Skip to main content

Welcome to Ellevate.

No matter the challenge, you don’t have to face it alone.

Ellevate is the largest community of women at work. A powerful coalition of ambitious and supportive women who believe there is strength in numbers. We show up for each other, helping everyone — no matter their background or aspirations — build a career they love. And, more importantly, we mobilize our collective power to change the culture of business.


Two working moms

At Ellevate Network, we're redefining networking.

Although our community is the largest of its kind, we know that navigating a sea of faceless connections is a waste of time. That’s why, at Ellevate, we prioritize the real, authentic relationships that can change your situation, can make a difference in your future.


Team collaboration

We help women stay connected in an increasingly disconnected world.

We help women build meaningful local and digital relationships that can offer insights and open doors. Our community has reach, power and influence, while still remaining warm, welcoming and supportive.


Digital mentoring

Through collective action, Ellevate is shaping business to be more inclusive. Our goal is full and equal access to power, for everyone.

Ellevate is where change makers cultivate their voice, build bridges to understand and mobilize for impact. We work with leading companies to help them hire, retain and improve diversity, equity and inclusion within their organizations.


B Corporation seal

Ellevate Network became a Certified B Corporation in 2016. B Corps are a new type of company that uses the power of business to solve social and environmental problems. B Corp certification is to business what Fair Trade certification is to coffee or USDA Organic certification is to milk.

WBE seal

Ellevate Network is certified as a Women’s Business Enterprise by the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC), the nation’s largest third-party certifier of the businesses owned and operated by women in the U.S. We recognize the commitment to supplier diversity that is embraced by corporations and government agencies today and we can add diversity to your supply chain.


Our Values

We, as a community, are intentional in taking action to create moments and connections that will change how you, your friends, family, neighbors, and coworkers think and talk about equality.

To guide us through the thicket, we use our values as our beacon:
About panel event

Intersectionality.

We understand that identities don't exist in silos. People are multi-faceted, and our approach to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging celebrates the nuances that make each and every one of us human.

Teaching moment with small group

Courage.

We know that it takes guts to put yourself out there. As a community we are unafraid to embrace who we are and who we want to become.

Mentoring event

Authenticity.

We foster communities and experiences where each individual can express their best, authentic self. We welcome new perspectives and believe healthy, honest discourse leads to progress.

About events

Trust.

We practice collective trust and integrity to unleash the unique strengths and qualities of one another. We always default to the “most respectful interpretation” of a situation.

Clapping audience

Gratitude.

We are privileged to lead the way to a more equal world. We practice gratitude in every moment, in a community where challenges are welcomed, obstacles are opportunities, and triumphs are shared.

One on One chat event

Zest.

Everything tastes better with a little zest on top! We approach our work with enthusiasm, seek excitement in the everyday, and celebrate each victory. We find joy in what we do and the individuality of those who surround us.


Our History

Nasdaq bell 2019

Ellevate Network (formerly known as 85 Broads) was started in 1997 by Janet Hanson, one of the first women to be promoted to sales management at Goldman Sachs. Janet, who had taken a leave from work, found herself (like many of us do at one time or another) in need of some clarity, and wondering “what’s next?” She realized quickly that in order to gain the insights she needed and build a new path, she needed people who could shed some light. And that’s how 85 Broads came to life — an unofficial network for women who worked or had worked at Goldman Sachs. The name, 85 Broads, was a reference to Goldman Sach’s old headquarters located at 85 Broad Street in New York City. The network quickly expanded to include women in other companies and in all industries.

The network was rebranded to Ellevate Network in 2014, reflecting the evolution of the community from its finance roots to a more widely diverse group of ambitious, powerful, supportive, and kind women who believe that, together, we can change the culture of business.