Women of Westfield

Danielle Carey Tolan had been mulling over an idea for a couple of years to bring together women, give them a voice, empower and inspire them. For two years, she jotted down ideas, even sketched possible logos. This spring, Women of Westfield was born. By fall, there were 900 members, all women who live or work in Westfield.

 “It came to fruition, and we’re hitting the ground running,” said Carey Tolan, who is the trustee for Westfield Washington Township, and can hardly contain her excitement for what women are accomplishing in her city.

 On Nov. 12, Women of Westfield (WOW) is hosting a day-long retreat called Reset Revive Refuel. It will be from 10:30 to 2 p.m. at the IMMI Conference Center, 18880 N East St. It’s open to women all over. For $30, you get to explore a marketplace with boutiques (think early holiday shopping), learn about how to live your passion from Adenike Makinde, who is a purpose coach and career strategist and have lunch. Already more than 200 women have registered to attend this first-ever event. Click here to register.

 Every month, Women of Westfield hosts an outing and opportunity for women to connect, network, learn and give back to the community. They’ve met at breakfast to help kick-start the day, they do wine and unwind in the evenings and have events to learn more about organizations. Earlier this month, they learned about Prevail the work its doing to help victims of domestic violence, they toured the new Riverview Hospital in Westfield and more.

 “WOW empowers women to become an engaged community partner both for themselves and the greater good,” is the organization’s vision.

 Its mission is to positively impact the Westfield community by investing in women through relationships and service.

 To join, go to the group’s Facebook page, Women of Westfield. As Carey Tolan explains, it’s for all women who are connected to Westfield, and welcomes women of all ages and backgrounds. The only stipulation is that you live or work in the community.