PWN (The Professional Women’s Network), founded by Danielle Parson, nourishes women to excel in their personal and professional lives while being a positive and active influence in their communities.
PWN offers a myriad of programs and events for women in business – including empowerment luncheons, executive roundtables, and more – all focused on linking, engaging, and inspiring women with opportunities across the region. Their aim is to change the realities and narrative of the professional woman’s experience in Pittsburgh.
“Part of what makes our programming unique is that we are focused on women that are not typically invited to the table, not invited into the rooms where decisions are made. We’re helping them gain confidence to build their own tables.”
Danielle Parson, Founder of PWN
In September of 2022, Neighborhood Allies awarded PWN with a $15,000 RISE HIGH Grant to assist with enhancements to their business operations, program offerings, and social media presence. With this funding, they were able to contract with a part time social media manager, project manager, and additional administrative support personnel.
“For an organization to see what we were trying to do in the earlier years – it helped us to gain trust [in the community] and reach the women we were trying to reach,” said Danielle.
By March of 2023, PWN saw an increase in membership, online engagement, and programming attendance! In fact, between March 2022 and March 2023, PWN increased its membership from 14 to 53 women – a 278% growth – due in part to the ways in which increased capacity provided by the RISE HIGH Grant allowed them to reach more women. They also experienced an 81% increase in website visitors during the first six months of the grant period, as well as increased website traffic from their social media platforms. The ability to conduct more outreach and host more programming helped PWN to make a greater impact.
Now, two years later, PWN has grown even more, boasting a membership of 257 professional women. That’s over 250 women in Pittsburgh supporting each other through personal and professional transformations. Some of Neighborhood Allies’ own women leaders have even become members!
“It’s empowering to be part of a network of women who not only look like me, but are also leading, creating, and showing up for each other. PWN creates space for real connection, growth, and support both personally and professionally.”
-DeOndra Parker, Senior Program Manager of Fund Development & Diversity, Equity & Inclusion at Neighborhood Allies
“Danielle’s initiative to bring professional women together with the common goal of success is a remarkable achievement. I have personally benefited from the safe space PWN creates for women to network and find the trust and support that is needed to thrive in professional environments. Additionally, PWN brings women’s achievements to the forefront of Pittsburgh, recognizing, uplifting and celebrating Us.”
-Violet Graham, Vice President of Finance at Neighborhood Allies
Our RISE HIGH Grant Partnership Program emphasizes true partnership – not just funding. We strive to make connections and provide additional resources even after the grant period has concluded.
“Neighborhood Allies as a partner means everything to us. Yes, [the grant] had a monetary amount that came with it, but it also came with resources,” said Parson. “We are now a part of that family. Those are the relationships and resources that are important now more than ever.”
You can learn more about PWN and join their membership at https://www.prowomensnet.com/joinus.
