Upcoming events

    • 05/20/2025
    • 07/31/2026
    • Sponsorship Program
    Register

    A Sponsorship Program Designed with You in Mind

    We understand that no two businesses are the same, which is why we’ve carefully curated a four-tiered sponsorship model that reflects the diverse and dynamic makeup of our Network.

    Whether you’re a solo entrepreneur, a nonprofit, a small business in growth mode, or a well-established organization looking to give back and gain visibility, there is a tier designed specifically for where you are and where you’re going.

    Each level offers thoughtful recognition, strategic visibility, and meaningful community alignment, ensuring your investment feels impactful, intentional, and rooted in purpose.

    Join us as a Founding Sponsor and take your place in shaping the future of women in business across Southeastern Connecticut.
    Let your name be part of the story we tell next.

    See levels below, click register and choose your sponsorship level. Deadline to enroll is June 20, 2025.

    • 06/11/2025
    • 2:00 PM - 3:30 PM
    • Via Zoom
    Register

    Mastermind Zoom Open House June 11 and Enrollment for 3rd Series July-Sept. 2025

          Have you thought about joining Mastermind?

    • Click box to register for Zoom Open House June 11 at 2pm. You will receive zoom link in your confirmation email.

    • Enroll for Q3 Mastermind series in July via Zoom.
    Use link below to fill out form.
    Enrollment form: SECTWN Mastermind Application 2025

    Mastermind meetings are free to attend, as a benefit of Network membership. Please see overview and timeline below.

    Questions, contact Heidi Gruss at heidigruss@yahoo.com.

    2025 Mastermind Sessions Overview
    Starting in 2025, the Southeastern Women’s Network will host four exclusive 3-month Mastermind sessions annually, tailored to help members connect, strategize, and thrive. Here’s what you need to know:

    • Eligibility: Open to Network members-in-good-standing who submit a completed application and are approved by the Mastermind facilitator.
    • Ongoing Participation: Members who uphold the group’s rules will have the opportunity to continue in subsequent sessions.
    • Limited Capacity: The sessions are capped at 10 participants to maintain an intimate and impactful group dynamic.


    • 06/18/2025
    • 11:30 AM - 1:15 PM
    • Langley's Restaurant at Great Neck Country Club, 28 Lamphere Road, Waterford, CT 06385
    Register
    • Installation of Officers and Board Members, and Presentation of Annual Awards

           Be sure to join Us Wednesday, June 18, 2025 at 11:30 am for our monthly luncheon Program at Langley's Restaurant at Great Neck Country Club, $25 for pre-registrations, and $30 for late registrations and walk-ins includes gratuity and tax. Pre-registration is encouraged.
           Be with us as we thank our current Board of Directors and install our Leadership Team for 2025-2026 and present our annual awards. This is always a fun luncheon and a great time to network!

    •     *Registration closes at 9am on the Monday before the luncheon.
          * Remember to bring cash for the 50/50. Your fun ticket purchase at lunch on Wednesday, funds our Network operations, community and charitable engagement activities, and our scholarships! $1 each ticket, no limit.

           * Member Benefit: Members (only) may place their business info on the Members Info Table.





    • 06/19/2025
    • 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM
    • 107 Wilcox Road Suite 103, Stonington, CT 06378
    Register

    Network@Night (N@N) – Stonington Natural Health Center – Hosted by Megan Marco

          We'll be having a super time... Thursday, June 19, 2025, 5:30-7:30 pm  at our Nework@Night at Stonington Natural Health Center, 107 Wilcox Road Suite 103, Stonington, CT 06378. Register and pay online, $10 per person, or cash at the door.   
         Join us and learn why Dr. Megan Marco tells us, "Acupuncture is good for everyone! Connect with the Healing Zone so you can heal and stay healthy."
         The non Profit that will benefit is American Society of Acupuncturists

         If you are interested in hosting your own Network @ Night event? Click this link to submit a Host Application Google Form.






    • 07/02/2025
    • 8:45 AM - 9:45 AM
    • Filomena's Restaurant, 262 Boston Post Road, Waterford, CT 06385
    Register

    Coffee & Connections – Filomena's Restaurant, Waterford, CT

          Start your day with us...Wednesday, July 2, 2025 at 8:45-9:45 am at our Coffee & Connections, at Filomena's Restaurant, 262 Boston Post Road, Waterford, CT. $5 – pay online or at the door, registration optional, coffee included, pay for your own food.
         You're invited to an informal gathering to exchange information and leverage your contacts in a relaxed setting! Bring your business cards, flyers and QR codes to exchange. Looking to network without all the formality? Join us for an hour! Coffee, tea and conversation await!

