Jacksonville native Carolyn Gentry, former public affairs director for The Florida Times-Union, is the 2012 president of the Jacksonville Women’s Network, which will start the New Year with 375 members. Membership is gender neutral. Gentry also continues to produce the Times-Union’s EVE Awards, which began in 1969, to recognize women in the areas of education, volunteer service and employment.
How were times different in 1979 when the Jacksonville Women’s Network was created?
Some of the early members had marched to support the Equal Rights Amendment; others were active in the National Organization for Women. Women were still pushing the cause of equal rights, especially in business. I don’t think that women’s liberation is as burning an issue today as it was then.
What is the group’s focus and mission?
Primarily, to develop and maintain supportive networks among our members and to promote the advancement of women in business, the professions, in the community and in other positions of responsibility.
How has leadership kept the group relevant the past 32 years?
By maintaining the strength and diversity of membership, by offering a strong annual program open to the community, by fostering monthly luncheon ladders and by providing variety in program times and subjects.
What is the group’s biggest challenge?
Like all organizations that measure success by the presence of its members at meetings and special events, The Network competes for busy women’s time and attendance. We have added a new website, www.jaxwomensnetwork.com, to communicate more directly and regularly.
Do you see any changes as the group moves forward?
The Network has a new strategic plan and a top-notch leader, Amy Rankin, who has accepted the job of getting the plan implemented. I think that the process will yield more interaction while underscoring the talents, accomplishments and influence of our members. My vision is for every member to appreciate what it means to be a member of The Network and to stay involved with other accomplished women.