WNORTH, the global membership community for women in leadership, is celebrating its 10th anniversary. Founded by Heather Odendaal, WNORTH has grown from an annual conference into a thriving organization with over 1,700 members, hosting more than 80 events in 2024 alone. As a founder-funded, bootstrapped company, WNORTH’s expansion has been largely organic, with 90% of new members joining through personal referrals.
Odendaal’s inspiration for WNORTH stemmed from her own career journey and the challenges women face in leadership development.
“I noticed a gap in resources and communities that truly supported women aspiring to senior leadership,” she explains. “I wanted to build a platform that went beyond networking, providing actionable growth, meaningful mentorship, and peer connections.”
Since its inception, WNORTH has provided thousands of women with access to leadership development programs, mentorship, and a strong community to support their professional growth.
Like many organizations, WNORTH faced significant challenges during the pandemic. “We had to move two conferences and all events online,” Odendaal recalls. “However, this period also highlighted the importance of community, and our membership tripled as women sought connection more than ever.”
Strong corporate partnerships have played a crucial role in WNORTH’s success. Cisco, a global tech giant, has been a steadfast supporter, sending dozens of women to WNORTH’s conferences annually and investing in memberships to develop high-potential leaders within its ranks.
Empowering Women in Leadership
At the core of WNORTH is the Forum Program, a flagship initiative modeled after prestigious networks like YPO and EO but designed specifically for women. “The program is now in its 19th cohort, and we’ve supported over 500 women since 2018,” says Odendaal. The program provides mentorship and peer support in small groups, creating a personalized development experience.
Beyond the Forum Program, WNORTH offers leadership workshops, roundtables, and conferences that address critical skills such as executive presence and strategic thinking.
“We foster spaces for authentic conversations about the unique challenges women face—especially in underrepresented industries like tech—ensuring they have the resources and support needed to advance,” Odendaal notes.
Breaking into Tech
For women looking to break into tech, Odendaal emphasizes the importance of building a strong skill foundation beyond coding. “Roles in tech span marketing, product management, UX design, and data analysis,” she says. She also stresses the significance of networking. “Attending conferences is crucial to building the network that can support your aspirations of getting into the tech industry.”
When it comes to recruitment and retention, Odendaal advises companies to go beyond surface-level initiatives. “Targeted outreach and partnerships with organizations that support women and underrepresented groups are essential,” she says. Retention strategies should include flexible work arrangements, equitable pay, and clear pathways to leadership. “Representation matters—when women see other women in senior roles, it reinforces that they belong and can thrive.”
Despite ongoing debates about the future of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), Odendaal remains optimistic. “I see a continued commitment from many organizations to support high-potential, diverse talent,” she says. While some large companies are shifting away from remote and flexible work, she believes HR departments will remain essential in shaping strong leadership pipelines.
As WNORTH looks ahead, its focus is on expansion and impact. “We’re amplifying the voices of women in leadership and driving meaningful change in workplaces worldwide,” Odendaal shares. WNORTH’s 10th Anniversary Conference will return to Whistler, Canada, featuring keynote speakers Jean Oelwang, President of Virgin Unite, and Rose Marcario, former CEO of Patagonia. The organization is also planning summits in London and New York, as well as a leadership retreat in wine country for 2025.
Additionally, WNORTH is enhancing its digital membership platform and launching an ambassador program to expand into 10 more U.S. cities. “Our next chapter is all about growth, impact, and continuing to build a strong, connected community of women leaders,” says Odendaal.
As WNORTH enters its second decade, its mission remains clear: to empower women and create a future where leadership is more diverse, inclusive, and equitable.
