Networking & Community
Build relationships with current and past FIERCE honorees through:
- Happy hours
- Coffee connections
- Networking mixers
- Alumni gatherings
- Community events
The leadership alumni and engagement network of the FIERCE Awards - created to keep the energy, relationships, inspiration and impact of FIERCE moving forward long after the awards celebration ends.
The Journey
More Than an Awards Program
What began in Greater Gainesville in 2016 as an annual recognition program has evolved into something far greater: a growing community of bold, resilient and influential women who are shaping their industries, organizations and communities every day.
Every year, FIERCE brings together extraordinary women from across our communities. Leaders. Innovators. Entrepreneurs. Advocates. Mentors. Changemakers.
The experience creates powerful relationships, meaningful conversations and a renewed sense of purpose and possibility. But too often, those connections fade as life and work take over.
FIERCE Forward was created to change that.
Through year-round engagement opportunities, leadership programming and intentional networking, FIERCE Forward helps women stay connected, support one another and continue building meaningful impact together.
What to Expect
Year-Round Engagement
Leadership & Professional Growth
Continue growing personally and professionally through:
- Lunch & learns
- Leadership workshops
- Executive panels
- Fireside chats
- Professional development opportunities
Mentorship & Collaboration
FIERCE Forward creates opportunities for women to:
- Mentor emerging leaders
- Join mastermind groups
- Share expertise and experiences
- Support one another professionally and personally
- Collaborate across industries and markets
Opportunities & Visibility
Members will have opportunities to:
- Share career and business opportunities
- Promote community initiatives
- Highlight accomplishments
- Expand professional networks
- Connect with women across all FIERCE classes
Giving Back to FIERCE
FIERCE Forward members will play an important role in helping shape the future of FIERCE through:
- Sponsorship support
- Nomination outreach
- Community engagement
- Judging participation
- Event support
- Ambassador opportunities
Why It Matters
Why FIERCE Forward Matters
FIERCE has never been just about recognition.
It is about building a community of women who lead with courage, authenticity, compassion and purpose.
FIERCE Forward creates space for those women to continue learning from one another, opening doors for one another and creating meaningful impact together.
As FIERCE expands into SW Florida and beyond, FIERCE Forward will help connect leaders across markets while preserving the strong sense of community that has always been at the heart of FIERCE.
A Growing Network
170+ FIERCE Women & Growing
FIERCE Forward is building one of the most dynamic leadership communities in Florida. Together, we are creating:
- Stronger professional networks
- New opportunities for women leaders
- Meaningful mentorship connections
- Community impact initiatives
- Lasting friendships
- A movement that extends far beyond the awards stage
The Next Chapter
The Next Chapter of FIERCE
What started as an awards program is becoming a year-round leadership community built on connection, encouragement, visibility and impact.
This is only the beginning.
FIERCE Forward - Continuing the Journey