On October 2, 2025, the Network of enlightened Women (NeW) commemorated 21 years since its founding with a celebration at the elegant Sonoma Restaurant and Wine Bar, overlooking the Library of Congress. Nearly 100 students, alumni, and friends gathered to honor more than two decades of community, leadership, and advancement of conservative thought.
The venue was warm and sophisticated, accented with soft candlelight, beautiful floral arrangements, and NeW’s signature pink elegance. Guests were dressed in evening attire, engaging in conversation over drinks and delicious appetizers. A cake, inscribed in pink icing with the words “Happy 21st Anniversary, NeW!” stood at the end of the refreshment table. The atmosphere felt like the perfect backdrop for the ultimate girls’ night—feminine, inspiring, and full of purpose.
More than just a party, this evening provided an opportunity for current student leaders to meet accomplished professional women, forming mentorships and lasting friendships that are the true hallmark of the NeW network.
Karin Lips, Founder and President of NeW, opened the event expressing gratitude for the organization’s continuous growth. What began as a small book club at the University of Virginia in 2004 has since grown to a national network of conservative leaders with over 50 chapters. Lips affirmed that NeW’s success is not measured solely by numbers, but by the courage of its members who confidently defend their beliefs, even in hostile campus environments.
The highlight of the night was the powerful speech delivered by NeW’s 2025 Empowered Woman of the Year and host of the Culture Apothecary podcast, Alex Clark. Her message, centered on faith and resilience, resonated deeply with the women in the room.
Clark urged the next generation of leaders to pursue perseverance over perfection, stating:
“God does not call the polished. He doesn’t only use the people who have it all together. He uses the broken. He uses the weary.”
Her words cut straight to the heart of today’s culture war, reminding the audience that standing up for one’s values requires walking through the fire, not avoiding it. She concluded with an inspiring challenge, saying:
“I’m standing here because I refuse to let pain silence my purpose. I’ve kept speaking, I’ve kept showing up, and I kept trusting that God will finish the work that He started in me and in you.”
The celebration left a life-changing impact on those who attended. Kylie Delgrosso, NeW alumna and current staff assistant for the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee under Chairman Grassley, shared a sentiment echoed throughout the room:
“As a young female conservative, NeW’s anniversary celebration was incredibly inspiring to witness and be a part of.”
This anniversary is not only a celebration of the past, but a confident launchpad for the future. As NeW begins its third decade, it remains committed to its mission: educating, equipping, and empowering conservative women to lead with confidence, principle, and purpose.
This blog was written by NeW Programs Intern, Sara Habach.