The Professional Women’s Association of Budapest had a great start in September 2009, and the last PWA networking event of this season – on June 14, 2010 – was equally remarkable, in pleasant surroundings and good ambience. Members and non-members gathered at this special Gala evening at the elegant Kempinsky Hotel Corvinus, where the announcement would take place of the “PWA Professional Woman of the Year” award.

Programming Chairwoman, Anita van Burken opened with a welcome speech, and looked back at the PWA events of this season. PWA chose for a different program format than in previous years: 5 networking events were alternated with 4 educational programs for members and non-members, to emphasize the importance of supporting women in their professional careers. In collaboration with the Central European University Business School, PWA organized a Mini MBA series, which introduced MBA-style knowledge. Topics included: Negotiation Skills, The Financial Crisis, Gender in the Workplace, and Corporate Social Responsibility.

CEU very graciously offered their professors and accommodation to facilitate these mini-MBAs, and given the positive feedback from participants – and on behalf of the Steering Committee of PWA Budapest – Anita thanked CEU for its contribution.

During the delicious buffet dinner, all women present had a chance to network and share professional information with each other.

Following dinner, this year’s president, Melinda Katona opened the Award Ceremony. She introduced the process and the three criteria based on which the Professional Woman of the Year was chosen:

• She is a female professional (manager/non-manager), who participates actively in a Hungarian based business, educational or governmental organization;
• She shows professional accomplishments, obstacles overcome, innovations or discoveries made, and so on;
• She is actively involved in community work.

PWA’s President, Melinda Katona then announced the winner: Barbara Ürögdi, Co-Founder and Managing Partner of HELPERS Hungary Kft. The Budapest based HELPERS is an owner-operated company that provides expats and foreign SMEs with local assistance and know-how. It also includes a high-end translation agency. Melinda handed lucky winner Barbara the “Professional Woman of the Year” award, which she gladly accepted. Barbara then thanked everyone and emphasized the importance of the Misko Foundation, where she does (part of) her charity work.

In addition to the PWA Award, Barbara received a gift certificate from Karin Gabor, owner of

Move to Balance: a Wellness Break Weekend for 2 persons at Karin’s Countryside Resort in Tardona, a very charming Bed & Breakfast she runs with her husband Michel Daenen.

To give everyone the opportunity to win a prize, at the end of the Gala evening a raffle drawing took place with fantastic prizes from sponsors and other supporting companies. The money collected will benefit a charity organization the new SC will choose in September 2010.

Given the chatter, laughter and discussions during the evening, it was clear that everyone present enjoyed the table company, the networking opportunity, and the Award Ceremony.

A wonderful closure to a successful networking and educational PWA year!