The Association of Women’s Health, Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses (AWHONN) is a nonprofit organization founded in 1969 dedicated to advancing the health of women and newborns through advocacy, research, and professional development. With approximately 25,000 members, AWHONN empowers nurses in women’s health, obstetrics, and neonatal care through evidence-based education, clinical resources, and leadership opportunities.
Before partnering with Forj, AWHONN struggled with a community platform that failed to meet their members’ needs. All discussions were crammed into a single, disorganized space, making it difficult for users to find relevant conversations or connect meaningfully.
With only a quarter of their members engaging in their previous platform, AWHONN recognized a critical opportunity to reimagine their digital experience. Most of their current members are mid- to late-career professionals, but as part of a broader initiative to attract and retain early-career nurses, they needed a platform that could meet evolving expectations across generations. Their existing solution simply wasn’t delivering. What they needed wasn’t just better technology—it was a strategic partner who could help them build a modern, inclusive, and connected community that reflected the full spectrum of their membership.
AWHONN selected Forj to help them relaunch their community with structure, purpose, and support. More than just a technology provider that fits within their existing tech stack, Forj serves as a true partner in the journey—from guiding a strategic evaluation process, to leading a thoughtful implementation, and supporting ongoing engagement
The AWHONN team was thrilled with the experience, highlighting the outstanding support they received from their implementation and customer success teams. They noted that Forj’s team was:
Just one month after the relaunch, AWHONN welcomed 100 new members into their revitalized community. Member feedback reflected the impact of the transformation: users described the new community as “intuitive”, “easy to navigate”, and as “searchable as their favorite search engines.”
One of the most valuable additions to the new platform has been the introduction of special interest groups. These topic-specific spaces empower members to connect with like-minded professionals, ask questions, and share insights in a more focused and relevant setting.
Another transformative benefit has been access to robust analytics. For the first time, AWHONN’s team can clearly see member engagement trends, track popular search terms, and understand when their audience is most active.
These insights have proven invaluable:
AWHONN recognized that achieving the full potential of their community demanded more than just a new platform; it required a fundamental shift in their approach. Forj didn’t just deliver a new platform—they helped AWHONN reimagine what community could look like. Through collaboration, guidance, and an unwavering focus on the member experience, AWHONN and Forj have built a space where women’s health professionals can connect, learn, and lead together. With powerful tools, flexible spaces, and meaningful insights, the organization is better equipped than ever to serve its members and advance its mission.