WiM Merger with Polished FAQs

1. Why are WiM and Polished merging?

The leadership of both Polished Network and Women in the Marketplace believe strongly in the power of collaboration and partnership. We are not about building our own “kingdoms” but rather contributing to God’s Kingdom. To do that, we know that we must operate as the Body of Christ, each performing our function for the good of the whole body. Our two organizations felt led to collaborate on delivering Boldly 2022. We got to experience how well we work together. 

We felt led to seek God for the next step in our partnership through an Attune session . God showed us that we are to join forces and become one organization that can do more together than we could as separate organizations combined. This merger is bringing new life and possibilities to the ways we can serve, support and encourage women in the workplace.

2. What does this merger look like? What happens to WiM and Polished?

Once the merger is complete, WiM will become part of the Polished Network. We will continue to serve the women who are part of the WiM network as well as our partners as Polished. You will find all of the combined resources on the PolishedNetwork.org website. In addition, we will continue to post as Polished on all social media platforms, the podcast and so on. 

WiM’s executive director, Catherine Gates, will be operating in the capacity of VP of Business Partnerships for Polished as of July 1st, 2023. Jane Doerman will continue to be the creative spark behind the Polished podcast. Kathy Book, founder of WiM, will serve on the board of Polished.

Because our missions are so closely aligned, what this means for those we serve is that you will have access to a wider range of resources including Polished chapters, events, small group materials, blog and video content, inspiration on social media, and leadership development programs. We are able to provide even more because, by joining forces, we now have a bigger team with even more experience to offer.

3. What happens to the WiM small groups?

Small groups focused on integrating faith and work are an important aspect of the work we do because of the equipping, accountability and more committed community that happens. You are still able to access WiM small group resources on Amazon in addition to the outstanding small group resources offered by the Polished Network. 

We value those who invest in others by stepping up to facilitate a small group. Our team will continue to provide support, resources and encouragement for those who are facilitating or want to start faith-and-work small group studies with their peers at work, in their church or in their community. For questions, support or to let us know you are facilitating a group so we can pray for and support you, email info@polishednetwork.org.

4. What can we expect from the God’s Word at Work podcast?

Jane Doerman will continue to bring you the weekly God’s Word at Work podcast through Polished and complete the Proverbs reading plan through the end of the year. She will also host interviews with working women who can share how they integrate their faith and work. We are in the process of re-evaluating the vision and format of the podcast. Stay tuned as we look for ways to make this podcast even more impactful for you! 

5. What will happen to the blog?

Polished will be incorporating many of the WiM blogs that continue to be relevant and meaningful today. We are excited to bring you even more inspirational, through-provoking and practical content to encourage you in your faith and work journey through a diversity of voices, experience and perspectives.

6. How does this merger impact Polished Chapters?

WiM and Polished have already begun to partner on starting new Polished Chapters in new areas. Because of our partnership, a new chapter was launched in Northwest Arkansas in February 2023. We are looking at launching a chapter in Siloam Springs, Arkansas in the next year and hope to see a new chapter start in Cincinnati. Merging the organizations is helping us tap into networks of working women in parts of the country we had not touched yet. We are very excited to serve women more broadly across the country, and we still believe that our chapters are key to connecting working women in authentic community. 

7. How will the merger impact what business leaders can expect?

Women in the Marketplace business services, leadership development training and Collaboratories are a vital part of what Polished Network is excited and committed to offering. The WiM Collaboratory launch in the fall of 2023, as planned. We look forward to bringing these resources and services to more companies and women across the country. The Women in the Marketplace name will continue to show up for this group of services, resources and programs as a sub-brand to Polished Network (brought to you by Polished Network). Payments will go through the Polished website and systems. Contact Catherine Gates at catherine@polishednetwork.org to learn more.

8. How does the merger impact WiM donors?

We are so grateful to our donors because you make our work possible! We hope that you will continue to support our mission to embolden women in their faith and work by giving financially to Polished. You will no longer be able to give to Women in the Marketplace. Please consider a one-time or monthly donation to the Polished Network by giving here.