Local group helps women overcome pandemic isolation and make friends

Long out of college and done with the bar and party scene, Northern Virginia resident Brittany Goetz discovered she struggled to make friends her own age.

When the pandemic struck and thriving offices were swapped for lounges, it became nearly impossible.

She realized she wasn’t the only one. Two of her friends, Alexandra Zamalloa and Rebekkah Johnson, noticed that they and other acquaintances also struggle to bond with women, even with the ubiquity of social media and networking events. So they decided to act.

Goetz came up with the idea for Neighborly NOVA, a social group for women that hosts events in Arlington, in June. She recruited Zamalloa and Johnson, both of whom work in marketing and communications, to help her build a website, host in-person events, and develop an outreach strategy.

“It’s really heartbreaking how disconnected we can all be, so we really wanted to be that platform,” Johnson said.

Their first four events brought dozens of women from across the region to Arlington, whom they chose for its ease of walking and central location for themselves and attendees. Zamalloa lives in the county while Goetz lives in Alexandria and Johnson in McLean.

They target women in their twenties and thirties who are ready for adult friendships, but not yet settled into domestic life with partners and children.

“Fewer and fewer people are getting married by the age of 25,” Johnson said. “I got tired of going to bars years ago, so I’m just going to be home now. I have a dog and he’s great, but he’s not a person.

The three said they hope to transform the organization into a certified nonprofit that provides women with mental health counseling, legal advice and other services. But for now, their focus is on helping socially hungry adult women make friends.

“Our thing is to leave politics, religion at the door,” Goetz said. “Because, despite our difference, I feel that as women we should find common ground and come together. We hope it turns into something really beautiful.

Neighborly NOVA has hosted a variety of events, from a “Friends” trivia night to a dance and fitness event at Quincy Park. At an event, women who spoke different languages ​​taught the basics of their mother tongue to their new friends. Last weekend, the group held a flower arrangement contest in the Virginia Square Plaza building. The event was sponsored by florist Clarendon Full Bloom, who provided the flowers and equipment.

As for the rest of the costs, such as room rental, provision of snacks, drinks, prizes and a chocolate fountain, Goetz, Johnson and Zamalloa took on the task of creating a barrier-free space to entry. Women say they are happy to do it.

“It’s our passion,” Goetz said. “For the most part, our lives have been blessed that we were able to provide this. “

Their dedication has inspired other members to do all they can to make Neighborly NOVA a success. Some began to reach young women in the community by stopping them on the streets in populated areas of the county, such as near Ballston Quarter. Zamalloa came up with the idea after she and her colleagues at Unidos US – a Latin American civil rights organization – found this style of outreach effective in raising awareness about COVID-19 vaccines.

“Research has shown that the best way to connect with people is face to face,” Zamalloa said. “During this campaign the awareness was over 30,000 people in Texas and Arizona and then we went up north. It was really successful. So I thought we could probably do the same here.

Johnson’s marketing background has helped Neighbourly NOVA digitally.

“I build websites, I know how to track the back end,” Johnson said. “I’m very lucky to have a little eye for design. We each had a bit of what was needed to bring this to life. It really is – “

Zamalloa finished his sentence: “A happy coincidence.

“Great word,” Johnson said.

One event they are eagerly awaiting is a “Mean Girls” trivia night tomorrow (Wednesday) September 29 at 7:30 pm at Virginia Square Plaza. Online registration is required in advance.

“It’s a guilty pleasure for all of us – ‘Wednesday we wear pink,’” Johnson said, citing the film.

“Or, ‘There you go, Glen Coco,” Zamalloa added.

“She doesn’t even go here,” Goetz added.

“These are just endless bonding moments,” Johnson said. “You don’t have to be here to impress anyone, you don’t have to spend a lot of money, it’s not about pretending. It’s really about being able to connect with people and that’s something we’ve all missed a lot about the pandemic. “