All about our meetings and special events

We plan a full year of fun, informative meetings and events for your personal and business growth. All meetings are FREE for WSWE members! Many of our meetings are also open to paid guests. Tickets to our regular monthly meetings are $35.

Interested in coming as a guest? More info here.

Questions or suggestions on upcoming events? Contact our Programming Chair.

MONTHLY BREAKFAST MEETINGS

Third Thursday of each month, 8:00-10:00 a.m.
Locations throughout the west suburbs

8:00 – 8:30 Networking and breakfast
8:30 – 9:00 Announcements and member introductions
9:00 – 10:00 Program

Cost: Members FREE | Guests $35 in advance

EVENING GET-TOGETHERS

Third Thursday in June (Annual Dinner), 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Early December (Holiday Party), 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
April (Spring Mixer), 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Periodic happy hours

All evening locations, costs and other details to be announced

Upcoming meetings

Women Sharing Wisdom: Overcoming Life’s Tough Challenges (Online Event)

Most entrepreneurs accept that we’ll face challenges in growing our businesses and in life. Certainly living through a pandemic has added something of the unexpected to the mix of life’s trials and tribulations. In fact, it’s gotten tough, tougher perhaps than we’d ever anticipated. When life’s challenges become overwhelming, we may find ourselves extremely discouraged, paralyzed with fear, tired, and maybe helpless.

Bestselling author, entrepreneur, writer and philanthropist Marie Forleo asserts that “Every challenge, obstacle, and unfortunate situation contains the potential for positive growth, if we’re willing to look for it.

Join us virtually for a guided discussion facilitated by Pamela Krikorian, WSWE Membership Chair, as we dig into Marie Forleo’s blog post, “4 Simple Mantras to Help You Overcome Any Challenge” to explore what it really takes to overcome life’s challenges. Spoiler alert: you already have what it takes!

Read Marie Forleo’s blog post in advance to get the most out of the discussion and register for the virtual event to save your spot!

REGISTER

Past meetings

Refresh and Reverberate: Showing Off Your Brand in a Digital World with Sarah Corbin (Online Event)

Always an inspiration, Sarah Corbin brought a welcomed dose of enthusiasm and shared how to show off our brands in the digital world!

5 Steps to a Life and Business You Love with Heather Vickery​ (Online Event)

We enjoyed an interactive online session with Heather Vickery, founder of Vickery and Co. and executive producer of The Brave Files Podcast, as she coached us on how to cultivate professional and personal abundance.

Sharing Holiday Cheer: Member-Only Festive Happy Hour​ (Online Event)

This year, we gathered together online for an informal happy hour of catching up and sharing what makes us joyful this season.

You have a website… Now what? with Madhoolica Dear​ (Online Event)

We heard from Madhoolica Dear, Owner of OrangeSpike Inc., a website development company, sharing a wealth of information about website best practices.

Women Sharing Wisdom: Resilience and Changing Course (Online Event)

We gathered online for a guided discussion about how we’ve weathered “pandemic life” both professionally and personally, sharing how we’ve managed change, faced challenges and kept going to come out stronger.

Growing your Business: How to Be Successful in Trying Times (Online Event)

Panelists Aileen Gilpin, Owner of AGilpin Consultants, Maria Onesto Moran, Former member & President of WSWE and Founder/Owner of Green Home Experts, and Jennifer Conroyd, Founder/Owner of Fluid Running shared how they are taking their businesses to the next level and the lessons they have learned along the way.

The EQ Factor with Val Spiropoulos: The Key to Becoming a Successful Entrepreneur​ (Online Event)

Val Spiropoulos, Psychotherapist and owner of The Centered Entrepreneur, explained how our emotional intelligence (EQ) is the key to growing a successful business.

How to Increase Your Online Visibility to Rockstar Status with Vanessa Cabrera (Online Event)

Vanessa Cabrera, an award winning marketing consultant, social media and email strategist, and dynamic speaker presented 4 simple steps to help us amplify our online visibility and position us as THE go-to experts in our industries.

Wear Your Brand and Accelerate Your Online Business Goals with Suze Solari
(Online Event)

Personal stylist and author of the ‘Stylish Upgrades’ series handbooks, Suze Solari showed us how to wear our brand and shared practical tips for having a successful online image.

Member-Only Meeting: Women Sharing Wisdom (Online Event)

In our first Women Sharing Wisdom online meeting for members only, we talked about helpful resources and tips for navigating this time of the coronavirus pandemic.

