a professional financial advisor, she had plenty of networking opportunities. However, she felt something was missing – the opportunity to form lasting business relationships that went deeper than superficial connections. She also felt that many of the people she met through networking were also in the financial field, so she was not growing outside of her own industry.

Laura’s beliefs were the foundation of WOWnet, which was officially founded by Miller in August 2004 with the goal of connecting women from various area industries for the purpose of developing lasting business relationships. Originally named “The Women of Wednesday (WOW) Network,” the group holds monthly meetings on Wednesdays to connect, share business referrals and learn more about its members’ business and more.

WOWNET TODAY

WOWnet has evolved over the years, and has grown into a highly recognized and respected networking group of business and professional women in Fort Wayne. What makes WOWnet unique is that each of our members represents a different industry. This makes it possible for our members to truly expand their network of business contacts beyond those within the same or similar industries.

Another distinguishing characteristic of WOWnet is our belief that relationship building is key to business development. We are proud to be a strong and growing network of professional women who are making a real impact in our perspective fields, while also helping to develop and strengthen the networks of fellow members.

THE WOW FACTOR

WOWnet has a significant and positive impact on our members. New business opportunities are born out of relationships developed between our members. During meetings, members frequently show appreciation for new business opportunities acquired specifically through the key introductions made by other members. It’s one of the many ways we know WOWnet is working.

PAST PRESIDENTS

Laura Kapp Miller (2004 – 05)

Nancy Steigmeyer (2005 – 06)

Andrea Henry (2006 – 07)

Laura Antil (2007 – 08)

Katie Blain (2008 – 09)

Kristin Goetterman (2009 – 10)

Katie Lake O’Muireagain (2010 – 11)

Carolyn Spake-Leeper (2011 – 12)

Angie Garcia (2012 – 13)

Paige Pyle (2013 – 14)

Ashley Steenman (2014 – 15)

Stacy Reed (2015 – 16)

Mindy Szczepanski (2016-17)

Cecile Weir (2017-18)