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Massachusetts

2025 is Sold Out!

December 3, 2025

Boston, MA

Missed out on Boston?
Experience the magic another way, no travel required!

National Conference for Women on March 4, 2026
Best-in-Class Virtual Gathering.
15,000+ Professionals. Infinite Possibilities.

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2025 LINEUP

Keynotes

Speakers

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2025 Agenda

Wednesday
December 3, 2025
All Day
8:00AM – 5:00PM
Boston Convention
& Exhibition Center

*Speakers and order of appearance are subject to change.

All Day
Interactive Hall
EXPLORE OUR INTERACTIVE HALL FEATURING

Career Coaching* and Resume Reviews*

Learning Stage offering miniclasses with actionable takeaways and expert tips for navigating your career

Wellbeing Stage offering miniclasses with guidance for achieving physical, emotional, and financial wellbeing

Small Group Networking

Bookstore Lounge & Author Signings

Anchor Hubs incl Career, Community, Learning, Wellbeing, and Small Business Hub

Complimentary Professional Headshots and Makeup Touch-Ups

*First-come, first served!

8:45 am – 9:45 am
Session I Program Offerings
LEADERSHIP | EXECUTIVE INSIGHTS

Ladder Up: Fast-Track Your Leadership Ascent

Ready to elevate your career to new heights and dive deep into the strategic moves and mindset shifts that propel you toward top-tier leadership? Whether you’re eyeing a C-suite role or aiming for a senior position, this dynamic session gives YOU the chance to drive the conversation. Executive Mentors including Conference board members, senior professionals and community leaders will respond to LIVE attendee questions about the modern leadership landscape, common career roadblocks, and how to supercharge your leadership skillset. Learn from mentors that illustrate success at every level of the ladder and unlock the secrets to accelerating your leadership journey with purpose and precision.

Moderator: Nancy Barnes, Editor, The Boston Globe

Executive Mentors:

  • Heidi Durflinger, Chief Executive Officer, Education First World Journeys
  • Piya Sircar, US GM – Allergy/ENT & Gastroenterology, Sanofi
  • Emma Thibault, Sr. Director, Curriculum & Strategy Technical Enablement, PTC
LEADERSHIP | EXECUTIVE INSIGHTS

Success Strategies in Healthcare and Life Sciences

Health and life sciences are at the forefront of innovation and transformational change, offering exciting opportunities—and unique challenges—for professionals across the field. Building a career in this space requires not only technical expertise but also strategic thinking, adaptability, and a commitment to collaboration and mentorship.This dynamic session gives YOU the chance to drive the conversation. Executive Mentors including Conference board members, senior professionals and community leaders will respond to LIVE attendee questions about navigating leadership pathways, fostering inclusive and resilient teams, leveraging networks, and positioning yourself for long-term growth and impact. Whether you’re advancing scientific discovery, improving patient outcomes, or mentoring future leaders, this session will offer actionable strategies to grow your influence and thrive in the field.

Executive Mentors:

Additional speakers to be announced!

CAREER | EXECUTIVE INSIGHTS

On the Radar: Workplace Strategies for Getting Recognized

You’re doing the work—but how do you make sure the right people see it so you gain the visibility and recognition you deserve? Whether you’re aiming for a promotion, seeking new challenges, or simply want to be seen as a valuable contributor, this dynamic session gives YOU the chance to drive the conversation. Executive Mentors including Conference board members, senior professionals and community leaders will respond to LIVE attendee questions about navigating career advancement opportunities, leveraging volunteering, internal networking, and strategic exposure. Learn how to carve your path with confidence and clarity so you stand out and get noticed in your organization.

Moderator: Sue Tabb, Media Personality & Author, Magic 106.7, Audacy

Executive Mentors:

Additional speakers to be announced!

CAREER | EXECUTIVE INSIGHTS

Cultivating Culture, Collaboration & Connection

Workplace culture impacts performance, innovation and success. Whether you’re a manager or practitioner driving organizational change, or an individual seeking ways to enhance your engagement, this dynamic session gives YOU the chance to drive the conversation. Executive Mentors including Conference board members, senior professionals and community leaders will respond to LIVE attendee questions about team dynamics, collaboration, navigating diverse multi-generational teams, allyship, and employee resource groups (ERGs). Learn actionable ways you can foster a culture that drives employee satisfaction and organizational success.

