History & Mission

And so it began….

Over 30 years ago, a group of women on the South Shore attended countless networking events, only to find that most didn’t truly meet the needs of women running their own businesses. These spaces lacked the understanding and nuance of the unique challenges women entrepreneurs face.

In 1991, gathered around a dining room table, they created the South Shore Women’s Business Network (SSWBN)—a community designed to provide meaningful networking opportunities and a supportive space for women in business. Today, we proudly continue their legacy, offering a welcoming and empowering environment where women can showcase their opportunities, grow their businesses, and tackle challenges together.

SSWBN remains a strong voice for Southeastern New England business owners, evolving to meet the needs of our members while staying true to the vision that started it all.

Join us and be part of the next chapter!

 

Collaboration:

Encourage the referral of potential clients or customers to appropriate businesses.

Our Founders

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

Network 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
2010-11    Janet LaBerge
2012    Terry Martini
2013    Stacy Doherty
2014-15    Alison Schirone
2016   Nancy O’Keefe
2017-2018   Nicole Perry
2019-2020   Allison Almar Guido
2021-2022  Lisa Dooley 
2023-2024 Lynn Freingold
2024-2025 Minessa Konecky

 

 

Each of these dynamic women led our organization as president since 1991. Each brought diverse talents and personalities to the role but all continued to advance our mission of Contacts, Coaching, Collaboration & Community

Contacts:

Provide a forum where professionals in business can network and discuss common needs for opportunities.

Coaching:

Empower and support members seeking business and business resources.
Provide a system for developing leadership skills, and education to members.

Collaboration:

Encourage the referral of potential clients or customers to appropriate businesses.

Community:

Channel the collective strength of the Network to make a positive impact on our community.

In 2013 SSWBN introduced their VISION:

The SSWBN is the premier networking organization on the South Shore, providing an environment that ensures connections, education, and inspiration for beginning and mature businesses, independent professionals, and decision makers.

In our own words: Member Testimonials

The biggest bang for your advertising dollar! Join, participate, give to the Network, be rewarded!
Barry Gordon

Partner, Gordon, Mond & Ott LLC

Since joining SSWBN 10 months ago, I’ve acquired at least 10 new clients, learned valuable information at workshops, gained more self-confidence, expanded and improved my business, helped others in their businesses through a roundtable, was featured in a Patriot Ledger spread, and have made wonderful friends. The SSWBN has literally changed my life over these past months!
Lois Wood

Graphic Designer, Lois Wood Communications

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.
Elizabeth Pineault

CPA

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.
Lynda Chuckran

Welch Healthcare & Retirement Group