Grateful Connections hosts events that bring women together for real conversations, professional growth, and meaningful connection — right here in Lake County, Illinois. Whether you're attending a speaker event, a hands-on workshop, or a casual networking social, you'll walk away feeling inspired, supported, and better equipped to grow your business with confidence. Our topics range from sales, branding, and mindset to wellness, leadership, and the next chapter of your life — because you’re building more than a business, you’re building a life that reflects who you truly are.

Leaves represent growing your business with Grateful Connections.

Events

Upcoming Events

  • March Co-Working and Mastermind Gathering

    Thursday, March 5th and March 19th
    10am-12pm, The Frunchroom Collective
    1193 S Milwaukee Ave, Libertyville
    FREE

    Take a break from working alone and join us for intentional coworking with women who get it. This is a focused, supportive space to bring your laptop, set goals, make progress, and get energized by community. Come work, connect, and grow- because business is better when we build it together.

  • Lush Ladies: History of Women in the Alcohol Business

    Wednesday, March 18th
    6:30-8:30pm
    Northshore Distillery, Libertyville
    $45 includes one custom cocktail (or mocktail), appetizers, presentation, and connection

    The presentation portion of our event, in celebration of Women’s History Month, Sonja from North Shore Distillery will share a captivating look at alcohol’s evolution while spotlighting remarkable women whose stories still inspire today.

    This Grateful Connections gathering is designed for meaningful conversation, using intentional prompts and guided interactions to make networking feel natural and engaging. Join us for an evening of learning, connection, and community in an atmosphere that feels welcoming, relaxed, and refreshingly different.

    Join US!!

Grateful Connections is a professional development community for women building passion-driven businesses — and lives — they love. Our in-person events and virtual workshops bring together women seeking growth, clarity, and connection in a non-competitive, deeply supportive environment.

Join us for an event to see for yourself.

You don’t have to grow your business alone.

Become a Speaker at Grateful Connections

We’re always looking to highlight speakers who empower women, lead with heart, integrity, and purpose — and who can inspire, educate, and uplift women on their journey in business and life.

If you have a story, strategy, or lesson that aligns with our mission, we’d love to hear from you. While our community centers around women in business, we welcome speakers of all identities whose message supports our values and helps create meaningful impact.

We welcome speakers who lead conversations that are educational, inclusive, and uplifting — and who can share insights aligned with our values and messaging pillars. Here’s what guides every event we host:

Grateful Connections empowers women to grow their businesses

Core Values

  • Gratitude

  • Connection

  • Empowerment

  • Integrity

  • Support

  • Inclusivity

  • Growth

Connect with other professional women and thrive with Grateful Connections

Messaging Pillars

  • Professional Development & Business Growth

  • Meaningful Connections & Community Building

  • Inner Growth, Clarity & Confidence for Women in Business

  • Client Experience & Relationship Building

  • Gratitude, Giving Back & Purpose-Driven Success (woven throughout everything we do)

What We’re Looking For

We are especially interested in speakers who can offer practical insight, inspiring stories, or hands-on strategies that help our members with a shift in mindset, a new business strategy, or a sense of renewed confidence. We want our attendees to walk away thinking differently, feeling empowered, or taking action in their business or life.

Here are a few topics to consider:

  • Build confidence as business owners or professionals

  • Navigate mindset blocks or life transitions

  • Improve visibility through branding, sales, or marketing

  • Foster purpose and sustainability in their work

  • Cultivate stronger connections and self-leadership

Grateful Connections events empower women in business

Apply to be a Speaker

If the information above resonates with your mission and message, we invite you to apply below. We review all submissions with care and reach out personally when we see a great fit. Thank you for your interest in helping women grow through gratitude, connection, and community.