Local Organization Unites, Inspires & Strengthens Community
The mission of Women of Westfield (WOW) is to connect and empower women who live and work in Westfield. Although it began under the umbrella of the Westfield Chamber, it is now a separate organization. Its members include full-time businesswomen as well as stay-at-home moms. With the goal of supporting local businesses, WOW also promotes service and activities that positively impact the community.
“Every five to six weeks we have an event that pulls women together and encourages them to get out. Recent activities have been ‘Brave the Barricades,’ where we met at the Westfield Farmers Market and then visited the businesses nearby. In October we had a Coffee Meet Up at The Spark Coffee,” says Janelle Campbell, one of the original founding members and current board president.
“On Nov. 13, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m., we will have our seventh annual Be Gathering,” Campbell says. “This year it is titled Be at Peace and will be held at the Westfield Washington Public Library. It is sponsored by Community Health Network. Tickets are $50. VIP members are not charged. The event will feature a keynote speaker with breakout sessions including yoga and sound bath therapy. With 25 vendors of women-owned businesses featuring products for women, it’s a great way to kick off holiday shopping.”
The group offers two options for membership. Social membership is free, and the fee for VIP membership is $50 annually. VIP membership includes a free ticket to the annual Be Gathering event, a free mug with unlimited 25% discounts on single drinks at Rivet Coffee, early registration and discounts to events, and the opportunity to participate in VIP-exclusive events.
VIP-only gatherings have included many behind-the-scenes views of the growing Westfield community. In July, members toured new Old Town Companies apartments, walked the Midland Trail and got an insider peek at downtown’s future. Earlier this year, VIP members visited Westfield Fire Station 381. Other events have included seeing how cider is made and a first look at the new site of the Westfield Washington Library.
“Every single time I leave a WOW event, whatever it was, I always leave feeling filled up,” Campbell says. “The group has so many cool women doing cool things. It’s a win-win.”
For information on membership, upcoming events and to purchase tickets for Be at Peace, visit womenofwestfield.com. View WOW on Facebook and Instagram.
