Our Mission
What began as Retail Women in Tech has grown into Retail Connections - a 501(c)(3) nonprofit reshaping how the retail industry builds community to grow careers: bridging people, pathways and purpose.
Why? Because we believe the silos in our industry stifle innovation. We believe in spider web career journeys. We believe skills transfer but our industry does a poor job of honoring and valuing them. We seeks to change that.
So we’re building a global ecosystem where all boats rise. Where women and allies across every level and function forge meaningful relationships and access inclusive support and resources so our industry as a whole can grow. And we are making it easy to do so.
Through fostering 1:1 bonds, personalized mentorship, events that spark change and mission-aligned partnerships, we are creating spaces where people feel seen, supported and equipped to do the best work of their careers.
We will remain relentless in our drive for parity+. It shouldn’t even be a discussion that greater representation of women in all sectors of our industry drive better business results.
So let’s all create the community and conditions for people to do the work that fits and fuels their fire and shape a future where retail is the place to be.
The change we seek happens at the intersections so we're building the bridges to get there.
That’s what Retail Connections is all about.
How your support changes lives
Community
Amplification
Community
Belonging sparks opportunity
City-based connectors host in-person and volunteer events
Virtual and on-campus events with community connectors and NRF Foundation
Role-based circles and roundtables for shared learning and exploration
Coming together at retail conferences
Making it easy to find people and new opportunities
Growth
Amplification
Community
From intent to impact
Curated mentor–mentee cohorts, twice yearly
Hands-on internship experiences building a purpose driven organization
Bi-weekly sessions to accelerate personal and professional growth
Infrastructure to support day to day operation
Amplification
Amplification
Amplification
Visibility inspires change
Annual awards celebrating cross-sector leaders
Power of WE series where we highlight our community
Allyship in Action: Honoring allies who open doors
Industry benchmarks to track progress of women’s representation
Be a part of what we're building
We want to transform our industry. Not profit from it.
We exist to create the conditions to unleash talent so we all can love what we do everyday.
We are here to support women and allies find, grow and own their place in the industry.
We are changing how our industry gives back.
Do so with us!