Women in business looking for a support network will get a boost over the next few weeks, thanks to an upcoming luncheon series.

Women in International Trade-Bermuda (WIT-BD) will host four luncheons featuring top female executives in legal, investment, accounting and insurance fields.

Programme chair Essie Hans said that the first lecture featuring legal talents Dianna Kempe and as-yet-unconfirmed Norma Wade Miller is already three-quarters of the way sold out.

Mrs. Kempe is a managing partner at Appleby Spurling & Kempe as well as the first woman in Bermuda to be appointed Queen's Council in 1992, and Mrs.

Justice Miller is a puisne judge in the Bermuda Supreme Court. Mrs. Hans said the goal of WIT-BD is to provide women in business -- especially those in upper management -- with a support and networking resource.

"Our focus this year, which had to do with the Millennium, was to bring together women who've `gotten there' with women who are still striving,'' said Mrs. Hans.

"The women who are speaking are mothers, they've excelled in their fields, they have experience in the private sector and the corporate sector, they've come up the ladder.

"The focus of the lunch is to peek into the lives of women who have excelled so other women in business can gather the enthusiasm to continue struggling in the work force.

"We need to communicate with each other, and it sometimes takes a bit more -- the luncheons give the opportunity for women to do a bit of bonding,'' she added.

Mrs. Hans said each of the speakers was asked to talk about their educational background, age, role models and past work experience.

"It's quite a personal commitment to divulge (personal background) to the group... but they are all outspoken women in our community,'' said Mrs.

Hans. "Not only do we want to hear about how they got where they are, but it also gives the listener the opportunity to say `I can do that','' she added.

Anne Kast, president of Kast Investment Management and Antoinette Bolden, vice-president of Directrade and principle of Emerald Financial Group, will speak about their careers in investment on January 27.

Jeanne Atherden, administration manager at the Bank of Bermuda, is scheduled to speak on accounting on February 10.

And BF&M executive vice-president Judy Panchaud White as well as Lauren Bell from Argus Insurance will speak on February 24.

The luncheon lectures are from 12.30 p.m. until 1.30 p.m. at the Royal Bermuda Yacht Club.

Tickets are $30 for members and $35 for guests. For more information, contact Mrs. Hans on 295-0183.

BUSINESS BUC