At my local chapter meeting the other day (shoutout to my Shakopee, MN Dots!), we did something a little different. We went around and shared why we originally decided to join Polka Dot.
And, as you might have guessed, this prompt morphed into a lot of sharing about why we actually stay as members of Polka Dot Powerhouse.
It was such a beautiful experience to hear the realness behind what drew these women in and what keeps them here. Tears were shed, laughs were had, and a strong sense of connection and comradery was palpable through the warm eye contact and nods and “mmhmms” echoing throughout the room.
When it came to my turn, I had my answer ready: I joined for the people, and I stayed because of how they loved me. As a new divorcee, single mom, and full-time entrepreneur, life had thrown me so many curve balls that I didn’t really know what end was up most days. Polka Dot gave me a soft place to land and find my way. I was never judged, never criticized for showing up without a polished intro (or even a business to promote at times!). Rather, I was only ever met with that chorus of nods and warm hugs and “mmhmms” as I struggled to say anything eloquently.
I had never experienced a love like this, but now that I have, I’ll be hard pressed to live without it. As Beth Walker writes in her article this issue, I, too, am a Dot For Life. I hope you enjoy and can relate to experiencing the power of sisterhood!
Creatvely yours,
Danielle Anderson Member Magazine Editor
FOCUS FOR JULY: Strengthen the bonds between members by actively fostering connections within and outside the group.
Engage With Action:
⊲ Host a Coffee Chat: Schedule a one-on-one virtual or in-person chat with a fellow Dot you haven’t met yet.
⊲ Make an Introduction: Introduce two Dots who could benefit from knowing each other.
⊲ Grow the Community: Bring a friend or colleague to a meeting to help expand our web of connections.
IMPORTANT DATES
2nd & 4th Thursday
MD MASTERMIND
Open to ALL Managing Directors
10:00AM CST
PASSING THE TORCH Worcester Area, MA
Carol Ward
AUGUST 20TH
PASSING THE TORCH Canada
Anahita Shahrvini
SEPTEMBER 15 WHAT IS
POLKA DOT?
MONTHLY ONLINE MEETINGS
USA CT
JULY 14 - 1PM
JULY 21 - 2PM
MESSAGE FROM THE FOUNDER
Dear Dot Sisters,
If there’s one thing I know for sure, it’s that life can turn upside down in an instant. But when it does, sisterhood has the power to steady us.
In this issue, Beth’s article is a beautiful reminder of what happens when women show up for each other during the hardest chapters of life’s story. It’s not just about comfort—it’s about connection that lifts, steadies, and reminds us we’re still standing, even when it feels like the ground is gone.
At Polka Dot Powerhouse, we don’t just believe in community—we live it. We hold space for each other’s pain and possibility. We show up with casseroles, car rides, late-night texts, and fierce belief in one another. That’s the real magic of this sisterhood. It’s not reserved for perfect days. It shows up when life is messy, complicated, and raw too.
You don’t have to be strong all the time here. You don’t have to have the right words or a polished story. You just have to show up—and let others show up for you as well.
In a world that often teaches us to go it alone, we choose to go together. And when life throws its storms, that choice makes all the difference.
With love,
Shannon Crotty Founder/CEO Polka Dot Powerhouse
See you at the next Positivity Zoom with Shannon on July 28th @ 9am CST! See Page 9 for more details.
Discover the True Power of Diamond Membership
More Connection. More Visibility. More Growth. Exclusively for Dot sisters who are ready to go deeper.
What Makes a Diamond Sparkle?
Diamond membership isn’t just an upgrade—it’s a transformation. It’s designed for women who want more: more meaningful connections, elevated visibility, leadership development, and access to the kind of sisterhood that lifts you higher than you imagined.
Here’s what you really get as a Diamond:
Private Diamond-Only Spaces
Access to Diamond mastermind calls
Private Diamond-only group for deeper support, connection, and resources
Specialty workshops with top-level speakers and mentors
Increased Influence
Build credibility and impact within a supportive, global sisterhood
Share your story, your business, and your heart—with sisters who are listening
Be seen as a leader among leaders
New! Now it’s easier than ever to join!
