Networking is largely about finding the similarities that allow synergy to develop between different groups.

West Valley Women is one such networking organization. It is a social networking group of women who live, work and do business in West Valley towns and cities.

Founded by Linda Herold, the 3-year-old organization continuously looks for ways to expand networking and social opportunities for its members. A popular option came to the forefront at Tuesday's monthly luncheon at Skye Restaurant in Peoria.

Jay Parry, president and CEO of the 2007 WNBA championship Phoenix Mercury women's basketball franchise, was the featured speaker at the luncheon, which the Mercury also sponsored. Parry drew parallels between the teamwork necessary for basketball success and the teamwork/network development critical to women's success in business.

Described as the most powerful woman in Arizona's sports industry, Parry is responsible for the business operations of the Mercury. Building partnerships, marketing, branding and community outreach are some of her areas of concern.

"As women in business, we're interested in our community and how collaborations can help us succeed in building a better place to work and live," Parry said. She added inspiring, leading and creating change to the description of successful women. "When the Mercury defeated the Detroit Shock Sept. 16 to become the WNBA champs," she said, "that changed my life. That victory was the definition of teamwork.

"And that's what we're all about. Building something to be proud of, becoming positive role models and positive inspirations to each other and to the larger community," Parry said.

To encourage and recognize the contributions Valley women make to their communities, the Phoenix Mercury will serve as host for the Arizona Women of Inspiration Night Sept. 5 at US Airways Center in Phoenix.

The evening will honor local women who have been nominated and selected to be Women of Inspiration. Criteria for evaluation will include outstanding individual accomplishments, overcoming obstacles and inspiring others.

Parry and Amy Stuhr, account executive for the Mercury, both encouraged the luncheon attendees to nominate inspiring women for the award. For forms and information about the award and the special night of inspiration, e-mail Stuhr at astuhr@phoenixmercury.com.

Being part of the community means working to support those programs that encourage girls and young women to aspire to basketball success, Parry said. She cited the Mercury's involvement in community activities and their support of Arizona State University's women's basketball program, which provides scholarships to student athletes.

There is a parallel between the financial support of scholarships and acting as a mentor or doing volunteer work in the community. All of those activities create opportunities to network and build successful futures for young women.

Parry was notably proud of the Mercury's role on the world stage, with two of its team members, Diana Taurasi and Cappie Pondexter, traveling to Beijing to play on the USA Olympic Women's Basketball team. Also, Ann Meyers Drysdale, basketball hall of famer and Mercury general manager, will be part of the broadcast team for women's Olympic basketball coverage.

For information about West Valley Women, visit www.westvalleywomen.org or call Lisa Platt at 602-235-2370.

The next luncheon will be at 11:30 a.m. Sept. 2 in Skye Restaurant, 16844 N. Arrowhead Fountain Center Drive in Peoria, and is the annual "Meet Our Members" event.

Claudia Sherrill may be reached at 623-876-2511 or csherrill@yourwestvalley.com.