how our women’s history month panel went
"People won’t always remember what you said, but they will always remember how you made them feel."
This quote has always resonated with me, and it was at the heart of why I wanted to host this panel. As someone who has been building communities and hosting events for over three years, I know firsthand how powerful connection can be.
Here’s a photo of the panelists. L to R: Mia Coleman, Shanna Nasiri, Maxine Williams, Helena LaPorte-Burns, and Lauren Zelaya
As Women’s History Month comes to a close, we at We Met IRL are still buzzing with inspiration from our first-ever panel event, On Building & Sustaining Community. Bringing together four incredible women leaders, the discussion explored the power of connection, collaboration, and long-term community impact. If you missed it, don’t worry—we’re breaking down the highlights here!
I’d like to thank everyone who attended this event—100 RSVPs and 85 in attendance! A huge thank you as well to our sponsors: Rare Beauty, Recess, Rosaluna Mezcal, The Period Company, and Soho House for providing the space. Rare Beauty and The Period Company generously donated products for all of our attendees to take home, while Recess and Rosaluna Mezcal provided delicious drinks throughout the evening.
It was incredibly important to me to make this event free and ensure that everyone left with something meaningful. A big shift in NYC events is that everything now comes with a price tag—on top of that, attendees often find themselves spending even more money once they arrive. While I understand that revenue is necessary (most of our events aren’t free), I also believe that giving back is just as crucial, even for a for-profit business. Finding ways to support the community you’ve built will always come back in dividends. I hope this event embodied that sentiment.
We Met IRL was created out of a need for safe spaces and authentic connection, and I believe we grew quickly online because that need was so clear. The isolation imposed by the pandemic has reshaped how we socialize and gather. Combine this with a struggling economy, and you have the perfect storm for disconnection.
Gen Z struggles to connect, make friends, and build community more than any other generation. But with this awareness comes a responsibility—to find ways to come back together, redefine how we build relationships, and create spaces that foster meaningful connection.
Some of the attendees at the event
Key Takeaways from Our Panel
1. Community Begins with Intentionality
Mia Coleman of Rememory Directory emphasized that strong communities don’t form by accident. They require vision, consistency, and a genuine desire to uplift others. Whether you’re starting a grassroots movement or launching a new social space, defining your why is crucial.
2. Spaces Shape Stories
Helena LaPorte-Burns from the New York Botanical Garden reminded us that physical spaces matter. Creating environments—whether in nature, cultural institutions, or digital platforms—that invite connection fosters a sense of belonging. Thoughtful design and programming can make all the difference.
3. Businesses Can Be Community Anchors
Shanna Nasiri, the founder of With Others BK, shared how businesses can act as gathering places where relationships form and ideas flourish. Supporting local businesses that prioritize inclusivity and engagement strengthens the fabric of our neighborhoods.
4. Cultural Institutions as Catalysts
Lauren Zelaya of the Brooklyn Museum highlighted the role of museums and arts organizations in shaping community narratives. By hosting events, featuring diverse artists, and making space for dialogue, cultural institutions play a vital role in connecting people across backgrounds.
Feeling inspired? Here are a few ways to take action:
✅ Support local organizations and businesses—Follow, donate, or visit!
✅ Get involved in community events—Attend talks, volunteer, or simply show up.
✅ Start where you are—Community starts with a conversation. Invite people in.
Join the Movement
This panel was just the beginning. At We Met IRL, we’re committed to fostering conversations that matter. Follow us on Instagram to stay updated on future events and learn more about how we’re building spaces for meaningful connections.
Special thanks to our panelists:
