I’ve written before about what I call “networks of meaning” – those networks that enrich our lives personally and professionally with deeper connections. But recently I’ve come to realize that the most special networks to belong to are “networks of impact” – those networks that do all of the above and make a difference not only for the members - but for the world with their convening.

In May of 2021 I was asked to join the Induction Leadership Committee for the National Women’s Hall of Fame 2021 induction.

I hesitated to join because I knew the mission of the committee was to not only raise the profile of the organization, but to raise money for this 60-year-old gem of an institution in Seneca Falls, New York with a mission to showcase great women and inspire all with their stories.

I never, ever thought of myself as a fundraiser. Yes, I like to share my passion for, and stories about, great institutions and see what happens next. Oh and I do like to swoop in and grab a mike to act as an auctioneer or paddle call “hero” for organizations that inspire me.

But to raise significant funds to make an impact on an institution that is legendary, renowned, while also in great need to move to the next level of national impact for its work? I didn’t know if I could take it on.

Whenever you think you “can’t” – I’ve often found that’s actually an internal hint that you not only “can” - but should.

My passion for the Hall started over 20 years ago on a rainy Friday night. My husband and I drove to the small town of Seneca Falls and in an old building across from the national park that commemorates the women’s rights convention of 1848 I met incredible luminaries who were being inducted that year – including a diminutive woman who I sat down with at a cocktail table - Ruth Bader Ginsburg.

Attending events at the Hall and hearing the stories of great women at induction, understanding both their struggles and triumphs, has enriched my life and my daughter’s. Over the years we’ve met Lilly Ledbetter, Dr. Bernice King, Temple Grandin and so many others.

So I said yes – yes, I’ll join the committee, yes, I’ll help raise funds and yes, I’ll bring on needed champions for the mission of the Hall.

I enlisted my network of Incredible companies I’ve worked with like Paychex, Butler Till and Wegmans all of whom made commitments to the Hall.

New connections like J.P. Morgan Chase’s Women on the Move said, yes we want to be involved.

And life-long friends committed to support the Hall including, one friend whose ancestors signed the women’s right’s convention in Seneca Falls in 1848 and another who I met in 7th grade when we both played Susan B. Anthony and Elizabeth Cady Stanton in a declamation contest.

And then I decided to enlist TheLi.st, a network of women and non-binary people with a mission to amplify, uplift and support all of its members which I joined in December 2020 during the height of the pandemic.

Powered by a member’s match, the Li.st raised over $75,000 for the National Women’s Hall of Fame. Ann Shoket the CEO of TheLi.st along with Li.st members from all over the country made the pilgrimage to Seneca Falls to experience induction weekend and the new home of the Hall on the Erie Canal. Many of them I had never met in person. The entire weekend was incredibly impactful.

Together we experienced a woman-owned winery in the Finger Lakes, Three Brothers Wineries and Estates, and lifted a toast with their wine commemorating women’s empowerment, with names like Sisterhood and Ferocity.

And we all cheered on as the induction ceremony honored great women like Mia Hamm, Michelle Obama, Judy Chicago, Emily Howland, Katherine Johnson, Becky Halstead, Joy Harjo, Octavia E. Butler, and Indra Nooyi. Finally we celebrated at a Gala and raised the roof and even some more money - because there’s nothing like a great Paddle Raise to support a great institution!

I never thought I’d have so much fun with philanthropy – but there’s nothing like a challenge and a great cause to galvanize your networks of impact. Networks that have brought me meaning and connection stepped up to impact an organization that is all about celebrating women of impact.

Now more than ever to change the world we need to turn our networks of meaning into networks of impact. I’m so glad I took that internal voice of can’t and turned it into an out loud CAN. You CAN impact the world when you are powered by networks of impact.

Outlaw Leadership® is all about building networks of impact.