SECT Women's Network Mastermind Enrollment for 1st Series January-May 2026
Activate You Next Level Success Applications Open for January Session!
Imagine what’s possible when you surround yourself with driven, growth-focused women who see your potential, amplify your clarity, and help you turn ideas into outcomes.
The Southeastern CT Women’s Network Mastermind is more than a professional development program. It’s a high-impact incubator for momentum, strategy, and transformation. Over 5 months, you'll participate in structured, collaborative sessions designed to help you:
What to Expect: Dedicated working sessions with hot seat coaching Real-time feedback, resources, and accountability Supportive and empowering community of peers Action plans that drive measurable results
Proof it works?
What would it feel like to see your goals take shape faster than expected with less doubt, more certainty, and a circle of women who want to see you win?
Applications are now open for the Q1 2026 Mastermind Series January–May 2026 Enrollment form: SECTWN Mastermind Application 2026
Coffee & Connections – Filomena's Restaurant, Waterford, CT Start your day with us... Wednesday, January 7, 2026 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. 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 mgannotti@gmail.com
Network@Night (N@N) – Aikido New London County with Crystal Aldrich We'll be having a super time... Wednesday, January 14, 2026, 6:00 pm at our Network@ Night at Aikido New London County, 316 Boston Post Road, Waterford, CT. Register and pay online, $10 per person, or cash at the door. Crystal Aldrich of Aikido New London County is hosting a self-defense event, that is interactive and practical. This is accessible for everyone of all ages and abilities. Learn some basic Aikido moves and how to use them. Wine and cheese will be available afterward. The event will benefit TVCCA.
If you are interested in hosting your own Network @ Night event? Click this link to submit a Host Application Google Form.
Be sure to join Us Wednesday, January 21, 2026 at 11:30 am for our monthly luncheon 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.
Jewell Jones, LCSW, will speak on "The Power of Self-Worth." She will cover: 1) The currency of worth 2) When who you are feels like too much 3) Redefining "enough" 4) Adapting a new mindset. An empowering call to action for businesswomen across industries to reclaim their inherent value beyond job titles, accolades, or societal expectations. Too often, high-achieving women internalize imposter syndrome, perfectionism, people-pleasing and other harmful narratives while attempting to present their authentic self. The secret to transformative is in believing we are already enough. Through heartfelt storytelling, interactive reflection, and practical mindset shifts, the attendees will be guided to confront the narratives that undermine confidence and authenticity. Attendees will be prompted to challenge the internalized beliefs that suggest they have to prove their worth and offers instead a path to anchoring it. Attendees will leave with practical self-worth rituals, a renewed leadership lens, and a powerful reminder: a woman who owns her worth doesn’t just succeed—she changes everything around her.
For those who are willing, the members of the Network can position themselves for tangible change through the power of self-reflection, self-acceptance, and embodied authenticity Bio: Resilience Expert & Transformational Speaker, Therapist Jewell Jones embodies resilience and transformation. Born and raised in Oakland, California, her early life as an honors student and talented athlete was disrupted when family addiction led to periods of homelessness and instability. Jewell used these challenges as steppingstones toward creating an extraordinary life. After graduating high school early, Jewell joined the U.S. Navy, serving 10 years on active duty and 3 years in the reserves. This military foundation launched a remarkable 21-year career at Liberty Bank, where she advanced from part-time teller to Branch Manager, mastering seven different positions along the way. At age 51, when many settle into career comfort zones, Jewell made the courageous decision to pursue her deeper calling. She earned her Master's in Social Work from the University of Connecticut in 2020, became a fully licensed clinical social worker, and launched her successful private practice in 2024.An award-winning professional recognized among the "100 Women of Color," Jewell brings a uniquely powerful perspective to her presentations. She speaks with authenticity about navigating life's unexpected turns, finding opportunity in adversity, and the courage required for meaningful transformation at any age. Married for nearly 30 years to her husband Reg, Jewell balances her professional passion with rich family connections to their five adult children and five young grandchildren. Jewell’s presentations leave audiences inspired and equipped with practical strategies for resilience. Her signature message resonates across diverse groups: "There is strength in every story of your life – even the chapters you might wish to skip."
*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.
Coffee & Connections – Filomena's Restaurant, Waterford, CT Start your day with us... Wednesday, February 4, 2026 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. 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 mgannotti@gmail.com
Be sure to join Us Wednesday, February 18, 2026 at 11:30 am for our monthly luncheon 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. Gwenn Rosenburg, ND will speak on Women's Heart Health, to teach members about ways to support their heart health and how to identify symptoms of heart disease in women. She will discuss the main categories of heart health conditions (hypertension, coronary artery disease and arrhythmias) and describe which particular therapeutic foods (like garlic, flax seeds and other foods you can find at the grocery store) prevent those heart conditions. Gwenn will also go over the symptoms of those conditions as they present in women. Members will learn about heart health and how to be proactive about prevention and treatment of heart disease.
She will also bring in Dr. Jeremy Mikolai, ND who recently joined the practice and specializes in integrative cardiology. Bio: Dr. Rosenberg is the founder and medical director for New London Natural Health Center. She earned her medical degree from the National College of Natural Medicine and completed her residency with Bastyr University. Dr. Rosenberg has worked in multiple capacities in the healthcare field since 2000 and as a naturopathic physician since 2012. She believes in making healthcare delivery more humane and making space for long-term connections between providers and people seeking medical care.
