Next ChaptHER: Women Redefining Wealth on Their Own Terms

Earlier this month, I had the opportunity to attend Next ChaptHER’s Ladies Who Power Lunch: Women & Wealth on HER Terms at Joe’s Seafood, Prime Steak & Stone Crab in Washington, D.C., and let me tell you, this was not your average networking lunch.

Over crisp linens, salmon and steak, the room buzzed with stories of ambition, transition, and empowerment. Conversations moved easily from finances to friendships, from reinvention to self-worth. It felt like a masterclass in owning your story, and your value.

Founded by four inspiring women — Anina Belle Giannini (Le Chef’s Wife Founder & Co-Founder of Savoire Faire PR), Lindsay Gill (Founder of The Napkin Network), Alicia Kenzie (Author and Founder of Lift Like a Mother™), and Hilary Phelps (Holistic Coach and Host of The Right Room) — Next ChaptHER was born out of friendship and a shared mission: helping women embrace the next phase of their lives with clarity, confidence, and community. Their events and workshops tackle everything from wellness and purpose to career pivots and self-discovery.

This particular lunch put the spotlight on financial wellness, a topic that’s often whispered about but rarely discussed so candidly. The conversation featured an all-star panel of women who know their numbers and their worth: Hitha Palepu, CEO of Rhoshan Pharmaceuticals and author of We’re Speaking; Anne McCabe, CEO and Partner at Curo Private Wealth; and Michelle Lee, Principal at The Carlyle Group.

Together, they unpacked everything from money mindset to legacy building. Women navigating divorce, job loss, and reinvention shared their stories, and were met with raw honesty and wisdom. One key message resonated deeply: wanting financial freedom doesn’t make you selfish, it makes you smart.

The best part? Alexandria showed up strong. Local entrepreneurs Celthia Corsino (Bellacara), Dr. Shara Posner (Back to Health), Natalie Strahorn (Natalie Strahorn Nutrition), Samantha Giordano Kim (Blue Lever Agency), Rachel Marie (House of Mane), Dr. Stephanie Parkes (fashion and lifestyle influencer), and the ever-charming Kristen Coffield (The Culinary Cure), whose health and lifestyle reels for women 50+ are must-watch, all joined the conversation.

Event photography was captured beautifully by Igda Warner, another talented Alexandrian behind the lens.

On-site activations added even more sparkle, from Sophie Blake NY’s jewelry popup (I picked up some fabulous dangling earrings!) to scent stations by Oulmas Paris, VIP photo sessions by Tina Leu, and Alchimie Forever’s “Skinvestment” skincare bar hosted by co-founder and CEO, Ada Poller. Yes, their tightening eye gel lived up to the hype—grab it locally at Bellacara!

As Next ChaptHER continues to grow, co-founder Lindsay Gill is also gearing up for her next big event: The Napkin Network’s: 3rd Annual Moms on a Mission Luncheon. The event supports moms in need through community fundraising, with opportunities to sponsor families directly. It’s the perfect example of what happens when women come together, not just to network, but to lift one another higher.

This lunch was more than an event, it was a reminder that women build wealth in more ways than one: through connection, collaboration, and courage. Learn more about Next ChaptHer and upcoming events.

Rainbow Kirby

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Rainbow (yes, real name) has called Alexandria home for eight years. A transplant from New York City, the charm and historic beauty of Old Town convinced her to take the leap, as did husband Drew who recently retired from the Air Force. She is mom to twin, teenage stepsons and young daughter, Indigo.

Her 15+ year career experience spans brand building, business development, content marketing and event planning for companies including Clear Channel, Runner’s World, Disney, The New York Jets and The Female Quotient. Rainbow received her Masters in Integrated Marketing from New York University, and digital marketing certification from the University of Virginia. 

As Managing Editor, she is focused on boosting engagement for Stylebook and its contributors--the local businesses of Alexandria that make it one of the best small cities in the country!

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