In December 2012, a team of Executive Assistants at Centro in Chicago reached out to their network to organize a meet-up over drinks to network with other Executive and Personal Assistants. At our first event, hosted by Two Dots and a Dash, a small group of six assistants met and mingled, excited to continue the effort.
REACH offers assistants professional networking opportunities in a casual and safe atmosphere, a social environment for Assistants to meet other Assistants who "get it," and online resources at little to no cost to succeed in our careers. The role of an Assistant can often be isolated or in a silo, at times lacking intra-company peers with whom to collaborate, seek counsel, to learn or offer mentorship, or to develop best practices. REACH bridges that gap.
REACH came about because, as Assistants, we wanted the opportunity meet with people who had the unique professional experience that we have, day in and day out. As leaders in our field, it is important that we have access to other such individuals in the Chicagoland area, and in partnership with one another, we have been able to develop strong colleague relationships and close friendships.