          Questions Email gina@ginajohnson.co or mwganotti@alz.org


    • 07/16/2025
    • 11:30 AM - 1:15 PM
    • Langley's Restaurant at Great Neck Country Club, 28 Lamphere Road, Waterford, CT 06385
    Register
    • Housing in Southeastern Connecticut — Tricia Cunningham and Beth Sabilia

           Be sure to join Us Wednesday, July 16, 2025 at 11:30 am for our monthly luncheon Program at Langley's Restaurant at Great Neck Country Club, $25 for member pre-registrations, $30 for non-member pre-registrations, and $35 for late registrations and walk-ins includes gratuity and tax. Please note price change. Pre-registration is encouraged.

      Housing and Resources for Families
           Housing issues are impacting every corner of our community and affecting families from all backgrounds. Stable, affordable housing is essential to individual and family well-being, yet many are facing rising costs, limited availability, and barriers that put them at risk of housing insecurity or homelessness.
           In this presentation, we invite you to explore with us the current state of housing in our community. We’ll examine key challenges, including the affordability crisis, the growing number of families experiencing instability, and disparities in access to safe, sustainable housing—particularly among vulnerable populations.
           We will also highlight the resources available to support families in need, as well as the critical role community organizations and advocacy groups play in bridging the gaps.
            Housing affects us all. As more community members understand the challenges we face, we hope to inspire a broader network of advocates dedicated to ensuring everyone has access to safe and stable housing.

      Tricia Cunningham is a dedicated nonprofit professional with deep roots in the community and a passion for service. She currently serves as the Executive Director of Always Home, a local nonprofit committed to preventing family homelessness.
           With more than two decades of leadership experience in the nonprofit sector, Tricia’s career includes serving as President of the Greater Mystic Chamber of Commerce and holding key roles at Fairview and the Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center. Her work has consistently focused on strengthening community connections and advancing meaningful causes.
           Tricia remains actively involved in both regional and statewide initiatives. She serves on the boards of the Rotary Club of Mystic and the Terri Brodeur Breast Cancer Foundation. She is also a member of the Eastern Coordinated Access Network (ECAN) Steering and Executive Committees and represents ECAN on the Connecticut Coalition to End Homelessness Policy and Advocacy Committee.
           She holds a degree in Philosophy from the University of Rhode Island. In 2024, she was named a Paul Harris Fellow by the Rotary Club of Mystic, and she is also a past recipient of the ATHENA Leadership Award, presented by the Ocean Community Chamber of Commerce, in recognition of her leadership and commitment to community service.
           Tricia lives in North Stonington with her husband, Keith. She is the proud mother of two adult daughters and one school-age son, and a devoted grandmother to four grandchildren who continue to inspire and ground her.

      Beth Sabilia is the Director of the Center for Eastern Connecticut Center for Housing Opportunity. Beth is a graduate of the University of Massachusetts and Suffolk University Law School. She was in the private practice of law for more than 26 years, all in New London.
            Beth most recently served as a Selectwoman for the Town of Waterford, (a two-term member of the Waterford Representative Town Meeting), and served as a member of the town’s Board of Finance. Beth acted for two terms as the Mayor of the City of New London and a six-term member of the City Council, where she chaired the Economic Development Committee for more than four years. She was the liaison to the Redevelopment Commission and the Planning & Zoning Commission. Beth also served on the New London Board of Education, acting as its Vice-President and President, and a former Commissioner of the New London Housing Authority.
           Her numerous volunteer activities include acting as the former President of the Board of Trustees of the Bulkeley School Fund, as the Chair of the Waterford Democratic Town Committee, and in roles in community organizations such as the Girl Scouts of America, Waterford Little League,
      the Board of Trustees of Connecticut College, and the Board of Directors of the Alliance for Living. She is a current member of Waterford RISE (Residents for Inclusion and Social Equity).
           Beth is married to Al Dahl, a union pipefitter, and between them, they have four children. Beth prides herself on being open and accessible and strongly encourages all to get in touch.

    •     *Registration closes at 9am on the Monday before the luncheon.
          * Remember to bring cash for the 50/50. Your fun ticket purchase at lunch on Wednesday, funds our Network operations, community and charitable engagement activities, and our scholarships! $1 each ticket, no limit.

           * Member Benefit: Members (only) may place their business info on the Members Info Table.