Network@Night (N@N) – Feel Good Evening with Cara Joseph at Caramia Wellness & Nutrition We'll be having a super time... Thursday, February 26, 2026, 5:00 pm at our Network@ Night at Caramia Wellness & Nutrition, 1101 Noank Ledyard Rd, Mystic, CT. Register and pay online, $10 per person, or cash at the door.
What if your body has been trying to tell you exactly what it needs… and no one has ever shown you how to listen? If you’re a woman over 40 feeling tired, inflamed, foggy, or frustrated with “mystery symptoms,” this after-hours event at Caramia Wellness was made for you. Ready to finally understand what your body has been trying to tell you—and have a great time doing it? Join us for a relaxed and uplifting evening created especially for women who want to feel better, have more energy, and take control of their health in a natural, doable way. At Caramia Wellness, our motto is simple: eat well to be well. And during this after-hours experience, you’ll get a real-life taste of how we help women thrive by uncovering the root cause of their symptoms and supporting the body with the right nutrition and guidance.
What’s Happening Inside This Feel-Good Evening Build-Your-Own Poke Bowl Bar Mix, match, and create a nutrient-rich poke bowl that’s as delicious as it is supportive for your body. You’ll learn how to build meals that boost energy, calm inflammation, and taste amazing. Because healthy eating shouldn’t feel restrictive, it should feel fun, flavorful, and freeing.
Live Nutrition Response Testing Demonstration with Founder Cara Joseph Get a behind-the-scenes look at how Cara uses Nutrition Response Testing to uncover what’s really going on inside the body: • What’s stressing your system • What nutrients you’re missing • What could be causing fatigue, stubborn weight, digestive issues, or hormonal imbalance • And, most importantly, what your body needs to heal
This personalized, root-cause approach has helped countless women over 40 reclaim their energy, balance, and vibrance… often after years of feeling brushed off or stuck without answers. You’ll walk away thinking, “Why didn’t I learn this sooner?”
If You Want a Fresh Start… This Is Your Night Whether you’re curious about natural health, frustrated with conflicting advice, or simply want to feel good in your body again, this inviting after-hours session is the perfect place to start. Come connect, learn, taste, laugh, and discover just how good you’re meant to feel. We can’t wait to welcome you! Half the proceeds will be donated to the Ledyard Food Pantry so no one in our community goes hungry.
Coffee & Connections – Filomena's Restaurant, Waterford, CT Start your day with us... Wednesday, March 4, 2026 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. 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 mgannotti@gmail.com
Before You Feel Ready: Overcoming Fear and Stepping Into Leadership — Kia Baird
Be sure to join Us Wednesday, March 18, 2026 at 11:30 am for our monthly luncheon 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. Kia Baird will speak on "Before You Feel Ready: Overcoming Fear and Stepping Into Leadership." Topics will include: imposter syndrome, confidence building and courage at any stage of life. Kia Baird is a Certified Employment Support Professional. Her experience is in the project management of vocational programs that help people advance their careers. Ms. Baird is the past President of the New London County Section of the NCNW (National Council of Negro Women), an organization founded in 1935 by Mary Mcleod Bethune to work collectively for women’s rights and the rights of young people. Kia is a former Ambassador for the Eastern CT Chamber of Commerce Young Professionals and served the Chamber as a member of its Board of Trustees. Kia Baird received the Young Professionals Community Service Award. She was honored with her peers as one the region’s 40 Under Forty and in the following years Kia was privileged to become one the SECT Professional Women of the Year and 100 Women of Color (CT, MA, RI). Kia served on the board of directors for 10 years and was past president of OutCT. She currently serves on the board of Equality CT. Kia is also the Chair of the Southeastern CT Re-entry Council, serving individuals that are returning to the community after incarceration. Kia serves on the Advisory board of Avalonia Land Conservatory. She is also a past member of the Diversity Board for the Norwich Bulletin and has been featured several times as a guest columnist. Kia Baird is a classically trained soprano. She studied the business of music at the Historically Black College- Winston Salem State University (UNC) located in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. Kia studied both sacred and classical music and concentrated in jazz under the tutelage of D’Walla Simmons Burke, Richard Heard and Dr. David Legette. Among other memorable performances, Kia was the soprano in the Opera Barefoot, narrated by the Late Dr. Maya Angelou and is currently the featured Soloist for RPM Voices of Rhode Island. Kia is a former Board of Directors member of the Norwich Arts Center, where she created Miss Lottie’s Café, A jazz- theater series, named for the late art and community activist, Lottie B Scott in Historic Norwich, CT and is the Founder of Girls in Jazz. Kia sings with the Eastern CT Symphony Chorus and is a new board member of the Connecticut Lyric Opera. Kia holds a Bachelors in Music from Winston-Salem State University and a Masters of Business Administration from Eastern University. Kia’s dream to connect people with passion and creativity to opportunities allows her to help strengthen the community as a whole.
Network@Night (N@N) – Sound Healing and Chakra Meditation with Karen Fox of OneTone Therapy We'll be having a super time... Thursday, March 26, 2026, 6:00 pm at our Network@ Night at Brian's Healing Arts, 461 main Street, Niantic, CT. Register and pay online, $10 per person, or cash at the door. This is an opportunity to experience a calming, stress reducing and renewed sense of mental clarity through Sound Healing and Chakra Meditation that can empower personal growth and healing with Karen Fox of One Tone Therapy. The event will benefit Oneida Health Foundation.
To view local chamber events, click on appropriate link below.
Chamber of Commerce of Eastern ConnecticutGreater Mystic Chamber of CommerceThe Greater Norwich Area Chamber of Commerce
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