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

  • April Co-Working and Mastermind Gathering

    Thursday April 30th
    10am-12pm, The Frunchroom Collective
    $10 to cover costs of private room (Collected at the event)
    1193 S Milwaukee Ave, Libertyville

    Take a break from working alone and join us for intentional co-working 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. No Registration, please join us at the Frunchroom in the den!

  • The Power of Community: Finding Your Way Back to Your Authentic Self

    NEW DATE: Thursday June 4
    11:30AM - 1:00PM
    Hotel Indigo, Vernon Hills
    $45 includes Lunch, Networking, Presentation
    450 N Milwaukee Ave, Vernon Hills

    Stephanie will help us explore how identities are formed, how long-held labels can keep us stuck, and what it means to begin rediscovering who we are beneath them.

    Learn More- Get tickets here

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.