CI Women Entrepreneurs Collective upcoming events

Connections, Conversations & Cocktails (1 Oct 2026)

Thu, 01 Oct 2026 21:00:00 GMT

A Change of Scenery!

We're taking Connections, Conversations & Cocktails on the road!

This month, we're trading our usual gathering spot for a change of scenery and heading to the showroom of Andrea Flairty, Storage Options and Solutions in Peoria.

Same CCC you love.
Different backdrop.

Come ready for good food, a favorite drink, plenty of laughter, and those conversations that somehow turn into connections, ideas—and sometimes opportunities.

We'll have time to mingle, catch up with familiar faces, meet someone new, and take a look around Andrea's showroom while we're there.

No agenda overload.
No formal meeting.
Just women in business enjoying time together.

Food. Drinks. Fellowship. Fun.
And maybe a little inspiration for getting your own “stuff” under control while we're at it!

Same time. New place. Great women.

Members and Guests are all welcome. Please email: info@ciwecollective.com to let us know you are coming!

Come see where CCC takes us this month!

Storage Options and Solutions
8305 N Allen Road, Suite 1, Peoria, Illinois
October 2, 2026 starting at 4:00 p.m.

Connect • Grow • Lead

Boss Babes for Jeanne - Walk to End Alzheimer's Peoria Team (3 Oct 2026)

Sat, 03 Oct 2026 05:00:00 GMT

Some people leave footprints. Others leave pathways for others to follow.

For those who knew Jeanne Buysee, she was a leader, mentor, advocate, and friend. Jeanne served as President of the local NAWBO chapter for two consecutive terms, helping pave the way for women business owners throughout Central Illinois. She spent 32 years serving her clients as an American Family Insurance agent, was a devoted supporter of the Girl Scouts, a charter member of Willow Hill United Methodist Church, and an accomplished golfer who even scored a hole-in-one at Arrowhead Country Club.

But beyond her accomplishments, Jeanne was loved and respected because of the way she made people feel. She encouraged others, celebrated their successes, and led with grace, kindness, and strength.

Today, we honor Jeanne who lost her battle with Alzheimer's in 2022. Alzheimer's is a journey that touches not only those diagnosed but also the families, friends, and communities who love them.

That's why the Central Illinois Women Entrepreneurs Collective is proudly forming the "Boss Babes for Jeanne" team for the Alzheimer's Walk on October 3.

We invite you to join us as we walk in honor of Jeanne and in support of the millions of individuals and families affected by Alzheimer's. Whether you walk, donate, fundraise, or simply help spread the word, your participation helps fund research, support services, and hope for a future without this disease.

This walk is about more than raising money. It's about celebrating a remarkable woman whose legacy continues to inspire us. It's about standing together for every family facing Alzheimer's. And it's about showing Jeanne the same love and support she gave so many others throughout her life.

Join the Boss Babes for Jeanne.
Walk with us. Donate with us. Honor Jeanne with us.

Click here to be part of the team: 2026 Walk to End Alzheimer's - Peoria: Patricia Drake | Walk to End Alzheimer's Although this link reflects Pat's name (because she is the contract person and the designated team captain) this is the CI Women Entrepreneurs Collective Team.

Together, we can make a difference—one step, one memory, and one act of love at a time.

"The influence of a great leader never fades. It lives on in the lives they touched."

Don't Be a Victim (21 Oct 2026)

Wed, 21 Oct 2026 22:30:00 GMT

Don’t Be a Victim

Scams are becoming smarter.

Artificial intelligence is making fraud more convincing than ever.

Cybercriminals are targeting business owners, employees, families, and even our loved ones with fake emails, cloned voices, text messages, online scams, and identity theft schemes that can be difficult to recognize.

Would you know what to look for?

Join the Central Illinois Women Entrepreneurs Collective for an eye-opening presentation by Aimee Shinall, Victim Services Coordinator for the Peoria County Sheriff’s Office and an experienced law enforcement professional dedicated to educating our community on today’s most common—and costly—crimes.

You’ll learn:
– How AI is changing the face of scams and fraud
– The latest tactics criminals are using
– How to protect your business, finances, and personal information
– Warning signs everyone should know
– Practical steps you can take immediately to reduce your risk

Whether you own a business, manage employees, or simply want to keep yourself and your family safe, this presentation offers valuable information you can use every day.

Knowledge is one of the best forms of protection.

Don’t miss this timely and informative program that could save you thousands of dollars—and countless hours of frustration.

Members and guests are welcome.

Connections, Conversations & Cocktails (5 Nov 2026)

Thu, 05 Nov 2026 22:00:00 GMT

♠️♥️ Central Illinois Women Entrepreneurs Collective Poker Run ♦️♣️ (21 Nov 2026)

Sat, 21 Nov 2026 15:30:00 GMT

♠️♥️ Central Illinois Women Entrepreneurs Collective Poker Run ♦️♣️

Shop. Collect Cards. Win Prizes. Have Fun!

Join the Central Illinois Women Entrepreneurs Collective for a fun-filled day exploring the unique shops of Peoria Heights during our Poker Run on Saturday, November 28!

This free event is open to Collective members, friends, family, colleagues, and anyone who enjoys shopping local and spending time with great people.

Here’s how it works:

Visit participating Peoria Heights businesses
Collect a poker card at each stop
Build your best poker hand as you shop
Meet us afterward at a local restaurant (tba) for food, fellowship, and the big reveal
The top two poker hands win gift baskets filled with prizes donated by our generous local businesses

There is no cost to participate (but you must register) – just bring your shopping spirit, your friends, and your sense of adventure!

Whether you’re looking to kick off your holiday shopping, discover new local businesses, connect with other entrepreneurs, or simply enjoy a fun day out, this event is for you.

By supporting our local shops, you’re helping strengthen the vibrant business community that makes Peoria Heights such a special place.

Grab your friends and join us for an afternoon of shopping, networking, laughter, and a little friendly competition!

Who will have the winning hand? There’s only one way to find out…

Shop Local. Play to Win.

Christmas Celebration - Diamonds, Pearls & Passwords (16 Dec 2026)

Wed, 16 Dec 2026 23:30:00 GMT

A Roarin' 20s Christmas Celebration

Wednesday, December 16
5:30 PM
Pettengill-Morron House, Peoria

This is a glamorous 1920s Christmas gathering where the passwords are secret and the memories are unforgettable.

Slip into your finest flapper dress, pearls, diamonds and feathers as we transform the historic Pettengill-Morron House

into a festive 1920s speakeasy!

Join fellow women entrepreneurs for an evening of holiday cheer, delicious food, festive drinks, laughter, networking, prizes, and plenty of surprises. Whether you're celebrating a year of accomplishments or simply looking for a fun night out with incredible women, this is the event you won't want to miss.

But remember… not everyone gets in. You must share the secret password. This venue can accommodate 45 guests.

To gain admission, you'll need to whisper the evening's secret password at the door.

- Delicious Food

- Festive Drinks

- Fabulous Prizes

- Roarin' 20s Fun

- Meaningful Connections

Come ready to celebrate, laugh, and toast to another amazing year together.

The password gets you in. The memories last all year.

__________________________________________________________________________________

Secret Password

"Dollface"