UPCOMING EVENT:

Lush Ladies: History of
Women in the Alcohol Business

Join us for Intentional Connections (Networking) with Sonja Kassebaum at North Shore Distillery
to Celebrate Women's History Month

WEDNESDAY, March 18, 2026 (NOTE we have typically met on Thursdays)

6:30 pm - 8:30 pm
North Shore Distillery

13990 W Rockland Rd, Libertyville, IL 60048

$45 includes one specialty cocktail (or mocktail) designed by Sonja for this event,
light appetizers and new connections

An Evening of Building Genuine Connections


At a Grateful Connections event, we are not just passing out business cards or sharing a 30 / 60 second pitch of your business. It’s about real connection, thoughtful conversation, and the confirmation you don’t have to build your business alone!


Instead of simply placing you in a room and hoping you meet the “right” people, our gatherings are intentionally designed to create meaningful conversations and genuine connection from the moment you arrive.

Through guided table rotations, conversation prompts, and connection-focused activities, you’ll engage with multiple women throughout the evening. Our intention is to remove the pressure of small talk and replace it with real, comfortable dialogue. No awkward wandering. No cliques. I am personally committed to anyone who attends- you would never be standing alone wondering who to approach. I got you!

You’ll meet other business women who:

✔ Support your dreams
✔ Cheer you on
✔ Share openly
✔ Collaborate generously
✔ Truly want you to win

Our community is built on something deeper than traditional networking. It’s about building relationships that continue long after the event ends- the kind that lead to collaborations, referrals, friendships, and real support in business and life.

This is how business was meant to be built.

Come connect with intention.

Leave with relationships that matter.

You Belong Here If…

  • Traditional networking events feel intimidating, awkward, or simply not your style

  • You prefer meaningful conversations over small talk and surface-level interactions

  • You value collaboration, encouragement, and real relationships- not competition or pressure

  • You’re craving community, inspiration, and conversations that go beyond “What do you do?”

The Evening's Presentation:

Lush Ladies: History of Women in the
Alcohol Business with Sonja Kassebaum


Throughout history, women have played important roles in the production (and the consumption) of alcoholic beverages around the world. 

Sonja, owner, of North Shore Distillery will walk us through a brief history of alcohol from ancient times to today, highlighting some incredible women and their contributions to the world of alcohol. 

North Shore Distillery is the oldest craft distillery in Illinois, and recently celebrated 21 years in business. They take pride in using great ingredients, creativity and skill to make amazingly delicious spirits with fresh, original flavors.

Their mission is to inspire and empower you to drink better and reward yourself with the finest handmade spirits. 

About the Speaker and Owner of
North Shore Distillery

Sonja Kassebaum is the Chief Cocktail Nerd and Co-Owner of North Shore Distillery. Formerly an attorney, she now wears many hats. Her responsibilities include leading the distillery's cocktail program, teaching classes, and working with distribution and retail partners to promote the company's products across the Midwestern US. She wrote a cocktail blog for many years, has been featured in a wide range of national and regional publications, and has spoken to many groups about cocktails and spirits.

About Your Host

Hi, I’m Malinda — founder of Grateful Connections, lifelong connector, and professional cheerleader for women in business and beyond.

After 25 years in corporate sales, I started my own entrepreneurial journey — and I quickly saw how many women are building incredible things without the support, confidence, or business knowledge they truly deserve. What I kept hearing — and personally experiencing — was that so many women felt stuck or unsure, not because they lacked talent or heart, but because they were trying to do it all alone.

Event's Sponsors

Be Financially Fearless with Purse Strings!
Purse Strings gives women the tools, knowledge, and confidence to take control of their money and their future.

Judy Rossetti Forum Financial
Judi's focus as an independent financial advisor is working with women to turn complex financial decisions into a clear, actionable path toward their financial goals.

Danielle Pakosta of Bravenly
Dani helps busy women, men, and families simplify their health with clean, effective wellness products that fit into real life. With Bravenly, she focuses on education, support, and building lasting relationships so people feel confident in their choices and empowered in their wellness journey.

Why this evening matters

  • Because you’ll experience networking in a way that feels natural, comfortable, and genuinely enjoyable

  • Because meaningful business relationships are built through real conversations- not awkward introductions and surface small-talk

  • Because one meaningful conversation can shift your confidence, clarity, and momentum

  • Because you were never meant to build your business alone

Tickets

Say yes to growth, support, and meaningful community.
Grab your ticket and be part of something special.

$45 – Space is limited!

Includes appetizers, one custom cocktail (or mocktail), presentation and new (intentional) connections