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About Us

Origins

We were founded in New York City more than 20 years ago by a group of highly accomplished women who were ready to break away from their careers – but not at all ready to retire from the active, highly productive lives they had built for themselves. These women were pioneers in envisioning a new kind of retirement, one in which women engaged with each other to pursue common interests, contributed their experience and leadership skills to their communities, and built lasting friendships with each other.

TTN's first chapter outside of New York City was formed in Chicago in 2004. From there, women organized chapters in and around cities throughout the country. An all-virtual chapter, "Coast to Coast", was launched in 2021.

The organization's ground-breaking approach to retirement was explored in a book authored by Gail Rentsch called Smart Women Don't Retire. They Break Free. Published in 2008, the book recounts the experiences of early members as they redefined retirement. On amazon.com, the book was described like this: "For the amazing female pioneers who shattered the glass ceiling, a practical and inspiring guide to reinventing what's next."

Organizational Structure

We are a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. This means that we can't be involved in lobbying activities or political campaigns and we can't conduct activities for the purpose of benefitting any private interests.

We are governed by a Board of Directors and led on a national level by an Executive Director. Each chapter has a steering committee that is headed up by a Chapter Chair.

Mission

To empower women to thrive across life's transitions.

Offerings

Our offerings fall into three categories: Small Groups, Workshops and Events.

Small Groups offer opportunities for women to connect with each other on a regular basis. We have two types of groups:

Peer Groups meet monthly, in each other’s homes or virtually, to discuss topics of interest to the group. Any subject is possible, and the groups have a lot of fun. The point is not so much how the meetings are structured, what is discussed or where they take place; it’s that everyone talks and listens and women in the group get to know each other better and better over time.
Special Interest Groups or “SIGs” are groups formed by members who invite other women to join them in exploring or enjoying a common interest. A SIG can be focused on just about anything, from travel to book discussions to quilt-making. Most chapters have many SIGs. Our Long Island chapter has more than a hundred!

Workshops are intensive courses that emphasize education, self-discovery and practical problem-solving. TTN has a number of signature workshops, including Women in Transition and On Resilience. Another nationally-sponsored workshop is called Unpacking Whiteness.

Events are one-time occasions that run that gamut from brunches to museum tours to Broadway shows. In-person events are generally hosted by chapters for their own members, and most virtual events are open to TTN members from all chapters around the country.

Meet our Leadership

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