Privacy Policy

Women Belong Privacy Policy
Effective Date: March 18, 2025

Women Belong LLC (“Women Belong,” “we,” “our,” or “us”) values your privacy and is committed to protecting your personal information. This Privacy Policy describes how we collect, use, share, and protect your information when you visit our website (www.womenbelong.com) (the “Site”) or engage with our services. By accessing or using our Site, you consent to the practices outlined in this Privacy Policy. If you do not agree, please discontinue use of the Site.

1. Information We Collect

We collect the following types of information:

A. Information You Provide

We collect information you provide directly to us, including when you:

  • Apply for membership
  • Update your member profile
  • Share referrals
  • Submit a Spotlight
  • Communicate with us via email, social media, or other channels

This information may include:

  • Name, email address, phone number, and business details
  • Profile information for our member directory
  • Thought leadership blogs
  • Payment information (processed securely through third-party providers)

B. Information Collected Automatically

When you visit our Site, we automatically collect certain information, such as:

  • IP address, browser type, and device information
  • Site usage data, such as page views and interactions
  • Referral URLs (websites visited before and after our Site)
  • Cookies and similar tracking technologies (see Section 5 – Cookies & Tracking below)

C. Information from Third Parties

We may receive information about you from:

  • Third-party service providers, such as payment processors and analytics platforms
  • Public sources, including social media, when you interact with us

2. How We Use Your Information

We use your information to:

  • Provide and improve our services, including membership management
  • Facilitate networking and referrals among members
  • Communicate with you about membership, updates, and opportunities
  • Process payments securely
  • Protect against fraud, security threats, or legal claims

We rely on different legal bases for processing your information, including your consent, contractual necessity, and our legitimate interests in improving Women Belong services.

3. How We Share Your Information

A. With Authorized Third-Party Service Providers

We work with service providers to help operate our Site and services, including:

  • Website hosting and analytics (e.g., Google Analytics)
  • Payment processing
  • Marketing and communication tools

These third parties may access your information only to perform services on our behalf and are required to protect it.

B. With the Public

  • Your membership profile, including your name, business information, and photo, may appear in the publicly available Women Belong membership directory.
  • Spotlights featuring member blog content may also be publicly visible.

C. With Other Women Belong Members

  • Information shared via referrals or networking features may be visible to other members.

D. For Legal Compliance & Protection

We may disclose your information if required by law or in good faith belief that such action is necessary to:

  • Comply with legal obligations or court orders
  • Protect the rights, safety, or property of Women Belong or others
  • Prevent fraud or security threats

4. Your Rights & Choices

Depending on your location, you may have the right to:

  • Access, correct, or delete your personal data
  • Withdraw consent for data processing where applicable
  • Opt-out of marketing emails by following the “unsubscribe” instructions
  • Request that we do not sell or share your personal information (for California residents under CCPA)

To exercise your rights, contact us at info@womenbelong.com.

5. Cookies & Tracking Technologies

We use cookies and similar technologies to:

  • Improve your browsing experience
  • Analyze Site traffic and usage patterns
  • Prevent fraud and enhance security

You can manage cookie preferences through your browser settings. Some Site features may not function properly if cookies are disabled.

6. Data Retention & Security

We retain personal data as long as necessary for legitimate business purposes or legal obligations. After this period, data is securely deleted or anonymized.

We take security measures to protect your information, including encryption, access controls, and secure data storage. However, no transmission method is 100% secure.

7. Children’s Privacy

Women Belong does not knowingly collect information from individuals under 13 years old. If we learn that a child’s data has been collected, we will take steps to delete it.

8. International Data Transfers

If you access our Site from outside the United States, your data may be transferred to and processed in the U.S. We take appropriate safeguards for international data transfers, such as contractual agreements.

9. Updates to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy periodically. Material changes will be communicated via email or a notice on our Site. Please review this Policy regularly.

10. Dispute Resolution & Governing Law

This Privacy Policy is governed by the laws of the State of Illinois, without reference to conflict of law provisions. Any disputes shall first be resolved through mediation. If unresolved, legal proceedings shall take place in Cook County, Illinois.

11. Contact Us

For questions about this Privacy Policy or your rights, contact us at:

Email: info@womenbelong.com
Mailing Address: 2203 Bennett Avenue, Evanston, IL 60201