I received the most amazing networking hack from someone the other day. When I mentioned how many networking events I was attending each week, she asked “and are you making sure to connect with the host at every event?”.

I blinked. Because no, absolutely not. I very rarely make an effort to identify, connect and thank the host. It sounds so stupid and obvious as I write it out, but it honestly had never crossed my mind.

She explained that the host(ess) should be the FIRST person you speak with (an incentive for getting there early). And then at the end of your interaction, ask if there’s anyone in particular attending the event that they think you should connect with.

Needless to say…I’ll be testing this one out, despite my brain telling me “don’t be cringe”. I’ll report back.

Worth Attending…

Friday, September 4th - The Boardroom Besties Female Founders Walk Chicago

Tuesday, September 8th: lie better, laugh more: the linguistics of humor and deceit

Wednesday, September 9th - PWCC Luncheon: Becoming You with Suzy Welch

Thursday, September 10th - Choose Your Yes. Part I: Personal Leadership

Friday, September 11th - Coffee & Lakefront Networking Walk

Tuesday, September 15th:

• The AI Recognition Gap

• Learn to Trust Your Intuition

Wednesday, September 16th: Social Connection Summit - Chicago

Worth Knowing…

Meet Elizabeth Tomon of LOO! She just launched her own company, developing an adult incontinence brief that can detect the early signs of a UTI in elderly adults and alert caregivers with a simple color change.

What’s something you’re working on right now that you’re really excited about?

Officially pivoted from corporate security into full-founder mode on LOO!

What’s something you’ve done recently that you’re proud of?

I started rowing last September and LOVE it! I’ve always been the most proud of myself when I try something new that scares me.

If we were grabbing coffee, what would you want to talk about?

Honestly, I would talk about LOO. I would spend a ridiculous amount of time talking about adult incontinence and the U.S. Eldercare system. The rest of the time we would talk about family!

What’s a tool or resource that you swear by?

I love Morning Brew podcast. It is such a bright way of getting news in the morning.

What’s your go-to spot in Chicago?

Ping Pong restaurant in Lakeview - 11/10

What is your favorite activity outside of work?

Rowing!

Who are you looking to connect with?

Angel investors who might be interested in LOO, people that are good in Marketing that would be willing to help me with branding (for not a ton of money), or caregivers that are open to speaking with me as part of my consumer research. If you have someone in mind, feel free to forward them this survey link.

Where can we find you?

www.looutidetection.com | LinkedIn: @elizabeth-tomon

Did you know? This newsletter is just a passion project.

My day job is helping women organize their finances so they can spend less time worrying about money and more time building lives they love.

If you’ve ever wondered whether you’re on track financially, I’d love to chat.

Schedule a call

Let’s talk about the worst part of networking (the reason it gets a bad reputation). You sign up for an event, work up the motivation to actually show up, get to the room and are greeted by a wall of people already in clusters, chatting with each other.

You go to the bar and get a drink, then check your phone for 2 minutes which feels like 40 minutes. Now you’ve already psyched yourself out. The thought of walking up to a group and inserting yourself feels wildly uncomfortable.

So you leave after 20 minutes. And it’s even harder to motivate for the next event.

If this sounds very specific, it’s because I've found myself in this situation many times. There’s no magic cure for it, except to remind yourself that if it’s a networking event, people are there to network.

Politely approaching a group and asking if you can join them might feel uncomfortable, but it’s perfectly normal in that situation. Get your drink, look for anyone else that might be standing by themselves, and if there are none to be found, pick a small group and head over.

“Mind if I join?” used to sound super cringe to me, but it’s effective. 10 out of 10 times, they will say “yes” and let you in. Even if it’s the only group you speak with, you’ve still networked. This is a win 🏆.

Worth Attending…

Tuesday, August 18th - A Shakespearean Take on Heated Rivalry and Off Campus

Wednesday, August 26th

• Celebrating Women’s Leadership

• A Flora-peutic Lavender Social

Thursday, August 27th: Summer Ease Networking for Women & LGBTQIA+ Business Owners & Professionals

Friday, August 28th - Morning Coffee & Connections: A Curated Networking Event for Women

Sunday, August 30th: Summer Series: Garden Party

Worth Knowing…

Meet Biancia Akers of And Then Creative! She helps restaurant owners level up by creating websites and content designed to turn visibility into real growth.