    • 07/24/2025
    • 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM
    • 49 Collins Rd Stonington, CT 06378
    Register

    Network@Night (N@N) – Vacations by Louise–Cruise Planners,  Hosted by Louise Spivey

          We'll be having a super time... Thursday, July 24, 2025, 5:30-7:30 pm  at our Nework@Night. Louise Spivey from Cruise Planners-Vacations by Louise invites you to her backyard oasis at 49 Collins Rd Stonington, CT. Register and pay online, $10 per person, or cash at the door.   
         A vacation is not just PTO, its time spent with loved ones making memories that will last a lifetime! Enjoy an evening of fun and networking while you dream of your next adventure. Louise Spivey, owner of Vacations by Louise, LLC-Cruise Planners, is passionate about helping you plan the adventure you've been dreaming about. Learn about different cultures and destinations, while enjoying bites and cocktails native to the region.
         This event will benefit Always Home.

         If you are interested in hosting your own Network @ Night event? Click this link to submit a Host Application Google Form.






    • 08/06/2025
    • 8:45 AM - 9:45 AM
    • Filomena's Restaurant, 262 Boston Post Road, Waterford, CT 06385
    Register

    Coffee & Connections – Filomena's Restaurant, Waterford, CT

          Start your day with us... Wednesday, August 6, 2025 at 8:45-9:45 am at our Coffee & Connections, at Filomena's Restaurant, 262 Boston Post Road, Waterford, CT. $5 – pay online or at the door, registration optional, coffee included, pay for your own food.
         You're invited to an informal gathering to exchange information and leverage your contacts in a relaxed setting! Bring your business cards, flyers and QR codes to exchange. Looking to network without all the formality? Join us for an hour! Coffee, tea and conversation await!

          Questions Email gina@ginajohnson.co or mwganotti@alz.org








    • 08/14/2025
    • 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM
    • 52 River Crest Drive, Pawcatuck, CT 06379
    Register

    Network@Night (N@N) – Bliss Works Yoga and Simplify with Kimberly Smith, Hosted by Trish Reyburn and Kimberly Smith

          We'll be having a super time... Thursday, August 14, 2025, 5:30-7:30 pm  at our Nework@Night, 52 River Crest Drive, Pawcatuck, CT. Register and pay online, $10 per person, or cash at the door.  
         The evening will include an instructor-led gentle yoga practice and a brief presentation of Arbonne's plant-based skin care & nutrition. Drinks & snacks provided.
          Proceeds will benefit Granite Theater Children's Endowment Fund.

         If you are interested in hosting your own Network @ Night event? Click this link to submit a Host Application Google Form.






    • 08/20/2025
    • 11:30 AM - 1:15 PM
    • Langley's Restaurant at Great Neck Country Club, 28 Lamphere Road, Waterford, CT 06385
    Register
    • "Building Your 'Kitchen Cabinet' for Life" with Nicole Verdi

           Be sure to join Us Wednesday, August 20, 2025 at 11:30 am for our monthly luncheon Program at Langley's Restaurant at Great Neck Country Club, $25 for member pre-registrations, $30 for non-member pre-registrations, and $35 for late registrations and walk-ins includes gratuity and tax. Please note price change. Pre-registration is encouraged.

           This inspiring luncheon will feature the remarkable Nicole Verdi, who will share her expertise on "Building your 'Kitchen Cabinet' for Life." In a world where industries and career paths are often dominated by males, Nicole's insights offer invaluable lessons learned from her own journey and progression.
            This unique discussion will follow a "Fireside Chat" format, allowing Nicole to engage in an enlightening conversation with either Alyssa or Deb. They will delve into prepared questions that explore the nuances of navigating the challenges women face in their careers and how to build a supportive network—what Nicole refers to as your “Kitchen Cabinet.”
            The floor will then open to attendees for a Q&A session, providing a fantastic opportunity to further explore Nicole's experiences and advice. Whether you're looking to enhance your professional journey or simply find inspiration in your daily life, this luncheon promises to be both engaging and empowering.
            Don't miss out on this chance to learn from one of the leading voices in the field! Mark your calendars and join us for an afternoon filled with insights, inspiration, and community support.

            Nicole Verdi is an Attorney with NuGen Capital Management in Providence, RI, with proven success leveraging legal expertise and strategic planning for private and government sectors. She provides strategy and legal advice and drives decision making within organizations and with key stakeholders. Nicole is skilled at team management and development. She is a strong communicator who uses an effective, personable style in collaborating with internal teams, external clients and state bodies to achieve results. Nicole is admitted to practice law in Connecticut, Massachusetts, Rhode Island and the District Court of Rhode Island.
    •     *Registration closes at 9am on the Monday before the luncheon.
          * Remember to bring cash for the 50/50. Your fun ticket purchase at lunch on Wednesday, funds our Network operations, community and charitable engagement activities, and our scholarships! $1 each ticket, no limit.

           * Member Benefit: Members (only) may place their business info on the Members Info Table.







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