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Gainesville Area Women's Network (GAWN) Luncheon - Collaborating with Strangers

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Name: Gainesville Area Women's Network (GAWN) Luncheon - Collaborating with Strangers
Date: April 15, 2026
Time: 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM EDT
Website: https://gawn.org/events
Bess de Farber
Event Description:

Please join GAWN at the Sweetwater Branch Inn for our April Luncheon.

Collaborating with Strangers: Workshops Generating Innovation and Lasting Connections

Join us for an inspiring exploration of how Collaborating with Strangers (CoLAB) Workshops have transformed individuals and communities in unexpected ways. In this presentation, Bess de Farber, a seasoned facilitator in the nonprofit sector with a focus on collaborative grantseeking and philanthropic funding, will share the journey of CoLAB workshops since their inception in 2002. Discover the powerful theories and rich history behind these innovative workshops, which have fostered not only practical skills but also deep, meaningful relationships among participants. Hear firsthand testimonials that highlight the significant impact these experiences have had on attendees—building networks, igniting creativity, and driving community change. This engaging session will delve into asset-based community development and demonstrate how CoLAB Workshops can empower leaders and communities, enabling them to create synergies that lead to effective collaboration and enduring change. Don’t miss this opportunity to connect, learn, and champion innovation!

With over 32 years in the field, she has inspired thousands of library staff, nonprofit organizations, and academic professionals through her innovative collaborative grantseeking training. Her signature CoLAB Workshops have attracted more than 3,800 participants, with sessions ranging from intimate groups to large-scale gatherings, proving her ability to engage and facilitate diverse audiences.

Bess has been instrumental in securing millions in funding for nonprofits and academic libraries, demonstrating her strategic acumen and commitment to social impact. An accomplished author, she penned Collaborative Grant-Seeking: A Practical Guide for Librarians and Creating Fundable Grant Proposals: Profiles of Innovative Partnerships, and co-authored Collaborating with Strangers: Facilitating Workshops in Libraries, Classes, and Nonprofits. Educationally, Bess holds a Bachelor of Music from the University of Southern California and a Master of Nonprofit Management from Florida Atlantic University. Her multifaceted background uniquely positions her to inspire women leaders across sectors, advocating for innovative collaborations and sustainable funding strategies that drive lasting change.

Be sure to register on our website now. We look forward to seeing you there!

PLEASE NOTE: Credit cards are NOT accepted at the door.

Location:
Sweetwater Branch Inn
625 E University Ave
Gainesville, FL, 32601
Date/Time Information:
Date: Wednesday April 15, 2026
Time: 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM EST
Contact Information:
Elizabeth Mattke
Send an Email
Fees/Admission:
$22.00 to $40.00 (includes Lunch)
Discounts for early registration and membership.
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