You can now become a Diamond member using our flexible payment option, making your next level of growth even more accessible.
QUESTIONS?
Email Elaine Turso, Diamond Membership Director at elaine@polkadotpowerhouse.com
Connecting the Dots: ELEVATING YOUR MEMBERSHIP
Tip #8: The Power of Geography
Let me share some important numbers with you.*
Statistically speaking, people move 11.7 times in their lifetime, according to the US Census Bureau. Now, as Dots are an above average group, we might as well round that number up to 12.
US Energy states that people drive on average 50 miles per day.
PEW Research shows that 90 percent of Americans have traveled on a plane, 71 percent internationally.
Why are these stats important and what do they have to do with Polka Dot Powerhouse?
Visiting Other Chapter Locations: We currently have 47 physical chapter locations, of which you can be a visiting member. Check out which ones may be within driving distance to you. Your next bestie may only be a car ride away.
Meeting Up In Person: While we live in a world of technology, nothing can replace the energy of an in-person hug and connect. When you find the Dot
you want to meet, check to see if there is a halfway point to do coffee, a hike, or even something out of the ordinary.
Adding Dots to Your Travel: Whether you are traveling for personal or business reasons, check out the Member Directory on the website to see who may live in the area. And, bonus, if there is a chapter nearby, see if they have a meeting happening during your stay.
Create Your Own Road Trip: Several Dot sisters have created their own road trip, combining places and sisters they wanted to see in person. For an added layer of adventure, see if any chapters nearby are looking for speakers!
As a connection company, Polka Dot Powerhouse provides abundant op portunities through its in-person com munities. I don’t know about you, but I know I’ll be pulling out my maps!
Members must now be logged in to register for the Connect the Dot calls. Members > Connecting the Dots
*To my international sisters, I could not find any statistics that I felt confident sharing.
Lisa runs a Connecting the Dots: Tips to Elevating Your Membership call each month.
You can find details about the monthly meetings at https:// www.polkadotpowerhouse. com/members/connecting-thedots.
Be sure to log in to your account first. If you have any questions, please reach out to Lisa@LisaCondon.com.
Lisa Condon
Shannon Crotty’s Special Member Connects will now be held once a month. Members must now be logged in to register for the Positivity Calls.
Members > Positivity Zoom
On each Positivity Zoom, we will draw from attending members for a membership renewal. You must be present at the time of the drawing to win. Join us for our next Positivity Zoom!
July 28th @ 9am
August 27th @ 1pm
September 10th @ 7pm
Central Standard TIme
5 AND 10 YEAR
BADGE REQUEST
It’s time to celebrate the beautiful journey of sisterhood some of our members have been walking, whether it’s 5 or 10 years strong!
Commitment to connection, collaboration, and community is something truly special that we take special effort to recognize at Polka Dot Powerhouse, and here is where we want to honor YOU if you’ve hit your 5- or 10-year Dot milestone.
If that’s you, it’s time to claim your well-earned recognition!
Head to Members > Account > 5 & 10 Year Submissions to request your exclusive anniversary badge.
Quick Tip: Double check your membership history before submitting, just to be sure you’re eligible.
Let’s celebrate your dedication, your heart, and all the ripples of joy you’ve shared in this sisterhood. You’ve helped shape the magic of Polka Dot Powerhouse, and we can’t wait to see you sparkle in your milestone moment!
Head over to our official Polka Dot Powerhouse YouTube channel: youtube.com/@Polkadotpowerhouse/videos
You'll find powerful Dot stories, heartwarming connections, leadership spotlights, global celebrations, and behindthe-scenes glimpses of what makes our sisterhood so unique. Whether you’re a longtime Dot or just getting started, these videos will remind you why connection is our superpower.
Subscribe, watch, and share the love. We can’t wait for you to experience the ripple effect in motion!
Have You Subscribed to Our
Let’s talk about the Las Vegas Sisterhood Summit—because WOW… if you were in that room, you know the magic. And if you missed it, we’re here to give you a glimpse of what it felt like to be wrapped in the warmth, power, and possibility of the Dot bubble.
