Long-time Beacon Hill resident, Jen Corapi, considered herself to be well-acquainted with the City of Boston, which she began discovering while attending college. What she later realized was that, although she was familiar with the neighborhood, she did not know her neighbors; and so, she joined the Beacon Hill Women’s Forum (BHWF), a social organization for Boston-area women, in hopes of becoming more involved in her community.
“I’ve thoroughly enjoyed exploring with BHWF ladies and seeing Boston through fresh eyes. Being surrounded by women with such different interests has a way of nudging you outside your usual routine,” shared Corapi, special events co-director. “Beacon Hill Women’s Forum has given me a circle of women I probably wouldn’t have crossed paths with otherwise, whether that be different careers or chapters in life. We all have a common interest in building community. At its core, BHWF is about connection.”
The BHWF gathers on the second Tuesday of each month, from September through May, from 6:00-8:00pm at the Union Club of Boston, located at 8 Park Street Place in Beacon Hill, for an engaging speaker series that will feature leaders in energy, finance, science, art, medicine, and education this season.
“One of my favorite things about the BHWF is the variety, from doctors to journalists, to authors, activists and beyond,” listed Vice President Rachel Von Nieda, who hopes that women from all around the city connect with and enjoy the BHWF. “The variety of women in our organization is also a reflection of the various activities we offer. It is easy to try something new when you have the support of this group.”
An assortment of thoughtfully-organized Connections events held throughout Boston offer frequent opportunities to meet with friends from Curiosity Labs, interactive workshops, to Backyard Adventures, monthly activities related to or led by a monthly speaker.
“Membership introduces you not only to new people, but also to the Beacon Hill community as a whole. It brings women of all ages and stages of life together to get to know one another, experience the neighborhood, and build a genuine sense of community,” said Neighborhood Narrative Co-Director Colleen Daley, who moved to Boston last year. “Meeting local shopkeepers, learning about their businesses, and becoming more familiar with the neighborhood has been a wonderful way to feel connected to the community.”
Participate in meaningful conversation with the monthly Book Group, share dinner at a local restaurant with Feast with Friends, sip on drinks after work with a small group during Mix & Mingle, or eat brunch with neighbors during Sunday Funday.
“Beacon Hill Women’s Forum does an amazing job planning and hosting a variety of events throughout the year. Whether it’s trying a new restaurant, spending an evening in the park, or gathering at a member’s home, there are many opportunities to try something different and connect with other women,” explained Daley, who described BHWF as “fun, lighthearted, and thoughtful.” “Beacon Hill Women’s Forum has been a great way to experience the neighborhood and discover places and traditions I might not have found on my own.”
For the first time this year, BHWF offered summer events, such as afternoon shopping at a local market, prospective members picnics, arts and crafts, and a gathering at Shakespeare in the Common, hosted by Membership Co-Director Dina Yorke, who returned to Boston two years ago after 23 years of living in the suburbs with her husband.
“I wanted to meet new people and engage with my community, so a friend recommended BHWF. Now that I live in the city and can easily walk to events, I try to do as much as I can. I am loving meeting new people and discovering new places in and around Boston,” said Downtown Crossing resident, Yorke, whose favorite BHWF events are the speaker series and Book Club. “I have made new friends, discovered businesses and restaurants, and tried new adventures, which I hope to do again, like kayaking on the Charles.”
Attend the first forum of the season on Tuesday, September 8, featuring Monica Kachru, director of Eversource Energy, and CEO of Anaya Scholars, a non-profit organization that she founded in memory of her daughter, Anaya, that empowers first-generation, low-income college students through financial support and career development.
View a calendar of events or learn more about membership that’s benefits include seven speaker forums, Connections activities, the December Holiday Party, and May Spring Stroll by visiting www.BeaconHillWomensForum.org.
“’Connect, inspire, and enjoy’ says it all,” exclaimed Von Nieda about the BHWF’s mission statement. “This organization has given me an opportunity to make connections with other women in the city. I am constantly inspired by our various speakers; and I get a chance to enjoy my time and have new experiences in new locations, with new friends.”