Women Sharing Wisdom: In The Company of Women

Women Sharing Wisdom: We discussed and got inspired together by the book, In The Company of Women: Inspiration and Advice from over 100 Makers, Artists, and Entrepreneurs from Grace Bonney (view on amazon).

Member-Only Meeting: The Year Ahead

In our first member-only session of the year, we gathered to hear from our President, Aileen Gilpin, on all that’s ahead for WSWE in the new year.

WSWE Annual Holiday Celebration

We gathered at La Barra in Oak Brook for a fabulous holiday dinner and even better company!

Branding Made Simple

The Free Fly Marketing team lead us through a process to help solidify the assets that every brand needs.

Small Business Bookkeeping and Accounting

Barbara Vondra, CPA and Aileen Gilpin explained how bookkeeping and accounting are not only different, but why we need both for our small businesses.

From Furious to Curious: Cordial Conversations in a Polarized World

We welcomed speaker Catherine Johns back to talk with us about how to deal with challenges in conversations.

Protecting Your Data and Managing Business Risk

Speakers Angela Birchfield from Data-Link Associates and Carol Kalins from Security Makers shared tips and advice on protecting your data in a digital age and the importance of insurance in managing business risk.

Strategic Thinking and Entrepreneurship: Moving your Business Forward

Women Sharing Wisdom: Get motivated to take your business to the next level!

2019 June Dinner: Our Annual Summer Celebration

Cafe DeLuca, Forest Park

Health and Wellness for the Small Business Owner

Amy Silver, Registered Dietician Nutritionist at Fitness Formula Clubs in Oak Park talks nutrition and wellness.
The Berwyn Bottega, Berwyn

Our Annual FREE Spring Mixer

Enjoy an evening of fabulous company with the WSWE ladies and friends. We will provide light bites made by some of our favorite fellow entrepreneurs, and your first glass of wine/beer is on us.
The Outta Space, Berwyn

Women Sharing Wisdom: Technology and Business

Women sharing wisdom: Discuss business and technology tools and tips that can streamline your business operations.
The Berwyn Bottega, Berwyn

Communication: Speaking with Authority

Seasoned speaker and author of Show Up and Shine, Catherine Johns, talks to us about power, presence and profits.
Solstice Restaurant, Western Springs

Members-Only Insight Session

An open conversation and brainstorm session led by WSWE member Alexandra Bednar of In Your Court Legal Nurse Consultants.
The Berwyn Bottega, Berwyn

Kickstart Your Year: Be Strategic and Intentional

Michelle Smith of Z&B Consulting, Inc. helps us capitalize on all the energy and excitement that comes with the new year. 
Solstice Restaurant, Western Springs

Our Holiday Dinner!

Our annual holiday dinner with toy drive benefiting Child Link.
Davanti Enoteca, Western Springs

Marketing to Millennials

Discussion led by Sarah Corbin of Free Fly Marketing and Tanner Panozzo of T-Promos, LLC.
Solstice Restaurant, Western Springs

Book Club! Negotiation: Getting to YES

Discussion of Getting to Yes:  Negotiating Agreement without Giving In by Roger Fisher and William Ury.
Krave Restaurant, Elmhurst

Financial planning for small businesses

John Hong of  CBLH Group at Morgan Stanley talks about financial planning strategies for small business owners.
Delia’s Kitchen, Oak Park

Members-only insight session

An open conversation and brainstorm session led by a WSWE member Paige Logan regarding her business, Event Staffing by Paige.
Solstice, Western Springs

The Success Principles: Go further and faster with less effort

Ready to be get motivated and learn how to work smarter, not harder? Nancy Belda presents her Success Principles to help you do just that. Get ready to conquer!
Brewpoint Coffee Workshop & Roastery, Elmhurst

June Dinner: Our Annual Summer Celebration

Cheers to another year in the books. Come meet the 2018-19 Board and our new PRISM Scholar!
Hillgrove Tap, Western Springs

Tech talk

Bring your tech challenges and your favorite time-saving apps. We will compile top tips to distribute after the meeting!
Egg Harbor, Elmhurst

Women sharing wisdom: What’s your passion away from work?

What feeds your soul when you step out of the office? We want to know! Come out for a morning of conversation about what recharges you.