The energy was undeniable. Imagine walking into a space where every woman sees you, hears you, and celebrates you, not because of what you do, but simply because of who you are. That’s the Polka Dot Powerhouse difference.
This wasn’t just an event—it was a heart-expanding, connection-deepening sisterhood in motion. Real conversations. Purposeful collaborations. And a whole lot of laughter, sparkle, and truth.
What makes events like this so special? When Dots gather in person, we activate something bigger than ourselves. We get refueled with confidence, reminded of our worth, and reconnected to our why. These moments are both fun and foundational to the way we live, lead, and love within this community.
Because, above it all, Polka Dot is a community, but it’s also a sisterhood. And events like this? They’re the heartbeat of it all.
If you’ve never stepped into the Dot bubble in person, consider this your nudge. There’s nothing like it—and you belong there. Hope to see you at the next Dot bubble event: Celebration 2025!
LAS VEGAS, NV
CELEBRATION 2025
Imagine this: a room buzzing with joy, energy rising with every hug, and a sea of Dot sisters cheering each other on in full sparkle. That’s the heartbeat of Polka Dot Celebration 2025, and Minneapolis is calling!
In this unforgettable weekend, we’ll honor the stories that connect us, the growth that grounds us, and the unstoppable momentum we’re building together. What to expect:
Dynamic speakers who ignite your passion
Meaningful talks that elevate your purpose
Celebrations that could move you to tears (and will bring on cheers!)
Connection that fuels your business—and your heart
“Celebration changed everything for me. I went home more connected, more confident, and more myself.”
**If direct assistance is needed, call hotel directly at 866-315-9403 for a live agent.
PAYMENT PLAN AVAILABLE NOW!
We’re always looking for ways to make our community more accessible, inclusive, and supportive—and we’re thrilled to share a major upgrade:
Payment plans are now LIVE!
Not just for new and renewing memberships, but also for Diamond upgrades and events!
That’s right—you can now spread out your payments with ease when you say YES to connection, collaboration, and celebration through Polka Dot Powerhouse.
We know this new option will open the door for more women to fully experience everything Polka Dot has to offer—and we can’t wait to see who steps in next.
Visit the website to explore your payment options and take that next step today!
DOT FOR LIFE: A JOURNEY THROUGH CHALLENGES AND THE POWER OF SISTERHOOD
I have been a member of Polka Dot Powerhouse since October 2017. I knew when I walked into the San Jose, California pre-launch meeting that I had found what I was looking for. I became a founding member of the San Jose Chapter that night.
It wouldn’t be long before I knew that decision was one of the best I had ever made.
Life often throws unexpected challenges, but when faced with adversity, the bonds we create with others can become our greatest source of strength. This is the story of how the Dot sisterhood became my lifeline during a turbulent period in my life— offering support, love, and care when I needed it most.
The Journey Begins: A Birthday Celebration Turned Upside Down
On November 4, 2021, my husband Curt and I traveled to Boise, Idaho, to celebrate our granddaughter's birthday. We were filled with joy, eager to spend time with family and create cherished memories. But as life sometimes
goes, the trip took a sharp turn. While walking, Curt stepped into a hidden hole and suffered a severe injury—a broken tib/fib.
What followed was a lesson in patience and the power of Polka Dot Powerhouse sisterhood. Curt had to undergo two surgeries and spend three weeks in the hospital and a rehabilitation center. Luckily, I was able to stay with our son and his family in Boise, balancing hospital visits, medical decisions, and the emotional toll of watching my husband navigate his pain and recovery.
The Power of Sisterhood in Crisis
Back home, my Dot sisters were trying to find ways to help. Due to the physical distance, it came mostly in the form of
emotional support. I am so grateful for their love and concern, messages, and calls. The real miracle came by way of the Treasure Valley Chapter.
