Gainesville Area Women's Network upcoming events

Evening Social - Silver Q Billiards (Tuesday, April 07, 2026)

Tue, 07 Apr 2026 21:00:00 GMT

Evening Social @ Silver Q

Please join GAWN on Tuesday, April 7th, from 5:00 to 8:00 PM at Silver Q Billiards & Sports Bar in Downtown Gainesville. (Tip. The Southwest Parking Garage is right around the corner at 105 SW 3rd St.)

Rack ’em up and join us for a laid-back night of pool & good company. Whether you’re competitive or just here for fun, come shoot a few games, meet new people, and enjoy a great selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. No experience needed, just show up and play!

There will be a small snack bar serving bar bites and plenty of places to sit and chat as well.

This is a free event for members and guests. Please register in advance so we know how many people to plan for.

We hope to see you there!

Community Event - Grand Reopening: Spring Into Wellness (Thursday, April 09, 2026)

Thu, 09 Apr 2026 19:00:00 GMT

Grand Reopening: Spring Into Wellness

Dawn Smith, GAWN member and owner of Absolute Wellness and Weightloss, is pleased to announce their relocation to 3600 NW 43rd Street, Suite D4, and extends an invitation to join them on April 9th from 3–7 PM for a Grand Reopening celebration. Tour the new space, enjoy light refreshments, and experience our clinically informed approach to metabolic health, sustainable weight loss, and whole-body wellness. To RSVP, call 352-327-8228. Learn more at absolutewellnessandweightloss.com.

Book Club Social - April - All the Light We Cannot See (Sunday, April 12, 2026)

Sun, 12 Apr 2026 20:00:00 GMT

Our next monthly book club meets on Sunday, April 12th, at 4pm!

This month, we will be reading All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr. One of our members will be hosting and we will be emailing the address a few days before the event (to avoid having her address public on the internet!). If you have any questions ahead of time, please email Denise at dweber1026@gmail.com

There is no cost for this member's only event. You can find the book at the Library, Thriftbooks, or order it new. You're welcome to bring a snack to share. To become a member, click here. We'd love to have you join us!

April Monthly Meeting - Collaborating With Strangers (Wednesday, April 15, 2026)

Wed, 15 Apr 2026 15:30:00 GMT

Please join us on Wednesday, April 15th from 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM at the Sweetwater Branch Inn for our monthly meeting.

Collaborating with Strangers: Workshops Generating Innovation and Lasting Connections

Join us for an inspiring exploration of how Collaborating with Strangers (CoLAB) Workshops have transformed individuals and communities in unexpected ways. In this presentation, Bess de Farber, a seasoned facilitator in the nonprofit sector with a focus on collaborative grantseeking and philanthropic funding, will share the journey of CoLAB workshops since their inception in 2002. Discover the powerful theories and rich history behind these innovative workshops, which have fostered not only practical skills but also deep, meaningful relationships among participants. Hear firsthand testimonials that highlight the significant impact these experiences have had on attendees—building networks, igniting creativity, and driving community change. This engaging session will delve into asset-based community development and demonstrate how CoLAB Workshops can empower leaders and communities, enabling them to create synergies that lead to effective collaboration and enduring change. Don’t miss this opportunity to connect, learn, and champion innovation!

With over 32 years in the field, she has inspired thousands of library staff, nonprofit organizations, and academic professionals through her innovative collaborative grantseeking training. Her signature CoLAB Workshops have attracted more than 3,800 participants, with sessions ranging from intimate groups to large-scale gatherings, proving her ability to engage and facilitate diverse audiences.

Bess has been instrumental in securing millions in funding for nonprofits and academic libraries, demonstrating her strategic acumen and commitment to social impact. An accomplished author, she penned Collaborative Grant-Seeking: A Practical Guide for Librarians and Creating Fundable Grant Proposals: Profiles of Innovative Partnerships, and co-authored Collaborating with Strangers: Facilitating Workshops in Libraries, Classes, and Nonprofits. Educationally, Bess holds a Bachelor of Music from the University of Southern California and a Master of Nonprofit Management from Florida Atlantic University. Her multifaceted background uniquely positions her to inspire women leaders across sectors, advocating for innovative collaborations and sustainable funding strategies that drive lasting change.

