Why NYC Women Are Turning to Networking Groups to Move Their Careers Forward
In one of the world’s most competitive business landscapes, NYC women’s networking groups offer professional women access to mentorship, career resources, and supportive communities. Top groups to consider include:
- Monday Girl – Private members club for next-generation leaders.
- Ellevate Network – Global community with a local NYC chapter.
- Women.NYC – Free government initiative for high-growth careers.
- Luminary – Gender-inclusive platform with a physical NYC space.
- Lean In NYC – Peer support model focused on small “Circles.”
- WENG NYC – Executive group emphasizing referral generation.
While the professional landscape is changing, many women still feel isolated in male-dominated fields. The impact of joining a group is tangible: research shows 84% of Women.NYC participants grew their strategic network, and 72% of jobseekers obtained at least one interview after joining.
The data is compelling. Monday Girl members report negotiating 25% higher salaries and landing promotions. As one member shared, “I came for the business and referrals, but I stayed for the community.”
Traditional networking often overlooks women’s needs. These groups fill that gap by creating spaces for authentic relationships, mutual support during career transitions, and professional development custom to the challenges women face. Whether you’re pivoting careers, seeking a promotion, or building a business, these organizations offer structured support.
I’m Jessica Stewart of EMRG Media, one of the leading event planning companies in New York. Through my work with The Event Planner Expo, I’ve seen the transformative power of NYC women’s networking groups. Let’s explore how they can accelerate your career and help you find your professional tribe.
How to Choose a Networking Group That Fits Your Career
With many NYC women’s networking groups available, asking a few key questions can help you find a community that supports your career goals. As corporate event planners in New York, we’ve seen how intentionally designed experiences foster stronger connections and long-term professional growth
Events & Format: What kind of events energize you? Do you prefer structured workshops or casual happy hours? Most groups like Ellevate Network and Monday Girl offer a hybrid model with both in-person events (breakfasts, meetups) and virtual options (roundtables, chats). Consider what fits your schedule and personality.
Cost & Value: Membership costs vary significantly. Women.NYC is a free government initiative, while private clubs like Monday Girl have an annual fee ($21/month paid annually) that includes credits for coaching. Analyze what’s included—coaching, exclusive content, or event discounts—to ensure the investment matches the value you’ll receive.
Community & Industry Focus: The community’s vibe is crucial. Do you want the ambitious “go-getters” of Ellevate or the authentic connection focus of Monday Girl? Some groups, like Luminary, are gender-inclusive. An industry focus can also be a game-changer; Women.NYC targets high-growth sectors like tech and the green economy, which can accelerate your growth if you’re in a specialized field.
Mentorship & Development: The structure of mentorship opportunities varies greatly. Monday Girl provides direct office hours with executives, Lean In NYC has a coached mentoring program, and Luminary offers peer-to-peer cohorts. Think about what kind of guidance would help you most. Also, consider leadership opportunities and other professional development resources like workshops or video content.
By weighing these factors against your career stage and goals, you’ll find a NYC women’s networking group that feels less like an obligation and more like your professional tribe. And if you’re inspired to create your own networking experiences, plan a custom networking event that brings people together in a meaningful way.
A Comparative Look at the Best NYC Women’s Networking Groups
We’ve compared the leading NYC women’s networking groups side-by-side so you can quickly identify which community aligns with your goals, budget, and career stage.
| Group Name | Target Audience | Membership Cost | Key Offerings | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Monday Girl | Next-generation leaders navigating career pivots or seeking advancement | $250/year (includes 15 credits) | Personalized career coaching, Tastemakers Series, Office Hours with executives, digital community, quarterly IRL meetups, 80+ hours of video content | Women ready to invest in personalized mentorship and authentic connections |
| Ellevate Network | Women+ at all career stages | Free membership available | In-person breakfasts and happy hours, virtual roundtables, Mobilize Women events, chapter leadership opportunities | Established professionals seeking relationship-building without overt sales pitches |
| Women.NYC | Career changers and entrepreneurs in high-growth industries | Free (NYC government initiative) | Digital Office Hours with industry pros, Power Circles, Insider’s Look events, Pivot to Growth programs | Women pivoting into tech, life sciences, or green economy careers |
| Luminary | Women and allies at any career stage | Varies (individual and enterprise options) | Peer-to-peer mentorship cohorts, upskilling programs, physical NYC workspace, curated programming | Those who value gender-inclusive spaces and want both digital and physical community access |
Now let’s dig deeper into what makes each of these NYC women’s networking groups special.
