Tenaya Britton and Mary Beth Golden, both transplants to Portland who moved here without knowing anyone, craved a deeper connection to the place that brought the two of them together. “The first time we met for coffee, we spoke about loving this community that we’re so grateful for,” Golden says. “We wondered how we could create an opportunity that brings people together, drives connection, and nurtures the community. We both love to grab a drink or have coffee with a friend, but we wanted more than that,” she adds.
Around that time, Golden heard author Priya Parker discussing her new book, The Art of Gathering, on a podcast. “She explained how our social circles begin to contract as we get older, and how studies show that a strong community can improve people’s quality of life,” Golden says. After ordering and devouring Parker’s book, Britton and Golden decided to launch Held, a women’s group offering monthly events centered on varying topics. The first event focused on a theme of setting intentions; other gatherings have centered around entrepreneurship, play, and Maine adventure spots.
“We design every event with two purposes: to inspire women, and to spark meaningful connections that foster a deeply rooted community,” says Britton. “It’s also about supporting local female entrepreneurs. Mary Beth and I aren’t the experts—we bring other women in to speak at each event.” September’s get together, for example, focused on the principles of Parker’s book on gathering. The founders invited chef Eva Mrak of Spoondrift Kitchen and Mary Chapman of the Portland Cheese Shop to share their knowledge on elevating events through storytelling and aesthetics. “One of the main points we discussed is how every event doesn’t have to be a big production. There are small, thoughtful things that can make a Sunday gathering with friends turn into something they’ll remember for years,” Golden says. “Having just a bit of direction and flow makes a simple get together more thoughtful and purposeful.”
Ultimately, Britton explains, gathering is about “storytelling, sharing, discussion, and being vulnerable—that’s how women learn and connect, and it’s what makes Held events really beautiful. Every time, Mary and I walk away saying, ‘We learned so much from these women sharing their experiences.”
To learn more about upcoming events, visit heldportland.com. If you’re a female expert on a topic or would like to suggest one for a future event, email hello@heldportland.com.
“Gatherings flourish when real thought goes into them, when structure is baked into them, and when a host has the curiosity, willingness, and generosity of spirit to try.”—Priya Parker