What’s something you’re working on right now that you’re really excited about?

This year I invested in a business mentorship. It’s probably the most challenging thing I've done for my business. It's intense but it is worth it.

What’s something you’ve done recently that you’re proud of?

I've been getting back into weightlifting after dealing with so many chronic health issues. Now that I'm feeling better I'm able to back squat a barbell at 100 pounds for the first time ever.

If we were grabbing coffee, what would you want to talk about?

I really love music, especially making it. I'm relearning the guitar and drums. I can get really nerdy about specific moments in songs. Like the way a certain note hits, chord changes, the singer bends a note, or an instrument comes in at exactly the right moment. I don't know if there is a technical term for it, but I notice those little details.

What’s a tool or resource that you swear by?

Using Brain.fm instead of listening to my playlist to help me work. I’m learning that if I’m going to get work done, I can’t jam out to my favorite albums. It’s helped me focus, especially with the Pomodoro timer feature. I even use it when I need less stimulating music while doing something creative.

What’s your go-to spot in Chicago?

Aster Hall. They have a study and bar. The space is beautiful. I can spend the whole day working on my laptop there. Always brings friends and family for lunch or drinks.

What is your favorite activity outside of work?

I love walking around, visiting different neighborhoods and finding good places to eat and things to do.

Who are you looking to connect with?

I'd love to connect with more business owners who want to grab coffee/matcha or co-working sessions.

Where can we find you?

IG: @andthencreativechicago

Did you know? This newsletter is just a passion project.

My day job is helping women organize their finances so they can spend less time worrying about money and more time building lives they love.

If you’ve ever wondered whether you’re on track financially, I’d love to chat.

Schedule a call

Despite living in Chicago for eight years, I had never heard of the Winter Garden. It was so stunning, and a great reminder of how many beautiful things we have in this city.

If you WFH, a fun summer Friday morning itinerary is:

• 8:30 - coffee at Mojo on LaSalle Street

• 9:00 - work in Winter Garden (it’s quiet enough to take calls, as long as you talk softly)

• 12:00 - lunch at Cafe Deko on Printer’s Row

• 1pm onward: peruse Sandmeyer’s Bookstore

It was the perfect way to start the weekend (all while dodging Lala goers in sparkly crop tops).

Happy August friends! Let’s make the last month of summer count 🙂

Worth Remembering…

Worth Attending…

Wednesday, August 5th - The Table She Built | Networking Dinner at Shore Club Chicago

Thursday, August 6th:

• Power Coffee

• Financial Abundance: Building Wealth From The Inside Out

Sunday, August 9th:

• Forest Bathing at the Alfred Caldwell Lily Pool

• EdTechWalk

Friday, August 14th: Rups, Roses, & Rosé

Worth Knowing…

Meet Calle Foster of Calle Foster Coaching & Consulting! She the founder and Leadership Coach of her own private practice, and speaks on Generational Dynamics at work. She supports organizations in better understanding their multi-generational teams and developing their Millennial & Gen Z talent

What’s something you’re working on right now that you’re really excited about?

I am putting so much love and energy into bringing generational education to different teams and organizations. And while I absolutely love and feel so wholly fulfilled in 1:1 coaching sessions, the most fun part of my work is creating lightbulbs for people who are in multi-generational workplaces. I know what I educate resonates with so many people, because it always ties specifically to them, an immediate relative, spouse, colleague, or otherwise. And I want to share this gift, the enlightenment and new understanding, with so many more people!

What’s something you’ve done recently that you’re proud of?

One thing I'm proud of right now is recognizing how my brain works best. Since launching my business in 2023, AI has been an incredibly helpful thought partner, but I also noticed myself relying on it in ways that affected my own learning and knowledge retention. Recently, I made the conscious decision to return to the foundations of my expertise and set clearer boundaries around how I use these tools. That shift has strengthened my confidence, deepened my trust in my own abilities, and has been one of the most meaningful lessons of my entrepreneurial journey.

If we were grabbing coffee, what would you want to talk about?

I would totally want to know about all of the things challenging you right now, and figure out ways to support and solve for them. Thats definitely something I could talk about for hours. By default, my coaching persona often meshes with my social persona - and I am proud to be able to show up as a friend with coaching tools that creates really safe, non judgmental, and helpful space.

