An organisation for professional women is celebrating a name change that better reflects its broad-based membership.

The Bermuda branch of 100 Women in Finance is a networking and philanthropy group that has thrived since it was set up and gained official recognition two years ago.

In line with the global parent organisation, which just marked its 15th anniversary, the group has transitioned from its previous name of 100 Women in Hedge Funds.

The Bermuda group has 185 members and is aiming to reach 200 this year. It is also looking forward to a busy year.

Its first gala will be held in June, at Dockyard, where members will be able to watch the America’s Cup activity in full flow.

And this month the group is holding a ‘Sip, Shop and Share’ event in Hamilton, which will raise funds for the Centre Against Abuse.

Alison Morrison, one of the founders, said the organisation’s former name might have made some professional women feel it was not open to them, whereas the new title reflects the wider-encompassing nature of the group.

This year, Bermuda’s 100WF is supporting the Centre Against Abuse, and has organised a Sip, Shop and Share evening where members are encouraged to donate an “interview-appropriate suit” or similar item, in return for a glass of wine and a discount card to be used at AS Cooper & Sons.

Donated clothing and accessory items will be gifted to the Centre Against Abuse for its clients in need of “professional attire in career preparation and advancement”, or be resold to support the Centre’s programmes.

In June, the group will hold its inaugural gala. The event is being staged at Commissioner’s House, Dockyard, during the month of the America’s Cup.

“It should be a spectacular setting,” said Ms Morrison.

The 100WF group holds regular events throughout the year, and Ms Morrison is particularly enthusiastic about younger members being able to meet, network and learn from more senior executives.

“I’m really pleased with how it has been going. It has been great for the younger women to meet with senior colleagues and network. I see the group going from strength to strength,” she said.

Education, peer leverage and philanthropy are key pillars of 100WF. It has a broad base of members from all financial services industries, and it encourages all professional women to join.

To become a member and attend their future events, contact Alison Morrison, managing director, Oyster Consulting and chairwoman of the Bermuda group, at alison.morrison@oyster.bm.