DeW Changed My Path and How Anne Duffy Made It Possible
When I think about the impact of Dental Entrepreneur Women (DeW), it’s impossible not to begin with a pivotal dinner five years ago. While I’d met Anne Duffy many years prior, it was at my first Speaking Consulting Network conference that her influence truly shaped my journey. Sitting down with Anne and her husband over dinner, I didn’t just meet a leader, I met someone who with uncanny clarity, told me exactly what I needed to hear.
When I first became a DEW member, Anne took the time to meet with me personally, just as she does with everyone. In that meeting, she made me feel so welcomed, and we discussed my Clifton Strengths. Understanding and embracing those strengths helped me step fully into my own journey as a professional and entrepreneur. That personal care is Anne’s hallmark. She nurtures and uplifts every woman she encounters.
Anne has a gift, she reflects truths back to you that you didn’t even realize you were searching for. And DeW is a natural extension of that energy. The women in DEW embody this same principle of lifting each other up. They honor everyone’s strengths, always assume the best, and never give up on their dreams.
But I’ll be honest, before I fully embraced DeW I questioned myself for years. Even now, I still do. I wondered if I truly deserved a seat at the DeW table and was nervous about joining. But when I did, it turned out to be one of the best decisions I’ve ever made, personally and professionally.
At my first DeW conference in 2025, something shifted. I realized I was right where I needed to be. Everyone had pulled up a seat, and I wasn’t just invited, I was embraced, even if my experience level was different.
What makes DeW unique is that everyone truly wants to see you succeed. The women I’ve met aren’t just colleagues, they’re cheerleaders, mentors, and friends. Our Wednesday morning coffee chats are now a midweek highlight. Sometimes we laugh, sometimes we cry, but we’re always there, lifting each other up. Being surrounded by that energy makes me a better person, and it’s a feeling I hadn’t found anywhere else.
One of our core DeW principles is “the answer is in the ladies’ room.” It’s our reminder that no matter what question you have, your DeW sisters are there. No judgment, just support, guidance, and a shared investment in your success.
So, whether you’re just starting out, dreaming of entrepreneurship, or a seasoned professional looking for genuine connection, DeW has a place for you. It’s a community that gives as much as it receives. I’ve welcomed many fellow “DeWbies,” and I can’t recommend it enough. If you’re ready to be part of a group that will help shape your career and your confidence, we pulled up a seat. We can’t wait to welcome you!