This recap blog was written by Michele Gooch, Professional Development Chair for the Women’s Alliance and Owner of LIFE by Design, a member of the Greater Arlington Chamber of Commerce, as a part of our Women’s Alliance Power Hour Series.
Thank you to our Event Sponsor: USMD Hospital at Arlington.
The Power of Collaboration: A Recap of Women’s Alliance Power Hour
Collaboration & Connection are more than just conversation — it’s a lifeline. It reminds us that we’re not alone, especially in spaces where we’re stepping into something new. When we feel seen, heard, and understood, it doesn’t just warm our hearts — it fuels our confidence. Real connection opens doors, sparks fresh ideas, and helps us show up more boldly in both our personal and professional lives. It’s not a luxury; it’s a necessity. And at the recent Power Hour hosted by the Women’s Alliance, we tapped deeply into that truth.
We began by introducing newcomers to the heartbeat of Women’s Alliance — the many ways to plug in, show up, and grow.
Inspired Women’s Luncheon
We took a moment to celebrate the impact of our 2025 IWL — from raising funds for scholarships and women-owned business grants to creating a space where fun and connection flourished. Then Maureen Maidlow, chair of IWL, shifted our eyes forward to February 26, 2026, planting the seeds of anticipation for what’s to come. It was a great reminder: celebration and momentum go hand-in-hand.
Networking Opportunities
Grace Whetstone, our energetic Network Chair, warmed up the room with a game of Networking Bingo — and it quickly became clear: there are those who play to win, and those who play to connect. Isn’t that so true of networking in general? Grace encouraged us to choose presence over pitching — to focus less on selling and more on truly seeing the person in front of us.
Peer-to-Peer Mindshare
Laura Heyman reminded us that not all connection has to happen in person. She introduced the monthly Zoom-based Peer-to-Peer Mindshare — a space where participation is optional, but connection is always possible. For women dipping their toes in for the first time, this is a gentle, welcoming starting point.
Communication Channels
Staying connected means knowing where to find us. Kelly Geer, former Communications Chair, walked everyone through how to stay in the loop through the Women’s Alliance Facebook and LinkedIn pages — so that every woman can be informed and invited, even after the event ends.
Professional Development
Tameka Rushing, a member of our Professional Development team, brought the focus back to growth. She emphasized the power of intentional planning — and the importance of accountability. She even assigned accountability partners (yes, selfies were involved — check out our social pages for proof).
Once we explored the opportunities, we turned our attention to the greatest asset of Women’s Alliance: the women themselves.
In small groups of 5 to 8, we dove into conversations sparked by powerful quotes. Each woman selected a quote that resonated with her — and what followed was authentic, energizing dialogue.
The quotes? They weren’t just words on paper — they were conversation starters, mirrors, and in some cases, launchpads:
- “Great people do things before they’re ready.” — Amy Poehler
- “The secret of getting ahead is getting started.” — Agatha Christie
- “Build your own dreams, or someone else will hire you to build theirs.” — Farrah Gray
- “Whatever anybody says or does, assume positive intent… your whole approach becomes very different.” — Indra Nooyi
- “What makes you different or weird — that’s your strength.” — Meryl Streep
What happened in those small circles was the kind of magic that can’t be manufactured — only made possible by intentional space, shared purpose, and the willingness to show up just as we are.
This is the power of connection.
This is the Women’s Alliance.
And if you’re new — or if you’ve been here a while and just needed a reason to reengage — you belong here.
CLICK HERE to view The Power of Collaboration Slideshow
