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

  • December Co-Working and Mastermind Gathering

    Thursday, December 11
    9-11am, Hotel Indigo Vernon Hills
    $15

    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.

    Details & Tickets
  • Women Networking event with speaker, Erin Attere

    Reignite Your Spark: A New Year Reset for the Woman Who Does It All with Erin Attere

    SAVE THE DATE: Thursday, January 29th, 2026- The Boardroom Libertyville
    6:30-8:30PM, $45

    This talk is for the high-achieving female entrepreneur who’s juggling it all — growing a business, showing up for family, keeping the household running, nurturing relationships, and trying to make space for her own health and happiness…all while doing her best to avoid burnout.

    Details & Tickets

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

  • Empowering Women in their Next Chapter

  • Personal Branding & Visibility

  • Gratitude, Giving Back, & Purpose-Driven Success

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.