During two recent in-person ASUG Women Connect sessions, fostering meaningful professional relationships and building a dedicated network took center stage.
At the ASUG New England Chapter Meeting on Feb. 5, the day began with something special: an ASUG Women Connect networking breakfast, where attendees went beyond exchanging introductions to building real connections through an engaging activity called Beyond the Business Card.
Brought to life by New England Chapter Chair Kimberly Sharp, this interactive experience moved beyond the usual small talk. Instead of the typical networking conversations (“What do you do?” or “Where do you work?”), participants drew thought-provoking questions on leadership, career growth, and community. Sharp set the tone by drawing a random question herself: "Reflect on a mistake or failure that taught you a valuable lesson. What was the lesson?" She shared a moving story from her early days in management, emphasizing the importance of celebrating personal milestones, even in the busiest of times—a lesson that resonated deeply with those in attendance.
From there, attendees broke into small groups, each receiving a stack of Beyond the Business Card questions. What began as a quiet gathering quickly transformed into a lively exchange of stories, lessons learned, and pivotal career moments. The engaging, interactive exercise turned what could have been a routine networking session into something genuinely meaningful.
One of the most powerful takeaways from the event was that networking isn’t just about making connections—it’s about making lasting connections. Throughout the day, participants who started as strangers continued conversations, offering advice, support, and encouragement to one another. While everyone arrived with a shared connection to SAP technology, they left with something even more valuable—new friendships, mentors, and allies.
It was inspiring to witness so many professionals come together with the intention to learn, connect, and grow. Beyond the Business Card served as a reminder that networking isn’t about collecting names—it’s about building relationships that matter.
This sentiment was also echoed recently at the ASUG Volunteer Meeting on Jan. 25, where ASUG Women Connect hosted a Community Conversation titled, Defining Your Leadership Style to Lead with Purpose.
Using an interactive leadership style quiz, participants discovered their leadership style and discussed ways to integrate it into their role as ASUG Volunteers in the coming year. The discussion that followed was exciting and lively, centered on self-discovery and actionable growth. New connections were formed, along with accountability partners among members.
For many, ASUG Women Connect is more than just a professional network—it is a space of empowerment and inspiration.
“ASUG Women Connect is more than just a group; it’s a vibrant community where I find empowerment and inspiration among like-minded women in the SAP ecosystem,” said Dr. Staci Baker, one of the session’s participants. “For me, it’s a space that champions professional growth, offering invaluable opportunities to connect with mentors and peers who share my aspirations and challenges. Being part of this community means having access to a wealth of knowledge and resources that help me navigate my career path and develop leadership skills. It’s about celebrating our achievements and fostering an environment where diverse voices are heard and valued. ASUG Women Connect is my platform for collaboration, innovation, and mutual support, where I feel encouraged to reach my fullest potential.”
These 2025 ASUG Women Connect events set the stage for what the reimagined ASUG Communities Experience offers its members—an opportunity to extend their professional network experience beyond the business card and into an elevated experience of belonging, support, expansion, and purpose.
As part of the new community rebrand, ASUG Women Connect is embracing new opportunities to engage and uplift its members, continuing to build a space where women in tech can lead, innovate, and thrive together.
“Being part of ASUG Women Connect allows me to integrate a topic I’m passionate about into my career,” explained Krysta Schauer, ASUG Chapter Services and Event Specialist. “Seeing attendees recognize their pre-existing strengths in new ways is incredibly rewarding. It reminds me why workplace diversity and adaptable leadership styles are so important.”
For those who have not yet attended an ASUG Women Connect Community Conversation, participation is highly encouraged. A single conversation might spark a lifelong connection, introduce a new mentor, or simply provide a fresh perspective and a good laugh.
Join us for the next ASUG Women Connect Community Conversation, Establishing Your Leadership Brand & Navigating Leadership Roles, on March 13. Register here.