The Power of the Right Room: Why Women Thrive Together
You Don’t Have to Do It Alone
Have you ever walked into a room and exhaled — not because your to-do list was done (it never is), but because for once, you felt seen? You finally felt like the women around you got what life was like for you? No explanation needed. Just a deep knowing without having to say a word. And a space to share and grow in community together.
A room where no one was competing. No one was judging. Just women, shoulder to shoulder, showing up — not perfectly, but powerfully — for themselves and for each other.
If you're balancing meetings and motherhood, emails and errands, performance reviews and permission slips, this Journal is for you.
Because here’s the truth: you don’t have to do it all alone. In fact, you shouldn’t.
In my most challenging of times, it was the women around me who lifted me up, who listened, and who helped me become confident in myself. Those friendships sustained me, and they still do.
We Weren’t Meant to Do This Alone
Somewhere along the way, we were told that independence was the goal. That achieving on our own--without help at work or at home--meant that we were strong. We just had to keep pushing through and the more we did, the more resilient we were.
I found out quickly that wasn’t actually the case. Instead, I realized that without support, I couldn't do it alone. Independence only got me so far, and it led to massive burnout at work and at home.
The strongest, most fulfilled women I know are the ones who surround themselves with community. They seek out mentors, groups, and spaces that encourage them to grow. They put themselves in rooms with other people they want to learn from.
I remember walking into a women’s leadership event, unsure of what I even needed. But being surrounded by women sharing their stories, lifting one another up, and offering genuine support gave me something I didn’t realize I was missing: space to breathe, reflect, and rise.
Audit your life, your groups, your community:
What environments encourage you to grow?
Where are you just a bit outside your comfort zone?
Where are you being stretched by new ideas, thoughts, and perspectives? Some you may not even initially agree with—and that’s okay. Be open. See what others’ experiences and learnings can provide for you as you grow and learn in new ways.
Empowered Women Empower Women
This phrase isn’t just a feel-good slogan. It’s a way of living.
Empowered women lift each other up—together. No judgment. No competition. We listen. We share our journeys to help others learn. We offer support and perspectives, not to dictate the path, but to light the way.
And when you find the right room, everything changes. I’ve joined two rooms specifically for female leaders this past year and they have been instrumental to my growth:
The Founding Females Mastermind is a virtual community of female entrepreneurs who come together to share resources, experiences, and support. We are the girl-next-door bad asses who are building, dreaming, and growing our dream business and life….and cheering each other on in the process.
Women in Leadership of Central Illinois provides ongoing personal and professional development and networking. I love meeting women from a variety of careers and life experiences. Learning about their professional and personal journeys helps me grow, too.
Get in rooms that help you grow. Whether these groups meet virtually or in-person, find “rooms” where you're no longer the smartest person and that stretch you beyond your comfort.
Where Do You Find These Rooms?
You don’t need a ticket to a big conference (though those are great too). Start where you are:
Join a local nonprofit or women’s group
Say yes to the next networking invite
Volunteer in a community space that aligns with your values
Reach out to someone you admire and ask to connect
Think about past groups you’ve been part of: does your local community offer something similar?
What skills, talents, and life experiences have you had that could support others? Find groups that align with those things and watch your community grow.
Growth starts by showing up. And if you can’t find the room? Build it yourself.
What Happens When You’re Surrounded by Support
When you surround yourself with women who see your potential, who want you to win, who push you to stretch and expand, your life begins to flow. You set better boundaries. You pursue goals with intention. You breathe easier. You grow.
You realize that the best version of you is the one who is supported.
Your Invitation to Step Into a “Room” Made Just for You
If this Journal resonated with you, I want to personally invite you to be part of a community built for growth, wellness, and purpose:
✨ The Empowered Ascent Group Program: a 3-month experience where women come together to grow personally and professionally. The fall cohort waitlist is now open. Get on the list by clicking here, and be the first to know when doors open.
✨ Want more personalized support? Let’s work together 1-on-1. This is for the woman who wants dedicated guidance, clarity, and accountability to help her rise. Book a free discovery call with me by clicking here to see if this option is a good fit for what you’re looking for.
✨ Prefer to start on your own? Grab “The Guided Experience,” a video-supported experience that walks you through my Empowered Ascent Toolkit. In short videos, I walk you through small, powerful steps to help you believe in yourself, uncover your goals and dreams, and start building a path forward that fits your version of a fulfilling life.
If there’s one thing I can leave you with it is this: Do the damn thing. Bet on yourself. Trust the process.
Remember, you are capable of amazing things.
Photo Credit: Hannah Knight for the “Women Who Lead” Collaboration
