8 Best Networking Groups for Women in Business
If you’ve searched for a new job in the past year or so, you already know: it’s the Wild West out there! From ghost posting to record numbers of applications to endless rounds of interviews, it’s gotten a lot tougher to make that all-important career move.
The majority of my colleagues and friends who’ve been able to job-jump successfully already knew someone at the company — and that person often helped immensely by putting their resume at the top of the pile. Inside connections are also the ones who share info on “pocket jobs” — new roles that are never posted at all.
For that reason alone, forging strong relationships with other people in your industry has become more important than ever. Of course, establishing those connections in a remote-first world can be challenging… but that's where networking groups for professional women come in.
The organizations I’m sharing here offer a supportive community where you can connect with professionals at all levels, gain valuable insights into your industry, and discover new job opportunities. I’d strongly recommend joining one or more of these even if you’re happy with your current role. You never know when you’ll want to bounce new ideas off of others, find a mentor — or reach a hand out to help someone else.
Active in more than 44 states and 13 countries, women in marketing, media, and tech will find a haven in She Runs It. The nonprofit organization is a study in longevity: It’s been around for more than 100 years, founded in 1912 as The League of Advertising Women. With mentoring programs, networking events, leadership development courses, and its own award ceremony, this group pledges to support women at all stages of their careers. Membership fees are on a sliding scale, starting at $125 per year for women under 30.
Ten years ago, Shelley Zalis, research expert and pioneer, was fed up being the “only” in a conference room. Thus, the Equity Lounge® was born, seeking to increase the number of women at tentpole industry events. The Female Quotient blossomed from this not long after — and currently boasts the “largest global community of women in business across every industry.” The signature lounges, dinners with hand-selected guests, and expert-driven summits are just some of the benefits of joining this group. Another element I really like: There’s no fee to join. You just have to register for in-person events (you’ll still need a ticket to the conference where FQ events are being held).
With over 500,000 members and 2,000+ annual events, this powerhouse of networking and professional development is pretty much everywhere—and offers unparalleled access to like-minded professionals. Beyond networking, eWomen Network provides a comprehensive suite of resources to support your entrepreneurial journey, including personalized coaching, business funding, and a vast library of expert-led masterclasses. As part of eWomen Network, you'll also contribute to a meaningful mission: helping one million women raise $1 million. If you're seeking a vibrant community that combines networking, education, and support, eWomen Network could be the place for you. Membership starts at $19.95 per month with a $357 initiation fee.
Ellevate is a dynamic community that fosters a sense of belonging and empowers women to challenge the status quo. Previously known as 85 Broads, this network prioritizes authentic connections to help women build meaningful professional partnerships. Whether you're just starting out or a seasoned professional, Ellevate offers personalized programs and resources to support your career growth. From roundtable discussions and curated mastermind squads to chapter meetups and community circles, there's always something happening at Ellevate. Newbies can experience the benefits firsthand with a free guest pass. Full memberships start at $40 a month.
The rise of women as business owners is something I love to see: the latest data shows 42 percent of businesses in the U.S. are women-owned. And the fact is, the best way for female founders to flourish is to learn from and help one another’s businesses grow. The Female Founder Collective launched in 2018, supporting female entrepreneurs by offering assistance with marketing, operations, and leadership. The 10th House, the networking circle, meets bimonthly to focus on different industries. Membership is $68 per month plus a $199 initiation fee, or you can gain full access for $695 a year.
A single luncheon of 34 has blossomed into a community of 100,000 professional women. Women of Color in Communications, known as ColorComm, amplifies voices of women of color nationwide. The platform addresses diversity and inclusion across the industries of communications, marketing, advertising, and media. Members overwhelmingly (read: 100 percent) say the group has helped them make at least three new business connections; 74 percent report they've gotten a raise within a year of signing up. And, the org hosts an annual conference specifically for women of color in the industry. You can join this powerful support network today for a one-time initiation fee of $250 plus the annual membership fee of $250.
Calling all working moms! This one’s specifically made for you. Founders Amri Kibbler and Katya Libin noticed something was missing in other networking groups they were in, so the two sought to fight against the stigma of the working mom by building a place where they could lift one another up. Finding a home in social media networking, this community has thousands of members (including me!) taking part in both in-person and virtual events like workshops and happy hours. Membership starts at $43 per month, or $516 a year.
A powerhouse for studies and surveys that shine a light on the state of work for women, this organization also branches out into networking with Lean In “Circles” all over the country. With monthly meetups for peer mentorship, members help one another build skills and work through barriers they may be facing at work. Lean In offers free training for would-be leaders of Circles to ensure members are realizing their full potential and learning to inspire and guide others. Creating or joining a circle is free, and Lean In provides all the training materials you need to get started. So start a circle and increase your leadership knowledge. Win-win!