After nearly seven years, we have made the difficult decision to wind Elpha downFeatured

When Elpha began in 2017, we wanted to create a space where the talented women shaping the tech industry, often behind the scenes, could share advice, connect, and learn from one another. These women weren’t always the loudest voices online, but they were the ones I, and many other women, wanted to hear from. Together, we built a space where those voices could flourish, and we’re immensely proud of what this community has accomplished.

Since then, Elpha has grown into a powerful place for more than 100,000 women in tech across the globe to find support, share insights, find jobs, and build lasting friendships. Together, we’ve navigated big questions, celebrated successes, and supported one another through life’s highs and lows. This community has truly been one of a kind.

But changes in professional networking and the hiring market have made it difficult to sustain Elpha. After reflecting on our role in this evolving landscape, we’ve decided that now is the right time to close this chapter. While Elpha.com will no longer be accessible after January 9th, the connections and spirit of this community will continue to live on in new spaces.

What’s Next?

We want to help ensure a smooth transition for everyone in our community. If you’ve found meaningful spaces to connect, such as Slack groups, subreddits, LinkedIn groups, or local meetups, we invite you to share them with us.

Reply to this post with your recommendations by Tuesday, January 7th.
We’ll compile and share a curated list via email with the community. (Note: Promotional recommendations will not be included.)

Before Elpha Closes

Take a moment to reflect on your favorite moments and connections from Elpha. You might even reach out to reconnect with members who’ve made an impact on you.

Finally, I want to express my deepest gratitude to everyone who made this community what it is. Elpha wouldn’t have been possible without your engagement and contributions. I’d also like to give a special thank you to @Josefina, @teresaman and @iynna for their ongoing commitment to Elpha over the years ❤️.

We hope the connections and insights you’ve found here will continue to grow in new spaces. Thank you for being part of this incredible journey.

hannalupico·Dec 27

@cadran, thank you for creating and nurturing such a meaningful community. While I only recently joined, I immediately saw how special Elpha is—a space where women in tech can connect, share insights, and support one another in such an authentic way.I was really looking forward to diving deeper into this incredible network, but I completely understand how much the landscape of networking and recruiting has evolved in recent years. The challenges you’ve outlined are real, and I admire the thoughtfulness and care that went into making this difficult decision.Thank you again for everything you’ve built here and for the impact Elpha has had on so many lives. I’m excited to see how the connections and spirit of this community will live on in new spaces. Wishing the entire Elpha team and community all the best in this next chapter. ❤️

Aicila·Dec 27

Thank you for your hard work to create this amazing space. I had just joined and was really looking forward to starting 2025 off with this group- so sad to see it close and also appreciate the level of commitment and effort something of this nature requires. My best to you and your team in your future endeavors!

LeenaB·Dec 27

Saddened to hear this @cadran! But I truly appreciate what you and your team have accomplished with Elpha. My best wishes going forward!

lauraglu·Dec 27

Have always enjoyed the community and content here (since Leap days!). Thanks to the team for making it happen for as long as you did. Can't wait to see what you do next.

sigridviaene·Dec 27

Sad. I loved this all female professional corner of the internet.Thank you and good luck to you! And to everyone on the platform.

jisonchoi·Dec 27

Elpha is such a special group. Thank you to the founding team and all the members who made it such a unique and safe space for women in tech. Excited to continue building the relationships and collaborations first experienced here. Godspeed, Elpha community. 💗

dreamfool·Dec 27

I am beyond words on this, so sad to hear so many organizations/online spaces keep shutting down safe spaces for us. I am starting to host in person events here in Seattle, WA (US) because I want more connections with other women/marginalized folks. So if you live in the area, please join us:https://www.meetup.com/seattle-women-in-tech-meetup-group/

aimeelouge·Dec 28

I’m in Seattle too and just joined your group!

qconfan·Dec 28

I used to live in Seattle! And miss it sometimes. Hope to share this with women friends in due course. Thanks for sharing!!

