A Night of Connections, Conversations, and Champagne
If you ever need a reminder that good company and meaningful conversations can make a night unforgettable, allow me to recount two standout events from this past month—the kind that leave you feeling inspired, motivated, and, dare I say, even more in touch with the rhythm of life.
Winter Ball, New York Junior League
There’s something about the crisp winter air and the glow of chandeliers that makes a gala feel almost cinematic. The NYJL Winter Ball was a beautiful evening filled with incredible women, old Hollywood glamour, and the kind of conversation that reminds you why you put in the effort to attend. I met women from all walks of life—leaders in their industries, rising stars, and those just beginning to dip their toes into new ventures. It was elegant, lively, and yes, even my picture was taken. A night well spent.
From Left to Right: Marie Choi Mannix & Ashley Elisabeth at the NYJL Annual Winter Ball
NYJL Annual Winter Ball held at Cipriani South
Ashley Elisabeth, Maria Teresa, Ankur Jain, and Aria Accetta
BIÂN Dinner & Discussion with Ankur Jain & Kevin Boehm
Now, let’s talk about a night that truly stuck with me. Hosted at BIÂN, this wasn’t just a networking event—it was a room filled with people who actually wanted to connect. The dinner featured Ankur Jain, the serial entrepreneur and youngest self-made billionaire under 30, and Kevin Boehm, co-founder of the Boka Restaurant Group (the mind behind some of Chicago’s top restaurants). The topic? Business, innovation, and the art of bringing people together.
Naturally, I had to ask a question—one that I knew many of you would want answered:
"How do I get people off their phones and actually connect? How do I build something like Eveolved into a real, sought-after community?"
Jain, despite clearly battling a sore throat (yes, I asked if he needed water), took a moment, looked around the room, and answered with one word:
"Experiences."
His night wasn’t just about high-profile names or business insights—it was about connection. I met Kate, who’s ready to take her first steps into entrepreneurship, and Maria Teresa, a luxury real estate agent in Chicago. We stayed long after the event ended, swapping numbers and already planning meet-ups. And here’s the thing: not everyone there was a BIÂN member. Some of us were guests, yet we left feeling like we had built something real.
And let me tell you—if you think walking into an event solo is terrifying, I hear you. But let me share what happened when I arrived alone. I sat at the bar, and within minutes, a lovely woman, a yoga instructor from Northwestern (also a guest), struck up a conversation. We laughed about how meeting new people never stops being nerve-wracking, whether you’re 18 or 48. It was a moment of realization—no matter what stage of life we’re in, the effort to make connections is always worth it.
Because showing up means something.
It means thinking about someone in a way we normally wouldn’t. It means following through on plans and valuing the time we spend together. It means embracing the kind of spontaneous, genuine connections that remind us we are so much more than just our online personas.
And if this night taught me anything, it’s that Eveolved is on the right path. So, here’s to showing up, making memories, and keeping the art of connection alive.
The Power of Showing Up
"Something exactly like this," he said, motioning to the space around us. "You have people talking, mingling, in an intimate setting where they feel comfortable opening up. BIÂN does this so well—I mean, look at the turnout. It’s incredible."
He was right. Everyone was engaged, talking—actually talking. No small talk, no mindless scrolling, just real conversations.
I pushed further, "Does it have to be emotional? Like how on your wedding day, one of your favorite moments was when you and your guests were rushing to get ready on the jet because you were running late?"
He laughed and nodded, "Yeah, because it was a bonding moment. When you're sharing an experience, when you're making that human connection—people will come together for anything. Like this dinner, for example."
That answer? It sat with me for the rest of the night. Because he was right.
