Networking is critical to your career growth. As a woman of color, it can be challenging to put yourself out there in venues where most other business owners are not diverse or male-dominated. It is human nature to want to stay with what is comfortable to us and to do business with people most like ourselves. However, venturing out will make growth much easier in the long run. One easy way to venture out is at networking events, with women alike. 

Networking is the art of creating and strengthening mutually beneficial relationships over time. These events allow women to raise their career profiles, share knowledge and information, access resources, and build new connections. With the current shift to digital, it is easier than ever to connect at a networking event through Zoom or Google Hangouts.

Here are 4 places women of color in STEM can network in person and virtually: 

Professional Women of Color Network – The Professional Women of Color Network includes ALL women of color and encourages the use of networking to strengthen our place in the world! Through in-person and virtual networking events, PWOCN facilitates and provides Business Opportunities, Reciprocal Networking Opportunities, Professional Advancement Of Women Of Color, Personal And Professional Empowerment, An Exchange Of Information Pertinent To Women Of Color and Resources & Referrals For Personal & Professional Success.

Black Career Women’s Network – BCWN is a national career development enterprise dedicated to fostering the professional growth of African American Women. Workshops and events help women create trajectory in their careers, strategically navigate the workplace, gain career smarts to make better career decisions, and more.

WeWork – WeWork specializes in revolutionizing office space for the future of work. Their community team members have been described as the soul of the “We Community” across the globe. Networking Events help promote diversity and inclusion in communities as well as providing people of color from the community with business support and moral support. 

Society of STEM Women In Color– The Society of STEM Women of Color is a membership organization of STEM women of color from throughout the United States. Its members come from diverse racial and ethnic groups within the category “Women of Color” and are employed in diverse positions at virtually all of the major institutional types among U.S. Colleges and Universities. Members gain access to networks of peers. Find a mentor or become a mentor for others. 

When it comes to staying energized and positive. These are beneficial relationships for yourself and others to learn and grow from each other. Let us know which women of color organizations have you created your network with and grown.