Moderator: Zeninjor Enwemeka, Senior Business Reporter, WBUR

Executive Mentors:

  • Michele Matthai, Director, Culture, Diversity & Inclusion, Dell Technologies
  • Christine Roberts, EVP, Chief Operating Officer, Needham Bank
  • Lily Wray, EVP & Chief Experience & Strategy Officer, USRM, Liberty Mutual Insurance
BELONGING | SPEECH & FIRESIDE CHAT

From Disconnection to Understanding: Reclaiming Human Connection

In an age of growing division, New York Times commentator David Brooks offers a powerful case for reviving the art of truly knowing one another Drawing from his book How to Know a Person, Brooks explores how cultivating curiosity, respect, and attentiveness in our everyday conversations can restore the human bonds that so often feel fractured. This isn’t about agreement—it’s about seeing others clearly and deeply, even across differences. Following his remarks, a fireside chat will offer concrete strategies for creating cultures—at work and beyond—where people listen more generously, and feel recognized, not reduced. You will learn how to move past labels and assumptions and embrace a blueprint for connection that can transform our relationships, communities and organizations.

Speaker: David Brooks, Author, New York Times Columnist

Host: Sarah Salih, Executive Vice President, State Street

Brought to you by MA Conference for Women and State Street

LEARNING STAGE | MINI MASTERCLASS (8:30 – 8:45 AM)

Generations at Work — Building Inclusive Cultures Across Ages

The modern workplace now houses multiple generations—Gen Z through Baby Boomers—each shaped by different histories, technologies, and values. Drawing on the Center for Women & Business’s Generational Impacts in the Workplace report, Dr. Susan Vroman shows how identity and lived experience shape work expectations and inclusion. In this interactive session she gives practical, research-backed strategies for closing generational divides and using authentic leadership to create more inclusive cultures that drive better business results.

Speaker: Susan Vroman, Senior Lecturer, Management, Bentley University

WELLBEING STAGE | MINI MASTERCLASS (8:30 – 8:45 AM)

Unhappily Ever After: Why Women are Leading the Way Out of Marriages

Divorce is reshaping modern family life, with nearly 70% initiated by women and gray divorce on the rise. Therapist Oona Metz draws on clinical experience, research, and cultural trends to explore why women are leaving at higher rates, from unequal household labor to the different health impacts of marriage on men and women. She reframes divorce as restructuring, not failure, and shows how language, community, and support can reduce stigma and help women move forward with strength.

Speaker: Oona Metz, Psychotherapist & Author, Unhitched: The Essential Divorce Guide for Women

LEARNING STAGE | MINI MASTERCLASS (8:50 – 9:05 AM)

Finding Momentum When Life Doesn’t Go According to Plan

Life rarely unfolds the way we expect—and that’s not always a bad thing. When we hold too tightly to a perfect plan, we can miss the clarity and purpose that come from unexpected turns. This session will help you release the pressure of rigid expectations, focus on what you can control, and develop simple practices to stay grounded during uncertainty. You’ll walk away with a mindset shift and practical tools to navigate change with confidence, no matter what comes your way.

Speaker: Yolanda McLean, Sr. Director, Quality Business Operations & Planning, Alnylam Pharmaceuticals

WELLBEING STAGE | MINI MASTERCLASS (8:50 – 9:05 AM)

Designing the Life You Want: Lessons From a Sports Leader On and Off the Field

Former NBA Executive Jen Van Djik shares an inspiring and practical perspective on how to build a meaningful, creative life on your own terms. With candor and energy and drawing on her journey from sports and media to emerging technology, she’ll explore how curiosity can serve as your compass, why bold ideas are your greatest career currency, and how the simple act of showing up can open doors to growth, reinvention, and purpose. You’ll be challenged to meet uncertainty with imagination, to keep evolving even when the path isn’t clear, and to design a life that reflects not others’ expectations—but your own.

Speaker: Jennifer van Dijk, Team President, Boston Legacy FC

LEARNING STAGE | MINI MASTERCLASS (9:10 – 9:25 AM)

Claim the Seat: Why Every Leader Should Consider Board Service

You may be more board-ready than you think. Leaders often-overlook the value of their operational experience, and how it translates directly into board impact. With practical mindset shifts and tactical steps, executive Melanie Foley will demystify the board service journey, showing why it’s not just a career milestone, but a path to extend your leadership and contribute at a strategic level. You’ll leave with actionable takeaways to help you get noticed, prepared, and appointed, and a clearer sense of how your everyday leadership can shape the future of organizations.