Monday Girl: For the Next-Generation Leader
Monday Girl is a private members club for next-generation leaders seeking authentic connections over surface-level networking. It’s designed for women navigating career pivots or feeling isolated in male-dominated industries.
The $250 annual membership includes 15 credits for one-on-one coaching with executive coaches or office hours with senior leaders. Members get access to the Tastemakers Series for feedback from industry leaders, virtual workshops, and quarterly NYC meetups. A digital community chat keeps you connected daily.
One member noted she met more new people in one month than in the previous two years, leading directly to job interviews. The community attracts women from companies like Microsoft, Netflix, and TikTok.
APPLY NOW for Monday Girl membership to join this community of ambitious women.
Ellevate Network: A Global Community with Local Roots
As the largest community for women+ at work, Ellevate Network offers a global reach with a strong NYC chapter. The focus is on genuine relationship-building rather than sales pitches, attracting what members call “go-getters, focused, and strong business women.”
The NYC chapter hosts in-person breakfasts, lunches, and happy hours, plus virtual roundtables for specific groups like entrepreneurs or corporate executives. Their Mobilize Women events are designed to inspire leadership and change. Members find strength and direction by connecting with peers who have steerd similar career transitions. The chapter also offers compelling leadership opportunities to build your brand and skills.
Learn more about Ellevate Chapter Leadership and check their website for current membership tiers, including free options.
Women.NYC: Tapping into the Industries of the Future
Women.NYC is a free NYC government initiative designed to connect women to opportunities in the city’s fastest-growing industries: tech, life sciences, offshore wind, and the green economy. Its mission is to close the talent gap and make NYC the most women-forward city in the US.
The program offers one-on-one Digital Office Hours with industry pros, intimate Power Circles for mentorship, and Insider’s Look events with site visits. The Pivot to Growth programs are specifically designed to help women reskill for new careers or scale early-stage businesses in these sectors.
Explore Women NYC to tap into these industries of the future.
Luminary: Where Women & Allies Rise Together
Luminary is a global, gender-inclusive professional education and networking platform where women and allies rise together. It offers both digital programming and a physical workspace in NYC, creating a diverse and intersectional community.
Luminary operates with a “no application, no gatekeeping” philosophy, making it highly accessible. Key offerings include Luminary Crus (peer-to-peer mentorship cohorts), curated programs focused on upskilling, and enterprise memberships for companies looking to invest in female talent.
The combination of a physical hub for work and meetings, along with robust digital resources, provides a flexible environment for growth. It’s ideal for those who value an inclusive community and want both digital and in-person access.
Discover Luminary’s platform for women and allies and find the right speaker for your next conference.
Finding Your Niche: Other NYC Networking Groups Worth Exploring
While major NYC women’s networking groups offer incredible resources, you might find that a more focused approach resonates with your goals. The beauty of New York City’s networking landscape is that there’s something for everyone.
Lean In NYC: The Power of Peer Support Circles
For those who prefer deep connections over large mixers, Lean In NYC’s “Circles” model offers a powerful alternative. Inspired by Sheryl Sandberg’s book, this approach uses small, intimate peer groups that meet regularly to share challenges, celebrate wins, and provide mutual support.
Beyond the Circles, the NYC chapter runs a monthly “edutainment” series, “Leaning IN to The Future Of Work,” to explain technology. Their “INspiration” mentoring program pairs mentees with mentors and provides guidance from mentorship coaches to ensure a structured, beneficial relationship. The peer support model creates a safe space for vulnerability and honest conversation, addressing the isolation many women feel in their careers.
