In times like these, many of us are realizing just how important our friends and social activities are to our lives. With more than 50,000 members in the U.S. and nearly 30 other countries, the Red Hat Society is one of the world’s largest social organizations.

Like so many groups, the Red Hat Society is adapting to our new world and creating new ways and opportunities for women to connect. Growing Bolder checks in with CEO Debra Granich about her passion for bringing women of all ages together in fun, supportive environments and learn more about her mission to reshape the way our society views and values women.

The Red Hat Society is an international social organization that was founded in 1998 in the United States for women age 50 and beyond, but now open to women of all ages. Its main purpose is to provide women with opportunities for pleasant social interaction, both for reconnecting with old friends and making new ones.

As the Chief Executive Officer of The Red Hat Society, Inc., Debra Granich has been instrumental in leading and growing the organization into a global operation. In the past ten years, she has helped build the Red Hat Society’s membership to the International success it is today with chapters and members in 26 countries while overseeing the organization’s product, event, and entertainment development. Passionate about changing traditional notions of aging for women in the social and business worlds, Debra is committed to helping the Red Hat Society make a positive difference for women approaching 50 and beyond.

Before joining the Red Hat Society, Debra held senior management positions for national retail store Contempo Casuals, then part of Neiman Marcus Group. She subsequently transitioned into the Red Hat Society from the Walt Disney Company where she held human resources leadership roles in Consumer Products and Theme Parks divisions.

This story is part of a new series launched by Growing Bolder and Florida Blue Medicare, Stay Informed. Stay Connected. Learn more at growingbolder.com/covid. And follow Growing Bolder and Florida Blue Medicare on Facebook for regular Facebook Live conversations.