Reinventing the Old Boys' Clubs
Golf Course? Locker Room? You can keep those, plus the adjoining urinals, fells-- we have our own clubs now. Here, two women with networks that are fresh and fun.
by Linda Yellin
| Meet the Debbies |
Debbie Phillips |
Deborah Perry Piscione |
| Club | Women on Fire womenonfire.com |
Alley to the Valley alleytothevalley.com |
| Her Elevator Resume | Background in government, journalism and life and executive coaching. Graduate degree from the Kennedy School at Harvard. Wrote the book Women on Fire: 20 Inspiring Women Share Their Life Secrets (and Save You Years of Struggle!). | Worked in Congress and the White House, television and digital media. Graduate degree from Georgetown, with emphasis on international affairs and economics. Cowrote Unfinished Business: A Democrat and a Republican Take On the 10 Most Important Issues Women Face. |
| The Mission | Launched the network in 2003 so women could cheer one another on, exchange information and share what they’re “on fire” about—which can be anything from starting a business to skydiving to having a baby at 45. | Started the network in 2010 to introduce female entrepreneurs to angel investors and venture capitalists. But soon, Piscione says, she was organizing summits “across industries for influential women.” |
| How You Meet People | Phillips says she hosts retreats and teas (pastries included) “to bring women together in a place where they can speak from the heart.” The events are limited to 17 women each and are held in eight cities. | You post your “ask” on a board: “I’m looking to raise $4 million in seed capital” or “I’m seeking a strategic partnership.” Women who are interested sign up, and you meet them at a dealmaking event that feels like speed dating. Limited to 50 women. |
| Ca-ching! | Admission to a tea is $197. Womenon Fire Days, when 150 women meet to strategize steps toward individual goals, are $397. | Summits cost $1,500. Annual membership in an online community is $350. “Anyone can join,” says Piscione. “All are welcome.” |
| Founder's Insight | “There’s something special about tea that taps into the feminine.” | “With access to decision makers, things happen quicker.” |
Want MORE? Check out this slideshow of 50 Fierce Women.
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