WESOS Gold Coast: Building REFORM: Lessons From Taking The Leap

Join us in Gold Coast on Thursday, February 12, at 6:00 pm for a networking session and an informative and insightful presentation by our featured guest speaker, Jennifer Villami.

What happens when you build a successful career—and then feel called to start over? After almost 20 years in marketing and becoming a mother at 40, Jennifer Villamil took a leap into entrepreneurship and founded REFORM. In this candid talk, she shares the realities of navigating a major life and career pivot: imposter syndrome, mom guilt, self-doubt, and learning—six months in—to finally call her work a job. Now 1.5 years into building REFORM, Jennifer reflects on the growth that comes from betting on yourself and staying the course when the path feels uncertain. Her story is for women who are considering a leap—and for those already in it—offering reassurance, motivation, and permission to give yourself more credit along the way.

Key Takeaways:

• Starting over doesn’t mean starting from scratch. Jennifer’s leap into entrepreneurship shows that decades of experience still matter—even when self-doubt and imposter syndrome show up. Growth often comes from trusting yourself before you feel fully ready.
• Giving yourself permission is part of the work. From navigating mom guilt to finally calling her business a “job,” Jennifer reminds women that confidence builds over time—and that staying the course deserves just as much credit as taking the leap.

MEETING SCHEDULE:

• 6:00 PM - 6:30 PM Arrival & Open Networking
• 6:30 PM Meeting & Presentation Begins
• 8:00 PM Meeting Concludes

There is validated parking for $2 in the garage for the restaurant.

WHAT TO BRING:

• About 30 business cards
• Your planner/calendar
• Something to take notes with
• A 30-Second Elevator Pitch about you/your business
• A friend! Invite them to register as a guest.

IMPORTANT INFO REGARDING YOUR RSVP:

Please be aware, we value your reservation as a commitment. Repeat offenders will automatically be moved off the attending list for:

• RSVPing "Yes" and not attending the meeting [no call-no show]
• Cancelling your RSVP less than 24 hours before the meeting begins (especially, when there is a waitlist)
• Consistent tardiness. Understandably, cars break down & people get sick which is why we run on a "3 strikes and you're out" policy.
• We thank you for your understanding as we do our best to accommodate everyone who wants to attend our meetings.

Join us to grow your personal and professional skills, network, and grow authentic relationships! Simply reserve your spot for this event with the appropriate ticket type as either a paid WESOS Network Member or as a Non-Member (Guest).

Not yet a WESOS Member?

• Learn more about WESOS
• Explore our other Chapters
• Join the WESOS network!

• Use Promo Code GOLDCOAST10 when purchasing your membership for a 10% discount!

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Host or Publisher WESOS Network: Gold Coast, IL