Women are stronger when we have each other.

Uniting women from across the Midwest to build a stronger community through engagement, genuine conversation, companionship, and supporting causes that matter.

Why Does She Unites Exist?

“To connect and educate so that we can grow collectively as women”

We believe women thrive when they feel like they belong.

When we feel welcomed, accepted and connected to the people around us, we become more engaged members of the places we call home. We show up differently for our families, our workplaces and our communities. We are more willing to participate, contribute, build relationships and make a difference.

She Unites is about creating that sense of belonging.

We create opportunities for women to meet, connect and build genuine relationships in every phase of life. Whether you’re new to the community, looking to meet new people, navigating a new chapter or simply looking for more connection, there is a place for you here.

Because when women feel connected to one another, our communities become stronger, too.

A woman in a gray blazer holding a microphone and speaking to an audience in a room decorated with string lights, with several women seated and listening attentively.
Group of women practicing yoga or stretching in a gym, with arms extended sideways, some smiling, on a blue floor with a yellow and blue wall in the background with motivational text.
A group of women sitting in a circle during a discussion in a room with a brick wall, some holding drinks and smiling.
Four people with bicycles standing on sidewalk beside a tall brick building, all smiling and giving thumbs up.

What We Do

Education

Our free educational events at EJ’s Wine Shop bring women together for thoughtful conversations about topics that matter. We invite local experts and community voices to share knowledge, spark conversation, and create space for women to learn from one another.

Recreation

Recess is our invitation to step away from the everyday and do something just for fun. From outdoor adventures and creative experiences to recreational activities, these events give women a chance to try something new, meet someone new, and enjoy a little time together.

Our annual She Unites Pickleball Tournament brings women of all skill levels together for a day of competition, connection, and plenty of fun.

1,500+ Women Connected

In just five years, more than 1,500 women have participated in She Unites events. That’s more than 1,500 opportunities to meet someone new, learn something, share a laugh, have a meaningful conversation or simply feel like you belong. And we’re just getting started.

What We Believe

All Are Welcome

We welcome women of all age, occupation, backgrounds socioeconomic circumstance, sexual orientation, and phase of life. Whether you’re a lifelong resident of Dubuque or new to town, surrounded by people or looking for new connections, you belong here.

Belonging Should Be Accessible

Connection shouldn’t come with a hefty price tag. We believe finances shouldn’t be a barrier to finding community, so we strive to keep our programming free or low-cost. 80% of She Unites events are free to attend, making it easier for more women to participate, regardless of their financial circumstances.

No Membership Required

Life changes. Schedules change. What you need from your community changes, too.

That’s why there’s no membership fee and no expectation to attend everything. Come to what interests you. Come when it works for you. Come once, come often or come back when life gives you the space.

Two women standing next to a white brick wall, smiling and looking at the camera. One woman has curly brown hair and is wearing a beige sleeveless top with black pants and beige sandals. The other woman has blonde hair tied back, wearing a black shirt with rolled-up sleeves, light blue jeans, and black sandals.

How She Unites Started

Meet Nat Finley and Adele Herman, Co-Founders of She Unites. In the chaos of 2020, the universe brought these two creatives together in their professional work. Adele the graphic designer and Nat the photographer. They became fast friends and artistic partners. By New Year’s Eve, they were brainstorming this little crazy project. Both being Dubuque transplants, they began to see the need for a new opportunity for women. With so many wonderful humans in the area, how do we meet each other? How do we find those authentic connections when we don’t know anyone and aren’t from here? Where are you going to find these people when you work from home, have a non-traditional job, or are a stay-at-home parent? In the midst of all these questions, She Unites was born.

Group of women sitting on chairs in a conference room, smiling, with some holding drinks.
A group of people practicing yoga and playing musical instruments in a spacious room with large windows. A woman is sitting on a patterned rug, reaching toward a white singing bowl, surrounded by other bowls, a gong, and various percussion instruments. In the background, others are lying on yoga mats, resting or meditating.
Two women in black athletic dresses holding tennis paddles on a tennis court, smiling for the camera. Several people walk past in the background on a sunny day with lush green trees.

FAQs

Is there a cost to participate?

Nope! We are proud to be a 100% donation-supported organization. Our spaces, speakers, and programming are all gifted by those who support our vision. If you feel compelled to join us in the She Unites mission, donations can be here. Certain recreational events do have a ticket price to cover equipment, instruction, or facility rental fees.

Do I need to be a member?

No. She Unites is not a membership-based organization. Come to one event or come to them all. Simply reserve a ticket for the event you are attending and that’s it!

Do I need a ticket or to RSVP?

Yes! While most of our events are Free to attend, there is a max capacity at many of the venues we use. Please be respectful in reserving a ticket, knowing that if you no-show, that means someone else won’t be able to participate.

Is She Unites faith-based?

She Unites is not a faith-based organization. We welcome all women to our community regardless of religious affiliation.

Should I come alone or bring a friend?

Either way! We intend this group to be a way for you to make new friends in the greater Dubuque area. If you can bring a friend with you to our event as a safety net, go for it! But not to worry, you will not be the only one there flying solo.

Is there a virtual option or live stream?

We do not offer live streams of our events for a few reasons. One is financially, to do it right, we would need about $5k annually to create and house the content in a way that is conducive for learning. But more so, our greatest priority is community. In-person connection is at the forefront of all that we do. With that said, our events include very vulnerable Q+A and attendee interaction. These are not our stories to share online. Hopefully, as we continue to grow this organization, we will be able to offer programming on other days of the week so that more women can participate.

What can I expect at a She Unites event?

Our hope is that you come to our events having made a new friend, had authentic conversations, and leave with inspiration to power you through. Our monthly gatherings consist of socialization, a rotating speaker, and an overall good time. Read more here.

How can I become a speaker?

We seek out speakers who are passionate about educating women on a variety of topics. The speakers for our large group gatherings should prepare topics that are relevant to all women and are not niche in nature. If you are interested in speaking, shoot us an email with your pitch.