As a young woman in a professional career, I still occasionally find it difficult to be taken seriously in the workplace. Starting fresh out of university, in an office of experienced 20- and 30-somethings, I was intimidated, to say the least. I don’t think I’m alone in that opinion.

As more women are entering the workforce and holding positions of authority, it is important to have structures in place that give them the chance to feel like their contribution to their organization is a valuable one. And with the help of former vice-president, Christianne Dostie, that’s exactly what Allstate Insurance is doing.

The Women’s Leadership Network (WLN) within Allstate has established a space for women to discuss ideas, practice leadership in a non-threatening environment, and develop skills that can be applied to many aspects of their personal and professional lives. Their monthly meetings allow them to network, build relationships, and give back to the community. Together, these women are becoming the future leaders of the company.

Although the WLN is an organization for women, it continues to create a dynamic cultural change for men and women in the company as well as in the community. In August, Senior Learning Consultants Edlyn Thompson and Kerri Dobszewicz became involved with Yellow Brick House (YBH) – a non-profit organization that provides shelter, counseling, and support services to women and children who have been affected by domestic violence.

“My involvement with this group has not only improved my ability to communicate with greater strength and conviction,” says Edlyn Thompson, “but it has also provided an opportunity to learn from, and contribute to, the success of these wonderful female leaders and to extend that contribution outside the organization to empower an entire community of women.”

I personally understand how it feels to be a new and inexperienced woman in the workforce. For many women, the WLN is working to bridge that gap – helping women who have been victimized regain their independence through employment and providing support to young women in their own company. Moving forward, “they will provide individualized, confidential, and respectful support to hundreds of women with the central focus on empowerment and respect,” says Marnie Sigmar, Resource Development Manager with Yellow Brick House.

The Women’s Leadership Network is sending a clear message to women everywhere: Together, the strengths and voices of women can foster positive change in any organization and community. And both Allstate and Yellow Brick House are proof of that.