Going on the hunt for a supportive, non-intimidating professional network can feel daunting. You can’t exactly ‘find your tribe’ by simply ordering it from a delivery menu.

Just witnessing social media behaviour, recalling your school years, or (if you’re a parent) navigating the school gate cliques is reminder enough that it’s rare to find a community where you don’t feel sized up, judged or – worse – invisible.

That’s why SHE Malta’s tenth anniversary this March is particularly significant…as a milestone that goes beyond longevity.

If you think back to 2016 (pre SHE Malta), women’s networks were rare. Remote work was less common, surreal as it now feels typing those words! Frank conversations about burnout and boundaries, confidence and visibility, pricing and USP weren’t mainstream, again strange as this may now seem. Over this past decade, the way we work has changed profoundly, forever shaped by the Covid era. 

One thing that hasn’t changed: entrepreneurship can be isolating and lonely.

Which is why a decade after its launch, what stands out about Malta’s first network for women in business is not just the number of events held or panels hosted. 

It’s the community that’s been tirelessly and steadily built, curated and sustained by founder Sarah Woods (and former partner Julia Perry in the initial years).

While recently writing about SHE Malta’s membership benefits, from the Real Talk series, Bridging Communities events and numerous seminars and workshops to coworking sessions, social events and of course networking opportunities, something became clear to me… Although each year’s programme of events is obviously intrinsic to SHE’s offering and identity, community is an equally essential part of the SHE story.

As you’re about to see, community stems from something deeper than programming itself. Because beyond the business learnings and advice, there’s something intangible and special that happens at a SHE Malta event.

It’s the warmth and the connection when you enter the room.
It’s the unspoken “step this way, we’ve got you” energy.
It’s the eureka moment when someone offers a helpful perspective on a challenge you’ve been carrying quietly for months.

Busy lives and work schedules mean not everyone attends every gathering. Some faces become familiar quickly; others surface less frequently. But the constants are connection without competitiveness, ambition without intimidation. And no matter who you run into at a SHE event, everyone is a valued part of the SHE Malta family.

The sense of belonging is felt immediately by newcomers and longstanding members alike. In an age of increasing competition, disconnectedness, AI and social media artificiality, that sense of belonging is hard to come by – and even harder to create.

For Rebekah Kamsky, Founder of Little Isle Digital Strategy & Ecommerce Studio, community has translated into not only connection but commercial momentum:

“Joining the SHE community has been a wonderful experience. As an entrepreneur, it can often be isolating at times, so it’s imperative to surround yourself with like-minded people and to invest in yourself. Not only have I had the opportunity to share my own skills and insights in my field with others in the network, which led to further business development and leads, but I’ve also learnt so much from other members of the community. If you’re looking for a place to network, grow, share and thrive, then joining the SHE community is most definitely the best decision you could make, for yourself or your business trajectory.”

It’s a reminder that community is not simply emotional support. It’s exchange. It’s collaboration. It’s professional acceleration.

Mireille Petit-Pellegrini, Founder and Coach at Thrive Positive (whose eagerly awaited post-event summaries perfectly capture the SHE ethos), reflects:

“Through each of the stories shared at a recent SHE brunch, it was evident that no matter how tough the year may have been… there is such amazing growth in everyone. Belonging to this group is one of the things I have treasured most about the year. Hopefully newer members got a feel of what a special “tribe” ⁨Sass Woods⁩ has grown and nurtured and the love and respect in the room for one another. Here’s to continuing to support one another, grow, learn from each other and collaborate together. It’s a community like no other and one of women at their best!” 

Diana Iskander, Founder of LANOUR International, also sees community through a thoughtful lens (no pun intended):

“As a business owner, photographer, and proud member of the SHE Malta community, capturing these moments feels deeply personal to me, as I witness women supporting one another and shaping their own entrepreneurial paths. Being behind the camera allows me to preserve genuine connections and meaningful exchanges that live on far beyond the event itself, while contributing to a visual story that truly reflects the heart and values of SHE. I am sincerely grateful for this community and for the warmth, openness, and shared belief that growth is stronger when it is experienced together.”

