“Hello, beauties🌸! I want to talk about my passion for connecting through meetups. Many people who know me agree that I have the gift of organization. After reading Strengths Finder 2.0, the book confirmed my greatest strengths: Discipline, Responsibility, Belief, Maximization, and Connectedness.”

I must say that what speaks to me the most is the idea of connectedness. Sometimes, you find your path, and it’s a beautiful thing. I have countless examples of bringing people together. From hosting a special family gathering at the White House to taking wonderful friends to visit the new Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture to our annual community service at the Ronald McDonald House with my AstraZeneca colleagues in Harrisburg, the importance of connections shines through.

Now, as a part of the Forever Fierce tribe, I enjoy connecting and meeting new people. Joining with others helps maintain a positive mood, which can help prevent depression and improve both physical and mental health. As I near retirement age, staying socially active becomes even more critical. Many people find that social invitations decrease after retiring from the workplace. However, staying socially engaged helps keep us mentally sharp and active. Could this play a role in preventing the onset of dementia or Alzheimer’s disease?

Here’s a recap of all the meetups I’ve organized since joining the Forever Fierce group in 2017 and a few before Fierce 50. Some meetup ideas came from Sandra Mimran Smith, the Boostwr designer. There’s nothing like teamwork to connect and have fun. Join the Facebook group for the next adventure in New York, maybe Philly, or even Harrisburg, Pennsylvania...

My first ever social media MeetUp in 2014. Here at J.Crew for Polyvore MeetUp at King of Prussia Mall
2014 J.Crew Polyvore MeetUp at the King of Prussia Mall
First sponsored MeetUp with Chico's in NYC, October 2017
The Chico’s On Broadway Became Our Runway on October 7, 2017.

Bold Women at NYC Forever Fierce Meetup; Chico's How Bold Are You NYC Meetup with Forever Fierce Influencers.
I’m Answering Chico’s Question: How Bold Are You? The Forever Fierce NYC MeetUp Dinner at The Wren. Attendees: Susan @themidlifefashionista, Cynthia @2chicdesigns, Rose, @gritnsoul, Debbie @debpagano, Michelle @shelbeeontheedge, Catherine, Forever Fierce founder @catherinegraceo, Linda @lincatwil, Sandra @boostwr, Suzanne @crazyblondelifeblog, Sandy @gritnsoul, and Lydia @birabiro. March 13, 2018.
Forever Fierce NYC MeetUp at Rigby & Peller
Ladies Night at Rigby & Peller on May 24, 2018, with @debt1228 Debbie, @agelesswonderstheshow Mindy, Moi, @boostwr Sandra, @kandidlykim Kim, and @2chicdesigns Cynthia.
Virtual Connection Became Real in NYC; Leslie Wolman MeetUp with The Age of Grace
When Virtual Connections Become Real. On June 2, 2018, Lesley Wolman and Eugenia at the Lowe’s Regency on Park Avenue in NYC.
Virtual MeetUp in NYC; Brenda Harris and Eugenia Russell Hargrove, my second time meeting Brenda.
When Virtual Connections Become Real on June 2, 2018, at the Lowe’s Regency on Park Avenue in NYC, meeting Brenda Harris @inallitsform.
We Exercised Our Mouths at Athleta
September 13, 2018, Athleta NYC MeetUp
Forever Fierce Mini Fierce Con NYC MeetUp
The ladies at the Mini Fierce Con NYC MeetUp lunch with group photo holding our “Rewire and Inspire Pink Totes. October 19, 2018,
Models at International Women's Day at Athleta MeetUp
March 10, 2019, International Women’s Day at Athleta Store in Harrisburg, PA
Mini fierce Con NYC MeetUp; Beauties at Fierce Con NYC Brunch at Pennsylvania 6 NYC
Mini Fierce Con NYC, October 10, 2019, with Elle Berman, The Elle Diaries NYC, in the maroon vinyl coat and sunnies.
July 2021, Peddler's Village Midlife Influencer MeetUp
July 2021, Peddler’s Village Influencer MeetUp organized by Michele Clark.
Lunch at The Mercer Kitchen in Soho
Elle and Sue Ellen in Soho, November 2021, after Sarah Flint’s event
@theeageofgrace and @inallitsforms attending the Laura Geller X Wheel of Fortune Beauty Launch Party
October 2023: Laura Geller x Wheel of Fortune, but a product Launch Party in NYC with fellow influencer Brenda, @inallitsforms. It’s not a MeetUp!
The EpicLight Beauty Lip & Sip Launch Party
EpicLight Lip & Sip Beauty NYC Launch Party with owners
Cooking class at Cooking and Nature; MeetUp with 2017 Virtual Fierce 50 counterpart, Val Hansen in Portugal, her press trip.
In June 2024, Fierce 50 counterpart Val Hansen was on the Center of Portugal press trip.