Greater Worcester, MA · connectwoonetworking.com
Most networking groups are about what you can get. Connect Woo is built around what you can give.
The Worcester-based organization brings together local professionals and business owners to build real relationships, create opportunities, and support one another's growth. Just as important, its members use their combined reach to give back to Greater Worcester.
On November 14 at Knights, Crowns & Community, For One Child Foundation is proud to recognize Connect Woo as a 2026 Mission Champion.
Beyond Transactional Networking
"Connect Woo was created to give local professionals a more meaningful way to build relationships and grow their businesses while staying connected to the community they serve," says Ryan Richards, President. "We wanted to move beyond transactional networking and create a group built around collaboration, referrals, and giving back to Greater Worcester."
Its mission is to create a community where local professionals grow together through relationships, referrals, collaboration, and shared opportunity, while using that collective network to give back.
By the Numbers
In just two years, Connect Woo has:
- Grown to nearly 30 local professionals
- Generated hundreds of referrals and opportunities between members
- Contributed thousands of dollars to local organizations and causes
"More importantly," Ryan says, "we've created a network of business owners who actively look for ways to support one another and the Greater Worcester community."
Giving Back, Built In
The initiative Connect Woo is proudest of: featuring a local charity at each of its quarterly networking events, raising money and awareness for that organization's cause.
Connect Woo was introduced to For One Child Founder Racquel Knight by Suzanne Longone, and the decision to get involved was easy. "We believe in the mission and want to help support the great cause!"
Stronger Together
To Connect Woo, real collaboration means "bringing together people, businesses, and organizations that each have something different to contribute toward a shared goal, using our relationships, resources, and collective reach to create an impact that none of us could create individually."
"Every organization brings different relationships, resources, and strengths to the table," Ryan adds. "When those networks come together around a common purpose, we can reach more people, generate more support, and create a much greater impact than any one organization could on its own."
"We're proud to grow together professionally, but even more proud when we can use the network we've built to support organizations like For One Child and make a difference in our community." — Ryan Richards, President, Connect Woo
On the Calendar
Connect Woo is hosting a free networking event on Wednesday, November 18, from 5 to 8 p.m. at Grill on the Hill in Worcester. It's open to all!
Get Involved
Local professionals looking to grow their business: visit a Connect Woo weekly meeting and see what it's like to be part of the team.
Follow along on Facebook and Instagram.
We'll celebrate Connect Woo at Knights, Crowns & Community on Saturday, November 14, 2026. Thank you to everyone joining us for a sold-out evening honoring the partners powering our mission.
For One Child Foundation: Empowering Education. Transforming Lives.