AnnaLindbergCedar·Dec 27

Thank you for curating such a special place for all this time. I hope folks will carry the mantel and create more such spaces. Please join me at the Art of Mindfulness Retreat at Red Clover Ranch in WI this Spring. This retreat will be an intentional opportunity to connect through mindfulness - and crafts! I hope to see many of us there 💞! https://tri.ps/dDlnL

jenbenz·Dec 27

Have you considered selling it or giving it to someone else to run? I would be interested knowing more if this is an opportunity.

angelique·Dec 27

I have deeply enjoyed my time here at Elpha and the connections I've made -- got a job offer b/c of Elpha, got amazing advice about negotiating that job -- and have generally appreciated the thoughtful, supportive community here.The Women in Tech Slack (https://witchat.github.io/) is a similarly supportive community, but does not have public sign ups and requires a current member to vouch for and invite you. I'd be happy to do so for folx who are looking for a next community and would be fine with interested folx reaching out to me via LinkedIn or email to secure their invites. @cadran, let me know if there's a good way for me to facilitate that which doesn't feel too self-promo-y?

dreamfool·Dec 27

I would love to be invited, my email is [email protected]

angelique·Dec 27

I've sent messages to the folx below, but if anyone doesn't want to post their email, pls feel free to message me here or on LinkedIn (and please review the Code of Conduct for WITchat, too, on the link in my original message 🙏🏻).

sharc·Dec 28

If the invite is still open, I’d love to join! Thanks so much for spreading the word 💛[email protected]

motushiahmed·Dec 27

Hi @angelique I would love an invite, my email is [email protected]

alyons·Dec 28

Hi @angelique, I’ve sent you a connection request on LinkedIn! I’d love to join the WITchat.

yvonnemarron·Dec 27

Hi Angelique, I would greatly appreciate an invite to the Women in Tech Slack community. My email is [email protected]

DominiqueEn·Dec 27

I'd love an invite, thanks for sharing. Email is [email protected]

AnnaKaplan·Dec 28

Hey Angelique, thanks so much for your post! I’d also love to ve invited to the witchat community. My email is [email protected]

ellenflanagan·Dec 28

Hi @angelique I’d love an invite. Much thanks for the offer.

aiza·Dec 28

Hi Angelique! I would be interested in an invite. My LinkedIn is https://www.linkedin.com/in/aiza-ali-?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app

annewachana·Dec 28

Hello, I would love to be invited. My email is [email protected]

mprat·Dec 28

Sent you a DM on here

NaomeJ·Dec 28

Hi Angelique!! I would love an invite to the Women In Tech Slack community! My email is [email protected]

aninanet·Dec 28

Hi would you please add me to the slack group? Anina 2 at 360 fashion dot net

aparnavikraman·Dec 28

I would love to be invited to the community. My email [email protected]

maddiewu·Dec 28

Hi Angelique! Would also appreciate an invite to the WIT slack. madeline.cwu at gmail dot com

laetitiadursel·Dec 28

Hi Angelique, it would be awesome if you could invite me into the Women in Tech Slack community. My email is [email protected]. Thank you for sharing this opportunity!

Cyn·Dec 28

I came here to recommend WiTChat, too! It's a great place.Alpha has been a lovely place. I'm very sorry to see it shut down. @cadran, thank you for setting up Elpha and keeping it going. Thanks to the others involved, as well. I'll miss it!

leni1·Dec 28

Hi AngeliqueThanks so much for offering this to us. Have sent you my email via DM.

cassielowell·Dec 28

I’d be interested in joining the Slack group if you’re able to send an invite!

Kjoy·Dec 28

@angelique thank you for posting, and I would love an invite. [email protected]. https://www.linkedin.com/in/karenjoy/

AneesaN·Dec 28

[email protected]!

Eileen141·Dec 28

@angelique, you're so kind! Thank you for your thoughtful message and for extending the invitation to those interested in joining Women in Tech Slack. Kindly send me an invite, my email is [email protected]. Thank you!♥️

emilye·Dec 27

Such sad news. Elpha held a unique space for women in tech. Thank you for all you've done for the last 7 years. I wonder if we could somehow migrate to Slack?

Morgan·Dec 27

Yes!!

angelique·Dec 28

I've been inviting folx over to the Women in Tech Slack, and we could create an #elpha channel there to make it easy for members to find each other.