Also, anything Game of Thrones related...I could definitely talk about that for hours ;)

What’s a tool or resource that you swear by?

1) The Brick - an app and device that blocks my ability to access apps that impact my productivity.

2) A professional 360 assessment. This is the single best tool you can use to build self-awareness, personal brand understanding, skill and knowledge gaps, leadership potential, likability, and more.

Lastly, of course, a COACH! Lebron, Sheryl Sandberg, Brene Brown, Oprah, Melinda Gates all have them - you don't have to power through life alone wondering if "you're doing it right".

What’s your go-to spot in Chicago?

Sawada in West Loop!

What is your favorite activity outside of work?

Tomato girl summer, and playing with my dogs!

Who are you looking to connect with?

I am looking to meet business leaders who book or have influence in speakers for meetings, kickoffs, and conferences who want to bridge the divide and solve for some of the breakdowns across generations!

Where can we find you?

www.CalleFoster.com | IG: @millennialleadershipcoach | LI: www.linkedin.com/in/calle-foster

Did you know? This newsletter is just a passion project.

My day job is helping women organize their finances so they can spend less time worrying about money and more time building lives they love.

If you’ve ever wondered whether you’re on track financially, I’d love to chat.

Schedule a call

I know I’m behind the ball on this but…we’re halfway through 2026! This is my first year as an entrepreneur, and it’s been interesting to experience the annual rhythms of work that exist outside of corporate life. When I was in a W-2 role, summer was typically a season to slow down. As a business owner, though, July seems to be doing the opposite - heating up, both literally and figuratively.

A lot of great events have popped up recently, which means this week's list is longer than usual. I had a tough time narrowing it down, so hopefully you'll find at least one that's worth adding to your calendar 🙂.

Worth Remembering…

Worth Attending…

Tuesday, July 21st

• Chicago Connection Lab: Solving for Community

• MCA with MoY - Museum Field Trip!

• Music in the Park

Wednesday, July 22nd: Sanctuary in the Sky: Movement & Sound Bath Experience

Thursday, July 23rd

• Desi Women Networking + Goal Setting Social

• Passport to Founders

• You GROW Girl

Friday, July 24th: Samanthas in Chicago: A Brunch Experience

Saturday, July 25th: Chicago PARALLEL Popup: Design Your Childfree Life

Thursday, July 30th:

• Women of Diversity: Inclusive Leadership Conversation

• Welcome to the Futures Salon, Chicago

Worth Knowing…

Meet Idara E. Bassey, Esq. of JOY Counsel LLC. She is an attorney who helps women lawyers and corporate professionals stay intact, aligned, and empowered in corporate spaces. Her proprietary approaches involve integrating heart-based practices and tools alongside traditional grounded exploration to create inspired action and innovative thinking around areas of concern.

What’s something you’re working on right now that you’re really excited about?

I am hard at work on my next forthcoming book, “The Soul Aligned Lawyer®: Follow Your Heart Without Leaving Your Mind Behind.” So many women have reached a stage in their careers where they are quietly wondering, “Is this all there is?”“ It’s a perfect time to sit down to take stock and get really intentional whether the success they’ve achieved (or their professional direction) is truly aligned with their values and what’s most meaningful for them. Working with meaning is the best way to achieve wellness as a lawyer and to guard against burnout in the profession.

What’s something you’ve done recently that you’re proud of?

I am fairly new to Chicago, after having to relocate here from Atlanta to address some family obligations, and outside of a few family member who live here, I didn't know anyone else here. I am shocked that I am primarily getting around via public transit! I can't even recall riding a bus in any of the past cities I've resided in...it's a testimony really to the great public transit system here in Chicago, and the great architecture here in town is a great motivation to be a spectator as often as possible! :)

If we were grabbing coffee, what would you want to talk about?

Defining success on your terms - it's been my lived experience for decades and I enjoy reminding women how strong and free they are and encouraging them to be the best they can be!

What’s a tool or resource that you swear by?

Meditation, meditation, meditation...it's been a permanent part of my self-care arsenal for over 20 years and I'd hate to envision what my life would be like without it.

What’s your go-to spot in Chicago?

Still learning my way around - I've seen a few films at the Siskel Film Center that were wonderful.

