Founder Carolina Fernandez realized that, as a member of New York City’s Cornell Club, she had not formed one single friendship or relationship amongst its members. When she discovered that the Club did not have a formal intra-club women’s networking group of its own, she knew she had to form one. Ladies Who Lunch--and it’s “SheEO” network—launched in March of 2009. The first event consisted of a catered luncheon and an eager audience of about 19 women. We came from various industries and backgrounds—law, medicine, business, academia, media—to learn how we could grow professionally, personally and philanthropically. Many of these guests faced transition or reinvention, and were simply desiring a new venue in which to expand their network. Many came to learn new business skills. Some came for a wonderful lunch in a collegiate club setting. Now averaging sixty ladies at each Luncheon, this dedicated group is still committed to “encouraging, equipping and empowering women to excellence.” We do this via monthly Luncheons, where we network, reach out to others, offer up our skill sets, and learn how charitable organizations are meeting the needs of the Greater New York City area head-on. Growing professionally, personally and philanthropically is our mission.