It started with 7 cities! And then 11..

Take a look back when volunteer led, #ConnectedWomen #Meetup started. If you were involved from the beginning, we’d love to hear your stories in the comments! Join us on September 25 for our next round.

The first batch of #ConnectedWomen meet-ups happened in April 2018 in seven cities. These were in Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Cebu, Zamboanga, Bohol, Davao, and Makati. A month later, the second batch of meet-ups happened in 11 cities in three countries! Women from London, Singapore, and Baguio, Bohol, Cagayan de Oro, Cebu, Iloilo, Pagadian, Pampanga, Pasig, and Zamboanga all got together face-to-face and had a blast talking about business and remote work.

“This is a community led initiative and we couldn’t do it without the support of our volunteer organisers, venue partners and supporters,” says Connected Women co-founder, Gina Romero. “These women have been part of a truly global movement as we are doing meet-ups in many cities simultaneously. We are so grateful that the women have chosen to be part of this, and I truly believe that together, we can shape the future for women everywhere to be empowered through technology – to share, connect, work and learn.”

Noreen Bautista, Events and Community Growth Manager, talks about the value of community that she found after attending the meet-ups. “After being in the Iloilo meetup, I now see the value of location-specific groups,” she explains. “The Iloilo ladies talked about making the community the go-to place for women freelancers, virtual assistants, and entreps. Same with other cities.” She says she encouraged those who attended to go further, and to join nationwide and worldwide communities for entrepreneurs as well.

Some of the fun and useful moments the ladies had in the various cities include discussing remote work tips and practical life topics like personal finance, and even yoga. Others bonded with discussions over current issues and hobbies they love, including pets and animals. “And a number of them are online professionals and VAs looking for more opportunities which they found more of during the meet-ups,” adds Noreen.

Kaleidoscope Of Inspiring Stories

Alina Co-Calleja, founder of Creative Tree Workshops, an organization geared towards planning workshops for those with creative pursuits, tells of how she enjoyed the meet-up in Pasig this May. “I met a lot of people and I even won the raffle,” she tells excitedly. “What I also enjoyed were the stories of those who attended since there were various ones. There was one who was a call center agent for 17 years who quit, and is now running her own organic soap business. There’s also an owner of a small lower middle class coffee shop in Pasig which has been running for a year.” Rosario Juan, CEO of Commune Cafe, the venue where the meet-ups were held in Makati last April, agrees. “I liked hearing the stories of the women who attended,” she says. “So diverse. And I realized so many women are really seeking out the mentorship and fellowship of other women.”

Rosario adds that she agreed to have the April meet-up in Makati at her café because she was impressed with the advocacy of Connected Women co-founder, Gina Romero. “She has these amazing advocacies and gets so much done for the community of women around her,” she says. “We shared a passion for events, getting people together and helping our fellow women.”

A Source Of Strength In The Entrepreneurship Journey

Alina admits that #ConnectedWomen’s meet-up and community of women have been sources of strength for her since her journey can be “scary.” “I sometimes get discouraged in this crazy journey of leaving the 9-5 work world for this adventure,” she says. “Meeting these women at the meet-up has been a source of strength. [It’s comforting to know] that struggles are normal but the women are hanging on in there. I’m [also] happy to know these other women. I cannot wait to collaborate with them!”

Our next #ConnectedWomen #Meetup happens this Wednesday November 6th! Click on your nearest city below to sign up:

connetedwomen.co/meetup

Want to launch a meetup in your city? Volunteer now by signing up here!