Upcoming Events
You can connect in so many different ways.
Great Dames offers programs and events for women of all ages and backgrounds. All programs have a giving component where proceeds are donated to the Great Dames Fund to support women-led initiatives to empower women and girls. While women are our primary audience, supportive men and allies also participate in our community.
2024 EVENTS
Great Dames 15th Anniversary Party
Thursday, Nov. 14 at 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. ET
Pizza By Elizabeths, Wilmington, DE
Connect with your fellow Dames at a very special anniversary party
where we'll celebrate the collective impact of >14,500 women
during the last 15 years.
SOLD OUT
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~Prior 2024 Events~
Great Dames 15th Anniversary Global Virtual Celebration Event
Tuesday, October 15, 2024 at 5:30 p.m. ET
Join us via Zoom for an evening of Inspiring Remarks & Exciting Announcements
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These six remarkable women leaders pitched their ideas for empowering women and girls. Innovators worldwide participated in our competition, and six finalists were selected by our judges to pitch. Giving Circle members selected the winner to receive a grand prize package that includes a $10,000 cash award, access to a business mentor, and a comprehensive portfolio of business services. The total value of the grand prize package exceeds $25,000. We'll announce the winner at our 15th Anniversary Celebration Event on Oct. 15 at 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. ET.
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Download Great Dames Pitch Workshop Tool Kit
The Anatomy of a Perfect Pitch
How to present your ideas so they are heard & supported
Wed., May 22 at 5:30 to 6:30 pm ET via Zoom
featuring
Clara Pritchett, Winner of our 2023 Remarkable Ideas Pitch Competition and Robert Ford, Social Venture Entrepreneur
Learn how to tell your story and pitch your ideas so they are heard, valued, promoted, and funded.
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Celebrating International Women's Day
Empowering Voices
Global humanitarian and activist Jaha Marie Dukureh shares her journey of championing equality for women
Monday, March 4, 2024, 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., ET via Zoom
Join us for a truly extraordinary Great Dames gathering, where you’ll meet Jaha Marie Dukureh, a formidable advocate for women’s rights. Named to Time’s 100 List of the Most Influential People in the World, Jaha will share her arduous journey toward becoming a leader of powerful change.
Let’s #InspireInclusion to ensure every woman and girl is heard and her voice cherished.
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Great Dames Global Town Meeting
What Matters Most to You?
Great Dames Virtual Global Town Meeting
Thursday , January 25, 2024
12:00 p.m. ET OR 5:30 p.m. ET (2 sessions)
We are celebrating 15 years of discovering our 'Great Dameness' in 2024, and we want to hear YOUR ideas for our community. What matters most to you as we design the future of Great Dames?
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We value your input. Please respond to this brief 3-question survey.
Great Dames Global Community Survey
(Note: If you respond by Jan 24, 2024, your name will be entered
into a drawing for a FREE Great Dames book (several names will be drawn).
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~Prior 2023 Events~
Tell Her She Matters
We sometimes don’t realize our own worth. Let’s change that.
Great Dames Virtual Powerful Conversation
She Matters: An Important Conversation
Join us virtually on Wed., Nov. 29 at 5:30 - 6:45 p.m. ET
The most empowering thing you can do for someone is tell her she matters. That’s what the Dames do best. We believe that every woman has a purpose. Join us on Nov. 29 for our final Powerful Conversation of the year to discuss the importance of remembering that we each bring something valuable to the world. Let's celebrate the magic in each of us.
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A Night of True Stories by Women Who Share Their Power
Sharing our power. That’s what it is all about, no matter who we are
and where our journey has taken us. Join us on Sept. 28 for an extraordinary evening at the Delaware Art Museum for this very special Great Dames event.
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2023 Great Dames Giving Circle Premiere Grant Competition
Meet women leaders doing remarkable work to empower women and girls to thrive
2023 Remarkable Work Virtual Pitch Event
Tuesday, August 15 at 5:30 - 6:30 p.m. ET via Zoom
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The Stories of Our Moms
A meaningful dialogue about our joyful and complicated relationships
Tuesday, May 9, 2023, 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., ET
Virtual Powerful Conversation Among Dames
Please join us on May 9 to discuss relationships with our mothers: the times we connected so deeply that we found support, joy and unconditional love — as well as moments we struggled to communicate. If you had the chance to say something to your mom, what would it be?
For this Mother’s Day, we’ll meet remarkable Dames and Gents who share stories about their journeys to build respectful, loving and honest relationships with their mothers. Of course, you are welcome to share yours. Join us!
