I have always been drawn to the energy of a group of women gathered together. Whether they are brainstorming creative solutions to big problems at work, listening and empathizing with friends over lunch, encouraging each other while lacing up their running or spinning shoes just after sunrise, or connecting and building stronger relationships together, groups of women gathered together creates pure magic.
Much has been written about the leadership styles and differences between men and women. Women are naturally more collaborative and relational, and seek out ways to make a difference and take action. They are motivated by building new leaders and find ways to inspire and transform others.
It’s why I have always sought to build and foster spaces for women to gather together and be their most authentic selves. And it’s why I have built a new space for women through Spark Sisterhood.
When I was a college student, I started a feminist student organization on campus that quickly became more than a space for us to plan events and campaigns and discuss the environment for women at the university. It was a place for us to show up as we were and support one another through hard days, confusing relationships, and demanding course work. I met some of my closest friends through this group, and many of the women did as well. We were more than a student organization; we were a tribe.
Most recently, I spent seven years recruiting and training women to run for office. The space I was able to build for those training sessions ensured that while the women walked into the room as strangers, they left as soul sisters. The training program did more than just teach women the skills they needed to run for office; it built a network of other women who would fiercely support them in their political journeys. The relationships they built together from the very first training day stayed with them forever. They shared stories over lunch and these connections only strengthened over time. I saw women in the class organizing carpools to support another woman’s campaign kickoff event. I saw them planning days to help another woman with doorknocking in her district. And even others who offered childcare to campaigning moms so they could be out at events or debate nights.
There is a common refrain I hear when people learn I work closely with groups of women. I am told that women are “catty” and “full of drama” and yet my experience is anything but. Sure, women have been living and breathing in a culture and society that tells us our needs are not important. And sure, women are told over and over that there is only room at the tables of power for one of us so we must compete with each other to sit in that seat. But more than ever, we are building new tables of power. We are redefining what power even means to us in our personal and professional lives. We are sharing seats at the table to make more room for all of us. This is what is magical about women gathering together. The camaraderie, the connection, the commitment to each other. The sisterhood.
When women gather together, stories are shared and souls are connected to one another forever.
When women gather together, problems and challenges are solved when they are discussed and viewed through a new lens.
When women gather together, they find the power and strength and confidence in themselves they may have lost along the way.
When women gather together, action is taken to fiercely support each other and lives are transformed.
When women gather together, MAGIC happens. Join us to be a part of the magic.
Who are your favorite women to get together with?