What SSWBN is

South Shore Women’s Business Network brings together professionals and business owners through meaningful connections, practical learning, and a supportive community south of Boston.

• • Join the Network
  • Attend an Event 
  • Find a Member 

About SSWBN

The South Shore Women’s Business Network (SSWBN) is a dynamic community of professionals, entrepreneurs, and business leaders committed to building meaningful connections and supporting one another’s growth. For over 30 years, SSWBN has brought together individuals from across industries to network, learn, and collaborate in a welcoming and inclusive environment.

Through a mix of in-person and virtual events, members have opportunities to expand their networks, share their expertise, and gain practical insights to support their businesses and careers. What sets SSWBN apart is its focus on genuine relationships—creating a space where members feel supported, seen, and empowered.

Whether you are just starting out, growing your business, or looking to stay connected within the South Shore business community, SSWBN offers the relationships, resources, and opportunities to help you move forward with confidence.

Upcoming Events

Testimonials

Hear from some of our members about the impact that SSWBN has had in their lives:

Networking is so much better when… you find yourself in a supportive, caring and smart group of women and men. SSWBN provides the environment for productive networking.

What I absolutely LOVE about this network group is… great motivational speakers & presenters that empower women like me, and others! Thank You.

SSWBN has been a godsend because I am now involved with a remarkable group of entrepreneurs who are dedicated to helping each other.

I love helping other people, and SSWBN offers me a wonderful opportunity to give and receive in a manner that is mutually beneficial.

I feel like I am surrounded by people who GET me and my business, and I come away from every meeting and conversation feeling empowered and excited about my business. It’s a big group, but yet feels small and cozy – not intimidating at all. I have bad anxiety – so that’s important to me!

I have been a member of the SSWBN for three years and it has been a very rewarding experience. This business group has provided me with ongoing professional development and has brought me many new ideas on how to run a business more effectively. Many members have willingly provided me with information that has widened my knowledge base and energized my company. My company has grown and prospered due to the many connections that I have made as a member of the SSWBN. I consider the SSWBN my “premium” networking organization.

Effective networking is one of the cornerstones of relationship building in business. At the network, my colleagues at Welch Healthcare and I enjoy countless opportunities of networking and collaboration. The membership and administrative staff is extremely professional and welcoming, supporting and empowering members in their business pursuits. It is clearly a premier business networking group.

About the Network

The South Shore Women’s Business Network (SSWBN) is a vibrant, inclusive community of professionals, entrepreneurs, and business leaders who are committed to building meaningful relationships and supporting one another’s growth. We bring together individuals from across industries and career stages, whether you are launching a business, scaling your work, or leading within an established organization, to create connections that are both professionally valuable and personally meaningful.

What makes SSWBN different is our focus on authentic connection over transactional networking. This is not a room where people simply exchange business cards and move on. Our members show up to build real relationships, offer support, share knowledge, and actively refer and collaborate with one another. Through a combination of in-person and virtual events, educational programming, and leadership opportunities, we create space for learning, visibility, and community.

SSWBN attracts a diverse mix of business owners, corporate professionals, service providers, and leaders from across the South Shore and beyond. While our roots are grounded in supporting women in business, our network is open to anyone who values connection, collaboration, and community. Whether you are looking to grow your business, expand your network, or find a supportive professional community, SSWBN offers a place to connect, contribute, and thrive.

Mission & Values:

• Contacts
• Coaching
• Collaboration
• Community

Our History

The South Shore Women’s Business Network (SSWBN) was founded in 1991 by six visionary women who recognized that the needs of women in business were not being met by traditional networking organizations. They set out to create a space where professionals could build meaningful connections, share resources, and support one another’s growth in an authentic and collaborative way.

From those early conversations, SSWBN has grown into one of the premier networking organizations on the South Shore. While much has evolved over the years, the core purpose remains the same: to create opportunities for connection, learning, leadership, and community impact.

Throughout its history, SSWBN has continuously adapted to meet the changing needs of its members. The organization has expanded its programming to include a mix of networking events, educational workshops, and leadership opportunities, both in-person and virtual. Along the way, it has built a reputation for fostering genuine relationships, encouraging referrals and collaboration, and supporting businesses at every stage of growth.

A defining part of SSWBN’s legacy is its commitment to community. Through charitable partnerships and member-driven giving, the network has supported dozens of organizations across the South Shore, extending its impact far beyond business development.

At the heart of SSWBN’s continued success is its leadership. Each president has brought their own vision, energy, and perspective, helping to shape the organization while staying grounded in its founding principles of connection, coaching, collaboration, and community.

