Alyssa Zonghetti

Corporate Event Planner turned Online Membership Community Founder. I am an Entrepreneur, Blogger, Speaker and Connector of people.

Less than a year

Yes, born and raised in the Boston area!

I have always been passionate about bringing people together (I think it’s the Italian in me or the Hospitality career I had for years) whether it be for outings, dinner clubs or neighborhood gatherings so we can all get to know one another better. Being a corporate event planner for the last 18 years, that was truly what I lived for, to bring people together! Now I am most passionate about bringing single and independent women together to cultivate a community where they can socialize, network, learn, be empowered, supported, feel seen and ultimately bond over their commonalities. I share about my journey of becoming an entrepreneur, overcoming trauma and grief resulting from a narcissistic relationship and navigating becoming a widow at age 31 after losing my estranged husband to suicide, which ultimately led me to create, The Contemporary Connection.

A direct quote from one of our members: ``I have deeply enjoyed my time a part of this community. The members are very social and welcoming. I always feel included and that I belong. I find joy in the new relationships I have made from being a part of this incredible group.``

This is a really tough one because I have received so much great advice through the years from family, friends, mentors, colleagues and beyond. I think for me overall, is to learn all you can in any situation. Another piece of advice that has always resonated with me is that we are all imperfect humans and sometimes we will make errors. The best thing you can do is own it, do what you can to correct or rectify it, learn from it and move on and don’t dwell.

There are too many to say just one book title. Different books have impacted my life at different times. I do tend to gravitate toward books that are for personal or professional development or autobiographies. I also love a good “beach read” especially on vacations or the summer time. I like something I don’t have to concentrate too hard on and can be transported into a story I can get lost in and forget about reality for a bit.

Honestly, it’s a low tech answer but my calendar app. If it’s not in my calendar, chances are I won’t show up or tasks won’t get done. I am also a little old-school and love my written to-do lists and taking notes, so I tried out Rocketbooks in the last year and have been really liking it. I love being able to “erase” my lists away after tasks are done. Even more thrilling than just checking it off (ha ha) and much more eco-friendly!

Launching my new business in 2020 in the middle of a global pandemic! I’ve been working towards pushing aside my fears and insecurities and have shown myself sometimes you must face setbacks in order to go forward. I am embracing life’s challenges and learning to live out my most true and authentic life. I have been sharing my experiences on numerous platforms and podcasts in recent months in hopes of helping other women navigate their life journey, feel connected to others and be empowered to live their truth.

Stop worrying about trying to make a plan because life is what is happening around you while you make those plans. Live aboard, travel as much as you can, do all the things humanly possible on your bucket list because you never know what curve balls life is going to throw at you. Embrace the “precious present” because that is the most important part. Also, don’t focus on some vision or expectations of others and what they believe you should want or have. Be true to you always!

In the warmer weather, I love to spend time at the beach, on the golf course or dining al fresco with friends and exploring new places. I love the theater, dance and performing arts and being a tourist in my own city. I love to travel as much as possible whether that be a random road trip or traveling to a foreign country. During the colder months, I usually enjoy more indoor activities like museums and movies but this winter I did try snowshoeing which I really enjoyed!

A unique, fun-fact about me is that my initials are made up of the alphabet - AMZ - “A” first letter, “M” middle letter and “Z” last letter. Not something many people can claim!