Image Credits: Elpha
The digital world of professional networks recently lost a trailblazer—Elpha, the beloved platform for women in tech, announced its closure. For years, Elpha was a safe space where women could connect authentically, share advice, and grow together in an industry that often overlooked their voices. But now all is lost, as we say goodbye to this groundbreaking community, let’s take a moment to celebrate Elpha, recognize its impact, and explore a list of other top women networking communities to join.
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About Elpha
Elpha is a professional network dedicated to helping women succeed at work. When you become a member of Elpha you get access to daily conversations with experts, insider opportunities, advice, support and a lot of women having candid conversations and making friends
What year was Elpha founded?
Back in 2017, Cadran Cowansage, Kuan Luo, and Abadesi Osunsade had a bold idea: to build a networking platform designed by women, for women. They started small with "Leap," a project under the Y Combinator accelerator, and grew it into Elpha—a space that was all about safety, inclusivity, and real connections.
Elpha quickly became a go-to community for over 100,000 women. It was a place where conversations about career growth, personal finance, workplace struggles, and even motherhood could happen openly and judgment-free. Members swapped advice, shared their stories, and celebrated wins together—all in a supportive, harassment-free environment.
💡 40+ women-focused professional communities similar to Elpha
As Cadran Cowansage, Elpha’s CEO, explained in her statement about the shutdown:
"When Elpha began in 2017, we wanted to create a space where the talented women shaping the tech industry, often behind the scenes, could share advice, connect, and learn from one another. These women weren’t always the loudest voices online, but they were the ones I, and many other women, wanted to hear from. Together, we built a space where those voices could flourish, and we’re immensely proud of what this community has accomplished.
Since then, Elpha has grown into a powerful place for more than 100,000 women in tech across the globe to find support, share insights, find jobs, and build lasting friendships. Together, we’ve navigated big questions, celebrated successes, and supported one another through life’s highs and lows. This community has truly been one of a kind.
But changes in professional networking and the hiring market have made it difficult to sustain Elpha. After reflecting on our role in this evolving landscape, we’ve decided that now is the right time to close this chapter. While Elpha.com will no longer be accessible after January 9th, the connections and spirit of this community will continue to live on in new spaces."
Who is the founder of Elpha?
Elpha's co-founders brought diverse experiences that deeply influenced the platform's ethos:
Cadran Cowansage, a former software engineer at Y Combinator, created Elpha out of a desire for candid conversations about challenges like pay disparities and career growth. Her experience of being paid less than her male peers for the same role became a driving force behind Elpha.
Kuan Luo, a design leader and retreat architect for women in tech, emphasized creating safe, productive spaces for women to collaborate and learn. Previously, she was the head of design at Cockroach Labs and led retreats focused on women leaders in tech.
Abadesi Osunsade, founder of Hustle Crew, championed inclusivity and community-building in tech spaces. She previously worked at Product Hunt and became Elpha’s first community lead.
Their collective experiences navigating male-dominated workplaces informed Elpha’s mission to empower women through connection and mutual support.
Impact on communities for women
Platforms like Elpha have historically played a pivotal role in improving the representation and retention of women in tech. By creating safe and inclusive spaces, they’ve helped women navigate unique challenges such as gender bias, pay disparities, and work-life balance. A 2022 study by the National Center for Women & Information Technology revealed that women in tech are twice as likely to remain in their roles when they feel supported by a strong community. Elpha’s role in fostering such environments cannot be understated, as it provided resources, mentorship, and a sense of belonging that positively impacted countless careers.
What made Elpha unique?
Elpha wasn’t just another LinkedIn or Facebook group; it stood out with its thoughtfully curated features:
1. Community-Driven Content
Members could post anonymously, fostering open and honest discussions on sensitive topics like pay inequality and workplace toxicity. Despite the anonymity option, the platform maintained a positive, supportive culture—a rarity among online communities.
2. Job Board with a Purpose
Elpha’s job board highlighted opportunities at companies with women-friendly cultures. Filters allowed members to prioritize organizations with progressive policies and women in leadership roles.
💡 Job boards similar to Elpha for remote tech jobs
Directories connected users with mentors, advisors, freelancers, and public speakers, promoting collaboration and professional growth.
4. Events and Office Hours
Weekly curated matches and monthly virtual chats helped members build meaningful connections, while office hours with industry leaders offered invaluable guidance.
The Elpha Salary Database allowed members to benchmark their pay and, if desired, negotiate for more. This valuable resource, powered by anonymous submissions from Elpha members, was regularly updated.
