An executive who worked in banking for 20 years quit her job to found a female-focused members space in New York City. I spent a day there to see if I would pay $150 a month for it — here's what it's like.

Founded by a former bank executive, Luminary is a two-story, ultra-chic members space for women in New York City's NoMad district complete with a beauty salon and brand "Glass Ceiling" rooftop lounge.
Since opening in November 2018, it has gained over 600 individual and corporate members.
Individual membership costs between $150 and $450 per month for varying levels of access to Luminary's programming and spaces. Day passes are also available.
I spent a day at Luminary, during which I met women of all ages who work across industries. I left thinking that a membership would be a smart investment in both my professional and personal development.
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"Come sit at our table," one wall read in large, elegant black letters. "In this together," said another in gold cursive. "You're a "#boss," the tabletop sculpture told me.

Nowhere in recent memory have I felt as affirmed as I did visiting Luminary NYC last month.

Founded by former bank executive Cate Luzio in November 2018, Luminary is a two-story, ultra-chic members space for women located in Manhattan's NoMad district.

In the wake of the Me Too , Time's Up and Women's March movements, a handful of members spaces geared toward women have cropped up within the United States and overseas. In New York City, these include Luminary; The Wing , which opened its first location in October 2016 as a coworking and community space geared towards women; Chief , a Tribeca-based members club for high-powered women executives; and Maison , a members club on the Upper East Side geared toward mothers. Both Chief and Maison opened in 2019.

Luminary defines itself as a "collaboration hub for women to develop, network and connect" as opposed to a coworking space or a club. What also distinguishes Luminary from other women's spaces is that while it requires its members to pay dues, it doesn't require them to fill out an application.

"You can no longer wait for your job or boss to give you a career roadmap," Luminary's website states ."We are cultivating the learning community and networks you have been looking for."

The above piqued my interest. Could $150 a month fast-track my career and network development? Could it save me precious time, spare future headache?

I spent a day at Luminary to see for myself. Here's what Luminary NYC is like:

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