In 2009, Wendy Baum, CPA/JD, changed careers and was establishing herself as a financial planner.  While developing her client base, she was disappointed in the lackluster networking groups available in the Chicago area and believed there was a need in the northern suburbs for a well-organized group.  

Wendy assembled a group of five women at the Eggshell Café in Deerfield and pitched her idea for a new women’s networking group: one that would support each women’s professional and personal needs through the act of simply helping one another.  The group agreed that there was a need for such a unique approach, so they each agreed to bring a professional woman to the next month’s meeting.  Each month, the membership doubled.  Wendy knew she was on to something and thus, the idea for EPWNG was born.

EPWNG has established five branches, four in the Chicagoland area and one in Scottsdale, AZ with over 250 members and continues to grow each month.  The original concept of “bringing a guest” to a meeting has allowed our members to expand their networks through organic, old-fashioned networking.  With a hands-on Board of Directors, Advisory Board and various committees, EPWNG is poised for strategic growth in other cities through diversity and inclusion along with “Next Gen” events.