History & Mission

And so it began….

The South Shore Women's Business Network was the inspiration of six women who felt that the needs of women in business were not being met by traditional organizations. They further believed there was a need for an organization that would provide networking opportunities to women and business owners doing business on the South Shore. SSWBN has remained an active voice for Southeastern New England business owners since it's inception in 1991.

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

*Deceased

Network Presidents
'92-'93    Nancy Boyle
'93-'94    Jeanne Yocum
'94-'95    Joan Ryder
'95-'96    Marion Overhiser*
'96-'97    Shevown Hardesty
'97-'98    Kathleen Hassan
'98-'99    Anne E. Holden
'99-'00    Sandra Elmasian, M.S.
'00-'01    Mary Ann Stilgoe
'01-'02    Claudia Ellis
'02-'03    Veva Johnson
'03-'04    Kimberly Locke
'04-'05    Barbara Case
'05-'06    Jayne Pelosi
'06-'07    Maria Recalde
'07-'08    Raquel Mullaney
'08-'09    Brenda Wornum Moore
'09-'10    Stacey Shipman
'10-'12     Janet LaBerge

Each of the above 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

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