History - Vision - Mission

WOVI Founded
WOVI was founded in July 2001 by a group of twelve dedicated women led by Pauline Shirley and Teresa Smith. WOVI – Women of Visionary Influence – is an organization of women offering mentoring, education and leadership.
Our Vision
WOVI’s VISION … To empower women to make a difference in their lives, their communities, and the world.

  • Women – from all walks of life
  • Offering – friendship, service, and inspiration to one another
  • Mentoring – for mutual benefit and enrichment of each and every member
  • Education – for personal and professional development of WOVI members and invited guests
  • Notability – distinguishing and acknowledging women in their current and future endeavors

WOVI serves women of all professions, interests, ages, ethnicities, religions and backgrounds. With a strong vision for the future, WOVI offers and furthers educational and leadership opportunities for all of our members and guests.

Our Mission
It is the Mission of WOVI, Inc. to empower women to lead and mentor. We exist to mentor women by presentation of educational programs that enhance all areas of their lives. Membership in WOVI provides access to a personal mentor to help each woman achieve, succeed and prosper in her chosen path in life. Skills of leadership are taught by example, through mentoring, and by practical application in serving the organization.

Our Values
Values Statement: Through encouragement, genuine respect and inclusiveness, we celebrate self and others.
Our Goal
WOVI’s goal is to integrate leading, educating and mentoring into the fabric of the lives of women of all ages, professions, ethnicities and interests. Think of yourself as on the threshold of unparalleled success.

Quotes To Inspire

A whole clear glorious life lies before you. Achieve…Accomplish…Grow….
Pauline Shirley- WOVI Founder

What members say about WOVI!

WOVI has given me the confidence and accountability I need to pursue my dreams. Also, WOVI has given me wonderful friends.
Nancy Starr-Cassidy- WOVI Member
“The impact that WOVI has had on me since I became a member is huge. When I first became a member of WOVI, I was in the middle of some personal challenges. Going to the meetings helped me to move through these challenges by focusing on the topics that our meetings presented and stepping out of me and being of a help to someone else. I also developed deeper friendships with my already friends and cultivated new bonds of friendship with my new friends.

By being in various leadership roles in our chapter, I am a better leader by just being in the presence of other leaders on the board. Learning and putting into practice leadership skills. As I stepped out of the chapter and went to the WOVI conference, I met other entrepreneurial minded women that have presented me with new and fresh ideas to increase my various streams of income. Therefore, making WOVI, an instrument of influence and of affluence.

Dr. Ann- WOVI Member
What I like about WOVI best of all is the mentoring. Being mentored by others has led me to do things I never thought of or never would have thought possible, if I had thought of them. Being involved in a nonprofit from the very beginning has helped me in so many ways. I have learned about mission and vision. I have changed my career path at the encouragement and enlightenment from my fellow WOVI members. I have created, agonized over, and learned to live with budgets! My salary has increased by 71% since becoming a member of WOVI. I have become a better encourager and delegator. I have become a leader.
Janet Wilemon- WOVI Member
WOVI has provided me with the opportunity to become more creative and to be part of a group that is genuinely interested in empowering women. It gives me a unique insight into how to empower women outside the WOVI group, and understand at a much deeper level my influence on other women in my life.
Ruth White- WOVI Member
Nervous and feeling vulnerable as I began to experience the power of the WOVI trademark Mento-Ring exercise, I received such important imformation from this educator , I was so uplifted I joined the very next meeting!
Krista Hartman- WOVI Member
When I first came to WOVI I had a book I wanted to write but thought I lacked what it took to get it done. I found WOVI women to be dynamic, accomplished, down-to-earth, supportive, and uplifting. I was impressed by the caliber of woman that was attracted to this group and that made me step up my game. The support I received from people I barely knew helped me to gain confidence in my abilities to tackle this book despite the fact that I was a fresh-out-of-the-closet writer. I started to strive for goals that I had long been afraid to attempt. In the WritersRing, we have created a safe, dynamic, supportive environment that enables writers to open their hearts and minds, hone their craft, and find and explore their true voice. It is often the first place guests and new members have read their work aloud. With the support of the WritersRing, I forged ahead with my book and it will be out in May 2014. The title is The Global Red Circle – Standing in Truth, Unleashing Our Most Powerful Selves.

I have even retired from my business of ten years to live my dream and be a full-time writer and a build a singing and songwriting career. WOVI women are the best!

Kim Andrews- WOVI Member
WOVI has given me the confidence and accountability I need to pursue my dreams. Also, WOVI has given me wonderful friends.
Sarah Baden- WOVI Member
WOVI women are so supportive. Meetings are rich in generosity, approval and opportunity.
Valery Guignon- WOVI Member
WOVI is the one thing my energy drives toward every month – it is unique among women’s organizations.
Frances Pelley- WOVI Member
WOVI women are absolutely the most authentic, loving, supportive and fun women. I love that we have mentors for growth, support, and encouragement through new projects.
Lynda Rhodes- WOVI Member