You can’t start a fire without a spark!
When I first launched The ORB Network, I envisioned a space where women could feel seen, supported, and connected. But the truth is…The ORB Network Spark Exchange event went far beyond even what I imagined.
Many of you know me from my previous life at Microsoft where I was obsessed with metrics. And yes, The ORB Network metrics are incredible. In just two months, we've hosted two sold out events and more than 200 women have joined our community. I'm humbled and energized by the support.
But guess what, it's not the metrics that are showing me what our community is becoming, it's you all - your presence, vulnerability, laughter, and the energy your brought to the room on Tuesday night. At the Spark Exchange, every single woman engaged fully with their whole heart, they opened up, asked honest questions, shared their career stories, they energized and inspired each other. Thank you from the bottom of my own heart.
Rhonda Pollard, EDAC set the tone with her authenticity. She talked about alignment and how powerful life becomes when your values, passions, and purpose finally stop pulling you in different directions. She reminded us that belonging can’t be faked or forced, you don’t earn it by becoming smaller, you find it when you come home to yourself. She named quiet fears that so many of us carry, fears that steal joy and balance, and showed us how moving with intention can slowly bring both back. Many women resonated deeply when Rho shared that you could climb all the way to the top of your career believing it will bring happiness… and sometimes it does but sometimes it really doesn’t. And when that happens, it’s time to dig deep, stand strong, and trust yourself enough to pivot. Rho's honesty created space for everyone else to be honest too.
I've received so many wonderful and thoughtful messages from women who said they felt connected again, maybe for the first time in months. Women who realized they weren’t the only ones navigating uncertainty, reinvention, or pressure. Women who walked out feeling more hopeful, more powerful, and more grounded in who they are and what they want. Our fearless mission accomplished, woot :)
The magic of the night was amplified by ten extraordinary mentors who sparked ideas, opened doors, created opportunity and space for powerful conversations. I'm deeply grateful to all of them: Andrea Jordan (Goubeaux), Julia Atalla, Katrina Munsell, Kerry Gates(Nunn), Lori Salow Marshall, Marianne Schovsbo, Prerna Ajmera, Rhonda Pollard, EDAC, Sara Nagy, Tricia Bush.
More gatherings are coming. More strength. More moments of honesty, courage, and growth. More spaces where women can rise together. So, if you want to join us, there's a space waiting for you.