What is your favorite activity outside of work?

Since relocating to Chicago I really enjoy taking walks by Lake Michigan...it's a great stress reliever.

Who are you looking to connect with?

Women in law - be it in BigLaw, government or small/solo practitioners who value personal development.

Where can we find you?

LinkedIn or my website

Did you know? This newsletter is just a passion project.

My day job is helping women organize their finances so they can spend less time worrying about money and more time building lives they love.

If you’ve ever wondered whether you’re on track financially, I’d love to chat.

Schedule a call

I feel like the Monday after the 4th is always kind of brutal (more so than other holiday weekends, but unclear why). Hang in there. It’s almost Tuesday.

Over the weekend I took some time to reflect (in between watching T&T wedding content) on some of my recent networking experiences.

They’ve been all over the place (both literally and figuratively) - from coffee on a boat, to pilates in the park and high tea at The Gwen.

Despite the variety of location, they’ve all had one thing in common: small group settings, with facilitated discussions. This is, after all, my preferred way of networking.

Which makes me curious… do others feel the same way?

So I decided to test out Substack’s polling feature to do some research.

If you have moment, would love to have you cast your vote (but only if you feel it’s worth your time).

Otherwise, here is this week’s lineup👇.

Worth Remembering…

Worth Attending…

Wednesday, July 8th:

• Soft Power Soirée at The St. Regis

• Outdoor Strength Class in Oz Park (hosted by a previous spotlight!)

Friday, July 10th: Morning Coffee & Connections: A Curated Networking Event for Women

Saturday, July 11th: tall bxtch energy pop up

Sunday, July 12th: Grounded Glow Series - Glow Reset

Tuesday, July 14th: Flow State - An Evening on AI and Community

Wednesday, July 15th: Connect for a Cause: Spring Nonprofit Fair

Worth Knowing…

Meet Morgan Barkus of the Confidence Stage 💪. She is a confidence coach who helps women feel unfiltered and unapologetic about what they want. If there is something you’ve always wanted to do or change, but just haven’t had the confidence to go after it yet…she’s here for you.

What’s something you’re working on right now that you’re really excited about?

I launched the Confidence Club, an online weekly call for women who are done with polished, performative spaces and ready for something real and raw. Women show up as they are, say the unfiltered thing, and leave feeling energized. I used to teach fitness and dance and I loved getting women together in a room where they could support each other, celebrate each other, and be themselves. So this feels exactly like what I was meant to build.

What’s something you’ve done recently that you’re proud of?

After more than six years in medical device sales I recently became number one in my company. That is new for me and it feels good! I'm enjoying the high!

If we were grabbing coffee, what would you want to talk about?

Relationships, dating, communication, sex. I'm like your therapist and your best friend in one. I love talking to women about who they really are when they are in a relationship. It's my favorite conversation.

What’s a tool or resource that you swear by?

The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz. That book has shaped how I live my life and how I coach my clients. The lessons hit!

What’s your go-to spot in Chicago?

Soho House in the West Loop. I don't live in the city so Soho House is my home away from home. I have a gym, a place to work, and I have met some really incredible people there. The studio in the gym is gorgeous! My first time in the space I thought, "I need to teach a class in here," so quarterly I host my Exotic Dance workshop for the members.

What is your favorite activity outside of work?

Working out and attending LIVE house music events. House music is my religion. It feeds my soul.

Who are you looking to connect with?

I’m always looking to connect with women in Chicago who host podcasts and are looking for engaging, dynamic, and authentic guests. I’d also love to connect with women who are curating live events and looking for speakers and workshop facilitators. There’s something really special about getting women in a room together, getting them engaged with each other, and building confidence through inspiration and real conversation. If that sounds like something you’re working on, let’s connect!

Where can we find you?

The Confidence Stage | IG: @morganbarkus

Did you know? This newsletter is just a passion project.

My day job is helping women organize their finances so they can spend less time worrying about money and more time building lives they love.

If you’ve ever wondered whether you’re on track financially, I’d love to chat.

Schedule a call

Regardless, I think summer is a fantastic time to do less formal networking. Organize a meet up with a few close friends and have each person bring someone new. Join a pickle ball league (or sign up for open play). Plan a morning coffee walk along the lake.