We look forward to seeing you at the meeting.

PLEASE NOTE: Credit cards are not accepted at the door. Pay here on the website in advance to take advantage of credit card payment options.

Take advantage of special member pricing - join here if you haven't already!

Meeting Registration and Cancellation Policy: To be eligible for a meeting refund, cancellations must be submitted online or emailed to the Registrar by 11:59pm on the Thursday the week before the meeting.

Special Earth Day Event with Habitat for Humanity (Wednesday, April 22, 2026)

Wed, 22 Apr 2026 12:30:00 GMT

Celebrate

with GAWN &

Please join GAWN for a special Earth Day event with Alachua Habitat for Humanity. We will be spending the day giving back to our community, enjoying the sunshine and each other's company with the additional benefit of possibly learning a new thing or two for handy work!

This event will be on Wednesday, April 22nd from 8:30am-2pm with a break for lunch in between. No experience necessary. Participation is limited and advance registration is required. Note: "Registration is closed" on GAWN's website because registration must be done through VolunteerHub. Simply follow the steps provided below to sign up for this event.

Please be sure to wear sturdy, closed toe shoes and comfortable clothes you don't mind getting a little dirty. Jewelry and loose-fitting clothing are discouraged as they can contribute to accidents.

Lunch and safety equipment will be provided. However, if you have particular preferences or needs, you may wish to bring your own. (See FAQs)

All volunteers must create an account on VolunteerHub before signing up for an event. This ensures that we have your emergency contact, waiver, and scheduling information.

Steps to Create an Account & Sign Up:

Use your group’s unique sign-up link: https://vhub.at/GR34T37
Click “Create an Account” at the top of the screen.
Fill in your information (name, email, phone, emergency contact, etc.)
Agree to the Liability Waiver and Safety Agreement
Sign up. Once your account is created, log back in
Click the event on the calendar that you should now be able to see (April 22 Wednesday Build}
READ the Volunteer Info & FAQ's
Click the SIGN UP button and receive a confirmation email from Habitat for Humanity (not GAWN)
Need to Cancel? Use the link on your confirmation email, or the link above to sign back in, click the event on the calendar, then click the Cancel registration button.

Expect to work, learn and give back, along with plenty of fun moments you’ll want to capture. Come make memories or possibly create something amazing and enjoy some well-deserved girl time.

This is a free event for members and guests. Registration is required via Habitat for Humanity's VolunteerHub. They will be providing location information and reminders, not GAWN.

Out & About - May Meditation Walk (Saturday, May 02, 2026)

Sat, 02 May 2026 14:00:00 GMT

Out & About - May Meditation Walk

Take a gentle pause this May.

Please join GAWN on Saturday May 2nd for a guided meditation walk at Kanapaha Botanical Gardens lead by Caitlyn Adams, GAWN board member and owner of Heart Mind Healing. This meditation walk is specially designed to honor the many emotions that can surround Mother’s Day. Whether this day brings joy, grief, longing, or something in between, this space is for you. Together, we’ll move slowly, reflect quietly, and create room for whatever arises, without expectation or pressure.

All are welcome. Come as you are.

Wear comfortable clothes and shoes that are appropriate for the day's weather, as we will be outside in the gardens for this event. Consider bringing a water bottle and your favorite notebook. You are welcome to stay and enjoy the gardens after the event. Admission is good for the day.

Please plan to arrive 5 to 10 minutes before 10am, so we can enter as a group promptly at 10am. Everyone will pay their own entrance fee directly to Kanapaha Botanical Gardens ($12 + tax). There is ample free parking at the gardens. We will meet outside of the entrance to the gardens. Board Members Kelsy and Elizabeth will be facilitating this event.

This is not one to miss!

This event is for members and guests. Please register in advance so we know how many people to plan for.

We hope to see you there!

Book Club Social - May - I Heard There Was A Secret Chord (Sunday, May 17, 2026)

Sun, 17 May 2026 20:00:00 GMT

Our next monthly book club meets on Sunday, May 17th, at 4pm!

Note: This month's meeting is on the 3rd Sunday, to avoid conflicts with Mother's Day.