Finally, as owner of boutique editorial and copywriting service, WriteContent and a SHE member myself, I can personally attest this network has provided me with a safe, non-judgemental environment, and has also made me feel less ‘remote’ as a remote-working solopreneur. It has strengthened my belief in my work, sharpened my confidence in my business journey and offered education I might otherwise have sought alone (not necessarily with a fruitful outcome).

No community sustains itself for ten years by accident. Behind it all is the highly intentional – and gently powerful – leadership of its director.

The tone, the values, the balance between professional growth and human connection have not been incidental. They have been intentionally shaped and quietly driven.

“Each day, I’m fueled by the incredible stories of our members; women who embark on new ventures, forge meaningful collaborations and pursue their dreams with renewed self-assurance. I’m super proud that through this community, women have banded together to support one another’s endeavours, pass on knowledge and mentor other women who wish to carve out their own unique path. It truly embodies the SHE motto of ‘collaboration over competition’.  – Sarah Woods, Director, SHE Malta.

Community can’t be manufactured or downloaded overnight. It is built, conversation by conversation, event by event, collaboration after collaboration. As SHE Malta reaches ten years of building community – in an increasingly digital, fast-paced business world – its role as a space prioritising connection, generosity and shared progress feels more essential than ever.

So I’m toasting ten years of SHE Malta (and quietly hoping we’ll be celebrating ten more).

“When I think of community building, I think of SHE. It is more than a professional network. It is a space in which you can be fully seen and heard; a space where you can grow, collaborate and contribute – Sarah Woods, Director.

Whether you’ve been your own boss for some time, have recently started a business or are working on building something of your own while holding down a day job, you’re bound to experience certain challenges that most female entrepreneurs invariably face at some point. Whatever industry or field of specialisation you’re in, there’s no such thing as zero competition. It just goes with the territory (whether you’re a business owner or employee.) 

Being in business, particularly as a female, can feel overwhelming, confusing and lonely, all at once.

But what if you could find a safe, encouraging space for female-led businesses in Malta? 

? A community where you can surround yourself with women who would willingly mention your name in a room full of opportunities.

✊ A network of potential collaborative partners and new clients

?? A space that boosts your confidence, lifts you with a dose of optimism and regularly provides tips and tools to keep you on track.

? A genuine, nurturing tribe of other females who want nothing but the best for you and where you feel you belong, rather than an elitist club where you feel like you’re on the outside.

Sounds too good to be true? 

Erm, hello SHE Malta…

Co-founded in 2017 by Director Sarah (Sass) Woods and former partner Julia Perry, SHE Malta is an ever-growing family of aspiring founders, freelancers, business owners and women with an entrepreneurial mindset.

The SHE mission is clear: to support women in business. And its ethos of “collaboration over competition” is a lived one. The sense of community is evident walking into the monthly members’ meetups where a welcoming atmosphere awaits you, ahead of sessions delivering practical advice, enlightening and thought provoking discussions, and substantial networking.

No matter where you are in your business journey, how established you are or how far you feel/know you still have to go, Malta’s first network for female business owners is here to support YOU: uniting women from different industries on a monthly basis to share experiences, teach relevant lessons and have crucial conversations that can shape business direction.

Brimming with variety and value, ​the SHE Malta membership provides the perfect mix of online and in-person meet ups tailored for entrepreneurs and freelancers. As a member you’ll gain access to;

1. Informative Online Workshops 

Need help understanding your web analytics? Or maybe you could use some tips and tricks to become more confident with managing your finances? The online workshops such as the recent “From Clicks to Clarity” are structured with small businesses in mind, featuring experts who delve into the nitty gritty challenges and concerns that come with running your own business. Workshops are presented in a supportive way with a no judgement, no jargon promise and are delivered within 60 to 90 minutes max to honour your busy schedule.

2. In person meetups and seminars

SHE events come in diverse flavours, themes and formats; the phrase ‘something for everyone’ truly applies! 

