The Power of Women Gathering, Growing, and Going All-In

As a marketing professional, business owner, and CEO, hosting ELLE.vate—our retreat for women in business—was an extraordinary experience that surpassed all expectations. This wasn’t just a business retreat; it was a journey that brought incredible women together to connect deeply, share stories, and build the kind of collective empowerment that has become essential in today’s world.

There’s something indescribable that happens when women gather with a shared purpose. In a world where we’re often expected to compete, ELLE.vate allowed us to witness the beauty of connection. The retreat became a space where every woman was free to show up authentically, to share both triumphs and trials without fear of judgment. The level of understanding, empathy, and support we saw emerge from these connections was something rare. We didn’t just meet as business professionals; we met as people with common dreams, values, and a collective drive for success.

We spent our days not only diving into strategy and vision but also into the personal stories that had shaped each of us. Stories of overcoming, of resilience, and of ambitions that had sometimes been silenced. It became clear that business can be so much more than just profit and loss; it can be about the relationships we build, the encouragement we provide each other, and the support we give to those around us. By creating a space for open dialogue, we tapped into the collective power of empathy, creativity, and determination.

The Importance of Women Gathering as a Collective

Gathering as a collective isn’t just a bonus in business—it’s essential. Too often, women in business are isolated in their respective industries, each of us blazing our own trails, often alone. But we don’t need to do this alone. ELLE.vate reminded us of the strength we find in unity. When we gather, we open up a space to exchange insights, strategies, and ideas. We can share tools that make us better leaders, solutions to challenges, and support that sustains us through the ups and downs.

The experience emphasized the critical importance of community. These aren’t just professional connections; they’re people we can call upon when we’re uncertain, when we’re excited, and when we need encouragement. We need one another as allies and collaborators, to push through our fears and share our wisdom. For every obstacle we face alone, there’s someone else who’s already been there or who can offer a fresh perspective that leads us forward.

One of the most profound insights that came from ELLE.vate was the need for all of us to stop playing small. It’s no secret that women have often been told to shrink their aspirations, to downplay their achievements, and to avoid making others uncomfortable with their ambition. But the women at ELLE.vate shattered that mold. We didn’t spend this retreat strategizing around limits; we spent it breaking through them.

ELLE.vate challenged each of us to own our potential and to step into our true power—not only for ourselves but as role models for others. Every conversation, workshop, and session was a reminder that playing small serves no one. The world needs what each of us has to offer, and it needs us to be bold, unapologetic, and ambitious. It’s not about seeking permission; it’s about claiming the space we deserve and creating opportunities not just for ourselves but for those who follow.

The experience of hosting ELLE.vate was a reminder of the transformative power of human connection, the importance of collective gathering, and the urgency to shed the limitations that keep us from greatness. For any woman who feels like she’s holding back or standing alone, remember that there is a community waiting to support you, cheer for you, and push you to greater heights.

ELLE.vate wasn’t just a retreat; it was the beginning of a movement—a reminder that together, we are unstoppable.

If you'd like to experience ELLE.vate 2025, please reach out: [email protected]