Please join NAWBO Chicago in giving a heartfelt and sincere thank you to outgoing Chicago Connects co-leaders Marcy Fortnow and Ginna Ryan and West/South Connects co-leader Sue Harrawood!
For years Marcy, Ginna and Sue have organized and overseen these free monthly meetings. Connects serve as a critical touchpoint in the chapter for members and guests, and include presentations from experts on topics pertinent to women business owners, networking and relationship building. Connects are one of the most utilized member perks in the organization and have been shown to foster growth and connection for the membership. They are also one of the main introductions of the organization to guests – helping to grow membership. We have Marcy, Ginna and Sue to thank for so much of that.
Starting in January, Chicago Connects will be led by Sepora Makabeh. West/South Connects will continue to be co-led by Laura McDaniel in addition to Lynette DeRose.
How has being the leader of Chicago Connects impacted you both professionally and personally?
Marcy: Leading the Chicago Connects has been a real pleasure! First, it was really great working with my partner, Ginna Ryan. She and I complement each other well (we make a great team) and co-leading gave us the opportunity to build a strong and gratifying relationship. Second, I feel very strongly about the importance of NAWBO and how it impacts women entrepreneurs here in Chicago and all over the country. Giving back in leadership is the best way to support an organization I care deeply about. I also must add that I have made some really special friends from the city connects group.
Sue: It’s an honor to lead in any area of NAWBO Chicago. West/South Connects is a group of ladies that consider our group part of their extended family and team. We laugh and cry together. For some of our members, it is the only part of NAWBO Chicago they are able to experience due to availability. Professionally, I’ve met and become a sounding board for businesses I may not have been invited in to if it weren’t for our relationship through West/South Connects. Their leaders trust me. On the personal side, being a co-leader has made me a better, kinder and more compassionate woman and person.
Ginna: Leading Chicago Connects has been a kind of bridge for me professionally and personally. Leading this group gave me the opportunity to elevate the awareness for Mauge and highlight what we do. Personally, the opportunity allowed me to develop closer personal relationships with our members.
What is a special memory you take away from your time as a Connects leader?
Marcy: There have been a few times over these three years that we didn’t have a speaker or our goals for the session were unique. In those instances I got to create and facilitate a special experiential event for the group. That’s always fun for me, and I love making that kind of impact!
Sue: Leading a small group, such as a Connects, brings with it more of an honor as the group members trust you with their joys and sorrows. I’m allowed into the ladies’ lives and their businesses because they trust me. There is no higher honor than that.
Ginna: Working with Marcy! We jumped into leading this group without knowing each other. We complement each other incredibly well and we were able to bring our individual strengths to the table to build a really special group. I trust her implicitly and am honored to call her a friend.
What would you say to someone who is considering stepping up and being a Connects leader?
Marcy: The NAWBO women of our Chicago Connects group have been so grateful that there is someone coordinating the learning and connection activities for participants. It is the one way most members make the most of their membership every month. For the amount of work required, there is a huge payback in being part of and being a leader in this amazing community.
Sue: You must have a heart for it. Yes, it’s a business networking group; however, we also share a lot of life and the struggles and joys of owning and leading businesses. Organization is essential, as is enjoying networking and really knowing your group (so you will know which speakers or activities are a fit for your Connects needs). If you think the spotlight is going to be on you, you will not be a good fit. It’s not about getting more business. It’s about being a giver, leading women and being there for your members.
Ginna: I would emphasize the opportunity to continue what has been started, but to also make their own “mark” on the group. The Chicago Connects has been strengthened over the past three years, but particularly during the pandemic. It was an instrumental opportunity to stay connected during a difficult time, especially for small business owners.
What is the important role Connects groups play to the greater NAWBO Chicago chapter?
Marcy: Connects meetings are the way the community builds relationships on a monthly basis. They are more intimate than larger events and members really get a chance to know and support each other. Connects also provides an opportunity for prospective members to check out who we are and the kinds of business interests we represent which is a powerful part of membership growth.
Sue: For some, being a member of a Connects group is their own mini NAWBO Chicago as ladies may be unable to attend the large scale events due to time or other constraints. When we do have larger events, oftentimes the ladies carpool or meet each other at the event which is less intimidating. It gives them a sense of belonging which is huge. Connects groups are a family within the large NAWBO Chicago family.
Ginna: Connects provide a really special space for members to get to know one another on a more personal and intimate level. They provide an expectation of continuity and content that is “crafted” specifically for this group – at least that’s what we were going for!