Meet the Founder - Diane K. Danielson

Why does the world need the Downtown Women’s Club (DWC)? This is a question that every entrepreneur must answer about their company. I’m not sure the whole world needs the DWC, but I certainly did back in the 1990s when I realized as a young woman in a male-dominated industry that I lacked connections, advice and support. While I had a truly great experience working with much of the old boy’s club, and even some incredible mentors, there were always some questions I couldn’t ask; some events I couldn’t go to; and some opportunities that appeared to be beyond my reach.

I tried to join some of the leading women’s groups, but was deemed too junior despite my lofty title and my company’s willingness to pay their exorbitant fees. Even when I “qualified,” I was dismayed that I couldn’t bring my young colleagues as they didn’t meet the minimum experience requirements. How were we going to break through glass ceilings if talented, ambitious women were being excluded from networking due to gender, age, experience, or financial reasons? And the view from the other side is just as dismal. In a world where technology is a critical factor in everything that we do, how could the senior women stay in touch with what’s really going on?

I found others who felt similarly and together we decided it was time to change the networking landscape, not just for ourselves but for all women. And, that was the reason the Downtown Women’s Club was founded: To make networking accessible and fun for everyone.

Networking with peers was our goal for our first 10 years. As we head into our second decade, I’m adding a second mission: To provide women with a platform to create their dream careers. You won’t find much debate on our site as to work-life choices. We assume that if you’ve found us, you want a fulfilling career, whether launching a business, bounding up the corporate ladder, finding flexible work opportunities, returning to the workforce after time off, testing out a new career, or phasing down as you head into retirement. We offer networking, marketing, educational opportunities, and an open invitation to get involved as much or as little as you and your schedule allows.

Still, there’s one story that always comes to mind when I’m asked about the Downtown Women’s Club. At our first holiday party, we asked the original members to share why they wanted to be part of this new organization and what it meant to them. Their answer? Friendship. And, for the past 10 years, I can honestly say that most of my closest friends and colleagues have passed through the Downtown Women’s Clubs, as members, contributors, supporters, sponsors, and advisors. Even today, when I’m more behind the scenes, I’m still meeting amazingly talented and enthusiastic women through the DWC whom I’m proud to call my friends, and hope that you will too.

What’s unique about the DWC?

1. Clicks and Mix Networking. The DWC is one of the few women’s organizations to combine both online and in-person networking. We understand how busy professional women are trying to do it all (because we’re trying to do it all, too). So, we’ve invested heavily in maintaining our low-key, low-cost, high-impact local chapters, while at the same time developing more virtual services like our DWC+ member directory and teleclasses. We want our members to be able to network any time, any place and any where they live, work or play.
2. Professional and Personal Development. We know from experience that if networking isn’t fun, then we’re not going to find time to do it! We want to ensure that our members are motivated to network, but not at the expense of their personal lives. This is why we provide “fun” events like salon, art or shopping nights, and even teleclasses about online dating. So grab some girlfriends (or come meet some new ones) and join in on the fun.
3. Low-key, low cost networking. We’re not as formal as most organizations, and we depend on our members to keep our local clubs running and to spread the word about DWC. Yet, we’ve found that by avoiding formalities, our members take charge and get more out of our networks. We hope to keep our in-person clubs low-key and low cost, but this is dependent upon sponsors, advertisers and members stepping up to buy DWC+ memberships (at only $49/year, it’s no more than the cost of one venti, half-caf, vanilla soy latte per month).
4. No guilt networking. We have heard over and over about how women are tired of paying huge fees to networking organizations and then not being able to fit them into their busy schedules. Or they’re bored with the same sit-down lunches or dinners and speakers. This is why we have smaller, more casual events and developed the online networking platform. Our members can interact in a comfortable environment whether it’s in person or online.
5. Our “business is fun” philosophy. From the very beginning, the DWC attracted women who like their careers and who like to have fun. This is why we try to include an element of fun in everything we do.

Thank you to DWC Contributors

I couldn't sign off without a big thank you to all the DWC local directors and committee members who keep the clubs running on a daily basis, and the sponsors and speakers who donate their space and time. These fabulous women help shape the DWC into what it is today: a fun, energetic place to celebrate being women in business. Many thanks also to our corporate sponsors, who should be congratulated for recognizing that women in business are a remarkable and important resource.

• If you would like to be a director of an existing chapter, contact your local director and join her program committee. This is usually where we find our future leaders.
• If there is no chapter in your area, feel free to start one. Click here for more information.
• If you’re the leader of a local women’s business organization and would like to affiliate with the DWC, please contact us. We can provide an on-line presence while you retain your local identity.
• If you would like to get your company involved as a sponsor or if you have any general questions about the DWC, please feel free to contact me directly at diane (at) downtownwomensclub.com. (Questions about speakers and local sponsorships of events should be directed to your local director).

Remember, for all you Downtown Women out there: It’s an attitude, not a location!

Diane K. Danielson
Downtown Women’s Club Founder & CEO
For more about me, check out my DWC+ directory profile and speaker’s bio.