Community
Meaningful relationships create meaningful opportunities.
We Rise Together
If You Go,
If You Go,
I Go.
Advancing women, leaders, and organizations through community, expertise, and shared success.
Our Mission
Creating Opportunities Where Women Rise Together
IYGIG Collective exists to create opportunities, connections, and communities where women rise together. Built on the belief that success is amplified through support, collaboration, and shared experiences, we develop businesses, programs, and experiences that empower women professionally, personally, and socially.
Our philosophy is simple: If You Go, I Go. No one succeeds alone.
Our Vision
A National Community of Women Who Thrive Together
To create a national community where women help one another thrive personally, professionally, and socially — building a world where collective advancement isn't the exception, it's the standard.
We Rise Together.
What We Stand For
Collective Advancement
Empowerment
Women deserve spaces that support personal and professional growth.
Advocacy
Every woman deserves a voice and a platform.
Opportunity
Success expands when shared.
Brand Architecture
How We Show Up
Three divisions, one philosophy — each built to elevate women in a different way.
Elevate Society
Community, membership, networking, retreats, and events that bring women together in person and online.
Elevate Voices
Keynotes, panels, moderation, and workshops that put women's expertise on the biggest stages.
Elevate Advisory
Technology consulting, channel programs, and fractional leadership that strengthen organizations from within.
Four Founders, One Center
Leadership
Each Managing Director represents one petal of the Collective Compass — distinct paths, one shared purpose.
Laura Gibbs
Managing Director
Growth
I have spent over 13 years working with local, national, and enterprise organizations to drive strategic growth through SaaS solutions, digital & OOH marketing, and partner development initiatives. I'm a connector who is deeply passionate about forging meaningful connections, building mutually beneficial partnerships, and encouraging individuals to be their most authentic selves. I'm a dedicated advocate for elevating women in corporate spaces and want to empower them along with the next generation of leaders through active mentorship, sponsorship, and advocacy.
Mel Kolinski
Managing Director
Strategy
With over 20 years of sales leadership experience, Mel spent the later part of her career in the technology channel, including the past four years at Ostra. She is President of the Alliance of Channel Women (ACW) and a co-founder of IYGIG Collective, where she serves as Managing Director of Strategy behind Elevate Voices, Elevate Advisory, and Elevate Society. Her throughline is simple and personal: no woman rises alone.
Erin Knese
Managing Director
Operations
I have spent the last 14 years working with local and enterprise businesses to build strategic partnerships through an innovative suite of software and marketing technologies. I am passionate about helping organizations be successful, in turn creating long-lasting partnerships that are mutually beneficial. My experience ranges from learning and development to partner channel growth to business development. I am skilled at holding cross-functional roles at my organization because of my drive and determination to succeed.
Sue McHugh
Managing Director
Community
With over two decades of executive tech and channel leadership, Sue McHugh is a trusted strategist renowned for building relationships, communities, and business growth. As a leader behind IYGIG Collective, she empowers organizations and individuals through transformational culture, mentorship, and advisory services. A passionate advocate for advancing women in technology, Sue serves in leadership roles with the Alliance of Channel Women and was honored with their prestigious EMPOWER Award. Guided by the philosophy behind IYGIG—If You Go, I Go—she leads with authenticity and compassion, driven by the belief that when we lift one another, everyone rises.
No One Succeeds Alone.
Become part of a national community of women who help one another thrive — personally, professionally, and socially.