What started out as a creative spark by Women Inspiring Women Founder Leslie Sturgeon, grew into the largest organization in New Hampshire for women’s empowerment, personal development, business resources, networking and fun! Since starting her first business in 1989 in the Lakes Region of New Hampshire, Leslie surrounded herself with other professionals to discuss business, career success, life/work balance, dreaming big, challenges, opportunities and personal growth.
Because of her appreciation for the difference women can make in one another’s lives, she had a desire to create an organization where other people could experience on a regular basis what had been so influential in her life. After the launch of WIW in Meredith in May 2007, the organization grew rapidly and expanded to Concord in 2007. It then assumed leadership of the New England Women’s Network and began hosting events in Southern NH in May 2009. Because of overwhelming demand by women in the Seacoast Region, WIW celebrated an expansion to Portsmouth in May 2010.
Leslie with WMUR’s Jennifer Vaughn
Also in 2010, the NH Conference for Women was established by WIW and it had a sold-out crowd of 300 women. That event is now an annual conference and Inspiring Women in Business, a yearly day-long entrepreneurial event, was added in 2011. Success groups, small mentoring groups for business and personal success, were introduced in 2011 as were leadership success groups in the corporate arena.
In addition to being a serial entrepreneur and transformational leader since the age of 22, Leslie Sturgeon has had significant community service and professional leadership experience. Highlights of her career include:
- Honored in 2019 by NH Business Review in their inaugural NH200 as one of 200 most influential business leaders in NH.
- Recognized as the 2009 NH Small Business Administration “Women in Business Champion.”
- Recognized as one of the 2010 NH Business Review “Outstanding Women in Business.”
- Nominated twice for Business NH Magazine’s “Most Powerful People in NH.”
- Received two citations each from the NH Governor John Lynch and from the NH Senate.
- Leslie’s NH Conference for Women has been recognized as “Best Networking Event in NH” by readers of NH Business Review for three years.
- Recognized by the Boy Scouts of America: Daniel Webster Council as a 2018 “Good Scout” for community service and leadership.
Leslie and Jack Canfield
- Chosen to beta test new “Event Marketing” product from Constant Contact, a leader in online marketing solutions, due to high volume of events that are hosted. This was a very comprehensive process whereby Leslie worked closely with the project team to make suggestions, identify issues and provide feedback to other potential product users.
- Selected as a Paul Harris Fellow by Rotary International/Meredith for service to her community.
- Serves as an Incorporator of the Belknap County Economic Development Council.
- Founder of the Moultonborough Academy Alumni Association.
- Served as the Executive Director of the Newfound Region Chamber of Commerce, Executive Director and Board Member of the Meredith Area Chamber of Commerce, President of the Meredith Altrusa Club and President of Kidworks Learning Center.
- Sought after business and leadership trainer/speaker, frequent guest on local radio and TV shows and contributor to articles and blogs on women’s empowerment, women entrepreneurs and business success in the Granite State.
Want to see all of Leslie’s background and experience? Click HERE.
Leslie puts her enthusiasm, zest for life, warm personality and accepting spirit into each and every event and program, making sure that no detail is left undone. Her greatest joy in life is helping others to achieve their dreams, realize their unique qualities and encouraging them to reach for the stars. She is also a crazy dog lover, a huge fan of the Granite State (a native of the 603!), enjoys good coffee and conversation, likes to laugh until she snorts (or pees her pants), enjoys giving big hugs instead of handshakes, and believes in “keeping it real – all the time.” Leslie considers herself authentically and perfectly “imperfect.”
Three words changed my life eight years ago. Leslie Davis Sturgeon.
Add to that three more words: Women Inspiring Women (WIW).