(I kind of want to do all of these things, and post about them here 🙃)

But more on that later. Without further ado, here is this week’s roundup!

Worth Remembering…

Worth Attending…

Tuesday, June 23rd: last call lectures: the irl effect: building community in the age of ai

Wednesday, June 24th: Magnetic By Design

Thursday, June 25th: Pours & Prompts: Postcards From My Life

Saturday, June 27th:

• Paint & Picnic on Chicago’s Lakefront

• Elevated Sound Bath Meditation + Pilates

Tuesday, June 30th: Celebrating Women in Innovation

Wednesday, July 8th: Soft Power Soirée at The St. Regis

Friday, July 10th: Morning Coffee & Connections: A Curated Networking Event for Women

Worth Knowing…

Meet Caroline Riley of Live Music Yoga 🎻. She is a long time yoga instructor who has recently launched her own practice that curates sound and movement experiences. Her work invites people to find presence, meaning and connection.

What’s something you’re working on right now that you’re really excited about?

I'm really excited about a partnership I'm working on with a music education organization. I LOVE working with artists to create unique experiences. Exploring possibilities as I collaborate with them gives me a lot of energy!

What’s something you’ve done recently that you’re proud of?

I recently started more actively managing my own portfolio and taught myself how to trade options. I'm not sure I could/should advise anyone! haha. But, I'm proud that I took action to explore something that felt challenging and scary. Learning a lot.

If we were grabbing coffee, what would you want to talk about?

Neuroscience and how it presents in humans, anything yoga related, life, the beauty of the world, etc. I love learning about people and am curious about tons of topics.

What’s a tool or resource that you swear by?

Mindful breathwork. Daily.

What’s your go-to spot in Chicago?

Women's Park and Gardens. Go there. :)

What is your favorite activity outside of work?

Playing music - piano and saxophone

Where can we find you?

IG: @live.music.yoga | LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/caroline-r-6968134/

Did you know? This newsletter is just a passion project.

My day job is helping women organize their finances so they can spend less time worrying about money and more time building lives they love.

If you’ve ever wondered whether you’re on track financially, I’d love to chat.

Schedule a call

If you think networking is painful…try sitting inside doing time value of money calculations while everyone else is outside sipping spritzes on a patio.

But I digress - here is this week’s roundup! Wishing everyone sunshine and connections over the next couple of weeks ☀️.

Worth Remembering…

Worth Attending…

Tuesday, June 9th: Cultivate and Connect Summer Social

Thursday, June 11th: Summer Clothing Swap

Friday, June 12th:

• Walk, Yap, & Coffee Chicago

• New Moon Sisterhood Circle

Sunday, June 14:

• Farmers Market Meetup

• TechWalk

Wednesday, June 17th: Power Coffee - Problem Solving Before the Day Begins

Thursday, June 18th: Milestones Worth Celebrating for Childfree Women

Worth Knowing…

Meet Trisha Cassel of Trisha Total Fitness 💪. She is a Personal Trainer and Nutrition Coach, who founded her company to help women feel stronger & more confident. She focuses on meeting busy women 1-1 in their homes or virtually to lift weights and prioritize their health. She loves watching women transform their habits and lifestyle to increase their longevity and happiness.

What’s something you’re working on right now that you’re really excited about?

I am building a community of women who enjoy lifting! I will host several small group outdoor classes this summer to create community and to educate women on how to make time for strength training and improve their nutrition. I am also working on a membership service where women can access short on-demand workouts when they only have 10 minutes to exercise.

What’s something you’ve done recently that you’re proud of?

I have survived my first year in business and have learned more than I ever expected. It has been rewarding, exhausting, stressful, and the best decision I ever made. I am so excited to continue learning, growing and positively impacting lives!

If we were grabbing coffee, what would you want to talk about?

Travel, fitness and women's health

What’s a tool or resource that you swear by?

My top 4 favorite podcasts are: Mel Robbins, Jay Shetty, Emma Grede, Diary of a CEO

What’s your go-to spot in Chicago?

Lakefront at Fullerton, where I can admire the city, people watch, free think, & get sunshine on my face

What is your favorite activity outside of work?

International travel - every summer I travel to Europe with 3 amazing women! This year is Portugal.

Where can we find you?

