Reviews – Women Make a Difference

I started attending WMAD with a friend when I first moved to Albuquerque. Being new to the area, I needed to start participating in professional networking events if I was going to find the right employment opportunities. I immediately saw value in attending WMAD lunch & learn meetings. I appreciated the high-quality speakers, nice venue & healthy meal, but mostly being surrounded by like-minded business professionals who gathered to learn, grow their businesses, and connect with others.

At my third meeting, I learned of a regular attendee looking to hire a Manager; within the week, I had the new position—just what I had wanted. I presented WMAD to my boss as an organization to continue participating in, representing the business in my new role. She understands the benefit of networking and loves the idea of me meeting other local business professionals that I might not have been exposed to otherwise.

I’m grateful to Val and WMAD for the opportunity presented to me. I also now have a community of resources that I can pull from whenever I have a business need. I highly recommend WMAD to any person looking to build or grow their network.

Jen Jaciw | Office Supply Manager – Workspace Dynamics

When I rolled my ‘side hustle’ into a full time business, one local networking group quickly emerged as ‘the place to be’, Albuquerque’s own, Women Make a Difference. I began consistently attending the luncheons each month and have been blessed by business growth, and many friendships. I find the speaker programs and presentations to be insightful, inspirational and actionable. Val’s wonderful sponsorship and marketplace opportunity to showcase and highlight businesses has been fruitful, and has acted to elevate my profile, and grow my client and referral base. I’ve made lifelong friendships that I treasure! When I need to invest in myself and my business, WMAD events help keep me connected to our community and reinforces my growth mindset! Thank you VAL ROMERO for all you do for business, for Albuquerque at large, and for each of us, individually!!!

Michele Rainwater | Independent cabi Stylist

WMAD….what a great group of women (and some men) I have met over the last 20 years. Thanks to the longevity of this group, the people I met “way back when” became friends and customers of mine then, and still are, the people I get to see (in person, or now by Zoom) on a regular basis, along with many new faces.

This meeting is run very professionally and with heart and consideration for all attending. There is just the right amount of business mixed with fun. The perfect recipe for success. It has and continues to be a great venue for generating business for me. I recommend it for anyone interested in enlarging and strengthening their business by getting education and connecting with others.

Jeanne Saxon/L’Bri Pure & Natural

When I first opened my own company just over 5 years ago, I was told by so many people, “oh, you have to network and get out there to drum up business.” Not being an extrovert that sounded quite terrifying. I tried seven other networking groups in three years and felt like a mixture of oil and water, not a good fit for me. When I attended the first Women Make a Difference event, the feeling was quite different. The group was very warm and inviting and you felt at ease even being a first timer. The attendees, mostly women, are walking around talking to each other and you don’t feel as though you are intruding as you introduce yourself. As of right now, this is the only networking group I attend since it fills my current needs. Val Romero knows so many intelligent and dynamic people and brings them in as speakers. One person I met through this group became my business coach who helped me grow my business by over 60% in one year. You could say I never would have met her without this group and continued to struggle in my business. During Val’s monthly event, you get lunch, networking and some education or nugget you can apply to your business life or home life – what could be better? If you ask me, not much.

Georgette Lombardo, MS | Pawsitive Training ABQ

WMAD is a great organization! I joined a few months ago and am so glad I did. The members come from a variety of backgrounds, and the speakers are always interesting and relevant. I consider Val Romero, the founder of WMAD, a new friend. She is super helpful, and her enthusiasm is contagious. One thing I really enjoy is the fun way we make new coffee dates at the end of every meeting. For an artist who doesn’t get out much, that makes networking so much easier!

Ginna Heiden | Artist

I have been networking, first in California for 14 years, and now in NM since 2018. I found WMAD through an old friend from California whose advice has always been spot on. I’ve been attending WMAD for over two years and really appreciate Val Romero’s outstanding leadership of this group. She’s supportive of the people who attend the WMAD meetings and provides a safe & welcoming space for newcomers as well as oldtimers.

My husband & I were new to having our fitness business in NM—attending Val’s events helped us fill his strength training schedule in record time. Val has also been extremely helpful in encouraging me in my new Medical Cannabis Education & Coaching practice as well as connecting me to the Florida hemp industry. We’ve also met some very wonderful people whom we feel very comfortable referring to and have made new friendships as well. I’m so grateful we found Val and WMAD!

Taru Fisher | Alive! Fitness Studio

I have attended WMAD events whenever I get a chance for over two years. It’s always a pleasure to be around Val and her great energy. In addition to networking with local business women, the events provide camaraderie and the speakers provide great insight. Thanks Val for all you do!

Trish Lopez|Founder
TEENIORS™: Tech-Savvy Teens Empowering Seniors

It’s something that I look forward to every month.

I see friends. I meet new people that have just arrived in the city or just heard about this group, and I form friendships with people and start business relationships with them.

I really appreciate Val. She’s very energetic. She’s creative. She listens to the people that she trusts about how to grow this enterprise. She’s a person of wisdom, and I’ve seen her grow into that position, and I’m one of her big fans.

Angie Thurman, Premier Jewelry
WMAD attendee since 2002

I love that it is a group of women who build each other up. In the workplace, people tend to be negative and tear each other down. That’s why it’s so refreshing to be around positive and successful women.

It was a really positive experience and great timing, and now I’m doing my dream job.

Karen Cooper, Independent Insurance Agent

Val creates great connections for people that are qualitative and quantitative. The active members are decisions makers. It is a huge resource because of who is in the room.

Stacy Sacco | Professor at UNM Anderson School of Management

Val Romero | Val@WomenMakeADifference.com | (505)362-8546