athenedavidowski·Dec 27

@cadranThank you for creating and nurturing Elpha—a space that truly made a difference in so many lives, including mine. Elpha has been more than just a professional network; it’s been a place where I’ve felt seen, supported, and inspired by the stories and voices of women shaping the tech industry in profound ways.The sense of connection and authenticity here has been unmatched, and I’m so grateful for the camaraderie and resources I’ve found through this community. Whether it was navigating career challenges, celebrating milestones, or simply knowing there was a space where I could ask vulnerable questions and receive thoughtful responses, Elpha has been a constant source of strength. I was starting my tech journey search last week and sad that I won’t have this community to help guide me through this next phase.While it’s bittersweet to see this chapter close, I want to express my deepest gratitude to the entire Elpha team for creating such a meaningful and impactful space. To @Josefina, @teresaman, and @iynna thank you for your dedication and heart in making Elpha what it is.Wishing everyone here continued success, growth, and connection.With gratitude,Athene

amygong·Dec 27

I’m in shock! Thank you for everything these past few years. I’ve met such incredible women, read great advice from so many diverse perspectives, and looked forward to the newsletters every week... I don't think there's anything else like Elpha! @josefina @teresaman @iynna were superstars and made this one of the best online communities out there! A couple niche communities for women I would love to share: 1) If you love spirituality and want support from other founders and creatives, Substance by @amandachase is life-changing. She has a few offerings, but her Social Club is a great place to start. We meet every Friday during lunch on zoom (she mentioned today that there will be more time options in the new year) and the community shares resources throughout the week. I see it as a mix of group therapy, business coaching, and spiritual guidance. Members also meet 1:1 and set up working sessions and book clubs together. If you are a woman starting your own business, growing your business, or figuring out your next career steps, it's well worth the $11/month: https://www.wearesubstance.co/substance-social-club2) If you work in healthtech and marketing, @sarahlewis is the VP of Marketing at Sondermind and also just started Well Weavers on Slack. A group of interesting and thoughtful women met up recently on zoom to meet each other before the holidays. I got to connect with such incredible women in the health and marketing space: https://join.slack.com/t/wellweavers/shared_invite/zt-2vns60bit-azhfQSpft7DXKl7neGE5mg

Julie220·Dec 27

I'm sad to see another community shutting down this year. Here are some spaces that are still active:Rands leadership slack has several private community channels for women and nonbinary people in tech: https://randsinrepose.com/welcome-to-rands-leadership-slack/When Women Who Code shut down, the community started the Women Coders Network discord: https://womencodersnetwork.com/Thrive-Wise - Women+ in Science and Engineering has a community slack forum: https://www.thrive-wise.org/join-thrive-wise/Google Women TechMakers has a slack community: https://developers.google.com/womentechmakers/members#wtm-member-elementWomen in Tech slack is active but requires a member to invite: https://witchat.github.io/Girls Gone Wired subreddit: https://www.reddit.com/r/girlsgonewired/

maggieblackburn·Dec 27

I'm sorry to hear this! I loved this space to connect (and just read) about other women facing challenges similar to my own and am grateful for discovering it.I've started hosting a few events (virtual and in NYC) of my own while I build my own community of growth-oriented women: https://www.maggie-blackburn.com/events. I've also joined a few different communities in NYC that I recommend - feel free to DM me on LinkedIn with any questions! https://www.herworkplace.com/https://www.jointheogc.com/

iceraluk·Dec 27

This makes me really sad to hear, I’ve also been here since the Leap days and it has literally been THE best community for women in tech. I’ve particularly enjoyed reading about how other women manage their finances, I will miss those posts! If there is anything that we can do to keep Elpha going please let us know!I am sharing here two other communities that I am part of in case anyone else wants to join them. They are not as big but I have enjoyed being part of them up to now.1. Shecancode.io: they have a forum, a podcast and do online & offline events 2. Tech Ladies Facebook group (https://www.facebook.com/share/g/UAQYpXgo8HdwFdxA/?mibextid=wwXIfr): 45k members, questions ranging from very technical to questions about issues at work or changing careers, etc. - pretty active in comparison to the shecancode forum!Also, would love to connect with everyone on LinkedIn! Add me here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/iuliaralucaionita

RuthB7884·Dec 27

@cadran, Thanks for the announcement. While I recently joined and will be interested if we can find a network community that works. I vote for a private LinkedIn group, but open to other suggestions. Regardless, can you tell us a bit more out security of our private information as the organization shuts down? I'm concerned about my information being sold or someone getting access to it without my consent. Is there a way to remove ourselves and our information permanently?

sylviagorajek·Dec 27

So sad to hear this! Thank you for your dedication to this impressive project! I've been a member nearly since the beginning. I still remember the Female Founders Community on FB. Meanwhile, I grew my own community for talented internationals who aim to secure their permanent stay in the U.S. If anyone from here is interested, I will gladly offer a 15% discount. We do have early bird pricing until January. You can apply here https://americaunlocked.circle.so/.