Our Founders

• Nancy Boyle
• Vicki Donlan
• Susan Hammond
• Pat Mullaly
• Connie Nordahl*
• Jeanne Yocum

*Deceased

Past Presidents

• 1992 — Nancy Boyle
• 1993 — Jeanne Yocum
• 1994 — Joan Ryder
• 1995 — Marion Overhiser*
• 1996 — Shevown Hardesty
• 1997 — Kathleen Hassan
• 1998 — Anne E. Holden
• 1999 — Sandra Elmasian, M.S.
• 2000 — Mary Ann Stilgoe
• 2001 — Claudia Ellis
• 2002 — Veva Johnson
• 2003 — Kimberly Locke
• 2004 — Barbara Case
• 2005 — Jayne Pelosi
• 2006 — Maria Recalde
• 2007 — Raquel Mullaney
• 2008 — Brenda Wornum Moore
• 2009 — Stacey Shipman
• 2010–2011 — Janet LaBerge
• 2012 — Terry Martini
• 2013 — Stacy Doherty
• 2014–2015 — Alison Schirone
• 2016 — Nancy O’Keefe
• 2017–2018 — Nicole Perry
• 2019–2020 — Allison Almar Guido
• 2021–2022 — Lisa Dooley
• 2023-2024 – Lynn Feingold
• 2025-2026 – Minessa Konecky

Board of Directors (2025–2026)

President — Minessa Konecky (2025–2026)

Role: The President provides overall leadership for SSWBN, guiding the organization’s vision, strategy, and operations. This role ensures alignment across all committees and represents the organization within the broader community.
About: Minessa Konecky is a leader in research administration and community building, with a focus on supporting professionals through connection, structure, and mentorship. She brings a strategic and people-centered approach to her leadership of SSWBN.

Secretary — Cheryl Tappa (2025–2026)

Role: The Secretary is responsible for maintaining official records, meeting minutes, and organizational documentation, including oversight of bylaws and governance processes.
About: Cheryl Tappa is an active member of the SSWBN community, contributing to both operational continuity and organizational structure through her role on the board.

Treasurer — Katherine Bushueff (2025–2026)

Role: The Treasurer oversees the financial health of the organization, including budgeting, reporting, and ensuring responsible fiscal management.
About: Katherine Bushueff supports SSWBN through careful financial stewardship, helping ensure sustainability and transparency across all activities.

Marketing & Social Media — Kate Ory (2025–2026)

Role: This role leads branding, communications, and digital presence, including social media strategy, website content, and promotion of events and initiatives.
About: Kate Ory brings creativity and strategic thinking to SSWBN’s marketing efforts, helping expand visibility and engagement across the South Shore community.

Membership — Lynn Feingold (2025–2026)

Role: The Membership Chair focuses on member recruitment, onboarding, engagement, and retention, ensuring a strong and connected member experience.
About: Lynn Feingold is dedicated to fostering a welcoming and inclusive environment for members, supporting both new and long-standing participants in the network.

Committee Members: Angela Nuss, Lisa Walker

Community Giving — Sheila Barber (2025–2026)

Role: This role oversees SSWBN’s charitable initiatives, including identifying partner organizations, coordinating fundraising efforts, and aligning giving with the organization’s mission.
About: Sheila Barber leads SSWBN’s community impact efforts, helping connect members with meaningful opportunities to give back and support local causes.

Events — Victoria Robillard (2025–2026)

Role: The Events Chair plans and executes SSWBN programming, including networking events, educational sessions, and special initiatives.
About: Victoria Robillard plays a key role in shaping the member experience through engaging, well-organized events that foster connection and growth.

Website Chair — Lianne Wade (2025–2026)

Role: The Website Chair manages the organization’s website, ensuring content is current, accessible, and aligned with SSWBN’s brand and goals.
About: Lianne Wade is a marketing strategy leader who supports SSWBN’s digital presence by maintaining and improving the website as a key resource for members and prospective members.

Community Impact
At the South Shore Women’s Business Network, community is a core value for each and every member, and collectively as an organization.

Each year, we partner with four organizations doing meaningful work across the South Shore. Through our quarterly giving initiative, we commit to contributing $500 to each organization, for a total of four partners annually. While a portion of this funding is supported through event registrations and membership dues, our commitment to giving is not dependent on hitting a specific revenue target. Our goal is to show up and give consistently and intentionally because supporting our community matters.

