At the Blue Fox Motel in Narrowsburg this weekend, a group of writers, entrepreneurs, creatives and community leaders will gather for a three-day retreat focused on reflection, connection and renewal in the Delaware River Valley.
It’s the fifth annual HOW Retreat, hosted by the Quorum Initiative, a nonprofit that works to accelerate the advancement of women by building networks across regions including New York City, Washington, D.C., London and the Midwest.
Founder and CEO Meg Sullivan says the goal is to give participants space to step back from daily demands.
“The objective of the HOW retreat is to have women really take time out of their crazy, busy lives and spend a moment just focusing on themselves, a moment for reflection on where they’re at, where where they might want to go or be, how they might get there to be in community with other interesting dynamic women,” she said.
Sullivan says the retreat is designed to blend professional development with creativity and rest, including workshops, yoga, brainstorming sessions, and even comedy and Bollywood dance.
“We really believe that this mix of learning and seriousness with fun just adds a whole another level of connection,” she said.
She says the rural setting helps shape the experience, with many activities held outdoors. Sullivan says the aim is simple: to help participants leave feeling renewed, connected and clearer about their next steps.
“It just gives people, a break, their shoulders drop, they’re breathing differently… they’re enjoying nature, they’re enjoying each other, they’re learning, they’re reflecting,” Sullivan said.
Attendance is capped at about 50 participants to keep the gathering intimate, and this year includes special pricing for women in the Upper Delaware Valley region as the initiative expands locally.
Image: Participants at the 2025 HOW Retreat. Founder and CEO Meg Sullivan is pictured in the front row, third from left. (The Quorum Initiative)