Finding Your Tribe: NYC EDITION

Life as a woman over 35 with a career in a bustling city like New York can be exhilarating but also isolating. You’re not chasing corporate success, marriage, or motherhood, and you certainly don’t fit the mold of what society often expects. Instead, you’re carving out your own path, and while this brings fulfillment, it can also leave you feeling unseen in a world that often celebrates more conventional milestones. But here’s the good news: unconventional doesn’t mean alone. There’s a tribe out there for you—women who share your values, aspirations, and lifestyle.

If your tribe is in some way betrothed, booked and busy or even out of town one of the most effective ways to combat loneliness is to find a community that resonates with your values and experiences. Organizations like Women Creating Change (WCC) in New York City provide inclusive spaces for women to engage in civic life and advocate for equity. Similarly, Girls Inc. of NYC inspires women to be strong, smart, and bold through mentorship and leadership programs. These groups foster connection and empowerment, helping you feel seen and understood.

Think Outside the Box

If traditional networking or socializing doesn’t appeal to you, consider alternative ways to build connections:

• Join Women-Focused Groups: Explore organizations like the Center for the Women of New York, which offers support groups, workshops on financial literacy, career advancement, and even sustainable gardening. These spaces are designed for women navigating unconventional paths.

• Volunteer for Causes You Care About: Get involved with nonprofits like Bottomless Closet, which supports women entering the workforce, or Her Justice, which advocates for abused women’s rights. Volunteering can connect you to purpose-driven peers while making a tangible impact.

• Prioritize Mental Wellness: Tap into the support of organizations like The Loveland Foundation, which provides therapy resources for Black women and girls; The Sad Girls Club, which offers community and support for millennial and Gen Z women dealing with mental health issues; Well-Read Black Girl, which combines literature and community to spark healing conversations; and Renae Bluitt’s She Did That and Luminary, both of which champion the mental, emotional, and entrepreneurial wellness of women of color.

• Lean Into Joyful Rituals: Shared experiences can forge deep connections. Host a neighborhood food crawl, organize a “plant party” where guests trade greenery, or sign up for French or Italian lessons through FIAF (French Institute Alliance Française) or the Istituto Italiano di Cultura. For a more active spin, join a women-led run club like Run Girl or Black Girls RUN!—where community, health, and empowerment meet on the pavement.

• Let’s Get Political: Staying civically engaged is a powerful way to feel rooted in your community. Join a local political campaign, attend town halls, or participate in events hosted by organizations like Women Creating Change. It’s not just about advocacy—it’s about solidarity and showing up for yourself and others.

Create Your Own Space

Sometimes finding your tribe means building it yourself.

• Host Your Own Meetups: Organize casual meetups for women entrepreneurs or creatives in your area. Platforms like Meetup or Eventbrite make it easy to connect with others who share your interests.

• Start a Book Club or Hobby Group: A shared passion can bring people together. Whether it’s reading feminist literature, crafting, or exploring new cuisines, these activities foster meaningful connections.

• Leverage Social Media: Use platforms like Instagram or LinkedIn to find communities that align with your values. Many women-led groups thrive online before transitioning into offline meetups.

• Fitness and Run Clubs: There are

Embrace Vulnerability

Feeling unseen often stems from a lack of vulnerability in relationships. It’s important to open up about your journey and share your story with others. Vulnerability creates deeper connections and helps people see the real you.

Celebrate Your Life

Being unconventional is something to celebrate! You’re living authentically and pursuing what truly matters to you. Here are ways to embrace this:

• Redefine Success: Success isn’t just about marriage or climbing the corporate ladder—it’s about fulfillment. Celebrate milestones like launching a new product for your business or mastering a new skill.

• Practice Gratitude: Reflect on the joys of your unique path—freedom, creativity, independence—and let gratitude guide your perspective.

• Seek Role Models: Look up to other women who’ve thrived on unconventional paths. Their stories can inspire and reassure you.

Connecting Across Cities

If New York feels too unconventional for your taste, consider visiting cities where life aligns more closely with traditional values. However, remember that thriving doesn’t depend on location—it’s about mindset and community.

Your life path may not fit societal norms, but it’s uniquely yours—and that makes it powerful. By seeking out communities that celebrate individuality and creating spaces where you feel valued, you’ll find connection and thrive alongside others who understand your journey. Embrace vulnerability and start building relationships that enrich your life. Your tribe is out there waiting—go find them!