The COVID-19 pandemic made accessing medical equipment nearly impossible in 2021. The durable medical equipment company did not have a walker or wheelchair available, and even Amazon projected a six-week delivery time. Desperate, I reached out to Leslie Keefer and Tina Nowick of the Treasure Valley chapter, hoping someone could help.
The response was nothing short of extraordinary. Not only did my Dot sisters help me secure the equipment we needed, but they also showered us with offers of support. Phone calls, texts, and messages came pouring in,
Beth and Papa Dot Curt
I Rock the Dot Day
offering places to stay, financial help for meals, or even just a coffee break to escape the hospital. Though I was well taken care of by my son and his family, the sheer generosity of their offers overwhelmed me.
I remember sitting on the bed at my son’s house having an "ugly cry," a definite release of gratitude and emotions. Knowing that I had a community of women ready to step in during such a challenging time was humbling and heartwarming.
A Changed Perspective and the Healing Power of Community
As if life hadn’t thrown enough curveballs, Curt’s injuries meant we couldn’t fly home after his surgeries. This led to another unexpected twist: I had to buy a car to drive us home. My son-in-law joked that while Curt broke his leg, I "got a new car" out of the deal—a little humor to lighten the load.
This marked just the beginning of what I now call “the adventure that keeps on giving.”
On March 13, 2022, Curt faced another set of surgeries to repair a broken plate in his leg. This time, due to pandemic restrictions, I couldn’t be by his side in the hospital. The isolation and worry
were too much to bear, so I turned to my Dot sisters.
Coincidentally, our chapter was gathering for "I Rock the Dot Day" at a local park. I joined them, finding solace in their presence. Sharing laughs, stories, and encouragement helped me push through the anxiety of the day. It was a reminder that sisterhood is about being there for each other no matter what.
Unwavering Support Through Every Twist and Turn
As Curt’s recovery dragged on, new challenges emerged. He couldn’t drive, so I became his chauffeur, shuttling him to and from work daily. When I needed to travel for Dot events—Celebration 2023 and Legacy Immersion 2024— Kim Tush from our chapter stepped in, offering to drive Curt in my absence.
Her generosity allowed me to focus on my commitments without the added stress of logistics, proving once again how vital our Dot sisterhood is in times of need.
In September 2024, Curt’s leg troubles escalated. An infection turned septic, landing him back in the hospital. Shortly after, he was diagnosed with late-onset rejection of the metal hardware from his original surgery. This required yet
another hospital stay to remove the metal implants.
Just when we thought we could catch our breath, Curt contracted pneumonia, resulting in another four-day hospital stint. Each hospitalization felt like a new chapter in this ongoing saga, but through it all, my Dot sisters continued to provide unwavering support.
Sacrifices and Surprises
The setbacks forced us to cancel plans. I missed Celebration in Boise—a double blow since I was a sponsor and had planned to host a vendor table. Despite my absence, Dot sisters Rita Aguilar and Katherine "KK" Kinney stepped in to manage my booth.
Rita went above and beyond, creating laminated photos of me for others to hold and take a picture with, helping me feel connected despite my absence. Her thoughtfulness brought tears to my eyes, reminding me that even when life keeps you physically apart, love, connection, and sisterhood can bridge the gap.
We also had to cancel a long-anticipated trip to Kauai in early November, a further testament to how life’s plans can change in an instant.
More Chapter Meeting Fun
A Beacon of Hope: Emerging From the Storm
Now, after nearly three years of surgeries, setbacks, and sacrifices, Curt is finally healing. The infections are gone, the surgeries are behind us, and the light at the end of the tunnel feels within reach.
Looking back, this journey has been filled with pain, uncertainty, and frustration, but it’s also been a testament to the power of community and connection. My Dot sisters have been a constant source of strength, reminding me that even in the darkest moments, I am never alone.
A True Dot For Life
Connection Matters: In a world where we’re often physically distant, the emotional closeness of sisterhood is a powerful antidote to loneliness.
The Ripple Effect of Kindness: Small gestures—like Rita’s laminated photos— create lasting impacts that uplift and inspire.
Resilience Through Community: When life gets tough, knowing you have a sisterhood to lean on can make all the difference.
