A Curated Community Of Women Leaders Advancing Connection, Growth, And Collective Impact.
About Us
Where Influential Women Connect, Grow, And Lead With Impact.
The North Shore Network is an invitation-only community designed for women leaders across business, academia, philanthropy, the arts, and public service. We bring together accomplished women on the North Shore who are committed to leading with purpose, giving back to their communities, and supporting one another’s growth—both personally and professionally.
Our members are thoughtful connectors, bold leaders, and changemakers.
Through curated experiences, dynamic programming, and intentional gatherings, we foster a space where women can collaborate, inspire, and lead with impact—together shaping a stronger, more vibrant community.
Our Story
A vision for collective impact
Founded by Anna Assenmacher, the Network was created to bring accomplished women together on the North Shore—offering a curated community rooted in authentic, meaningful connection.
Built close to home, it fosters relationships that extend beyond networking—supporting both professional growth and personal connection.
Our Approach
An intentional community for women committed to leadership, connection, and impact.
Our mission
To advance the individual and collective influence of women leaders on the North Shore through curated connection, thoughtful dialogue, and institutional-level convening.
Our vision for leadership
To be the premier leadership platform for influential women on the North Shore—where connection, capital, governance, health, and civic impact intersect.
What we value most
Our values reflect what defines this community—authentic connection, thoughtful leadership, and a shared commitment to growth, impact, and forward-thinking dialogue.
Founder Letter
A Note from Anna
When I started the North Shore Network, I was seeking something that didn’t quite exist—a space for accomplished women to come together in a way that felt both meaningful and close to home. In my own work and across my network, I saw how often leadership can feel isolating, even among highly capable and connected women. I believed there was an opportunity to create something different—more intentional, more personal, and more rooted in authentic connection.
What began as a small group of women gathering around shared experiences and ideas has grown into a community I’m incredibly proud of. The Network continues to evolve, but its foundation remains the same: bringing thoughtful, accomplished women together to connect, learn, and support one another in ways that extend far beyond any single event.
Our Advisors
Guided by the Best in the Room
Our advisors bring decades of expertise across finance, philanthropy, and public service — helping shape programming that's always worth your evening.
Anna Assenmacher
Founder
Founder of the North Shore Network. Principal and founder of Aries Consulting. Nonprofit strategist and fractional executive.
Kerri Schoonyoung
CEO and Founder
CEO of Dept. 11 and Founder of Seekers Field Guide. Serial Entrepreneur, Strategic Business Leader, Board Member, Digital Marketing Strategist.
Carla Dunham
Chief Marketing Officer
CMO, The Aspen Group. CMO, CRO, and Board Advisor with 20 years of experience across brands including Kate Spade, Henry Bendel, Target, Amazon, Saks Fifth Avenue, Away and Foxtrot.
Courtney Wright
CEO
CEO + Owner, Gemini Builds It. Serial entrepreneur, CEO, best-selling author, advisor, and podcast host.
Louise Keely
Managing Director
Managing Director, Quantum Rise. Advisor, Angel Investor, and Data, Analytics, and AI Executive. Former partner at Bain & Company.
Dustin O'Regan
Editor in Chief
Editor-in-Chief of Sheridan Road magazine by JWC Media. Recovering attorney, philanthropist, master connector, and editorial strategist.
HOW IT WORKS
Membership Finds You
Network Membership begins with a referral or a request—followed by a personal conversation to ensure alignment.