Website: https://www.trishatotalfitness.com | IG: @trishatotalfitness | LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/trisha-cassel/

Did you know? This newsletter is just a passion project.

My day job is helping women organize their finances so they can spend less time worrying about money and more time building lives they love.

If you’ve ever wondered whether you’re on track financially, I’d love to chat.

Schedule a call

Welcome to everyone who has subscribed since my last post, I’m so excited (and honored) to have you here. My hope is that I can inspire at least one high quality connection for you over the next two weeks 💫.

Worth Remembering…

Worth Attending…

Friday, May 29th: Summer Women in Business Luncheon

Sunday, May 31st: In Good Company

Tuesday, June 2nd: The Cost of Ambition - Navigating Career & Caregiving Without Apology

Tuesday, June 2nd: survival mode is not a personality - how trauma hides your habits

Wednesday, June 3rd: Get Sh*t Done Club

Wednesday, June 3rd: PWCC Summer Send-off Book Swap

Saturday, June 6th: Spin and Social

Tuesday, June 9th: Network & Chill

Wednesday, June 10th: Align and Unwind

Worth Knowing…

Meet Nina Bachkova of Honorata Consulting. She helps established female founders break through their revenue ceiling and build consistently profitable businesses. Think of her as the strategic partner who gets in the weeds with you, not just hands you a plan and wishes you luck.

What’s something you’re working on right now that you’re really excited about?

I'm in the middle of developing a new group program specifically for established service providers who are fully booked but not scaling the way they know they should be. I'm doing deep research right now, talking directly with founders to make sure I build something that actually solves the right problems rather than what I think the problems are. It's the most energizing work I've done yet because it's so close to the heart of why I started Honorata in the first place.

What’s something you’ve done recently that you’re proud of?

I'm planning a joint 40th birthday bash in Mallorca with my best friend! Next to my international wedding, it might be my greatest logistical achievement yet. Coordinating an international celebration with friends and family across time zones is no small feat, but watching it all come together will be magical. Turns out event planning might be my secret superpower. Who knew?!

If we were grabbing coffee, what would you want to talk about?

Sit me down with a good whole milk latte and ask me about my travels and I will not stop. I've lived abroad, gotten stranded in Cuba with no money, took a last minute helicopter through thick fog in the Nepalese Himalayas, had to do a 3-point turn on a narrow icy road on the side of a cliff in Iceland (in a Ford Focus). All true stories! But also, let's talk about the realities of being a solopreneur. The (daily) moments where you question everything. Ha!

What’s a tool or resource that you swear by?

Everyone should read What They Don’t Teach You at Harvard Business School. The premise is simple but radical: street smarts and common sense will take you further in business than any degree or framework ever could. As an entrepreneur, you can have all the theoretical knowledge in the world but if you can’t read a room, trust your gut, or navigate the messy reality of actually running a business, none of it matters. This book is a reminder that the most valuable business education often happens outside the classroom.

What’s your go-to spot in Chicago?

My piano teacher’s studio.

What is your favorite activity outside of work?

Playing piano.

Where can we find you?

Instagram and LinkedIn

Starting something new is a little like rappelling down a mountain. Terrifying, but in the end you just have to let go and trust the process. Grateful to have you along for this adventure.

But enough about me - let’s get back to what we’re all here for. Helping networking suck less.

Worth Remembering…

Worth Attending…

Here are the Chicago events I’m peeping for the next two weeks 👀.

Tomorrow, May 14th:

• Morning Coffee & Connections - A Curated Networking Event for Women

• Women of Diversity - Unspoken Beliefs & Lived Journeys

Friday, May 15th: Journaling Coffee Crew

Saturday, May 16th: Club Yoga @ Joy District

Wednesday, May 20th: How to Survive and Thrive After Failure

Thursday, May 21st: Angry Hour for Pissed Off Optimists

Friday, May 22nd: Friday Coffee Meetup

Wednesday, May 27th: Art Night and Happy Hour at mHUB

Worth Knowing…

Meet Stephanie Krubsack of Circular Creative Global and Younger by Nature 🌱. She works at the intersection of strategic communications, corporate workshops, sustainability, wellness, and modern longevity, helping brands and organizations communicate more intentionally, while also building a wellness and skincare collective rooted in nontoxic living and healthy aging.

What’s something you’re working on right now that you’re really excited about?