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Celebrating International Women's Day
Meet the Great Dames Storytellers!
Stories Changing the World
Wed., March 8, 2023, 5:30 to 6:30., ET
Virtual Powerful Conversation Among Dames
Join us on March 8 to celebrate the most important day of the year: International Women's Day. We will share stories that are igniting powerful change and enabling us to discover our voices and power. Let's embrace equity together so that more women can experience the opportunities they deserve in a more inclusive society.
plus
Special Offer: Celebrate & Invest in Women Globally by March 8
#EmbraceEquity
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Get Unstuck!
Virtual Hands-On Writing and Editing Workshop
Tuesday, Jan. 17, 2023 from 5:30 to 6:45 p.m., ET
Kathy Palokoff, a highly experienced author, ghostwriter and editor, will demonstrate how to read and edit your writing like a professional; as well as tips to get you unstuck if you are having a hard time getting started. Bring your questions and writing!
Tickets are FREE! Invite a Friend!
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We Survived and Thrived
Celebrating Dames Who Conquered 2022
Great Dames THRIVE! Powerful Conversations Series
Tuesday, Dec. 13, 2022 from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., ET
featuring stories from remarkable Dames who help women thrive
Giftie Umo, nurtures future women leaders of Africa
Sue Weldon, passionately protects women's health
Chandra Pitts, believes in girl power globally
We dedicated 2022 to thriving in a complex world. Join us on Dec. 13 for a holiday event that celebrates YOU and honors three Dames who devote themselves to empowering women and girls to help them thrive.
Learn more about the new Great Dames Giving Circle.
Tickets are Free! Invite a Friend!
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Your Story is Your Legacy
The Dames are Collectively Writing a Book!
We invite you to share your story.
Great Dames THRIVE! Powerful Conversations Series
Tuesday, Nov. 15, 2022 from 5:30 to 6:45 p.m., ET
Led by Great Dames Storytellers: Sharon Kelly Hake, Maria Hess, Kathy Palokoff
featuring
Allison Garrett, Storyteller, Thought Leader, Change-maker
Circle members are invited to bring a friend.
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Your Spark, Your Purpose
Powerful Conversation About Reigniting Your Life
Great Dames THRIVE! Powerful Conversations Series
Wednesday, Sept 28, 2022 from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m., EDT
Interactive virtual workshop led by Dame Nina Sherak
Circle members are invited to bring a friend.
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Dames Celebrate International Friendship Day
with
The Value of Friendship
Why it matters so much
Great Dames THRIVE!
2022 Powerful Conversations Series
Tuesday, July 26, 2022 from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. EDT
Hosted virtually on Zoom
Led by Robert Ford & Sharon Kelly Hake
featuring
Robert Ford, powerful connector of people and ideas
Bebe Coker, revered icon and community mobilizer
Flavia Loreto, talented photographer and Italian "ambassador"
Join our powerful conversation about the value of friendship — at a time it’s truly needed. Whether it’s one friend or many, authentic friendships feed our souls. According to the Mayo Clinic, “friends can increase our sense of belonging and purpose, reduce stress and boost happiness, improve self-confidence and our sense of self-worth.” Our extraordinary panelists will spark our thinking about friendships and open our hearts to new ideas. We'll also invite the Dames to share stories about their friendships and why they matter so much.
Circle members are invited to bring a friend.
Having trouble registering for our events? Click here!
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Healing and Resilience
The Curative Power of Positive Connections
Great Dames THRIVE!
2022 Powerful Conversations Series
Tuesday, June 28, 2022
5:30 to 6:30 p.m. EDT
Hosted virtually on Zoom
Moderated Dame Maria Hess
featuring
Debra Berke, expert on trauma, healing and resilience
Debra and Maria will lead a powerful discussion about the value and impact of our connections on our ability to thrive, even in the face of trauma. We'll invite the Dames to share stories about their connections and the reasons they can make us more resilient, successful, and fulfilled. Join Us!
Special Guest: Great Dame Maria Bynum will share her favorite cause!
Circle members are invited to bring a friend.
Having trouble registering for our events? Click here!
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Confidence
Free to be me no matter what
Great Dames THRIVE!
2022 Powerful Conversations Series
Tuesday, May 24, 2022
5:30 to 6:30 p.m. EDT
Hosted virtually on Zoom
Moderated by Kathy Palokoff
Conversationalists
Vernita Dorsey, leads with wisdom and deep empathy
Gemma Lowery, passionate advocate for healthcare access
Tiasha Tabussum, student phenom from Bangladesh
Vernita, Gemma, Tiasha and Kathy will be part of a powerful conversation about confidence and why it's important to be true to yourself, no matter what.