Morgan·Dec 27

I genuinely enjoyed being here. It's a shame so many tech communities dedicated to marginalized people have to shut down out of lack of funding or, more likely, fear.People are free to connect with me on Linkedin [remind me to put the link here]May I ask, where are the articles being posted at? I was part of one thanks to @Josefina and link to it on my LI page. Or should I use Wayback Machine.

lisamariab·Dec 27

Thank you for creating and growing this supportive community of amazing women. I’ll be so sad to see it go, but very much appreciate being a part of it the past few years. 💙

Drew150·Dec 27

This is such sad news, I use tech ladies community on Facebook, it’s a public forum so anyone can apply to join in.

Ardelis·Dec 28

I've spent many mornings looking forward to browsing Elpha articles and comments. This community has always been inspiring and I have always been eager to share it to other lady friends. Thanks to all for the contributions and support. Look forward to continuing this through other spaces!

Osmelis·Dec 28

this is so sad, I'd like to keep the team members on a linkedin group or facebook group

CindyPB·Dec 28

Thanks to you @cadran, @Josefina, @teresaman and @iynna for everything you've done to build this amazing community. I'm sad to see it go but completely understand the changing landscape.Whereas Liftery (liftery.com) is not just for women in tech, it has tons of resources and offers free online twice-monthly expert-led support circles for women at different stages and with different needs. (There are groups for job seekers, people managers, career changers, mompreneurs, divorce support, etc.) Inputting your email at liftery.com/newsletter or filling out a form at liftery.com/circles will make sure you know when the next groups are kicking off in the new year.Hugs to the Elpha team and wishing all of you the very best!

brendadupre·Dec 28

I'm surprised and saddened by this announcement, yet I do understand. I had just received notice that my membership was approved on 12/26/24. My very best wishes to everyone!

Cassidy·Dec 28

Such a bummer. I've enjoyed posting and lurking here since the beginning, and I'm so sad to see Elpha go, but I also understand! Community work is a labor of love and it takes a LOT to sustain it, financially, mentally, and emotionally.For the folks here who want a more technical group, I have a private Discord community I've been running for over 5 years, not specifically for women, but with a strong moderation team to keep it inclusive and welcoming. It's via Patreon (mostly to keep out spam), so I don't want to appear too self-promo-y, but if you contact me on any of the networks on my website I can direct you do it: https://cassidoo.co.

domesticat·Dec 28

I'm so sad to hear this @cadran! I work in People Ops (in tech) and would be delighted to connect with those navigating their next move - find me at https://www.linkedin.com/in/rgtisdell

annaroemokoy·Dec 28

@cadran, thank you for having me in this community and although it has just been less than a month, I found it amazing. Like @Aicila I was also looking forward to starting 2025 off with this group... Sad but all the best for the next chapter and I hope to be able to meet you all, wonderful women, again.

KQ·Dec 28

hands down one of my favorite communities.A couple alternative communities I’m in that I love, Passionistas project (focused on giving women a space to express themselves): https://www.thepassionistasproject.com/ + like-minded collective (friendship 1st, business 2nd): https://www.likemindedcollective.com/?ref=nwnjodk (this is my ambassador link). I’m very picky about the spaces I join + will surely miss this one. If we could put together an Instagram or other social media directory, that would be rad too (to memorialize this space).

ellenflanagan·Dec 28

Oh @cadran, really sad to hear this. I’m one of your early, older fans. You’ve created a space infused with resources, kindness and collaboration. - thank you. I’ve learned tons. I’ve loved sharing the site with residents and more recently, new college grads. It’s been a gift that was easy to give. @iynna , @teresaman and @josefiina, your meticulous attention to the comments, responding thoughtfully and respectfully, inspire me to listen and respond more carefully and more fully. Elpha is but the first iteration of an extraordinary community. Thank you for being so welcoming (and patient)! Thank you for having the courage to start it and to know when to pivot. I’m looking forward to your next chapter. Y’all have got this.

lindatosca·Dec 28

@cadran thank you for what you have created here. As with many of the member's sentiments, I share in the sadness of seeing this community shut down. It has been a resource and complete value add for me.I am on an aligned mission to create better support networks for women. Although I don't want to be promotional, I am creating a platform I feel I should mention it here since it could offer this community a new place for empowering & valuable connection. It is a safe and private space for women to both share and seek insight from our stories & experiences, forging deeply meaningful support. www.saygelink.comI'm also happy to collaborate with any members or anyone on the team to move this community somewhere to keep it going in some form. It's such a truly special group.

jenr·Dec 28

I host in person craft meetups in Toronto, Canada if anyone is interested. Feel free to message me about them!I also have a Discord server that's all about crafting, organization, decluttering, and sharing Wordle scores. :p https://discord.gg/x6C3pjuxdc

tiffwong·Dec 28

Elpha, to me was a great space for women. The community here is great and meaningful. I loved reading the posts on here. Will surely miss this experience! I like to connect in some form of Elpha.