Speaker: Melanie Foley, Chief People, Purpose & Brand Officer, Liberty Mutual; Board Member, MA CFW

WELLBEING STAGE | MINI MASTERCLASS (9:10 – 9:25 AM)

Ask for It All: Overcoming the Fear of Expressing Your Needs at Work

Why do so many women feel compelled to downplay their needs to preserve others’ comfort? In this transformative session, Communications Leader Katie Lawson dives into the cultural, historical, and deeply personal factors that keep women from asking for what they deserve. Through candid insights and actionable strategies, participants will confront their fear of asking, learn to navigate anxiety and shame, and master the art of the “Empowered Ask.” By reframing needs as sacred and reclaiming your value, you will leave with the confidence and tools to unlock enduring self-belief and take bold steps toward the careers you desire.

Speaker: Katie Lawson, Head of Communications, North America, ZEISS

LEARNING STAGE | MINI MASTERCLASS (9:30 – 9:45 AM)

The Power of Investing: Building Confidence and Wealth on Your Terms

Investing isn’t just about returns—it’s about aligning your money with your values and the life you want to build. This session will explain why starting early and staying invested through career, family, and market transitions matters, how to craft a simple investment strategy rooted in confidence (not fear), and which common barriers women face when investing. Through frank, real-life examples you’ll see practical ways to overcome gaps in pay, time, or knowledge—and you’ll leave with a short, actionable roadmap of steps you can take right away to own your investing journey.

Speaker: Leanna Devinney, Vice President, Market Leader, Fidelity Investments

WELLBEING STAGE | MINI MASTERCLASS (9:30 – 9:45 AM)

The Purpose Dividend: How Giving Back Fuels Balance, Belonging, and Better Work

When employees are empowered to give back through company-supported volunteering and philanthropy, everyone benefits — communities thrive, and employees find renewed balance, connection, and purpose at work. This session explores how corporate giving programs that engage employees don’t just create social impact; they also boost engagement, reduce burnout, and strengthen culture. Attendees will learn practical ways to design flexible, meaningful programs that fit modern work life, measure real business impact, and turn giving into a source of both personal and organizational growth.

Speaker: Kelli Kirwin, Sr. Director, Cisco Sales, Cisco & Board Member, MA CFW

10:10 am – 1:25 pm
Keynote Program (with Lunch Intermission)

Emcee: Maria Stephanos, Co-anchor, NewsCenter, WCVB Channel 5

Simone Biles, Athlete and Advocate
In Conversation With MJ Acosta-Ruiz, Television Host and Sportscaster

Deepak Chopra, Physician, Author, & Founder, Cyberhuman.ai & Deepak Chopra.ai

Renee Connolly, Chief Belonging & Inclusion Officer; SVP, Life Science Communication & Branding, Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany; Board President, MA CFW

Kristine Gatesman, SVP, Domain Leader, FI Wealth Management Technology at Fidelity Investments

Liz Glotch, Group Vice President, Target

Kathy Horgan, CHRO, State Street Corporation; Board Member, MA CFW

Michelle Janisch, VP, Marketing, Diagnostic Solutions, Hologic

Diana Nyad, World Champion Athlete and Author

Mel Robbins, Creator & Host of Award-Winning The Mel Robbins Podcast & #1 New York Times Best-Selling Author

Martha Stewart, Author, Entrepreneur and Emmy Award-Winning Television Host

Speakers are not listed in order of appearance. Please check back for updates.


 

*** LUNCH INTERMISSION 11:45 AM – 12:00 PM ***

VIEW LUNCH MENU

 


 

1:45 pm – 2:45 pm
Session II Program Offerings
LEADERSHIP | WORKSHOP

The Win-Win Workplace: Thriving Through Change Together

Both employees and employers are navigating a delicate balance of economic uncertainty and shifting expectations. Individuals might feel it’s the worst time to ask for more at work, while managers may feel it’s the worst time to push harder—or risk losing top talent. But what if it’s actually the best time? In this session, Dr. Angela Jackson shows how today’s challenges can become opportunities to build a workplace where everyone wins. Whether you’re a practitioner, leading a team, or simply looking to grow in your role, you’ll walk away with the tools to turn requests into partnerships— not ultimatums. Learn her nine essential principles for building environments where both employees and employers flourish, equipping you with practical, research-driven strategies to advocate with confidence, negotiate with clarity, and thrive—even in the most uncertain times.