If you haven’t yet met Leslie, know that when you do, your life will change, and you may not even realize it is happening. I connected with her because a close business associate kept telling me she and I needed to meet. He didn’t know Leslie personally, but he knew about her drive and vision with the organization she was growing in New Hampshire and knew I would embrace WIW.The day I met Leslie, I was the chairperson for an event in which she was a supporting vendor. I admit, I was nervous. After months of hearing about her, I was finally going to meet this woman who was doing incredible things in business. I took a deep breath before approaching her table. She was talking with another woman, and while I waited, I observed her calmness, kindness and a genuine warmth in her voice. She smiled when I introduced myself, shook my hand and I felt right at home. I mentioned my friend Steve Gamlin, from Inspired by Steve, said we should meet. She was thoughtful for a moment and responded that she didn’t know Steve, but he was one of her greatest cheerleaders. She then said she would make it a point to connect with him.
Leslie’s honesty about not knowing Steve, and then following up to grow her business relationship with him was awesome. Leslie is true to her word, and does what she sets out to do. That is precisely why she is the founder of the largest women’s organization in New Hampshire, and the largest women’s event in the state. The irony is Steve was one of the only male vendors at the NH Conference for Woman soon after, opening up the event to a whole new level of acceptance that Leslie exudes.Leslie is kind, funny, and passionate about the spirit of cooperation. She is fun-loving, has a quick wit, and is compassionate toward everyone she meets. Her special quality is her humble nature when it comes to her work. She had a vision in 2007 for WIW, and with the support of her family, friends and business contacts in the Lakes Region, began a journey that has brought her to the forefront as a NH entrepreneur and mentor to those with the same ideals.
When Leslie executes an event she is laser focused, and yet, can charm the pants off you while she’s watching the lighting assistant out of the corner of her eye. She takes full responsibility for every detail, large or small. She spots the flaws in the plan even before it is implemented, which is why any time you attend one of her programs, it looks seamless.
One of the coolest things Leslie does naturally is use her uncanny sense of bringing a particular group of women together to bring out the best in each of them. I recently had the pleasure of dropping into one of these groups as they were wrapping up their 4-month program. It was jaw dropping to hear one young lady present her vision of her business which grew from the structured program and support of her peers. Leslie was the mastermind, choosing the women who would support, inspire, inquire, suggest, and bring out the best in one another.
It is a myth to believe women cannot get along in a group, large or small. Leslie has a special gift. She combines groups of women for different projects, events, programs, classes, meetings, seminars, and social gatherings. If you haven’t been to anything Leslie has put together, get to know her and join in the fun, the learning and the inspiration. You won’t regret it.
My favorite story about Leslie not being in complete control was when she planned an escape room outing for WIW members. Twelve women went into that room, and Leslie stood in the center with a complete look of bewilderment on her face as we chaotically looked for clues. Meanwhile, I’m confident she was laughing so hard inwardly it hurt! We kept giving her directions, and she kept giving us that look! It was afterward, when we were having dinner, that I connected with a lovely young woman who has also become a terrific business contact and friend. Once again, Leslie’s magic of connecting women in any environment was running full speed!
The business relationship Leslie and I started grew over time into a personal friendship, and I’m proud to have her in my life in both areas. Leslie’s compassion knows no bounds. She is all in when a sister is in need and is happy to day trip to Warren, NH, keeping me company when I visit with my ill brother. She jumped in to assist at a difficult time and put together a heartfelt and touching slide show for family at a difficult time. She organizes meals for people in her life who are in need, reaches out as the point person if someone has been in an accident, or has a loved one who is sick. She bakes incredibly wonderful desserts for events. She loves her wardrobe. She has two adorable dogs that I’m not sure are real, because they are small and might fit in one of her purses, and she loves them with all her heart.
