Powerful You Empowers Women

A Douglaston-based network for women is teaching its members how to help themselves by supporting others.

The Powerful You Women's Network includes more than 400 members nationwide and meets monthly in Douglaston for its Queens Chapter meetings. The group is operated is operated by Gayle Naftly, of Holliswood, and Jo-Anne Behal, of Manhasset.

Unlike other networking groups which primarily focus on business matters, the Powerful You Women's Network prides itself on being more diversified.

"We are a different type of networking group, "Behal says. "We want to get to know everyone on a deeper level. We want to help each other develop into the best self we can be."

Naftly, president of Access.Office, a marketing and public relations firm in Holliswood, met with 14 members at Giardino's on Douglaston Parkway this week. The women shared successes, personal victories, networking tips and stories of gratitude.

In a supportive and encouraging setting, the women - some business owners and experienced professionals, and others home-makers or recently unemployed -were asked to share their individual experiences, highlighting their strengths and as well as weaknesses they have overcome.

Some of the topics of discussion were the power of connections, building supportive relationships, networking for both personal and professional growth and, most importantly, empowering women to find their inner wisdom while following their passions.

They also touched upon common mistakes made in business, the appropriateness of giving gifs and ways to enhance networking skills.

Bonnie Fishman, a new member of who signed up after last month's open house, said she was grateful for the network, especially her fellow Queens members.

"I was at a huge transitional point in my life of starting a new business as an interior designer and I felt it was important to be in a positive group of women that inspired me," Fishman said.

This sort of encouragement and inspiration constitutes the core principles of Powerful You.

"We try to bring out the extraordinary self by challenging internal thoughts to have better external results," Naftly said.

For Bayside artist Karen Neima, the group of women has been "instrumental" in her path to success as an artist.

"I was intrigued by the network when I came to the open house last month," she said "They have helped me to feel more confident about myself and my work."

Leadership and Life Coach Laura Nack never misses a meeting. She leaves her practice in Bayside for two hours every month to attend the meetings.

"Being in a comfortable and supportive group of women who encourage you to speak about yourself and what you do and helping others along the way is a great thing," Nack said. "I look forward to these meetings every month."

Behal, a certified self coach and facilitator who works in corporate and personal efficiency training, joined with long-time friend and colleague Naftly to launch the Queens chapter in February 2009 after attending a meeting in New York City.

"We loved the New York group," Behal said. "There was nothing like that in Queens and we felt like it was needed here."

Since then, the Queens chapter has enrolled nearly 30 women from Nassau County and Queens.

The Powerful You Women's Network meets every third Tuesday of the month at Giardino's, located at 44-37 Douglaston Parkway.

The group is open to women of all ages whether they are entrepreneurs, in the business world, stay-at-home moms, retired or transitioning into the workforce.

"We are here for each other - to help each other grow professionally and personally," Naftly said. "We learn so much from each other." 

To find out more about the network, visit www.powerfulyou.com