Salem’s own Salem Girls Club has become a steady source of community for women across the city. Founded by 25‑year‑old Isabell Gandara‑Read, who grew up in Salem and earned a business degree from Western Oregon University, the group began with a simple coffee gathering at Broadway Commons and has grown to four or five events each month.
From a Small Coffee Meet‑up to a City‑wide Network
Gandara‑Read discovered the concept while talking with the founder of Boise Girls Club in Idaho. After receiving encouragement, she posted about the idea on Instagram. The first event attracted about 20 women—far more than she expected. Early meet‑ups often filled the upstairs area of the coffee shop, and Gandara‑Read even brought her baby, prompting other young mothers to join.
Since then, the club’s membership has broadened. Participants range from 18 to 45 years old, creating connections between women at very different life stages. Members report that age differences feel unimportant when they gather, and the regular contact helps turn acquaintances into true friends.
Supporting New Mothers and Recent Arrivals
For members like 36‑year‑old Alyssa Dianovich, the club offers a vital support network as she prepares for motherhood. At a recent picnic and bouquet‑making event, Dianovich was just days past her due date and found comfort in the presence of other mothers willing to share advice and encouragement.
Newcomers to Salem also benefit. Recent arrivals such as Simone Thilbault from Sacramento, Riley Matthews from Philadelphia, and Katie Kolozsvari from Michigan have found the club a welcoming way to meet neighbors and learn about the city.
Expanding Activities: Pickleball, Walking, and More
Club members have added new activities based on member suggestions. A popular pickleball meetup, organized by longtime resident Lilly Broughton, now draws participants from across the city. Other regular offerings include a walking club, a book club, and occasional themed gatherings such as a Thanksgiving potluck held last year in the upstairs room of the IKE Box, where 20‑25 women shared dishes and stories.
There is no membership fee; participants only cover any ticketed event costs or personal expenses when meeting at a restaurant.
Balancing Family Life and Community Building
Gandara‑Read, now a stay‑at‑home mom of two, manages the club’s Instagram account and group chat while co‑hosts help run events. She emphasizes keeping gatherings casual to foster genuine conversation, noting that the informal format has been key to the group’s growth.
Looking ahead, Gandara‑Read hopes to expand the club’s reach with ideas such as a pop‑up market that would allow members to support local women entrepreneurs while further strengthening community ties.
For anyone interested in joining, the Salem Girls Club can be found on Instagram @salemgirlsclub or via the BFF app, where prospective members can request access to upcoming events.
Original reporting: Salem Reporter — read the source article.
