About Us

These Amazing Business Leaders Share Their Influence To Drive Our Success

Women’s Power Networking is an organization of over 300 professional women led by a board of directors comprised of the following talented business leaders who share their expertise on a volunteer basis:

Jean Hedges

Founder and Executive Director, Women’s Power Networking

Over three years ago Jean Hedges recognized the power in what is now commonly refered to as networking as one of the most powerful tools available to a woman seeking to maximize her potential in the marketplace. She imagined a place where like-minded women in business could meet, join together to support one another and grow personally and professionally. Out of Jean’s vision, groups of women began meeting at weekly Coffee and Contacts events in their local business communities. Monthly Power Lunches were added to bring members of these chapters together at a central location to hear acclaimed educational and motivational speakers. Evening events called Cocktails and Contacts extended cross-chapter opportunities to enjoy one another’s company and further expand one’s influence. And thus, Women’s Power Networking was born.

Professionally, Jean has enjoyed a 10 year career as a top producing loan officer and now leads Team Hedges at PrimeLending. She is the author of The DARE Journal and founder of The Dare System – is a simple, systematic approach to overcoming the obstacles that stand between your dreams and your reality. Jean holds a bachelor's degree in liberal arts and sciences, a master's certificate in business management and is a licensed teacher who is known for founding one of the first charter schools in the country in 1994.

Jean is passionate about all things related to guardianship of our planet. She enjoys creating recipes in her kitchen from fresh and local ingredients and as well as practicing yoga with her daughter, Hayley. With a focus on balance and maximizing one's potential in body and mind she demonstrates that health and wellness gives us the energy to reach our goals.

Jean is a happily married mom of two successful young adult children who she describes as “fabulous.”

Marilyn Shannon

Co-Founder and National Director, Women’s Power Networking

Marilyn Shannon is the founder of Dialogue, Inc., her highly regarded private coaching practice dedicated to helping people explore and expand on every facet of their lives and guiding them to new levels of creativity, intellectual vitality and emotional well being.

Marilyn’s record of achievement in her field is best illustrated by countless cases where her exuberant style and unique approach has enabled her to help her clients to reach their visions, share their voices and experience the fullest life. She has saved lives and marriages, taken businesses to new levels, helped people get hired or promoted and led teens to unexpected academic success – and that’s just the beginning.

Marilyn is a licensed Heartmath® professional, a captivating and sought after speaker, an energizing meeting facilitator and draws audiences to her workshops on the topics of leadership, listening and communication skills.

Marilyn earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Visual and Performing Arts and Public Communications from Syracuse University. She went on to become a successful sales and marketing professional where she was on the forefront of the electronic media revolution. Marilyn owned and operated a successful retail business for 13 years and she served for many years as a superior court mediator where she honed her expertise in conflict resolution.

If you ask Marilyn what her biggest accomplishments are she will tell you that one was finding the man who shares all of her passions and became her husband as well as being a great mom and stepmom to her five children.

ReEnchant Planet Earth

Marilyn is also the founder of ReEnchant Planet Earth. ReEnchant seeks to simplify the way we live and do business. It does so by highlighting, sharing, creating and honoring programs and projects that will return the planet to its natural state of tranquility and beauty already present on earth. Reenchant celebrates the awakening of each global citizen who endeavors to build effective, peaceful and loving connections with others and for our planet.