My apologies for the pause in blog postings recently. I’ve been busy launching a new business called The Geekettes Club.
It all started about a year ago when I moved from the DC area down to Virginia Beach. I’d been working for a large Fortune 500 company for 5 years, and had been witness to the infighting and cattiness amongst the women there. Rather than be supportive and approving of each other for promotions, etc., the women were competitive and would backstab in a heart beat. I must admit I’ve played in that sandbox as well, and am not proud of it.
When I moved to the Tidewater area of Virginia, a conservative, hard working, predominantly military area, I found it hard to find a job that really thrilled me (and honestly, that would pay me enough). So I started Wave Marketing – to create a job for myself, doing something I love to do – creating and implementing marketing strategies and plans. After a few months networking my way around my new home town, I was surprised to find that the bitching and backstabbing doesn’t stop in the corporate world. It also happens in the small business world, and in life in general!
I was so disappointed – and then made a decision to do something I often preach to friends, family and colleagues. “If you don’t like it, fix it!” [Side note: I gave my husband this ultimatum when we lived in Hawaii in 1996. He complained constantly about everything in Hawaii. So I said “if you don’t like it – fix it. Find a job that will get us off the island!” He did that – and we ended up living in one of my favorite places on earth – New York City, during the tech boom! Awesomeness!] Ok, back to the story…
So, The Geekettes Club was born. I wanted to create a club that was inclusive of everyone and promoted collaboration. One rule – NO cattiness (bitchiness)! Everyone would be there to help each other become successful, whether that be in their careers, or with their businesses. We would provide the tools, training and resources to inspire women, and empower them to become successful (or more successful).
We launched on 3/24 with over 100 people in attendance, and are now on the path to making my dream a reality. Let’s hope that this little club in Tidewater Virginia can have a huge impact, and help change the stereotype! (Oh, and my next dream? To take this to the rest of the country!)
SocialSonya - Marketing Coach 
Congratulations Sonya! I wish you the best of success with the Geekettes! You’re proof-positive that Dreams do come true!
Thanks Lynn. I hope we’ll see you at a few events 😀
Love it!!!!!! So true, we can all be supportive and still improve in our lives and our careers no need to be bitchy about it. To me I believe that when people behave like that it’s due to their own insecurities. If you are happy with yourself you don’t try to bring others down instead you try to lift them up to your level.
Thanks Leah – I’m so thankful you’re my friend 😀
Sonya – this is great and I would love to come down and attend an event. You are an inspiration. I see your smile on FB often & think of the great things you must being doing. Nice to see I was right on target with that. Best wishes and can I join from DC?
Hi Cathy! So glad you found my little blog 😉 You can join from DC, but it would be more worthwhile to wait to join until we setup shop in DC 😀 However, you are always more than welcome to attend any of our events. We have a calendar on our website with details of upcoming training classes and networking events. Would LOVE to see you !!!
Sonya:
I second Cathy – excellent idea and would love to be around positive (non political) folks. I would also come down for an event. Let me know if/how I can be off support.
Glad to see all is well with you-
Joyce
Thanks Joyce! Maybe you guys can come down for one of our workshop Saturday events. We’ll be announcing the first workshop saturday shortly. I appreciate the support from up there 😀 I might be stopping by up there soon and hope to catch a beverage with you!
Wow- this is so cool- I love your blog.
Keep it up- and cheers to the Geekettes.
Alana – thanks for stopping by! What do you do? Are you local to us in Hampton Roads? Let me know if there is anything we can do to assist you. ~S
Sonya, what a beautiful idea! I will be one of the first to sign up when you set up operations in DC 🙂
Thanks Susan 😀 Good to know you’ll sign up! I’ll let you know when we get to DC!
nice Son…the men there are bitches just as well. See, we don’t have to be primarily concerned with our parking slots and titles…we can do good work with open minds that embrace real diversity rather than pay bs lipservice to it…in the end, it’s probably more productive anyway…and good human resources acknowledge that we all have something valuable to contribute no matter whose ass one may be kissing at a given time for any number of reasons…
good stuff
if I got a sex change could I join the geekettes?
Please don’t get a sex change! I don’t think you’d look good as a chic!
You can be an honorary Geekette though! 😀