This approach reflects who we are as a network. Our members are deeply connected to the South Shore, and many are already involved in the organizations we support giving of their time, energy, and resources. By aligning our giving with causes that resonate with our community, we are able to extend our impact beyond networking and into meaningful, local change.

In addition to financial contributions, our members often support these organizations through awareness, volunteerism, and connection, helping to amplify their missions in ways that go beyond a single donation.

Our 2026 Community Partners

Type 1 Diabetes (Quarter 1)

Organizations supporting individuals living with Type 1 Diabetes play a critical role in education, advocacy, and access to care. These efforts help individuals and families navigate the complexities of the condition while building stronger support systems within the community.

South Shore Support Services (Quarter 2)

South Shore Support Services provides essential programs and resources for individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities, helping them live more independent and fulfilling lives. Their work strengthens families and builds a more inclusive South Shore community.

Cranberry Hospice (Quarter 3)

Cranberry Hospice offers compassionate, end-of-life care and support to individuals and their families. Their services focus on dignity, comfort, and emotional support during some of life’s most challenging moments.

The Deanna DeVanna Center (Quarter 4)

The Deanna DeVanna Center supports individuals and families facing hardship by providing access to resources, services, and community-based support. Their work reflects a deep commitment to care, connection, and stability for those in need.

If you have an organization that supports the South Shore and would like to be considered for our community giving program, we would love to hear from you.

Please email info@sswbn.org with your recommendation.

Membership

Why Join

Joining the South Shore Women’s Business Network means becoming part of a community that is invested in your growth. Our members come together to build meaningful relationships, support one another, and create opportunities that extend beyond a single introduction. Whether you are looking to expand your network, increase your visibility, or connect with others who understand the realities of running and growing a business, SSWBN provides a space where those connections can happen naturally.

At SSWBN, networking is not transactional—it is relational. Members show up to share, collaborate, and support one another, creating a strong foundation for referrals, partnerships, and long-term success. Through our events and programming, you will also gain access to ongoing professional development that helps you stay informed, inspired, and moving forward.

• Networking
• Visibility
• Referrals
• Community
• Professional development

Membership Benefits

SSWBN membership offers practical opportunities to increase your visibility, grow your business, and stay connected to a supportive professional community. Each benefit is designed to help you build relationships, expand your reach, and engage in ways that feel meaningful and sustainable.

• Directory Listing: Get found by fellow members and the broader South Shore community. Maintaining an up-to-date profile in our directory increases your visibility, strengthens your credibility, and creates real opportunities for connection and business growth. Many of our members actively seek out and prioritize working with other SSWBN members when looking for services.
• Event Discounts: Most SSWBN events are free for members, with only select premium events requiring a fee. Members are also welcome to bring a guest, making it easy to introduce others to the network while continuing to build your own connections.
• Business Exposure: Take advantage of opportunities like our Amplify program by submitting your events and updates to be shared across SSWBN channels. We actively promote member events through our website and social platforms, helping you reach a wide and engaged audience across the South Shore community.
• Speaking Opportunities: Members have the opportunity to host and lead events, sharing their expertise in a way that educates, engages, and adds value to the community. This is a powerful way to increase visibility while building trust and credibility.
• Leadership Opportunities: Members are welcome to attend board meetings and participate in committees as their time and interest allow. Whether you are looking to develop leadership skills or simply get more involved, there are flexible ways to engage and contribute behind the scenes.

Membership Levels

We offer a range of membership options designed to support individuals and organizations at different stages of growth. Whether you are an independent professional or part of a larger company, there is a membership level that aligns with your goals and how you would like to engage with the network.

• Individual
• Additional Member
• Company (5–9)
• Company (10+)

Join the Network 
Application + payment.

Events

Our events are designed to bring people together in meaningful, engaging, and supportive ways. Whether you are attending to meet new people, learn something new, or stay connected to the South Shore business community, there is something here for you.

We offer a variety of event formats throughout the year, including networking events, educational sessions, and community-based experiences. Each event is intentionally designed to create opportunities for connection, conversation, and growth.

As a member of SSWBN, you also have the opportunity to host an event as part of your membership. Hosting is a great way to share your expertise, increase your visibility, and contribute to the community in a meaningful way.

Explore the different types of events we offer below, or visit our Events Calendar to see what’s coming up.

Upcoming Events

Event Types

SSWBN offers a range of event formats designed to support connection, learning, and community. From casual networking to structured educational sessions, each event type is intended to create a welcoming and valuable experience for attendees. Members are encouraged to host events, and we provide a variety of formats to support different styles, topics, and environments.

