When I moved to Roanoke, Virginia in my early 30's, I found it tough to meet like-minded women friends, so I decided to create a group where we'd get together once a month at my house for a potluck. I named it The Roanoke Cooking Chicks, and at the first event only four women showed up. We had a great time, and as the months passed, the group grew to 20 members, then 50, then 75.

The group continued, but after a few years I moved to Charlotte, North Carolina, again single and again without knowing a soul. That led to my creating the Charlotte Cooking Chicks! Even in the midst of that big city, I learned that women didn't have many options to get together in a positive, optimistic, laid-back environment and share food, wine, and friendship. The Charlotte Cooking Chicks had 150 members, a waiting list for every event, and we expanded it to include regular volunteering events, girls' weekends away, and sessions that taught us everything from candy making to belly dancing. 

When I moved to Staunton in 2019, I couldn't wait to try out The Staunton Cooking Chicks, and again we had a good time...that is, until the pandemic. 

In 2024, I was still happy in Staunton, married and a bit older, and I found myself again eager to meet and connect women in our community. This time I wanted it to be a bit different, just as I was different. This is how I advertised for Staunton Magnificent Women: Do you reject the notion of the “invisible middle-aged woman”? Yeah, me too. I happily believe that “women of a certain age” have energy, vibrancy, style, and a timeless elegance that we've cultivated with our years of interesting and diverse life experiences...AND that the best years of our lives are still ahead of us! Staunton Magnificent Women are 50 strong and growing! 

Connecting women is something that remains important to me, both personally and professionally. I speak to women's groups and I teach Women in Leadership courses to inspire and motivate women to connect with one another in meaningful, helpful, and fun ways.