Circle members are invited to bring a friend.
Having trouble registering for our events? Click here!
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Previous Events
Stop the Judgment!
Why buying into criticism inhibits our ability to thrive
Great Dames THRIVE!
2022 Powerful Conversations Series
Tuesday, April 26, 2022
5:30 to 6:30 p.m. EDT
Hosted virtually on Zoom
Moderated by Dame Maria Hess
Conversationalists
Maria Hess, skilled communicator, passionate Dame, mother
Tynetta Brown, Resilient fighter, focused on high impact solutions
Additional conversationalists to be announced
A real conversation about the real pain of judgment.
Dames share how crippling and unfair judgment changed their lives. And how we can thrive despite judgment.
Circle members are invited to bring a friend.
Having trouble registering for our events? Click here!
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I QUIT!
Seeking more joy and purpose in our work
Great Dames THRIVE!
2022 Powerful Conversations Series
Tuesday, March 22, 2022
5:30 to 6:30 p.m. EST
Hosted virtually on Zoom
Moderated by Dame Kathy Palokoff
Our Speaker
Jamee Eddee Boone, passionate strategist and consultant on diversity, equity and inclusion
Jamee will inspire us with her story and initiate a conversation with the Dames in the room. We'll meet in small groups to brainstorm ways to bring more joy and meaning to our work.
Circle members are invited to bring a friend.
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Great Dames Powerful Conversations Series
Bravery
How to tap into our courage
Tuesday, February 22, 2022
5:30 to 6:30 p.m. EST
Hosted virtually on Zoom
Speakers
Allison Garrett, award-winning speaker, author, successful entrepreneur
Annum Nashra, student community advocate in Bangladesh
Maureen McVail, former race car driver & passionate mentor
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Great Dames HUB Virtual Workshops
Learn more about the valuable resources of the Great Dames HUB platform by joining one of our FREE virtual workshops this month.
Register to join us on one of these two dates:
Friday, January 21 at 12:00 noon EST
or
Monday, January 24 at 5:30 PM EST
We can’t wait to hear your questions, suggestions and feedback. This is YOUR HUB platform. Your input is vital.
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Celebrating Your ‘Great Dameness’
Virtual Celebration for Great Dames & their Guests
Monday, Dec 13, 2021 I 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. EST via Zoom
The Great Dames community will gather virtually for our final event of 2021 to share our best moments, proudest accomplishments, and hopes for the future. We’ll end with a toast to each other and the global community of women who support women and girls.
Invite a friend to join us.
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Great Dames 2021 Remarkable Ideas Virtual Pitch Competition
Tuesday, Nov 30, 2021 I 5:30 to 6:45 p.m. EST via Zoom
“Reimagining Our Future”
Information Here
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Great Dames Powerful Conversation
Tuesday, Oct 26 at 5:30 - 6:30 p.m. EDT via Zoom
“Introducing the Great Dames Marketplace”
Great Dames Virtual Workshop
Monday, Sept 20 at 12:00 - 1:00 p.m. EDT via Zoom
featuring
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“Making Good Trouble”
featuring
Bebe Coker, venerated community mobilizer
and
Jah’Sima Cooper, outspoken teen activist
facilitated by
Nina Sherak, founder, Resilience Mastery Training, Coaching & Workshops
inspired by
“Get in good trouble, necessary trouble, and redeem the soul of America.”
-- John Lewis
Join us to declare yourself a "Great Dames Troublemaker,"
Create your Troublemaking Action Plan,
Connect with your Accountability Partner, and
Take ACTION!
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Savings Success Workshop
FREE Virtual Workshop Designed for Aspiring Dames
(US and global participants welcome)
Tuesday, August 10 at 9:00 - 10:00 a.m. EDT via Zoom
A Workshop from Capital One
All Registrants Receive Valuable "Savings Success Tool"
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“Reimagining Friendship”
Great Dames Virtual Powerful Conversations Series
Thursday, July 29, from 5:30-6:30 p.m. EDT via Zoom
Celebrating International Day of Friendship with the Great Dames Community
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Great Dames Virtual Powerful Conversations Series
"Confidence & Your Body"
Thursday, June 17, from 5:30-6:45 p.m. EDT via Zoom
Featuring:
Kathy Palokoff & DeLores Pressley
Co-Founders, Confidence Redefined
What is confidence? Is your confidence affected by how you see your body? What would help you gain more confidence in yourself – inside and out? These are the three questions that will be explored during a powerful conversation about confidence and body image. Our dialogue will be led by two Great Dames who want women to rally around the cry, “Free to be me” and are creating Confidence Redefined, an on-line platform that includes coaching, classes, and community to help all women believe in their beauty.