Grateful for the Adventure
This experience has cemented my belief in the core values of our Dot sisterhood:
Support Beyond Measure: Whether it’s a wheelchair in a crisis, a ride to work, or a shoulder to cry on, Dot sisters show up in ways that go beyond expectations.
While I wouldn’t wish our “adventure that keeps on giving” on anyone, I am profoundly grateful for the lessons it has taught me and the people who stood by us through it all. Life’s challenges have a way of revealing what truly matters, and for me, it’s the bonds of sisterhood, the kindness of strangers, and the resilience of the human spirit.
2021 Awards Gala
2021 Pink & Orange Party
2022 All California Chapters Pink & Orange Party
2023 Pink & Orange Party Craziness
As Curt continues to heal and we look ahead to brighter days, I hold my Dot sisters close in my heart. They are more than friends—they are true sisters. And for that, I will forever be thankful.
Curt (aka, Papa Dot), knowing the love and support that we have been shown, now shares the Polka Dot experience with the people he meets. I frequently have random women coming to me asking what this Polka Dot thing is that Curt told them about.
For me, “Dot For Life” isn’t just a slogan; it’s a promise—a commitment to stand by each other through thick and thin, in good times and bad. And it’s a promise that has carried me through the storm, reminding me that no matter what, I am never alone. I will always have Polka Dot!
Beth Walker has been a Dot since 2017, a Managing Director since 2019, and on Legacy since 2024.
She’s been married for 45 years to Curt, aka “Papa Dot.” They have two kids and six grandkids. While Beth and Curt have lived in Silicon all their lives, they’ll be moving to the Treasure Valley, Idaho, in August 2025.
Beth is a self-proclaimed Dot for life!
DOT STORE
The Dot Store will reopen after we return from Sisterhood Summit Denver!
Be sure to check in and see what’s left from our travels.
Next up: Celebration!
We’ll be bringing fun new items—last year we sold out on day one, so you better believe we’re planning ahead this time!
Aftter the Party With Friends
WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU!
Your voice matters, and your journey is powerful. Pink Ink Magazine is calling all Dot sisters to share their inspiring, heart-filled, and transformational Dot stories! Whether it’s a moment of growth, a life-changing connection, or the ripple effect of sisterhood, you never know who your story might uplift.
Let your story be the spark for someone else’s breakthrough.
Submit today by emailing Pink Ink Magazine Editor Danielle at Danielle@polkadotpowerhouse.com and be part of celebrating the magic that happens when we connect the Dots!
Submission Guidelines:
• Submit your article as a Microsoft Word file or sharable Google Doc to Member Magazine Editor, Danielle at danielle@polkadotpowerhouse.com
• Aim for approximately 1,000-2,000 words
• Include 5-8 photos to use in addition to the article; send these as attachments to your submission email
• Your article should include a catchy title
• Be sure to proofread and fix any typos prior to submission
• All material needs to be your original work and previously unpublished elsewhere
Examples of What to Submit:
• Your Dot story
• An experience that involves sisterhood
• A story that shares about uplifting and encouraging women
• What connection, collaboration, or community means to you
Examples of What NOT to Submit:
Important Notes:
• Submission of an article does not guarantee that your article will be published; we reserve the right to reject any article for any reason. If your article is accepted for publication, you will be notified directly.
• Accepted submissions may be published in any issue within the publication year as we see fit.
• Articles that sell or directly promote your business, services, or products
• Recipes or how-to articles
• Content that is industry specific
• Articles that don’t correlate directly to sisterhood
• If we choose to publish your submission, your article will undergo editing by our magazine editor.
Reach out to Member Magazine Editor, Danielle at danielle@polkadotpowerhouse.com with any questions. We can’t wait to hear your stories!
LEGACY LEADERS
Wendi Giuliano Regional Director
Mindy Van Vleet Regional Director
Amy Robertson Website Manager
Josh Gore Website Director
Anna Brice Project Director
Shawna Stanley Graphics & Visuals Director & Dot Store Coordinator
