7 Female Networking Groups That Are Writing the History of Business in New York
“If I can make it there, I can make it anywhere”, says Alicia Keys about the City that Never Sleeps, the Concrete Jungle, the Big Apple, the city full of dreamers, hustlers, movers, and shakers. For centuries, New York has been the entrepreneurial Mecca – the city where people with game-changing business ideas and ultra-high goals flock to.
When we look at the mix of the (arguably) new wave of feminism, a renaissance in entrepreneurship, and new digital opportunities, all occurring within the last decade, it’s no wonder that, for females, New York is still the place to be and will continue to be so.
One of the most magical things about this city is that you can meet people from all over the world with limitless ambition, wild dreams, and a rock-hard work ethic. As a woman in New York, you can benefit from attending networking groups that will launch your business into success. Here are some of our top picks:
- The Camaraderie
Let’s start with Camaraderie, which is definitely one of the most fun and laid-back networking spaces in all of New York! Founded by 25-year-old Aussie Jane Taylor, the aim of the Camaraderie is to “foster fun friendships”.
The monthly membership is very affordable, considering the spectrum of events the organization hosts on a monthly basis. Just within one month, you’ll be able to attend dozens of exciting talks, sessions, and workshops as a member for free! Non-members can also attend events with a fee.
Another specialty of the group is the so-called ‘happy place’, a late-night mixer where members (and non-members) can enjoy exciting events and meetups with inspirational speakers.
- Ladies Get Paid
Ladies Get Paid is a highly active network that operates all over the country. It’s most famous for its ‘Ladies Get Coffee’ morning coffee events where members can meet up over pastries and talk business.
The ultimate goal of the network is to discuss and tackle the pay gap issue and enable working women to get paid as much as they deserve. Next to this systemic mission, the organization also works to empower each businesswoman to find her own voice and build confidence.
- New Women Space
New Women Space is an organization that’s great for female networking but actually goes way beyond business and professional relationships. This space is a chance to learn more about yourself, grow, and do it all with your fellow new women by your side.
The space is entirely community-led and features talks exclusively from “women, femme, queer, transgender and gender-nonconforming individuals”. It first started as a 30-day pop-up in 2016 after a successful Kickstarter campaign but continued working after overwhelmingly positive responses from the community.
The focus of the network is on identity and creativity, celebrating each woman as a well-rounded person with important accents on the professional, but also way beyond. One thing is for sure: in the New Women Space, you’re guaranteed to meet some interesting and inspirational people!
- Women Who Code
With over 15,000 members, this meetup group is one of the largest female coding networking groups in the world. According to their mission statement, Women Who Code is about empowering female engineers to take up decision-making roles in their companies.
“In the male-dominated world of coding and IT, the need for female networking is more accentuated than anywhere else. Luckily, in New York, you’re far from being the lonesome female coder in your company – you can join Women Who Code and meet thousands of women just like you. Moreover, their valuable insights and articles are widely used by computer science students while writing their academic papers ”, says Miranda Halsey, an editor and academic writer at the paper writing help service EssaySupply.
WWC events are versatile, interesting, and real career-boosters: from talks, panels, and study groups to hands-on tech events and talks with experts and innovators.
- Six Degrees Society
Six Degrees is one of the most active networks in the U.S., with New York naturally being one of the organization’s most important hubs. The target group for society is female millennials.
Events are organized on a monthly basis and are very versatile: from tastings, parties, and discussion panels to talks with psychologists.
Non-members can attend events with affordable tickets, while for members, the events are free.
- Ellevate
Ellevate is a worldwide female networking group with more than 40 international chapters, New York being one of the biggest. The group promotes mentorship, socializing, entertainment and events and is definitely one of the it-groups of female empowerment.
In New York, you can often find Ellevate’s events being organized at least once a week: happy hours, networking breakfasts, parties…
You can visit Ellevate’s events only as a member, but the organization also hosts some events where non-members can attend.
- The Freelancers Hub
If you’re a rock star female freelancer living and working in New York City, The Freelancers Hub is an awesome place to meet some new people and exchange ideas. The aim of this networking project is to connect freelancers exclusively and give them all the perks of working in an office team, such as Christmas parties. The entry to the hub is free and you can stop by and say hi to some fellow freelancers anytime you want!
Conclusion
Whichever networking group for females you pick, you surely won’t be disappointed. The best way to start is to attend more of them (as much as possible) and continue with those where you like the vibe and the crowd.