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Great Dames Virtual Powerful Conversations Series
"Reimagining Courage"
Monday, May 17, from 5:30-6:30 p.m. EDT via Zoom
Moderated by Dame Maria Hess
Featuring Great Dames Conversation Catalysts:
Regina Allen-Sharpe, Sindy Rodriquez and Jan White
If COVID-19 taught us anything, it’s that life is short; every day precious. We find strength in banding together and courage in battling obstacles. Adversity is part of everyone’s life, but women fight harder. Yet sometimes, when we summon the courage to speak our truth, we face hardships we never imagined. Courage fortifies us to muscle through those challenges, and having courage means embracing humility, vulnerability, gratitude and empathy.
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Join our conversation with Dr. Barbara Hutchinson to learn about how sleep impacts your health and what you can do about it. Dr. Hutchinson will share practical advice, resources, and tangible ways you can improve your sleep. Don’t sleep on it. Join us.
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Great Dames Virtual Powerful Conversations Series
"Creating Remarkable Results during Uncertainty"
Friday, March 26, 2021 at 12:00 p.m. EDT
A powerful, interactive workshop led by Mary Mavis,
author of “Creating Remarkable Results: Wisdom for Navigating the Complexities of Work and Life"
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Great Dames Virtual Powerful Conversations Series
“A Conversation Among Women”
Special Event for Circle Members Only
on
International Women’s Day
Monday, March 8, 2021 at 5:30 to 6:45 p.m. EST
All Circle members are invited, but you must RSVP to receive the zoom link to join the conversation.
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Great Dames Virtual Powerful Conversations Series
Valentine’s-Themed Cooking Class
with
Award-Winning Chef Curtiss Hemm
Wednesday, Feb. 10, 2021 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. EST via Zoom
Join Chef Curtiss Hemm for a lively conversation and cooking class featuring Valentine's Day treats that feed our hearts and souls. An award-winning chef and founder of the Carriage House Cooking School in Plattsburgh, New York, Chef Curtiss also founded PinkRibbonCooking.com to provide healthy recipes for women with breast cancer. Our North Country New York Chapter, led by Carol Arnold, introduces Chef Curtiss to the Great Dames community. Let's eat chocolate together!
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Reimagining Your Remarkable
Great Dames Virtual Powerful Conversations Series
“Becoming Remarkable Through Business Building & Service”
with
Andra Rush
Friday, Jan. 22, 2021 12:00 to 1:00 p.m. EST via Zoom
Join our powerful conversation with Andra Rush, the founder, chair, and CEO of the Rush Group, one of the largest Native American woman-owned companies in the U.S. Andra lives her life based on an indigenous mindset that we are all born with obligations to serve past, present, and future generations and the planet herself in contrast to an "I have rights" mindset. An extraordinary success in the male-dominated automotive industry, contributor to the rebirth of Detroit, and force behind a powerful job creation model, Andra has a remarkable story to share as you reimagine your remarkable.
We have more powerful events planned in 2021 with women who are changing the world, helping us discover the remarkable Dame inside each of us, and even a world-class chef, who will share ideas about feeding our bodies and souls. We'll learn, grow, and laugh together. Dames deserve a fantastic 2021!
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2020 EVENTS
Celebrating Your 'Great Dameness'!
The Dec 7 special celebration event is open only to Great Dames Circle Members & Guests. We'd love to see you there. Join the Circle here.
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Great Dames Powerful Conversations Series
Reimagining Self-Care
Tuesday, Nov 17, 2020 5:30 to 6:45 p.m. ET via Zoom
moderated by Kathy Palokoff
featuring
Carolyn A. Brent, health & wellness guru
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Great Dames Powerful Conversations Series
The Power of Our Remarkable Connections
Monday, Oct 19, 2020 5:30 to 6:45 p.m. ET via Zoom
moderated by Maria Hess
featuring
and our remarkable Great Dames Community!
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2020 Global Virtual Conference & Pitch Event
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Great Dames Connect Virtually
Acts of Radical Imagination
Making the Case for Female-Forward Change in The World of Theatre
featuring
Tamara Della Anderson and Sonya Aronowitz
women discovering their powerful voices in theatre
Tuesday, August 25 at 5:30 to 6:45 p.m. EDT via virtual zoom connection
The Great Dames community is invited to connect with remarkable Dames to talk, share and learn together. Women nationwide, and globally, have been joining our conversations.