Nonyelim·Dec 28

Thanks for this amazing community. What plans do you have for the App? I’m interested in it.

MelissaR·Dec 28

Like everyone else, I am saddened to hear this news. I am also interested to learn more about the tough decision made by the Elpha team to shutter the community and to find a way to connect with the founders (@cadran, @josefina @teresaman @iynna) and other community members to keep momentum going in some way shape or form consistent with my own ideas around a (re)launch of supersisters (www.supersisterscards.com).As an early member of this group (nearly seven years ago), the following is not meant to be a plug, but rather a plea for help in further empowering women and girls in support of one another.Originally founded in 1978 by my mother and my aunt, supersisters™ provided a way for girls to find inspiration by learning about established and up-and-coming women leaders across a variety of professions through baseball-type cards featuring contemporary American women of achievement – an opportunity that four decades ago was missing from much of mainstream media, marketing, toys, and textbooks. Unique to the supersisters™ brand is our history of women leaders sharing their own “legacy stories” on the first ever baseball-like trading cards featuring women achievement. As the daughter and niece of two courageous women now in their 80's and as the inspiration for the founding of supersisters, when I was just 8 years old, I have long had a vision to create an engaged worldwide community & unprecedented support system that serves the 1/2 of the world’s population (women and girls) whose superpowers have been underappreciated & undervalued for far too long.If interested in chatting, please connect with me on LinkedIn - melissarichskehan/

sabdhaliwal·Dec 28

I'm sorry to see Elpha go. For anyone looking to maintain connections and community, I encourage you to join Rhize (https://www.rhizetogether.com/) — a social networking group dedicated to promoting the wellbeing and professional development of people at every stage in their career journey. We have people of all ages and experiences, and we focus a lot on supporting those who are currently navigating the job market. We host virtual meetups and workshops at least 3 days a week, plus a private Slack channel for members. Please feel free to reach out to me if you have any questions ! (https://www.linkedin.com/in/sabrina-dhaliwal/)

Aparnagopal·Dec 28

I feel sad that the forum is getting closed. Being a member for more than a year, I always felt this community to be safe and welcoming. I will miss being part of this and wish something else good enough exists which I can join.

tanalbasma·Dec 28

I'm Hi @cadran, I'm really sad to hear this. Thanks for building such a thriving community 💕. For females in the Bay Area, CA, looking for a local community, please check out TheCLUB SV. We are a non-profit dedicated to accelerating women leaders. We host social networking events, as well as peer mentoring circles to tackle ambitions and challenges of https://theclubsv.org/

leni1·Dec 28

A deep thank you to you and the team for everything you've done in creating and nurturing Elpha.I for one am very grateful for this space and all the gems of wisdom I was able to find here.Thank you many times over and I am sure the best wishes of us all are with you in whatever new adventure lies ahead.Sincerely,Leni

Eileen141·Dec 28

@cadran, thank you for creating the Elpha Community. Even as a quieter member, I’ve learned so much from the incredible women here and felt inspired by the conversations and support shared in this space. It’s truly sad to see the community come to a close, but its legacy will live on in the connections and growth it has fostered.Wishing you and every member of this community continued success and innovation in all your endeavours.

whitneymarin·Dec 28

Congrats @cadran for creating such a meaningful project! As an American in Europe, Elpha connected me to a great group of people in my city when I was fairly new to tech, so thank you for that. Best of luck with whatever may be next.For any other Europeans or expats in Europe that may want to keep in touch somehow, feel free to connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/whitneymarin/I'm a Customer Success Manager for a community management platform and I host and promote professional/community events in Paris.

Laurie1226·Dec 28

First, I loved the vibe of Elpha from day one. So much great content, access and support. You all inspired my work. Thank you!! Wishing all of you the very best in wherever is next in your career journey. Always a fun ride. To those exploring other options to connect around you career, I have a membership community for Women Connected to Tech. Check out Career Alchemy Academy www.inspiHERtech.com

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