Do you love hearing motivational stories from leaders, behind-the-scenes sharings from founders on how they scaled their business, and candid conversations about failures, lessons learned, running a family business and “Building Dreams”? SHE’s got you covered with monthly talks that give the floor to both SHE members and external business leaders.

Are you looking for an alternative to lecture style seminars? Step this way for the high energy, constructive experience of ‘networking express’. AKA speed dating for business owners, this addition to the SHE events calendar was one of 2025’s highlights. 

Do you long to leave your desk and use your hands for something other than constant texting and typing? SHE’s enjoyable creative sessions are sure to itch that scratch, giving you numerous opportunities to get handy (literally) with paint, clay or cosmetics! Meanwhile, exercise has even made its way into the events line up.

From individual guest speaker presentations, to discussion panels, to interactive workshops with group brainstorming, you can expect to hear insightful Q&A’s, experience valuable engagement, and come away with nuggets of wisdom and inspiration to help you in your new or existing business. The range of topics and domains covered is endless, and includes (to name a few):

business fundamentals such as: 

> accounting and legal essentials

> intellectual property considerations

> budgeting realities

> EU funding access

> leveraging PR for strategic branding

soft skills and self development are given equal spotlight:

> improving negotiation skills

> self care strategies

> evolution and reinvention

> mastering authentic leadership

> mindset and emotional intelligence

> protecting creativity

The list goes on. Held in different locations around Malta, events include:

> “Bridging Communities”: this series teams up with other organisations to present important, topical matters. An earlier edition, partnering with Silicone Valletta, provided lively and eye-opening discussion on “Women in Tech”. 2025 included “Level the Playing Field: Women, Talent & Sport” in collaboration with the European Parliament Liaison Office, as well as “Networking that Works” with the Foundation for the Promotion of Entrepreneurial Initiatives. Meanwhile, the annual International Women’s Day in collaboration with the Malta Chamber of SMEs is a highly popular fixture in the calendar, like a live TED talk with your local superwomen. 

> “Real talk” series features SHE members presenting the up-close-and-personal truths of their own lived business experiences.

> Pop-up co-working sessions are a bonus addition to the annual events calendar. Community members swap their usual daily work environment for delightful alternative settings such as Ruby Coworking or cosy Baker Street cafe – we’ve even taken our laptops to the beach! Knowledge sharing and conversation flow as much as the coffee at these popular gatherings.

> Special ticketed events hosted in collaboration with SHE members who are leading experts in their field 

> Community give back days have taken us to the Soup Kitchen.

3. Online Membership Directory 

Joining the membership gives you the opportunity to list your business in our private directory, where you can browse fellow members and the services or products that they offer. We make it easy for you to reach out and connect with community members directly. 

4. Community Support Online Chat Group

Our members-only Whatsapp group offers an indispensable sounding board and infinite well of information, thanks to the active participation of SHE members. Got a question about the latest government grants and schemes for businesses? Urgently need venue recommendations for your event? Need advice on a work automation tool? You’re sure to find at least one person who’ll quickly respond with clear information or a pointer in the right direction for useful resources. 

5. Social Meet-ups

SHE’s social series take the fear out of networking and create memories among people who are not just members but now friends. Members have been treated to countryside sunset picnics, shared their yearly wins and efforts over festive drinks and nibbles, met for a soul-nourishing Autumn swim – and somehow in between it all, paused to celebrate SHE. Because there’s always a good time for cake.

6. Exclusive, Industry-Specific Perks

Fun fact: when you become a SHE member, you will get a monthly reward. You read that right. In addition to ALL the above benefits, you’ll also receive a special discount or gift highlighting local businesses that we love. After all, you work hard and deserve to be treated. So there’s always a thoughtful and relevant surprise around the corner, not as just as a one-off but every month for the duration of your membership!

Can’t wait to become a member? There are several membership options:

3 months at EUR120. 6 months at EUR210. And 12 months at EUR360.

Stop putting your success on hold and invest in yourself. Sign up directly at shemalta.com. 

Want to know more? Don’t hesitate to contact us at [email protected]