Local Leader circle w/ Sarah O’Brien Hammond

The Local Leader Circle is an intimate, invitation only gathering designed to bring experienced women leaders together for intentional networking, learning, and meaningful connection.

Each circle brings together women with 10–15+ years of leadership experience who value thoughtful conversation, community, and the opportunity to connect with other leaders helping to shape our local organizations and communities.

This 60-minute gathering is intentionally structured to create a powerful experience in a short amount of time — making space for both professional growth and authentic connection.

Each session includes:

• Intentional, structured networking

• A short, interactive learning session exploring a key leadership concept.

• Time for real conversation and connection

To ensure depth and meaningful dialogue, each circle is capped at ten women.

The Local Leader Circle meets bi-monthly, with locations rotating each session along with the leadership topics we explore.

To help ensure committed participation while keeping this gathering accessible, we ask for a $40 ticket hold.*

Guests will enjoy coffee and a selection of artisan teas.

Members of The Rise are welcome to attend any Local Leader Circle as part of their Rise experience.

*When registering, you may choose to have your $40 returned or direct 50% toward helping fund the future of the Local Leader Circle.

About Sarah O’Brien Hammond

Sarah is a career strategist and leadership coach who helps people create sustainable success without sacrificing themselves, their relationships, or the things they love doing. Her work centers on helping individuals design careers and leadership paths that are aligned with their values, strengths, and vision for a fulfilling life while having fun! Fun is essential.

Before returning to her home state, Sarah spent 26 years in New York City advising and supporting senior executives across industries. In that role, she partnered closely with leaders as they navigated complex organizational challenges, periods of change, and high-stakes growth. She consulted with executives on building strong teams, identifying and onboarding key talent, and leading through both professional and personal transitions. Known for her ability to see both the strategic and human side of leadership, Sarah became a trusted sounding board supporting them in achieving both their business goals and personal aspirations.

Today, Sarah brings that depth of experience into her work as the founder of The Rise, a 12-month leadership program for women, and The Local Leader Circle, a rotating gathering that brings together local leaders for thoughtful conversation, connection, and support around the unique challenges of leadership.

She also serves as the Founder and Chief Community Officer for The Network of Women, a global community dedicated to helping women live intentional, purpose-driven lives designed around greater happiness, fulfillment, and impact. She is also the co-founder of Women Rising, a full day summit experience taking place on 10/16/26.

Outside of her work, Sarah is an avid mindfulness seeker who loves moving her body—ideally outdoors—and can be found on just about any dance floor available to her. She is also an avid reader, sourdough bread maker, wife and mother to two incredible teenage daughters. She calls Vermont home, where she is a proud third-generation Vermonter, while New York City remains a cherished second home.