I joined 2 years ago during a very difficult time in my life. I lost all 3 of my sisters. The oldest was lost to breast cancer, the youngest was lost to Sarcoidosis, and the sister I was closest to was lost to early onset Dementia. Her death shifted my equater. I thought I would never find laughter, happiness or a sense of sisterhood again, but I signed up for a brunch with this group at Thornton Winery. I was so timid and afraid that I dragged my friend Emily with me. Diane made this, and every subsequent event not only fun, but special. Through group interactions, I didn't feel like a stranger. On each trip I signed up for, I met someone new and bonded like I've known them forever. Diane has a way of making each of us feel welcome and seen.
I am not only thankful, but honored, to be a part of this wonderful exciting group. I look forward to each and every new adventure that awaits us.
Pat Lynch - IEP
My name is Karla Mendoza and I’m originally from Los Angeles. In 2021 I moved to Riverside. All my family and friends were left in Los Angeles. Being that I really knew no people or had no friends in my new area I started feeling homesick and in a way depressed so I decided to look into making new friends locally.
I went on the meetup website and came across the IE Preferred 45+ Women’s Group. I decided to join and attend my first event which was at Top Golf Ontario. From the moment I arrived to the moment I left I was treated in such a lovely manner. I met with such a wonderful diverse group of women. It instantly lifted my spirits. From that moment on I decided I wanted to be a part of this circle long term. I’ve been able to attend other beautiful events where we have shared and learned so much from each other. I’m grateful to have come across and now be part of this beautiful group which has been a blessing to me.
Karlita Mendoza - IEP
I was looking for a social group with like minded women who liked to do fun activities. I looked at the list of activities and saw an event that interested me, which was the Gardena Jazz Festival. I reached out to Diane, the organizer, and expressed my interest. When I arrived, she met me and introduced me to the other ladies. Diane was warm, friendly and so much fun. It was such a great experience that I’ve done other events and have never been disappointed. Diane being who she is, and the camaraderie of women displaying their positive energy, makes I.E. Preferred the group I prefer. Thanks Diane for making this such a great group with a great group of women.
Cyn Carr - IEP
Since joining IEP for over 2 years it's been warm and welcoming from day one! Drawing in women with the same mindset as we learn from one another, laugh and enjoy each other's company. Such a great group - only as great as its leaders!...and welcoming from day one! Drawing in women with the same mindset as we learn from one another, laugh and enjoy each other's company.
Sonya Smith - IEP
I was going through a dark time in my own personal life (a divorce) and in search of filling a void. I heard about Meetup and decided to give it a try. After viewing many of the groups and searching for the right one to join, I suddenly realized my purpose was not to join a group, but rather, to lead one.
Giving, helping, encouraging, and empowering other women at a time when our community was facing such devastation (the pandemic) became my primary focus.
Diane Rogers - IEP, ESLA, He/She's Me
This group filled many voids in my life. During the pandemic, I became socially isolated. Friends passed away, co-workers were dismissed, and work from home was lonely. Seeking new and meaningful friendships, I reached out to Diane. I was immediately met with warmth and openness, which had a profound impact on my life. Not only did it give me a new sense of belonging, but it enabled personal growth and provided a platform to serve others.
Netta Cotton - ESLA
Being part of this group has been such a rewarding experience. The supportive and uplifting atmosphere has connected me with amazing women and inspired me to grow while contributing to a meaningful community.
Veronica Ramirez - IEP
I’ve had an amazing experience with the meetup group! From the moment I joined, I felt welcomed by a diverse and friendly group of women. The conversations were engaging, and it was easy to connect with others who share similar interests. It’s a great opportunity to network, learn new things, meet new people, and make lasting connections.
Find Joy In Your Journey!
Latonya Bullock - IEP
Truth be told, I was hesitant in attending the event with Elite Sisters of LA. I joined this group as a last ditch effort to get out and meet other people, through Meetup.com. I have been a member of Meetup.com for several years now and was happy at the beginning, but became disappointed later on, after having taken a long break due to medical issues and caring for my father. But I somehow found the courage to get out and try one more time - joined ESLA - signed up to attend the “Meet and Greet”, and I was not disappointed!!
Diane personally greeted everyone as we entered the sitting area at El Torito restaurant. She was friendly and had a big smile for us all. There were lots of tables for the large attendance expected and usually it’s awkward finding a place to sit, but Diane was so organized that she had name tags set up at each table (which were also cutely decorated). This was so stress free for me - just finding my name and sitting down!
