Work And Play: Who Needs The Old Boys’ Club, Anyway?

Femfessionals provides a fun, supportive environment for professional women to network

Sometimes, navigating networking events can be tricky for women (like being asked for your number when you’re just trying to hand out your business card). But national group Femfessionals was designed to help women conduct business in a fun environment, while establishing lasting connections and friendships.

The women-only group facilitates an innovative business community in cities around the world, including the Honolulu chapter.

“It’s nice to be around other positive women who are in the same kind of mindset,” says Femfessionals regional director for Hawaii and the Pacific Britt Yap. “It’s not really networking. It’s like meeting up with your friends, getting business done, catching up about life.”

Femfessionals Honolulu recently celebrated its first birthday at Stage Restaurant in Honolulu Design Center. Since its inception, Femfessionals Honolulu has grown to more than 100 members and has expanded to Maui.

“I just find it’s a safe environment for women to be themselves without having to keep the business suit on,” Yap continues, “and be professional and not have to feel so stuffy about it.”

In addition to the benefit of meeting new people and making business connections, Femfessionals Honolulu holds regular activities and workshops, including aerial yoga or how to pitch an idea to the press. Femfessionals Honolulu has hosted speakers such as former KHON news anchor Olena Heu and psychic medium Yoshie Miakoda. Next up is “Getting Personal With Your Personal Finances,” taking place Nov. 5 at BoxJelly in Kakaako. Christina Oh and Heather Duryea Bennett of Wealth Strategy Partners will discuss managing debt, creating a personal protection and investment plan, managing taxes and money-saving practices.(Registerhere: bit.ly/1t7jO4m.)

Femfessionals hosts regular networking events, workshops and activities such as yoga PHOTOS BY NICOLE KATO

“It’s always been on my radar to do another financial workshop for the members,” she says.

Those who think they have a handle on their personal budgets can look forward to a sunset yoga session at Kakaako Amphitheater Park (Nov. 9), put on by Honolulu chapter member Amita Aung-Thwin. (Register here: bit.ly/1umut92.)

Email Yap at honolulu@femfessionals.com for more information.