Right now I’m building the Younger by Nature clean skincare line into a brand with a podcast and monthly collective, where I want it to be as much about education as it is about my actual product, as your wellness and longevity go-to, from your 40 yr old naturally aging friend.

What’s something you’ve done recently that you’re proud of?

Related to skincare, I’m traveling to Egypt and the south of France to research ancient remedies and naturals oils, to better curate clean skincare products and education.

If we were grabbing coffee, what would you want to talk about?

Wellness products, herbalism, environmental and waste reduction efforts, and creative direction/ideas.

What’s a tool or resource that you swear by?

I love The Genius Life podcast for all things wellness and a small pomodoro timer at your desk to get tasks done quickly, in time blocks.

What’s your go-to spot in Chicago?

The member lounge cafe in The Art Institute.

What is your favorite activity outside of work?

So many...international travel, trying new recipes, hiking & kayaking, painting!

Where can we find you?

Instagram and LinkedIn

Here’s what I learned.

When I left my corporate job to start my own financial planning practice, I knew I couldn’t build a business from behind my laptop. I needed to get out there and meet people.

So I set a goal: three networking events a week for six months.

My strategy was to sign up for everything I could find on Eventbrite, scan my alumni groups, google “Chicago networking events” as much as possible, and gird my loins.

I expected them to be painful…and they did not disappoint. From dingy bars and creepy hotel lobbies to upscale patios - they all followed the same basic format: put a name tag on, circle the room, awkwardly try to interject yourself into conversations and check your phone every 10 minutes to see how much time you have left.

I had been told that networking would make or break my business, but the question I kept coming back to was “how is this worth my time”?

The game changer

Thankfully, one of my Google searches led me to PWCC (Professional Women’s Club of Chicago)1, and everything clicked. Small groups. Facilitated conversation. Brilliant women with good energy. I finally understood what networking could feel like when someone actually designs it well.

It felt so transformative that I thought to myself “more of this”, and I started hosting my own events - Morning Coffee & Connections, a curated, structured gathering limited to 10 women in downtown Chicago. No awkward small talk. No working the room. Just real conversation over coffee with interesting people.

I’ve also become a LOT pickier when it comes to the events that I choose to spend my time on, and am always on the hunt for high caliber gatherings of bad*ss women doing cool things and looking to make genuine connections.

I’m constantly emailing friends and fellow female business owners telling them about events I’m going to and figured - why not start sharing these finds more broadly?

Welcome to Worth Your Time!

This is a biweekly newsletter for women in Chicago who want to network in ways that don’t make them want to hide in a bathroom stall or fake a phone call and leave.

Every other week, I’ll send you a short, skimmable email with three things:

Worth Remembering: One real, specific networking tip I’ve learned the hard way or heard from others. Things I wish someone had told me before I spent six months figuring them out.

Worth Attending: 3 to 5 curated networking events happening in Chicago over the next two weeks that are actually worth your time (and usually ones I’m planning to attend myself). Events I’ve found around the city that seem to meet my bar for quality: small enough to have real conversation, well-run, and full of women you’d actually want to know.

Worth Knowing: A spotlight on a woman in Chicago doing something interesting. Someone building a company, leading a community, making a career pivot, creating something cool. The kind of person you’d want to sit next to at a dinner party.

Why this exists:

Because networking shouldn’t feel like a chore you endure to grow your career or your business. And because your time is too valuable to waste on the wrong rooms.

I’ve started a business, found incredible friends (which can feel impossibly hard at 40), and built a community I love, all because I kept showing up until I found the events that were actually worth it.

I wish I had discovered the power of networking earlier, and I want to make it more accessible to all women.

What I need from you.

This newsletter is only as good as the community behind it. Here’s how you can help:

📬 Subscribe: Hit the subscribe button so you don’t miss an issue. It’s free, it’s biweekly, and I respect your inbox.

📅 Know of a great event? I can’t be everywhere! If you know of a women’s networking event, workshop, or gathering in Chicago that deserves a spot on our Worth Attending list, tell me about it. → Suggest an event

🌟 Know someone amazing? If there’s a woman in Chicago doing something worth spotlighting, nominate her for our Worth Knowing section. (yes, you can nominate yourself. please do.) → Nominate a woman Worth Knowing