Liza shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Liza, we’re thrilled to have you with us today. Before we jump into your intro and the heart of the interview, let’s start with a bit of an ice breaker: Have any recent moments made you laugh or feel proud?
One moment that made me really proud recently was partnering with an incredible shoe company to host a Walktober event for 65 women!
They didn’t know each other at the start but by the end they were swapping numbers, making weekend plans, and hyping each other up like old friends.
It was such a simple idea—but seeing how quickly it turned into something really meaningful reminded me just how powerful community can be when you make it easy (and fun) to show up.
It was one of those “this is why I do this” kind of days.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hi! I’m Liza, the founder of NYC Brunch Squad®—a curated social club that’s redefining how ambitious Millennial and Gen Z women build friendships in adulthood.
We create elevated, in-person experiences that blend connection, community, and culture—without the awkward small talk or cringey icebreakers. From curated brunches and seasonal getaways to movie nights and volunteer days, our events are designed to feel intentional and effortless.
I have a Master’s in Mental Health Counseling, so I deeply understand how vital real connection is for our emotional well-being. Creating spaces where women can show up, feel seen, and leave with new friendships brings me so much joy—and it’s at the heart of everything we do.
What started as a single brunch with 3 girls has turned into a community of nearly 10,000 women. My goal is simple: take the stress and guesswork out of making new friends, and make NYC feel a little less overwhelming—and a lot more like home.
Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. What relationship most shaped how you see yourself?
The relationship that most shaped how I see myself is definitely the one I have with my parents. They’ve always believed in me—no matter what I was doing—and that kind of unconditional support gave me the confidence to take risks, trust my instincts, and build something from scratch.
But I’d also say my friendships have been just as defining. I’ve been lucky to have the kind of deep, ride-or-die friendships that truly shape who you are. They’ve supported me through everything, and honestly, NYC Brunch Squad® was born out of that. It broke my heart to think about how many incredible women didn’t have that kind of connection. I wanted to create a space where they could find it—because everyone deserves to feel that seen, supported, and celebrated.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
“Don’t let the world make you unkind. Keep your sweetness—it’s your superpower! Your empathy, the way you show up for people—it matters more than you know.”
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
My closest friends would probably say that honesty and open communication really matter to me. I’ve seen so many friendships fall apart because people want to avoid the hard conversations.
To me, real connection means being willing to talk things through, even when it’s uncomfortable. That’s how you build trust and how friendships grow.
Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
I hope people say that I reminded them that kindness matters—that being warm, open, and genuine can truly change someone’s life. And that I showed how community has the power to save us—to make people feel seen, supported, and like they belong.
If that’s the story people tell, I’ll know I did something right.
Also, strangers can become lifelong friends—if you’re open, curious, and willing to say the first “hi.”
Some of the most meaningful relationships start in the most unexpected places. You just have to be brave enough to start the conversation.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://NYCBrunchSquad.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/nycbrunchsquad
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/nycbrunchsquad
Image Credits
Marth Brown
Katie Kelly
Viktoriia Volos
