Parlay House member shares her positive experiences with women’s organization

Parlay House recently announced its expansion to seven new cities in the US, adding to the existing 12 locations worldwide. I wanted to discover what it’s like to be part of this female-focused community that hosts in-person gatherings to encourage deep conversations between strangers to empower, entertain, and learn. So, I sat down with Parlay House member Rosey Singh to ask about her experiences and get more details about the recent Parlay House news.

Interview with Parlay House member Rosey Singh

Before asking Rosey a question, here is a brief intro about the community. Parlay House provides a safe space for women to have conversations that foster personal growth, connections, and other positive benefits. The dialogue can range from mental health to money tips and finding your voice.

Anne Devereux-Mills founded the organization in 2012, holding the first meeting in her San Fran home. Meetings are hosted by women, for women.

Okay, now onto the questions!

Thanks for being here, Rosey! By expanding with seven new locations, what are some possible positive outcomes?

Now is a time, more than ever, that women are feeling as though we could be sliding backward, away from equality, away from being seen and valued, away from seats at all sorts of tables, and stretched even further in our responsibilities at home, work and in our communities. We find ourselves at the bottom of the hierarchy of who gets taken care of because we’re usually the ones doing the caregiving. Parlay House is expanding to help flip those truths on their heads.

By opening safe spaces for conversation, connection, belonging, and support, even in places where women are especially challenged, we’re lifting each other, one meaningful connection at a time.

Whether we’re powering through a life transition or just trying to keep it all together daily, we leave our events feeling less alone, more inspired, and reenergized to continue with our lives.

Please tell me about some of Parlay House’s accomplishments so far

We reach thousands of women around the globe, including the Middle East, Europe, the United States, and Asia.

Our members are intergenerational, spanning from women barely in their 20s to those thriving well into their 80s. We are thrilled to be diverse across every spectrum and to not shy away from tough conversations.

By offering bi-monthly video conversations, monthly in-person gatherings, weekly newsletters, and a founder’s letter each month, we keep everyone engaged, informed, and empowered.

We also have built a huge following for Bring a Friend, our acclaimed podcast series that lets real people shine and people who shine get real for thousands of listeners globally.

Are members in other countries than the US? If so, which countries?

Yes, we are! You’ll find our members in Australia, Austria, Brazil, Cambodia, Canada, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Jordan, Kenya, Mexico, The Netherlands, The Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Russia, Singapore, Sweden, Switzerland, UAE, UK, and beyond as we’re growing further every day.

Impressive! Let’s talk more about the meetings next. Why is building relationships between women during these meetings so important?

Like attracts like. I’ve found that when you give love, friendship, and a sense of belonging, you receive it back tenfold. This is what happens at the Parlay House – we talk openly with strangers about our own life experiences, and they share theirs.

Sometimes the stories are triumphant, and we celebrate victories. Other times we relate based on challenges or struggles. But regardless of the topic, we all have a story to share. Building these non-transactional relationships opens the door for us to find both personal fulfillment and community connection.

Please tell me about a positive experience you had at a Parlay House meeting

The last event I attended/hosted was a book exchange gathering. We were all asked to bring a book that reveals something about us and to take home the book of a woman we connected with. I brought “The Untethered Soul” by Michael Singer. This book has inspired so much change within me, and I read it at an important time in my life. I couldn’t believe it when another woman came in the door with the same book! We instantly connected.

Since then, we have made plans to have dinner together so that we can get to know each other better. There is something so beautiful about a friendship forming so authentically and genuinely. Who says you can’t make meaningful connections in a big city like New York?

What makes for a successful meeting, in your opinion?

A successful meeting can be defined in all sorts of ways. While many organizations consider the trading of business cards and superficial chit-chat their reason to exist, Parlay House is the antithesis of transactional networking. If you show up, get to know a couple of new people in a real way, and maybe even think about something new to you, we consider it a successful event.

Many times at Parlay House, I’ve shared something vulnerable about myself or my journey with someone I just met. It’s one of the few places where I can share something vulnerable with a complete stranger and then wake up feeling empowered and motivated instead of judged and filled with regret.

How have you been personally inspired by the organization?

I first met Parlay House’s Founder, Anne Devereux-Mills, when she gave a talk at my Women in Leadership class at Hult International Business School. She spoke about her life journey with a level of authenticity and vulnerability that was and is still so rare. She embodied a level of class, humility, and perseverance that I was desperately searching for.

I was instantly hooked. I had always wanted to be a part of something bigger than myself. Soon after graduation, a few of my friends joined Parlay House and invited me to attend. I was a fresh graduate in San Francisco with no friends outside of grad school. Parlay House opened the doors to many new friendships and moments of love and kindness. Over time I got to know Anne and her partner, Arielle, and I couldn’t help but feel drawn to them and what they were creating.

What does positive female leadership look like to you?

Positive female leadership is where we all try to lift each other up. There is room for all us women to love, grow, and be the best version of ourselves. As the saying goes, it takes a village to raise a strong, independent woman!

A few last words from Parlay House member Rosey Singh

I have always considered myself blessed and lucky. Volunteering to co-host with Anne at the New York Parlay House has reaffirmed that belief.

To Anne, I say I wish there were words strong enough to articulate what my heart feels for you and the work we do at Parlay House. I feel so grateful to be part of something so meaningful. Sometimes I wonder how I got so lucky to be intimately involved with the Parlay House community and all of the beautiful women who come! I don’t exactly know what this all means for my life; but there is something inside my heart that is certain that this is all happening for a reason.

To all the women who are reading this and wondering if the Parlay House is for you, I encourage you to come and see for yourself. Allow yourself the opportunity of community, belonging, and love. And Bring a Friend!

Thank you, Rosey, for sharing your Parlay House experience!

Have you heard of this organization before? Find out more about Parlay House at their website, from how to join to get involved if there isn’t a location already in your hometown.

Want to learn about other women’s communities? Check out events like this one from Brown Skin Brunchin’.

Top photo of Rosey Singh, courtesy of Navalta Media