HomeAbout Us (NEW)

About Women's Connection

Origins

We were founded in New York City almost 25 years ago by a group of highly accomplished women who were ready to break away from their careers – but not at all ready to retire from the active, highly productive lives they had built for themselves. These women were pioneers in envisioning a new kind of retirement, one in which women engaged with each other to pursue common interests, contributed their experience and leadership skills to their communities, and built lasting friendships with each other.

Our first chapter outside of New York City was formed in Chicago in 2004. From there, women organized chapters in and around cities throughout the country. An all-virtual chapter, "Coast to Coast", was launched in 2021.

The organization's ground-breaking approach to retirement was explored in a book authored by Gail Rentsch called Smart Women Don't Retire --They Break Free. Published in 2008, the book recounts the experiences of early members as they redefined retirement. On amazon.com, the book was described like this: "For the amazing female pioneers who shattered the glass ceiling, a practical and inspiring guide to reinventing what's next."

Chapters

Organizational Structure

Women's Connection is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. This means that we can't be involved in lobbying activities or political campaigns and we can't conduct activities for the purpose of benefiting any private interests.

We are governed by a Board of Directors and led on a national level by an Executive Director. Each chapter has a steering committee that is headed up by a Chapter Chair.

Mission

To empower women to thrive across life's transitions.

Offerings

Our offerings fall into three categories: Groups, Workshops and Events.

Groups offer opportunities for a small circle of women to connect with each other on a regular basis. We have two types of groups:

Peer Groups meet monthly, in each other's homes or virtually, for wide-ranging discussions. Everyone talks and listens. They laugh and get to know each other better and better. Eventually, real friendships develop.

Special interest Groups (SIGs) are started by members who are looking for women with whom to explore something new or enjoy a common interest. A SIG can be focused on just about anything, from travel to book discussions to quilt-making.

Workshops are intensive courses that emphasize education, self-discovery and practical problem-solving on topics related to our lives. Women's Connection has two signature workshops: "Women in Transition" and "On Resilience". Another nationally-sponsored workshop is called "Unpacking Whiteness".

Events are one-time occasions that run the gamut from educational talks to cocktails. Our events calendar is full of ways to connect with other women many times a week.

Meet our Leadership

Review Our Financials