Merokean-owned company hosts its first national conference

Spirit of Women aims to teach business and self-help strategies

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What Women Want, a female-oriented networking organization with 20 chapters across the country, will be holding its first national conference, Spirit of Women, from Oct. 7-8 in Atlanta, Georgia.

The conference will include multiple workshops, motivational speeches and panel discussions aimed at teaching women business strategies, self-help techniques and how the two relate, according to Chief Executive Officer Judy Goss, 49, of Merrick.

“I always say that you can succeed farther and faster in your business if you work on the business of yourself,” Goss said, adding that this mentality helped get her to where she is now.


What Women Want began in 2010 with a blog Goss started on the issues women face in their 40s. Goss spoke to the Herald in 2013 when her company was in its early stages, saying that, oftentimes, women have to defer their passions and career goals when they raise a family. Reaching 40 becomes a process starting again and re-igniting such goals, she said.

Goss had previously worked as a high-fashion model for the likes of Armani and L’Oréal, wrote a book titled “Break into Modeling for Under $20” and served as casting editor at More, a fashion, beauty and health magazine aimed at women over 35.

When the Great Recession hit, however, Goss’ life took a new direction. She was laid off from both More and her proceeding job at a public relations firm.

Rather than jumping back into the job market, Goss began focusing her energy on herself and on her blog. Soon after, she began holding small networking events in New York City and, in the fall of 2011, her company was born.

“I realized that if we collaborate and not compete that we can move forward a lot easier,” Goss said.

Originally called Over 40 Females, Goss changed the name to What Women Want after she started a radio show of the same name. The company also shifted its focus from women over 40 to all women, because Goss said that she wanted to include the younger generation.

What Women Want has held one state conference in Connecticut since its inception, but Goss said that she had bigger dreams. “I’ve always wanted to get women together from all around the world,” she said. “I suppose that’s next, but it’s always been my dream to have a national conference since I started the foundation.”

Held at Atlanta’s Westin Peachtree Plaza Hotel, the conference will include presentations by actress Kristen West, psychotherapist Dr. Robi Ludwig and Nigerian Princess Bola Adelani. To sign up, visit http://bit.ly/2vPcnHX.