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Guest speaker Mary Scott Welch, author of Networking: The Great New Way for Women to Get Ahead, spoke with enthusiasm, passion, and conviction. Her message, women get ahead by working together. And she struck a chord. For the women in attendance, that strong resonant chord led to musical harmony. So began the Gainesville Area Women's Network. We're a bit different from other business networking groups. We believe in, above all else, cooperation, collaboration, and community. GAWN's mission: To promote a spirit of cooperation and support among women and those who support or target women in business, provide a strong network of business contacts, and enhance members' professional and personal advancement. We encourage an environment of trust, openness to build relationships, laugh, have fun, make friends, and feel accepted regardless of profession. Business is not all business. It's also human and personal.
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"Since joining GAWN, I’ve made real friendships and taken my business to the next level. Through one-on-one pampering sessions, I get to hear women’s stories and build confidence — just like Mary Kay Ash believed. GAWN is my go-to network — if someone needs anything, I always know someone thanks to this amazing group!"
-Michelle Rivera, Independent Senior Sales Director with Mary Kay
At GAWN, our monthly luncheons are a myriad of women from different industries looking to connect with others. Each month, a graduate of the Displace Homemakers Program shares her personal story of renewal. There are tears, and there is laughter.
GAWN is a safe space to be professional and to be a women. We believe that is where authenticity lies, and where true connections are made.
GAWN has no dress code. Wear a suit. Wear jeans. Dress business casual or wear your work uniform.
At GAWN it is not about how you look. It's about who you are, how you relate to others, and how you connect, collaborate, and support. Our members do that with bells on.
We know that business women who connect, collaborate, and support each other are more successful.
GAWN’s purpose has always been to:
- Inspire cooperation among women in business
- Create a strong network and community
- Encourage women to grow professionally and personally
- Meet regularly to collaborate, share, promote, and learn
Our members sing our praises as we impact their lives, personally and professionally:
"GAWN has provided me with an incredible community of support, connection, and friendship. Through genuine relationships and shared encouragement, I’ve been able to grow both personally and professionally while supporting many amazing women and their businesses. It’s a place where I truly feel welcomed and inspired."
-Ben Phillips, Realtor, Real Broker, LLC
"GAWN has allowed me to connect to other women in the community just by enjoying lunch together and getting to know one another in a smaller setting, such as the GAWN Book Club. I love getting to know them and having that support from our community!"
-Aarika Davis, Branch Office Administrator, Edward Jones
"You can say that I got the most out of networking. At the April 1995 luncheon, a red-headed fellow who was the only male member of GAWN at the time and I traded business cards. Our first phone conversation lasted over 4 hours and after our first date, we knew we were to be married. That was over 29 years ago."
-Elizabeth Hanselman, Program Director/Author/Professional Speaker, Gainesville Galloway