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Great Dames Powerful Conversations Series
"Dismissed: How Race, Gender and Culture Bias is Destroying the Health of Americans"
featuring
Angela Wright Marshall, MD, FACP, founder of Comprehensive Women’s Health, Inc.
Tuesday, July 28 at 5:30 to 6:45 p.m. EDT via virtual zoom connection
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Great Dames Powerful Conversations Series
Turning Adversity into Advantage
featuring
Allison T. Garrett, founder of Prison Break Coach
Monday, July 13 at 5:30 to 7:00 via virtual zoom connection
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Great Dames Connect Virtually
A conversation with Jah'Sima Cooper
Interviewed by Maureen McVail
Thursday, June 25, 2020 | 5:00 - 6:00 p.m. | via Zoom
The Great Dames community is invited to connect on June 25, when Jah'Sima Cooper will share her story and invite you to share yours. Jah'Sima was first runner-up in our Remarkable Youth Pitch event, and she's been truly remarkable since. Wait until you meet this phenomenal aspiring Dame. Invite a friend!
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Great Dames Powerful Conversations Series
THAT ... was a Great Question!
The power of productively curious questions
A virtual workshop, led by Adina Tovell, founder of Courage to be Curious, LLC Monday, June 8 at 5:30 to 6:45 p.m.
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Great Dames Powerful Conversations Series
The Power of Storytelling
This is the right time to write your book
A virtual workshop led by Kathy Palokoff, author, firestarter & entrepreneur
Monday, May 11 at 5:30 to 7:00 pm
Virtual workshop is free; however, we request a small donation of $10 to the Great Dames Action Fund to engage Aspiring Dames in our work. Please donate here. Thank you!
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Great Dames Powerful Conversation
Monday, April 20 at 5:30 p.m.
Thriving 101: Real-time Resilience
A virtual workshop led by Nina Sherak, certified resilience trainer
A FREE event for our community. Zoom invitation will include instructions and a link to join the call via video or audio connection.
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Great Resources for Great Dames
Gifts from our April 6 Virtual Powerful Conversation
Thanks for sharing your valuable ideas and resources with us on April 6. Keep sharing them. The world needs your ‘Great Dameness’ right now. Click here for a summary of your great ideas.
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Great Dames Powerful Conversation Zoom Call
Monday, April 6 at 5:30 p.m.
Why Showing Your 'Great Dameness' Matters RIGHT NOW!
The POWER of Connecting with our Community
A FREE event for our community. Zoom invitation will include instructions and a link to join the call via video or audio connection.
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Visit our Great Dames CIRCLE member page for info about our Great Dames Connect events for members. Click here.
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Our support for women & girls continues!
Please donate to the Great Dames Action Fund. Your support empowers women and girls.
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SOLD OUT!
Fall 2019
Great Dames Powerful Conversations
Great Dames.Great Guys
How Men Can Be Strong Allies for Women
Monday, October 21 | 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Harry's Savoy Grill & Ballroom, North Wilmington, DE
Enjoy delicious hors d'oeuvres & soft drinks (cash bar); easy parking
Be part of a very important and timely conversation with women and men who are working to create greater impact together. That includes YOU! We'll be talking with:
Fred Dawson, Wealth Manager Focused on Women
Allison Garrett, Fearless Change Agent
Maria Hess, Communications Diva
Sarah Kenney-Cruz, Passionate PR Whiz
Pedro Moore, Venture Advisor to Daymond John of Shark Tank
Mac Nagaswami Macleod, Trailblazing Entrepreneur
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Thank you! Our 10th Anniversary Celebration event was a success, and our support for women & girls continues!
Please donate to the Great Dames Action Fund.
Your support empowers women and girls.
Great Dames Fund is a 501(c)3 tax-exempt organization (EIN: 47-2762190) and your donation is tax-deductible within the guidelines of U.S. law.
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2020 Great Dames Peer Advisory Groups
Now accepting applications for participation in our peer groups in 2019.
“I have met amazing, creative and strong women through the Great Dames peer advisory group that continually give solid advice, share their stories and support each other whenever possible.” (Great Dames peer group member)
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Congratulations to our 2018 Remarkable Ideas Competition III Winners:
Lt. Governor Bethany Hall-Long, Erica Marshall, Sharon Kelly Hake
Erica Marshall, founder, Defendant Data Solutions
Dorcas Olatunji, T^2: Transforming Transportation (Remarkable Youth winner)