After everyone started arriving, Diane introduced herself and explained what we’d be doing for the afternoon. It sounded like a lot of fun! I’d never been to a meetup that engaged everyone, together.
We were all asked to get up and introduce ourselves, and tell some of our hobbies or things we like to do. Well, me being an introvert, this isn’t an easy thing for me to do, but because I felt so comfortable with the vibe that Diane and her team exuded, I managed to get up and say a very few words. I truly enjoyed listening to everyone talk about themselves. It was entertaining and made me feel like we were all getting to know one another. We played a fun game of trivia and won prizes, then went on to have some ladies sing karaoke. During that time, Diane made sure to visit each table and talk with us ladies, making us all feel inclusive. The time passed way too quickly.
I truly enjoyed my time, was made to feel included and “seen”, not ignored as had been my experience so many times with so many other groups. Diane definitely changed my mind about finding good groups through Meetup.com again. I plan to continue attending many of the fun events she has posted, having had such a great experience at my first event with her group!
Rebecca (Becky) Dominquez – ESLA
I joined this amazing group of women a few months ago. At the time I was newly retired from 32 years in nursing. I needed to start a new journey in life (REWIRE). I wanted to belong to a group of sister soldiers someone I could spend quality time with , in sharing and having fun with my girls.... I found this in joining these beautiful ladies, and I hope for a continuous connection. If you are looking for something in your life, other than children, spouses, that you can just let your hair down so to speak and be real come join us
Paula Montgomery - ESLA
I joined the group back in 2023. My kids were grown, and most of my closest friends had moved, either, out-of-state or overseas. The few friends I did still have close-by, were settling into new marriages (or old relationships) and their own demanding schedules. Living in L.A., you get used to people (myself included!) being caught up in their own "thing". But after the loss of my father and two very dear friends during the Covid19 pandemic, I found myself feeling quite overwhelmed by a whole lot of new responsibilities, very little free time, and a heightened sense of urgency to work as hard I as could...at everything...before it's "too late". I had been working 100% remotely for 3 straight years (...something I actually enjoyed and always wanted), but I was also becoming quite consumed with thoughts of my own mortality and waning sense of self-accomplishment. I was "losing myself" down a dark rabbit-hole of panic and catastrophizing. It was exhausting and unsustainable.
it was time for me to get OUT of the house (more), time to DO something different, make some NEW friends...and just start appreciating, more, the time I DO have to pursue (and achieve!) my life goals I have set for early retirement, financial comfort, and creative freedom. I had a plan, it worked, and it all started with click of a mouse on MeetUp.com. There were loads of groups to choose from but when I saw "Elite Sisters of L.A.", I stopped searching. The name alone caught my attention, but the vibe and positive energy is what kept me coming! My first event was the daytrip to Catalina Island. I invited an old friend from out of town to join us, and made some wonderful NEW friends, AND... I WENT PARASAILING!!! ...something I never imagined I'd have the courage to do. So, not only did I get myself out of that dark rabbit-hole, but I found myself sailing 500 feet in the sky!...with an old bestie on one side and a new bestie on the other. How cool is THAT!
Paco-Michelle Atwood - ESLA
I have been part of the Elite Sisters of LA group for almost 2 years. When I joined I was looking to get out and do more fun activities as well as possibly find women friends to foster connections with. I have found that and much more within this group. I was drawn to the group because of the type and frequency of activities I saw listed. Everything looked fun, not too expensive, and there was a good variety of activities to choose from such as bowling, Catalina Island, Sunday Brunch, plays, and wealth building and wine tasting. I’ve attended these plus many other events and I’ve had an amazing time at every one of them. This group of ladies has enriched my life and I’m looking forward to many more experiences with them.
Maia Quickley - ESLA
I joined the group because sometimes when we start a new chapter in life, we might need a little push along the way. My new chapter being that I recently retired. I realized as much I do enjoy being retired, maybe I needed a little bit more to do, too. That's what Diane and this group of ladies has done for me. Being part of this group has been such a warm and welcoming experience. I have met some great ladies and had good times at the events. I look forward to continue being a part of this wonderful group of ladies, and enjoying these events Diane has for us.
Stephany Williams - IEP