Paris Circle Brainstorm: Help Shape Solena Collective

The Solena Collective is building a global network of Circles designed to strengthen local leadership, shift opportunity, and address the conditions that limit women’s lives. Each Circle brings together 10–25 women to look at what’s happening in their community, identify what needs to change, and take practical action — whether that’s supporting young mothers, pushing for safer public spaces, improving access to education, or creating economic opportunities.

Solena Circles are not self-help groups or social meetups. They’re small, organized units of women who combine connection with concrete work: sharing skills, mapping local realities, mentoring across generations, and developing projects that move things forward. Circles in different countries learn from one another and strengthen each other’s efforts, creating a wider movement of women shifting the ground where they stand.

This session in Paris is the first step in exploring what a Circle here should take on — what matters to women in this city, what feels urgent, and what kind of collective effort would make a difference. We’ll look at the Solena model, discuss what fits (and what doesn’t), and begin shaping the early identity of a Paris Circle.

If you care about building something real with other women — something rooted in action, not slogans — this conversation is for you.

We'll be meeting in a cafe near République. The exact location will depend on how many people sign up.

AGENDA

17:00 – 17:10 | Welcome, Introductions & Purpose

Setting the frame: why Solena exists and what strategic role Paris could play.

17:10 – 17:20 | The Solena Collective: How the Model Works

A direct overview of how Circles organize, what they do, and why they work.

17:20 – 17:50 | What Should a Women’s Circle in Paris Take On?

A grounded conversation about real needs, gaps, and opportunities in the city.

17:50 – 18:10 | What Could This Circle Actually Do?

Exploring feasible projects, skill exchanges, and community-level actions.

18:10 – 18:20 | Structure: What Would Make It Work Here?

Adapting the Solena model to local realities and constraints.

18:20 – 18:30 | Next Steps & Ways to Get Involved

For women who want to help shape or potentially lead the Paris Circle.

WHO THIS SESSION IS FOR

Women who want to:

• be part of designing a new community space from the ground up
• explore building a women’s leadership + action Circle in Paris
• contribute their lived experience to the broader Solena model
• collaborate on practical ways women can support each other
• join early conversations about Paris Circle leadership or membership
• connect with a global movement rooted in local action

No long-term commitment required, but this is a space for builders, contributors, and curious collaborators.

ABOUT THE CO-FOUNDERS

Janice Levenhagen is a gender equality and community-building specialist with 13+ years of experience launching programs and networks that support women in STEM, leadership, and career development. She previously founded and led ChickTech, a national nonprofit in the U.S., and has worked across Europe, Africa, and the U.S. designing mentoring programs, inclusive tech initiatives, and global capacity-building projects. Janice leads the global strategy and development of The Solena Collective.

Ruth Ibrahim is a community organizer and women’s empowerment practitioner based in Bungoma County, Kenya. She has worked extensively with young mothers, girls, and community groups across the region, coordinating local initiatives focused on education, livelihoods, and health. Ruth is leading the first Solena Circles in Kenya and shaping the grassroots model that will guide Circles worldwide.

Together, they are building a movement rooted in local leadership, shared strength, and global connection.