A key part of all SSWBN events is that they are not purely promotional.
Events should be designed to provide value to attendees through education, shared experiences, or meaningful discussion.

For example, rather than focusing on selling a product or service, a strong event might:

• Teach a skill
• Share expertise or insights
• Facilitate conversation or connection
• Offer a new perspective or learning opportunity

This approach helps ensure that every event contributes to the overall strength and integrity of our community.

How We Support You

Hosting an event is a benefit of SSWBN membership. In order to host, you do need to be a current member.

Once you are a member, you can work directly with our Events Chair to plan and schedule your event. Timing and format are flexible, and we will help you shape your idea into something that aligns with SSWBN’s approach.

We also support you behind the scenes so you can focus on delivering your event:

• We create and share promotional graphics
• We market your event across our channels, including social media
• We post and manage registration through our website
• We help drive attendance and visibility

If you do not have a space to host your event, we can also help connect you with available locations within our network.

Our goal is to make hosting as seamless as possible. You bring the content and experience, and we help with the rest.

Host an Event

Morning Mixer

Time: 9:00 – 10:30 AM
A casual morning networking event hosted at a member location. Hosts provide light breakfast (coffee, juice, muffins) and share an educational topic for 15–30 minutes.

Lunch & Learn

Time: 12:00 – 1:30 PM
A mid-day session focused on learning and discussion. Hosts may provide lunch or attendees can bring their own. Typically includes a 25–30 minute educational presentation.

Business After Hours

Time: 6:00 – 8:00 PM
An evening networking event with light hors d’oeuvres and beverages available. Hosted at a member location and includes a short educational component (25–30 minutes).

NetWalking

A more informal, movement-based networking event held outdoors. Hosted at a location of the host’s choice, combining conversation, community, and physical activity.

You Don’t Have to Read the Book Club

Time: Typically 9:00 – 10:00 AM (Tuesdays)
A discussion-based event centered around key ideas from a book. The host presents highlights for 15–30 minutes, followed by group discussion. No reading required.

Upcoming Events

Events Calendar

Signature Events

• Monthly networking
• Lunch & Learn
• Leadership breakfasts
• Special programs

Speak At An Event

Want to speak at an event? Please email info@sswbn.org
• All types of presentations welcomed

Member Directory

• Member lookup
• Member Login

Resources

Business Resources

• SBA: The U.S. Small Business Administration Massachusetts District Office is a key resource for entrepreneurs and small business owners across the Commonwealth, providing access to funding opportunities, government contracting programs, disaster assistance, and expert guidance to help businesses start, grow, and succeed. Through partnerships with local organizations, lenders, and mentors, the Massachusetts District Office connects business owners with training, counseling, and tools designed to strengthen and support the small business community statewide. Link: https://www.sba.gov/district/massachusetts
• SCORE: Southeast Massachusetts is a valuable resource for entrepreneurs, startups, and small business owners seeking expert guidance and mentorship. Backed by experienced volunteer business professionals, SCORE Southeast Massachusetts offers free mentoring, practical workshops, and educational resources to help businesses launch, grow, and overcome challenges. From business planning and marketing to financing and operations, SCORE provides trusted support to help local businesses succeed and thrive. Link: https://www.score.org/sema
• MSBDC: The Massachusetts Small Business Development Center Network is a trusted resource dedicated to helping entrepreneurs and small business owners start, grow, and succeed across the Commonwealth. Through no-cost confidential business advising, expert guidance, and affordable training programs, MSBDC supports businesses with planning, financing, marketing, operations, and long-term growth strategies. Backed by a strong network of advisors and partners, MSBDC empowers Massachusetts businesses with the tools and knowledge needed to thrive in today’s marketplace. Link: https://www.msbdc.org/
• BBB: Better Business Bureau of Eastern Massachusetts, Maine, Rhode Island & Vermont is a trusted organization dedicated to advancing marketplace trust by connecting consumers with reputable businesses and helping companies build credibility. Through business accreditation, consumer education, dispute resolution services, and ethical standards, BBB supports Massachusetts businesses in strengthening their reputation while giving consumers confidence in the companies they choose to work with. Link: https://www.bbb.org/local-bbb/better-business-bureau-serving-eastern-ma-me-ri-and-vt

Contact

• Email: info@sswbn.org
• Mailing Address: P.O. Box 1390 Plymouth MA 02362
• We are an all volunteer board, Please allow 48 hours for a response.
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