“Women only or women-predominantly are among the most common types of F.A.N. [Free Agent Nation] Clubs. There’s Second Shift, a group of working mothers in Chappaqua, New York . . . . [W]hatever the gender of the members, the industries in which they work, or the communities where they live, F.A.N. Clubs tend to follow a similar structure and philosophy. They’re tailored to individual needs. They depend on horizontal loyalty and reciprocity. They aim to deepen both the human connection and professional connections. And in contrast to labor unions, PTAs or other giant, older groups whose ranks are thinning, F.A.N. Clubs succeed precisely because they have no central authority. That’s one reason why those who use the decline of large established groups to support their claim that community is disappearing have it wrong. Community hasn’t disappeared. You just have to look for it in the right places. Indeed, this free agent style of forging community is quintessentially American, something Alexis de Tocqueville discovered and remarked upon during his visit to America 170 years ago: ‘The art of association [is] . . . the mother of action, studied and applied by all.”-Daniel H. Pink, Author, Free Agent Nation

“Through Second Shift, I have met and have access to a wonderful community of women whose choices, challenges, and aspirations pretty much mirror my own. We are working mothers with children who take both responsibilities seriously and generally find great satisfaction in the pursuit of professional and personal goals. We reach out to each other for advice – about careers, child rearing, books, clients, fashion, food, travel – you name it. Collectively we all aspire to be better at everything we do, and to make our community more socially aware and conscious as well. With my job in publishing, I could be out every night of the week, and I turn down almost all invitations, but I NEVER miss a Second Shift dinner.” -Cathy Cronin Cranston, Executive Vice President, Mansueto Ventures

“I can’t remember how I discovered Second Shift, but sure glad I did. I attended my first meeting not too long after launching “Inside Chappaqua Magazine,” a publication for the larger New Castle community. At each meeting, Mara asks each new member to stand up and say a few words about themselves. Mara graciously introduced me as the lady who did this amazing thing and started a magazine for the community, etc., and before I said two words, I was stunned by the applause. Sometimes, when you’re toiling away and producing a product or service you hope finds a receptive audience, you can feel a bit in the dark about how it’s actually being received. That moment was a rare reminder that what I do professionally makes a difference. I immediately gained a sense too that I was in a room full of kindred spirits…women trying their darndest to pursue their career goals, and derive satisfaction and income from doing so, all the while preserving and fostering wonderful family lives…no easy feat. In Second Shift, I think we find a safe place to receive some well deserved recognition and support for proudly, competently, and unabashedly moving back and forth between two splendid life arenas.” -Grace Bennett, Publisher, Inside Chappaqua

“Second Shift has become a “community” within a community. It has developed into a community of women who both work and play together. Many of us seek to do business with people we know and trust. We also seek advice about life and family from people we know and trust. This has been a wonderful outgrowth of many of the relationships built at Second Shift.” -Anne Angowitz, Principal, Preferred Placement, Inc.

“Second Shift has provided me with an excellent way to meet other professional women who are balancing the demands of career and family. Not only have I found support in my work life, but I’ve made many good friends as well.”-Sallie Fraenkel, Chief Operating Officer, Spa Finder, Inc.

"WOW! What a great event you put together! . . . The speaker was amazing and a skilled ‘bragger’—I have been reworking my explanation of what I do over and over in my head to make it more interesting and exciting. I just want to thank you for all of your effort in bringing women together to let off some steam, have a glass of wine, and listen to someone who isn’t whining or needs a glass of water!”-Pam Genet Barsh, LPG Communications

“Until the first Second Shift dinner more than eight years ago, I felt isolated and alone attempting what seemed like the nearly impossible task of being the parent, wife and individual I wanted to be while working in a high-powered corporate job. Second Shift gave me, and continues to give me, an opportunity to meet, share and learn from the hundreds of other women experiencing many of the same things I am, as well as from speakers on wide-ranging topics of interest . Today, I take special pride in helping foster an environment and place for new members of our community to come and feel less alone in that challenge.”-Andrea Newborn, Executive Vice President and General Counsel, Reader’s Digest

“It is nice to know I am not alone. Second Shift has given me more than just invaluable networking opportunities, it has provided a forum where I can learn, share, laugh and sometimes cry. Working mothers in today's world need this."-Jennifer Klausner, Partner, Davis & Gilbert LLP

“I have only the highest praise for Mara Weissmann, founder of Second Shift, and its Board members, who have worked tirelessly to meet the unique needs of our community and working moms. Second Shift has provided a particular kind of social, emotional, and intellectual stimulation offered through its various speaker forums, and opportunities for networking. There is a strong sense of “connecting” with other working mothers, who for me, has been particularly satisfying. It fills a void for certain kinds of dialogue that I can safely have with other working Moms. After leaving the meetings I’ve attended, I have felt re-energized by engaging and sharing with other successful women that understand the challenges I face in trying to balance my commitment to myself, my family, my career, and my community. Second Shift gatherings have opened my mind to new ideas, fresh perspectives, and beneficial relationships. Most importantly, we laugh and have fun!”-Nancy Friedberg, M.A., Executive and Career Management Coach, President, Career Leverage, Inc.