Visit the Lean In NYC network page to join a Circle. For ideas on building connections within your own team, check out these engaging team building activities.
NextUp New York: Fostering Allyship and Inspiring Conversations
Believing that advancing women requires everyone’s involvement, NextUp New York (formerly Network of Executive Women) focuses on fostering allyship. Their thriving regional community hosts events that are open to all, creating space for diverse voices to drive change.
NextUp hosts engaging in-person and virtual events, from panel discussions to networking mixers, designed to inspire action. The emphasis on allyship is transformative, making this community ideal for those who want to connect with both women on their career journeys and allies committed to creating more equitable workplaces.
See upcoming events with NextUp New York to get involved.
General Networking Event Resources
If you’re not ready to commit to a membership, one-off events are a great way to explore different communities. These platforms are excellent resources for finding workshops, mixers, and panels across the city:
- Eventbrite: A go-to for finding all types of events, from networking brunches to professional development workshops.
- Meetup: Hosts thousands of local groups, including professional women’s groups and industry-specific circles.
- Professional Associations: Industry-specific organizations like Women in Tech NYC offer highly relevant networking opportunities.
- LinkedIn Events: A convenient way to find professional gatherings promoted by organizations in your network.
These platforms offer the flexibility to sample different networking styles at your own pace. For a comprehensive look at what’s happening, discover more networking events in NYC for 2025.
What Women Want to Know Before Joining a NYC Networking Group
As you explore NYC women’s networking groups, you likely have practical questions. We’ve compiled answers to help you take the next step.
How do I know which of the NYC women’s networking groups is right for me?
Choosing the right group depends on your personal and professional goals. Consider these factors:
- Your Goal: Are you pivoting careers (try Monday Girl), breaking into a specific industry like tech (try Women.NYC), or seeking leadership development (try Ellevate Network)?
- Your Career Stage: Some groups cater to next-generation leaders (Monday Girl), while others welcome women at all stages.
- Event Style: Do you prefer digital communities, in-person events, or a physical workspace like Luminary offers?
- Culture: Do you want an exclusive, curated community or an open, inclusive one?
Our best advice is to attend a guest event before joining. This allows you to experience the community’s energy and see if it feels like the right fit.
Can these groups really help me find a job or get a promotion?
Yes, absolutely. These groups provide tangible career benefits through networking, mentorship, and skill-building. The data speaks for itself: 72% of jobseekers in Women NYC programs secured at least one interview, Some members at Monday Girl have shared personal career wins, including negotiating what they described as about a 25% salary increase after participating in workshops and coaching sessions.
Success comes from several channels:
- Direct Networking: You gain access to a pipeline of referrals and hear about unlisted job opportunities.
- Mentorship & Coaching: One-on-one coaching and mentor office hours help you refine your resume, really prepare for interviews, and negotiate offers.
- Confidence Building: Being part of a supportive NYC community empowers you to be more assertive and pursue better opportunities.
These groups are structured to provide the resources and connections needed to advance your career in a competitive market like NYC.
Your Next Chapter Starts with the Right Network
You’ve seen how NYC women’s networking groups offer pathways to career growth and authentic connections. Now it’s time to take action. Finding your tribe means surrounding yourself with women who celebrate your wins and help you steer challenges.
The results are real: members negotiate higher salaries, land promotions, and find opportunities through referrals. In a competitive city like New York, this community support is a game-changer, building the confidence and clarity you need to advance.
So, where do you start? Choose a group that aligns with your goals and attend a guest event. Explore options like Monday Girl for personalized coaching, Women.NYC for industry-specific pivots, or Lean In NYC for peer support.
Your professional journey deserves a supportive community. These groups are ready to help you rise.
Whether it’s a corporate event, private celebration, or milestone moment, details matter. EMRG Media blends design, production, and crowd psychology to create experiences that land. Work with EMRG Media and let professionals handle the logistics while you focus on connecting with your guests.
Your next breakthrough is waiting. Go find your tribe.
