If you live in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, you are probably not surprised to hear about the abundance of networking organizations in the metroplex. After all, our vibrant city is home to trade associations, chambers of commerce, and other organizations that connect professionals of all demographics. Some are even tailored to specific groups, such as women. In this article, we will share Dallas networking organizations that are women-focused.
If you are a young professional, you know that networking is vital to growing your career, especially in the long-term. However, you may be wondering how a women-focused networking group might help you.
Women are often underrepresented in professional services industries like finance or technology, resulting in professional women having fewer role models in the workplace or colleagues that understand challenges and experiences faced by many women.
This disconnect can manifest in obstacles as simple as being unsure what to wear to a company event to situations as impactful as feeling reluctant to negotiate one’s salary, discuss new ideas, or even speak out about misconduct. This catch-22 is compounded by belonging to multiple minority groups, such as Black women, which highlights the importance of intersectionality in these kinds of professional settings.
That’s where these unique organizations come in. Women-focused networking groups enable professional women from all backgrounds to help each other excel in their careers by offering their experience, connections, and support. Such platforms may help professional women connect with female mentors who want to assist the next generation of leaders in navigating professional careers, a great asset for young professionals.
Read on to learn about these networking organizations and their unique advantages for young women. We hope you will find them helpful and uplifting.
Ellevate
“You need people who you can trust, who understand what you’re going through, and who genuinely want to help you succeed. Finding them doesn’t need to be an uphill battle” -Ellevate
Ellevate is a large community of women at work; in fact, it is the largest of its kind. This organization is a group of ambitious and supportive women who show up for each other. Its goal is to change the networking game by prioritizing genuine and original relationships that can make a difference in your future. Ellevate helps women build meaningful relationships via local and digital channels to help open doors for better opportunities. This community has power, influence, and reach while remaining welcoming, warm, and supportive.
Women Already Connected
“We firmly believe that diversity in career industries enriches our collective knowledge and amplifies the potential for innovation” -Women Already Connected
Women Already Connected has a mission to create a lively community that fosters collaboration and growth among women, regardless of their profession or background. By bringing together women from various career fields, the group aims to build bridges and encourage cross-industry learning. This cross-pollination can spark fresh ideas and perspectives where women can be heard and seen. The group also promotes a collaborative and supportive community where women can learn and grow to achieve an overall sense of well-being, whether in business or life. Women Already Connected offers workshops, seminars, and mentorship opportunities to help women enhance their skills, advance their careers, and break through glass ceilings. Just know that tickets to Women Already Connected’s events tend to sell out quickly, so you may want to plan in advance if you are interested.
DFW Alliance of Technology and Women (ATW)
DFW ATW is a non-profit organization committed to strengthening the pipeline of girls entering technology fields and raising the number of women in leadership. The members include both women and men who support women and girls in technology. Their values include being inclusive through offering memberships, elevating underrepresented groups, and supporting community outreach. They strive to be inspirational through role modeling, mentorship, advocacy, and sponsorships.
DFW Latina Society
As mentioned in another blog post, the DFW Latina Society offers a community that brings together Latinas across the metroplex to help each other grow in their careers. Some of the society’s values include friendship, diversity, inclusion, growth, and respect. Check out their professional networking events, such as Happy Hour Socials, or their in-person workshops, which cover a wide range of business topics. These unique Dallas-based groups offer professional women safe spaces to strengthen their voices, develop skills, and access opportunities. These female-focused groups have become places where women can open the door for each other’s professional goals and promote each other to places of power. Above all, they make a more balanced society a reality.
For more information, check out Networking Groups in Dallas.
Dallas Junior Chamber 