8:00 – 10:00 a.m. | Solstice, Western Springs

Our annual FREE spring mixer

An evening of fabulous company with the WSWE ladies, accompanied by wine, beer, and light bites provided by New Rose Catering and Tee Tee’s Sweets and Treats.
River Forest Kitchen, River Forest

Members-only insight session

An open conversation led by a WSWE member Gina Spada regarding her business, The Law Office of Gina M. Spada, P.C.
Solstice, Western Springs

Health focus: Life balance as a form of self-care

Hear from success coach Heather Vickery of Vickery and Co about her 7-step system to achieving a work-life balance that actually works for you!
Counter Coffee, Forest Park

It’s a new year: Get yourself together!

Tips and systems to keep your office running efficiently so you can work smarter, not harder. Topics: organizing your workspace, marketing jumpstarts and CRM. Panel includes Beth Fuchs, Organized to Perfection; Rosaria Becker, Berkshire Hathaway Home Services – Koenig Rubloff Realty; and Tracy Jensen, Frizz Marketing.
Butterfield’s Restaurant, Oakbrook Terrace

Members-only insight session

An open conversation led by a WSWE member Tanesha Watkins regarding her business, Tee Tee’s Sweets & Treats.
Solstice Restaurant, Western Springs

Less for the IRS and more for Y-O-U

You still have time to get organized for 2017, and it’s an even better time to plan for the year ahead. With our favorite tax expert, Barb Vondra.
Butterfield’s Restaurant, Oakbrook Terrace

Fashion wisdom for ultra-busy women

An exclusive night of fun and fashion, FREE for women business owners at Team Blonde Boutique & EcoSpa. Hosted by West Suburban Women Entrepreneurs and sponsored by Beyer Brofman Design!
Team Blonde Boutique & EcoSpa, Forest Park

What’s in a name? Will your branding bring you business?

With Pamela Krikorian, freelance graphic designer, and Sarah Corbin of Free Fly Marketing
Solstice, Western Springs

Summer biz book club

(1) Small Is Beautiful: Economics as if People Matter, E.F. Schumacher
(2) Who Moved My Cheese? Spencer Johnson, M.D.
Counter Coffee, Forest Park

Women sharing wisdom: Successful business presentations

What does it take to make a presentation that wins business? Great tips, strategy and problem-solving.
Counter Coffee, Forest Park

Our fabulous June dinner

Celebrate a great year, meet the 2017-18 board and our new PRISM Scholar!
La Cabanita, Burr Ridge

Women sharing wisdom: It’s vacation time

An open discussion of ways to relax, renew and escape the daily grind
Solstice Restaurant, Western Springs

Our FREE spring mixer

A relaxed, fun evening for members & prospective new members
DigRightIn Landscaping, Westchester

Members-only insight session

An open conversation led by Pamela Krikorian
Butterfield’s Restaurant, Oakbrook Terrace

March Madness: How to score more leads

A Mastermind session on generating new business
Solstice Restaurant, Western Springs

Healthy woman, healthy business

With Beth Fuchs of Organized To Perfection, Maria Onesto Moran of Green Home Experts and Betsey O’Brien of Pen & Hand
Sponsor: Freyja Conrad, DigRightIn Landscaping
Krave Restaurant, Elmhurst

Should you be doing something else?

With Laura McAdam, MSOD, CPA, CIA, of Profitability NOW
Counter Coffee, Forest Park

Our festive holiday party

Come on out and relax with us!
Lucca’s Pizzeria, 108 W. Burlington Ave., La Grange

Facing the future of your business (without the fear)

With Katherine Tipper, co-founder of Hunter Benefits Consulting Group
Sponsor: Su Jang, New Rose Catering
Butterfield’s Restaurant, Oakbrook Terrace

Holiday gifts and greetings that build your brand

A Mastermind Session
Sponsor: Judy Shoup, JTS Jewels
Special Presenter: Michelle James, Apprize Promotional Products
Blueberry Hill Pancake House, La Grange

Sales success through the gift of GAB

With Conor Cunneen, The Irishman Speaks
Krave Restaurant, Elmhurst

The brainy businesswoman’s guide to corporate structure

With Barbara Vondra, CPA, Carol Kalins of The Security Makers and Jack Kennelly of Kennelly & Associates
Sponsor: Becky Brofman, Beyer Brofman Design
Counter Coffee, Forest Park

Who’s your business hero?

A Women Sharing Wisdom Session
Sponsor: Betsey O’Brien, Pen & Hand
Butterfield’s Restaurant, Oakbrook Terrace