Leslie exudes happiness and joy when she’s with her friends, and is always the hostess of the day. She opens her heart and home to people who mean the most to her, and loves and protects them like a lioness does her cubs. She’s also the “Queen of the pdf.,” because she likes everyone to be fully informed of every detail of everything! In the future, if you find yourself connected to anything Leslie is involved with, trust me, you will receive the “Leslie pdf.!” The most wonderful trait about this woman is she meets you, and she knows who you are. She isn’t deliberately sizing you up, she simply knows. From that first connection, she finds ways to have you connect with other women she knows, and it’s always to your benefit. If I could be selfish, I wouldn’t
share Leslie with anyone. However, she possesses a spirit not many can boast about. If you aren’t part of her realm, one day, I hope you venture to an event, or gathering, because you’ll gain a whole lot of Leslie and her heart.Dorie Dawkins
Proud WIW Member, Independent Consultant & Business Development Strategist
Leslie is the real deal. The. Real. Deal. Several years ago, as a new business owner, I joined Women Inspiring Women. The mission dovetailed my greatest desires as a green entrepreneur: share resources and ideas, expand my business knowledge, connect with mentors, and create new social relationships. I was hungry to find personal and professional development opportunities at live and local events. Little did I know about the powerful force of grace, love and community orchestrating the organization.
I am in awe of Leslie on every possible level. She is the ultimate tribal leader- inclusive, enthusiastic and compassionate. She is a networking guru, a fabulous hostess, and a meticulous event planner. People love Leslie because they feel good about themselves in her presence. She is a personable introducer, quick to give a sincere compliment, and easy to love. She also has an active intolerance for superficial and phony- she will call it out and redirect anyone who strays from their truth. Watch out! She has the ability to hold your hand and kick your ass at the same time!
During my tenure with Women Inspiring Women, I have been a member, a keynote speaker, and an exhibitor. It is a dream to work with Leslie! Every event has a clear, efficient system to ensure comfort, ease and success. From small gatherings to the epic NH Conference for Women, all of her events are equally organized and personable.
One of my ongoing observations at Leslie’s events is the number of people who “can’t believe” the serendipitous meeting of other attendees. Seated at the table, in line for lunch, standing at the sink in the women’s room- the genuine connections are powerful and uplifting. We all have so much to give and receive. Leslie creates a safe and inclusive environment for us to confidently introduce ourselves and get to know each other. This is what the world needs. Leslie is a true blessing.
Emily Clement
Emily Clement Life Coach
Have you ever met someone and said to yourself “Wow, this is a very intriguing person?” You do not exactly know why you are drawn to them, but you just know there is some greater draw – almost like gravity, that pulls you in. There is a universal pause and you feel the need, even desire, to get to know them better, to be a part of their world. I have had that twice in my life – once with my husband, and once with Leslie Sturgeon. For quite different reasons of course! I have been, and still am, very drawn to these two people in my life. But this writing is to tell you about the boundless Leslie Sturgeon.
I first met Leslie in 2007 at the inaugural launch of Women Inspiring Women. I was on the brink of launching a new business and needed direction, inspiration, focus and support. I found that and more with Leslie and Women Inspiring Women.
I find Leslie to be easy-going, inquisitive, ambitious, motivating, brilliant, trustful, balanced, stimulating, and lovable – not to mention her laughter is contagious. She inspires those around her to be a better version of themselves. She is bold and brave and helps you find that in yourself. I joined Women Inspiring Women after that first event. I took the leap and launched a retail business. The lessons and support I received from Leslie and Women Inspiring Women were immeasurable. Marketing advice & training, peer support, networking opportunities, shared contacts – all of it was a blessing. Over the years my family outgrew what the business could provide – and so did I. I went back to school, earned a new degree and now have a good paying job that I love. I have no regrets. I truly thank Women Inspiring Women and Leslie for the guidance and support I have needed to navigate these career decisions and changes.
Since then, Leslie has become more than a mentor – but also a true friend. Over and above business and career, she has helped me expand life beyond my comfort zone. This has allowed me to independently grow, love without limits, and live beyond what I thought possible. Leslie is a person that is genuine inside and out. As a friend, as a business professional and as a human – she is phenomenal. She is a Rockstar with a sword, kicking ass, taking names, and making this world a wheeee bit better for those around her. I couldn’t ask for anyone better to be on my team.
Ann-Marie Keeney
Campton, NH
