Inspiring Conversations with Liza R

Today we’d like to introduce you to Liza R.

Liza, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
When I first moved to New York City, I was lucky to have friends from college already living there. They took me under their wing, introducing me to people, answering my countless questions, and making my adjustment to the big city so much smoother.

Yet, as I connected with more women who didn’t have that built-in support, I heard over and over again about the challenges of making new friends in the city. It got me thinking – if you don’t have a ready-made social circle in a big city, where can you find friends?

I wanted to create a laid-back space where people could easily connect and form meaningful friendships. That’s when I started hosting monthly brunches. These aren’t your average events – drawing from my background in mental health counseling, I focus on the little details to ensure everyone feels welcome, included, and at ease.

Fast forward just five years, and our community has grown to nearly 9,000 members. Thousands of friendships have blossomed – from international travel buddies to roommates and even bridesmaids in each other’s weddings. It’s incredibly heartwarming to see!

Now, we’re spreading the love with pop-up events in other cities (yes, Denver is on the list!), and we’ve even launched a travel club so women can link up to take trips together. You don’t have to be a New Yorker to join in on the fun! We host tons of events outside of brunch now too – Happy Hours, workshops, fitness classes, community service events, you name it, we’ve done it!

Having worked in juvenile justice for many years, giving back to the community holds a special place in my heart. Whenever possible, we make it a point to incorporate a charitable component into our events.

For example, we hosted a dance fitness class to raise funds for an after-school program dedicated to empowering underserved youth through dance and life skill development. Another example – During our picnic, we encouraged members to bring beauty products, and together we assembled self-care packages for women at the local homeless shelter.

We have a strong community filled with loving and incredible women, and it’s truly inspiring to witness the collective power of our impact when we unite for a great cause.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Given my complete lack of background in this field, there was a considerable learning curve along the way. As the group expanded, I found myself consistently needing to upgrade the tools and software used to handle day-to-day operations.

Despite the challenges, it’s been a beautiful experience, and I’ve learned to extend grace to myself when things don’t go as planned. It’s an ongoing learning process, and each day, the group evolves and improves. I’m continuously discovering new ways to enhance and refine what we’re doing.

I’ve actively sought mentorship and support whenever there are aspects I need help figuring out.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about NYC Brunch Squad ®?
NYC Brunch Squad ® began as a brunch club with the mission of helping women forge new friendships. Over time, it evolved into events beyond brunch, now boasting an impressive membership of almost 9,000 women. Our events are crafted with a great deal of heart and intention, with a lot of behind-the-scenes magic ensuring that our guests leave with meaningful connections.

We’re known for hosting epic events that sell out in under an hour, and what sets us apart is the meticulous organization and structure of our gatherings, while making them feel laid back for our guests. The careful attention to detail ensures that everyone feels comfortable and has a blast while we facilitate connections.

I take immense pride in the number of women whose lives we’ve transformed by introducing them to their support system. Navigating a major city without a solid group of friends isn’t easy, and we spare our members from that challenge.

For your readers, it’s worth noting that there are avenues to connect with our community beyond our in-person events. Our travel club, in particular, brings together women who share a love for travel and are seeking friends to embark on trips with. Members can join that from any city!

Where do you see things going in the next 5-10 years?
The onset of COVID significantly influenced the way people perceive the necessity of in-person events and the desire for deeper connections. The pandemic has underscored the importance of meaningful connections in an era where physical distancing has become the norm. This shift in societal dynamics has made it abundantly clear that fostering friendships in adulthood is more crucial than ever before.

In a world where technology has facilitated virtual interactions, there is a growing recognition that there is no substitute for genuine, face-to-face connections. The limitations imposed by the pandemic have heightened the need for opportunities that not only facilitate social interactions but also cater to the inherent human desire for companionship and meaningful relationships.

The profound impact of the pandemic on social dynamics has reinforced the importance of community, support systems, and shared experiences. People are likely to continue seeking avenues that help them navigate the complexities of modern adult life while fostering genuine connections with others who share similar interests and values.

Contact Info:

• Website: nycbrunchsquad.com
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/nycbrunchsquad

Image Credits
Olesya Barnych