We will be reading I Heard There Was A Secret Chord by Daniel Levitin. One of our members will be hosting and we will be emailing the address a few days before the event (to avoid having her address public on the internet!). If you have any questions ahead of time, please email Denise at dweber1026@gmail.com

May Monthly Meeting - Silent Auction to Benefit DHP (Wednesday, May 20, 2026)

Wed, 20 May 2026 15:30:00 GMT

Please join us on Wednesday, May 20th from 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM at the Sweetwater Branch Inn for our monthly meeting.

Silent Auction to Benefit the Displaced Homemaker Program (DHP) at Santa Fe College

Enjoy lunch and networking while supporting DHP! Numerous items will be up for bidding and can be taken home immediately. Only cash and checks will be accepted for items, as we cannot accept credit cards, so please be prepared.

We will be accepting auction items from our member and community businesses until May 8th. If you would like to donate one, or if you know a business who could benefit from branding themselves at our luncheon, please note the following:

What to donate: Items should have a $40 minimum value and be ready to be on display (if you want to donate a lower-value item, it will be paired with another item)
Deadline to donate: Friday, May 8

Drop off locations:

Florida Credit Union, 2831 NW 43rd St. (Jane)

Greater FL Insurance, 4908 NW 34th Blvd (Taylor)

In-person at April GAWN Luncheon (Victoria)

Event contact: info@gawn.org

We look forward to seeing you at the Auction.

PLEASE NOTE: Credit cards are not accepted at the door. Pay here on the website in advance to take advantage of credit card payment options.

Take advantage of special member pricing - join here if you haven't already!

Book Club Social - June - Confessions of a Pagan Nun (Sunday, June 14, 2026)

Sun, 14 Jun 2026 20:00:00 GMT

Our next monthly book club meets on Sunday, June 14th, at 4pm!

This month, we will be reading Confessions of a Pagan Nun by Kate Horsley. One of our members will be hosting and we will be emailing the address a few days before the event (to avoid having her address public on the internet!). If you have any questions ahead of time, please email Denise at dweber1026@gmail.com

June Monthly Meeting - The Leadership Compass (Wednesday, June 17, 2026)

Wed, 17 Jun 2026 15:30:00 GMT

Please join us on Wednesday, June 17th from 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM at the Sweetwater Branch Inn for our monthly meeting.

The Leadership Compass: Navigating with Confidence and Connection

Communication shapes our relationships with clients, colleagues, and collaborators. Yet many of our communication patterns operate on autopilot, especially when we are under pressure. In this interactive session, Stacey introduces the Leadership Compass, a practical framework rooted in emotional intelligence and insights from the Enneagram. Participants will explore how Interaction Styles influence how we pursue what we want and how Conflict Styles shape our responses when things don’t go our way.

Through discussion and reflection, attendees will gain greater awareness of their own communication tendencies and learn how to recognize and respond more effectively to different styles in others. Participants will walk away with practical tools to:

• Strengthen self-awareness and emotional intelligence

• Communicate with greater clarity and intention

• Build trust and stronger professional relationships

• Navigate differences with curiosity, compassion, and confidence

Whether leading a team, growing a business, or expanding a professional network, the Leadership Compass provides a simple and memorable way to navigate conversations and relationships with greater intention.

Stacey B. Wynn is Vice President of Talent Solutions at Right Management, where she helps individuals and teams grow with purpose, clarity, and confidence. With more than 25 years of experience in business operations, leadership, and executive coaching, Stacey brings practical insight and tools that strengthen communication, emotional intelligence, and trust—essential skills in today’s rapidly changing workplace.

She specializes in leadership development and team effectiveness using frameworks such as the iEQ9 Enneagram to deepen self-awareness, strengthen relationships, and improve team dynamics. Stacey is known for her grounded, practical approach and her ability to translate insight into real-world leadership behaviors that support collaboration, accountability, and connection.

Based in Gainesville, Florida, Stacey enjoys spending time with her daughter beekeeping, and exploring the outdoors.

We look forward to seeing you at the meeting.

PLEASE NOTE: Credit cards are not accepted at the door. Pay here on the website in advance to take advantage of credit card payment options.

Take advantage of special member pricing - join here if you haven't already!