POWHER

INTRODUCING THE POWHER HAVEN

BY DANA CALCAGNO

If 2022 feels like a new year wearing last year’s dress, believe me, I get it. COVID has been through my house three times, and the slightest sniffle gives me heart palpitations. Seriously.

Despite that, I am filled with optimism for 2022. If the past two years have taught women anything, it’s that we are resilient and resourceful. We juggled jobs and kids and daycare. We homeschooled and mastered the technology of remote learning. Some of us realized that working from home beat going into the office and others decided that we’d rather be our own boss.

Whether fulltime or the newly coined “sidepreneur”, you are doing this on your terms. You took incredible risks during times of grave uncertainty. And that makes you a rock star.

There are approximately 13 million women owned business in the US, growing at a rate of 5% every year. Women owned businesses are fueling the economy!

The pandemic has changed the future of the work world. According to a survey conducted in October 2021, 45% of full-time U.S. employees worked from home either all (25%) or part of the time (20%). Businesses around the world are embracing these changes.

The last two years have also shown us that we need each other more than ever. Think about it. and home. Those who work from home are not engaging in meaningful conversations with colleagues, bouncing ideas off them, or even getting a fist bump for a job well done. As worthwhile as it has been to spend more time with our families, there’s also more loneliness from the lack of connection. why? Step out in faith and you may find that your courage helps someone else.

3. SUPPORT SMALL BUSINESSES—Whether you buy from them or give them a shoutout on social media, let them know you love what they’re putting out in the world.

The link between social isolation and a myriad of health issues is very real. Depression, stress, and cardiovascular disease are just a few of the adverse

4.CELEBRATE THEIR

VICTORIES—And make sure you celebrate your own.

effects that can hopefully be avoided just by supporting each other.

8 EASY WAYS TO SUPPORT OTHER WOMEN:

1. SHARE YOUR STORY—This can be hard, especially if it’s messy, but if you share it with “your people”, you will find kindred spirits who will cheer you on. 5. LEAN BACK AND LISTEN—It takes so little effort but has a big payoff.

6. START A MOVEMENT— We all have the power to influence change

7. CONNECT THEM WITH OTHERS—Your circle of influence offers valuable connections. Use them.

8. START A MASTERMIND—

Brainstorm ideas, track your goals, and use your expertise to help someone reach theirs.

Innovation and success do not happen within the boundaries of your comfort zone. Stretch yourself. Step into a networking event even though it may be terrifying. Join an accountability group to help you crush your goals. Action will always result in momentum. Even if there are failures and challenges along the way – each of these are an opportunity to learn and grow.

For years, I ran my own financial planning firm, but something was missing.

The industries hit hardest by the pandemic employ more women. Women carry more of the responsibilities regarding childcare 2. BE VULNERABLE—It can be so tempting to put on a brave face and pretend like you have it altogether. But I started PowHer Haven at the beginning of the pandemic because I was looking for a way to connect more authentically

“I started PowHer Haven at the beginning of the pandemic because I was looking for a way to connect more authentically with other professional, motivated women.”

with other professional, motivated women. make mistakes, express gratitude, validate ideas, and celebrate each other.

Our values are clearly aligned with the above list:

1. Authenticity

Succeed by being honest, having integrity and building meaningful relationships.

2. Collaboration & Relationships

Support each other internally and externally. Build and maintain trusting relationships within our membership. Understand needs and aspirations for a long term mutually beneficial connection.

3. Growth

Focus on continuous improvement. Embrace the opportunity to learn. Be passionate about constant improvement and innovation.

5. Happiness (&Fun)

Follow your dreams and achieve your goals. Seek input, encourage laughter, and remember work is only work if you make it so.

What started as a private Facebook group has, in the last 18 months, grown to a members-only community, that is flourishing online and offline.

Monthly events like morning coffee and conversations, lunch and learns, accountability groups, workshops, and more are giving women—from working moms to entrepreneurs, a chance to connect and grow surrounded by a supportive group of cheerleaders.

4. Empowerment

We value our membership and aim to spread knowledge, share experiences, PowHer Haven Members enjoy promotional benefits as well, like our expert interview series, monthly member spotlights, promotion through our media library which includes blog posts, podcasts and Youtube channels, and more.

Future plans include a co-working space with a variety of flexible office options as well as an event space.

A woman alone has power; collectively we have impact. And, like Gloria Vanderbilt said, we can only be better by helping each other. The tagline of PowHer Haven is “you may have to work, but you don’t have to work alone.”

I really believe that. The idea that women must compete with each other is a myth. The truth is that by raising each other up and embracing the power of collaboration is how we change the future for working women and entrepreneurs.