Can you believe it’s been ten years since the first Finishing School for Modern Women class?
- Headmistress Jill Miller
- Oct 12
- 4 min read
It’s hard to believe that the very first Finishing School for Modern Women class took place ten years ago — and that it’s already been four years since we launched the Badass Women of Wichita Alliance! Time truly flies when you’re building community.
I started planning the Finishing School in the summer of 2015, gathering an advisory panel of 80 incredible women. Through a series of focus groups, we explored everything from pricing to class ideas to how to make the experience fun, meaningful, and collaborative. On September 19, 2015, I held the very first class, Keep Moving Forward, at Harvester Arts — and 25 supportive women showed up ready to do just that. (Listen to our Herstory here.)
I’ve always loved the contrast between traditional finishing schools and what modern women really need today. We don’t need finishing — we’re never finished. Our classes explore life through a feminine lens, with creativity, authenticity, and community at the heart of everything we do. While the classes are designed for women, all genders are always welcome.
Classes are interactive and conversation-driven, using adult learning techniques to make them meaningful and fun. Each class has its own icon, which we turn into a collectible badge awarded at the graduation ceremony at the end of the class.
These are definitely not your grandmother’s etiquette lessons. The Finishing School for Modern Women was created to support women of all ages in learning from one another through open, candid conversations. Together, we pass on the skills and wisdom that help us embrace our power, live with confidence, and build happier, more fulfilling lives.
The Finishing School has changed my life in profound ways. Here’s what I’ve learned.
Social Connections Are Vital
At a time when so many social and professional groups are fading away, genuine connection matters more than ever. It’s easy to get wrapped up in our own little worlds and forget that everyone wrestles with self-doubt — no matter how perfect things look on social media.
But nothing compares to the magic that happens when we come together in person. Real laughter, shared stories, and the spark of being in the same room can’t be replaced by a screen. When we gather face-to-face, our energy syncs, our walls come down, and we remember how much stronger we are together.
Who doesn’t want to be badass?
Because connection is everything, I jumped at the chance to start The Badass Women of Wichita Alliance in 2021, to help women rebuild community and find new friendships when we needed them most. Thanks to the PourHouse for being our first sponsor, and to Jennifer Rutledge for her inspiration. (Read more about the beginning here.)
The Badass Women of Wichita Alliance is the fun cousin of the Finishing School for Modern Women — bold, lively, and always ready for a good time. Every month, we gather to connect, make new friends, laugh, learn, and lift each other up. We have joyful celebrations, creative fundraisers for local nonprofits, silly games and crafts, field trips to women-owned businesses, and honest, engaging panel discussions about the issues that matter most to women and families.
I’m deeply grateful to Branda Barton and Brooke Armstrong, the force behind Optometric Billing Solutions, our Badass Ally. Their support allows us to keep our Badass events accessible at just $10, so more women can join the community, share their experiences, and grow together.
Lives change when we get together.
I’ve seen incredible transformations at the Finishing School for Modern Women. Women who started out shy, barely speaking or making eye contact, have blossomed into confident, vibrant versions of themselves — and it’s nothing short of magical to watch.
My purpose is simple: helping people learn, grow, and thrive together. Every class, conversation, or shared experience is a chance to explore new ideas, expand perspectives, and step confidently into what’s possible. Seeing people discover their strengths, connect with each other, and embrace their potential is the most rewarding part of all.
It’s not all about me.
It’s about what we discover together. Every class is a chance to learn from each other, and I always walk away having gained something new. My role is simply to create a framework — a space for reflection, conversation, and growth — and guide us as we explore it together.
I don’t have all the answers, and I don’t try to. That’s why I bring in co-teachers from a wide range of fields — mental health and wellness experts, organizational specialists, creatives, career counselors, psychics, and more — so we can all learn from their knowledge and experiences. Every class is a shared journey, and the best part is seeing our ideas, insights, and stories come together to create something meaningful.
I am grateful for your support!
I have grown so much in the past ten years – as a speaker, writer, and as a wiser, more content person. I’ve met so many wonderful women and have formed new friendships that I treasure. I feel fortunate beyond words that you support this crazy idea of community growth and lifelong learning.
Whether you’ve attended an event or not, thank you for letting me be part of your journey.
Much love,
Headmistress Jill
Did you know I've published a book? Learn more about it here!
Now it's an audiobook too! Learn more about the audiobook here!
Because We’re Never Finished
The Finishing School for Modern Women, located in Wichita, Kansas, offers classes to help women find their authentic selves, not because we need finishing, but because we’re never finished. We bring together women of all ages to learn from experts and each other how to claim our power in business, finance, communication, and life.
To learn more about what we do:
https://www.finishingschoolformodernwomen.com for our classes and free social membership.
Contact Us
Phone: 316-841-8927 Email: jill@finishingschoolformodernwomen.com