Building Networks to Spark Change

Studies have shown that women need two networks: one, a diverse network of both men and women, and another, separate female network. Founder Jennifer DaSilva is a firm believer in building, growing, and fostering a female network, so during Women’s History Month in 2019, she made it a goal to connect four women each day in the hopes creating lasting connections and collaborations. All it took was two emails, each connecting two women, every weekday.

Other women were inspired and joined in. The initiative became known as Connect4Women. In its first year, Jennifer personally connected 500+ women, and the community connected more than 2,000 women, which led to countless partnerships, business deals, new jobs, and friendships. The community is now 150 women strong.

In 2020, even during the pandemic, the Connect4Women community made more than 550 connections in March, and later started a program to help young women. The pandemic has hit Gen Z incredibly hard, as many of them have struggled to find jobs and get the right training. So the community launched a Young Connectors initiative to help younger women who are just starting their career journeys. In the fall of 2020, more than 50 mentors across different industries were matched with 40 mentees. These 160 conversations led to mentor-mentee relationships, coaching, jobs, and connections.

As we embark on 2021, it's never been more important to support and elevate women. Working women have been hit the hardest economically in 2020: The Shecession has seen more women than men leaving their jobs for family, and could also widen the pay gap. This network has the tools to help, so this winter we will be utilizing our community to help connect women to jobs with the Connect4Women SheCovery Network.

Imagine the conversations, ideas, and connections you’ll help spark. Join Connect4Women now, and feel free to email Jennifer with questions.