Companies on Elpha
One of Elpha’s standout features was its collaboration with companies committed to building diverse and inclusive teams. The platform’s job board showcased roles at organizations known for their progressive policies, inclusive hiring practices, and women in leadership positions. These companies were trusted by the Elpha community for prioritizing employee well-being and fostering environments where women could thrive:
💡 Want to find an inclusive workplace? Check out these companies hiring now.
Benefits of women’s groups
Women’s groups like Elpha have a powerful impact on personal and professional growth. They create spaces where members can connect over shared experiences, access mentorship, and navigate challenges unique to women in the workplace. Studies show that women in supportive communities are more likely to negotiate for better pay, advocate for promotions, and stay in their careers longer. Beyond individual growth, these groups drive systemic change by promoting equity, amplifying diverse voices, and inspiring inclusive workplace policies. The strength of a women’s group lies in its ability to foster confidence, build networks, and champion collective progress.
Challenges of running a female-centric community
Sustaining niche platforms like Elpha comes with significant challenges, especially in a digital ecosystem dominated by tech giants. Financial sustainability is often a primary hurdle; Elpha resisted ad-based revenue models to maintain its integrity, instead relying on partnerships that aligned with its mission. Operationally, ensuring consistent engagement and managing the costs of human moderation are complex tasks. Startups and community builders face these obstacles while trying to scale their platforms without compromising their values. Elpha’s story underscores the difficulty of balancing growth with authenticity, especially in a market that favors broad-based platforms like LinkedIn.
Elpha reviews from their community
Elpha’s impact is best reflected in the voices of its members—those who experienced firsthand the sense of connection, empowerment, and growth that the platform offered. Here’s a snapshot of what the community had to say in their Elpha reviews:
💬 "Elpha is such a special group. Thank you to the founding team and all the members who made it such a unique and safe space for women in tech. Excited to continue building the relationships and collaborations first experienced here. Godspeed, Elpha community." – Jison C.
💬 "Elpha has been more than just a professional network; it’s been a place where I’ve felt seen, supported, and inspired by the stories and voices of women shaping the tech industry in profound ways." – Athene D.
💬 "I’m so sad to hear this news. Elpha held a unique space for women in tech. Thank you for all you’ve done for the last seven years." – Emily E.
💬 "This community has been a lifeline during critical moments of my career. Whether it was navigating pay negotiations or connecting with like-minded women, Elpha provided the support I didn’t know I needed." – Angelique
💬 "Thank you for creating and nurturing such a meaningful community. I immediately saw how special Elpha is—a space where women in tech can connect, share insights, and support one another authentically." – Hanna L.
For many, Elpha wasn’t just a website; it was a lifeline. Members shared career advice, offered support during tough transitions, and celebrated milestones together in ways that made the platform feel like a digital home.
The future of diverse networking platforms
As online communities evolve, new trends are shaping the future of diverse communities. AI-driven platforms are emerging to offer personalized recommendations for jobs, mentors, and resources. Decentralized communities—powered by blockchain technology—are gaining traction, offering members greater autonomy, and control over their data. Hybrid online-offline networking models are also growing in popularity, blending virtual meetups with in-person events to foster deeper connections. These innovations represent exciting opportunities to reimagine how communities can serve underrepresented groups. However, they also pose challenges, particularly in ensuring these spaces remain inclusive and accessible.
Advice for building inclusive communities for women
Prioritize safety and inclusivity: Foster an environment where members feel safe to share openly. Use features like anonymous posting and human moderation to maintain a supportive culture.
Listen to your community: Regularly seek feedback to understand the needs and aspirations of your members. Adapt your platform’s offerings to reflect their input.
Focus on representation: Highlight diverse voices within your community, ensuring that all members feel seen and valued.
Sustainable growth: Balance scaling your platform with maintaining its core values. Avoid revenue models that compromise the integrity of your mission.
Collaborate with allies: Partner with organizations and individuals who share your commitment to empowering women. These collaborations can amplify your impact and expand your reach.
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Communities like Elpha
Though Elpha has shut its doors, other platforms continue to serve women in tech and beyond:
Rise: Rise fosters an inclusive community for a wide range of professionals, from emerging talents to seasoned leaders, across various sectors including technology, consumer goods, healthcare, beauty & fashion, and more.
Hustle Crew: Founded by Abadesi Osunsade, this community focuses on inclusion and career resources for underrepresented individuals in tech.
Ladies Get Paid: A global community offering resources for women navigating pay equity and career advancement.
💡 40+ women-focused professional communities similar to Elpha
Elpha’s closure highlights the critical need for spaces that amplify the voices of women in tech It reminds us of the power of communities for women in driving inclusion, mentorship, and career advancement. While its shutdown is a loss, Elpha’s legacy inspires us to build platforms that prioritize diversity and support meaningful connections. Let’s honor this spirit by fostering environments where women can thrive and reimagine success—together.