Speaker: Dr. Angela Jackson, Founder & Managing Partner, Future Forward Institute

Host: Christina Crowley, Sr. VP, Global Services Operations, Dell Technologies

LEADERSHIP | WORKSHOP

Uncompete: Rejecting Competition to Unlock Success

Traditional work environments—where every interaction feels like a contest—can undermine innovation, stall collaboration, and leave teams fractured. In this session, Ruchika Malhotra introduces a revolutionary framework that transforms competition into mutual elevation, emphasizing how women in the workplace can break free from internal rivalries to achieve more together. Drawing on cutting-edge research and real-world case studies, Malhotra reveals how organizations that embrace cooperation, mutual benefit, and a new definition of winning unlock greater creativity, drive sustainable growth, and foster cultures where every individual thrives. You’ll leave ready to challenge entrenched mindsets, champion your colleagues’ achievements, and build a professional environment where collaboration becomes the ultimate competitive advantage.

Speaker: Ruchika Malhotra, CEO & Founder, Candour

Host: Erin Bentz, Sr. Director, Global Talent Center of Excellence, New Balance

CAREER | PANEL

The Focus Factor: Attention, Anxiety & Wellbeing at Work

In a world of constant pings, pressure, and productivity demands, sustaining focus and mental clarity has become a wellness challenge for everyone. In this session, Thought Leader Dr. Romie Mushtaq will give initial remarks to explore the intersection of attention, anxiety, and performance—through the lens of both mental health and neurodiversity. She will then be joined by a panel of professionals who will share strategies to support focus and emotional wellbeing at work, address the stigma around cognitive and emotional differences, and offer approaches that benefit both individuals and the whole team. Whether you’re navigating distraction, burnout, or seeking to create a more supportive workplace culture, this session offers real insights to help you and your colleagues thrive.

Thought Leader: Dr. Romie Mushtaq, Neurologist; Founder, brainSHIFT

Host: Kate Skouteris, Vice President of Individual & Small Group Markets, Tufts Health Plan and Harvard Pilgrim Health Care, Point32Health Companies

Panelists:

  • Yolanda Friend, Americas Inclusion & Diversity Lead, Accenture
  • Kathy Irvine, Sr. Manager, Customer Experience, Johnson & Johnson
  • Beth Morahan, Deputy General Counsel-GRS Legal, Liberty Mutual Insurance
CAREER | WORKSHOP

How to Talk Gooder: Forging Better Communication at Work

Ever leave a meeting thinking “Why did I say that?” or avoid speaking up because it just feels awkward? You’re not alone—and it doesn’t have to be that way. In this refreshingly real session, Harvard Business School professor Alison Wood Brooks—creator of the popular TALK course and author of TALK: The Science of Conversation and the Art of BeingOurselves—shares how to navigate everyday conversations in the workplace with more confidence, clarity, and connection. Whether you’re pitching an idea, giving feedback, brainstorming, or just trying to make small talk less painful, she blends science and humor to help you improve how you show up in conversations—without pretending to be someone you’re not. You’ll walk away with tools to communicate more effectively, build trust faster, and feel more comfortable in your own voice—at work and beyond.

Speaker: Alison Wood Brooks, Author & Professor, Harvard Business School

Additional speakers to be announced!

BELONGING | WORKSHOP

3 Essentials for Building High-Trust Resilient Relationships

This session explores how high-trust, resilient relationships are the foundation for meaningful connection, sustainable success, and lasting change—both at work and in life. Led by relationship expert Shasta Nelson, you’ll learn the three essential practices that every strong relationship relies on—and how to apply them to deepen connection, increase collaboration, and build cultures of empathy and belonging. You’ll walk away with research-backed strategies to move beyond transactional interactions and develop the kind of bonds that not only enhance performance but also support well-being through times of uncertainty.

Speaker: Shasta Nelson, Author, The Business of Friendship and Friendship Expert

Host: Danielle Macklin, Global Talent Communities Program Manager, Teradyne

WELLBEING | WORKSHOP

From Paychecks to Piña Coladas: Mastering Money Throughout Your Life

When Vivian Tu left Wall Street, she started sharing her financial savvy on social media to help friends build wealth and save for retirement with easy and digestible “healthy money habits”. In this session, NYT bestseller and Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree Vivian Tu shares tips and tools to help you build a successful financial strategy, from your first paycheck to Piña Coladas in retirement. Discover how to maximize your earnings, understand where to keep your money, identify tax strategies for retirement, and overcome investing fears to secure generational wealth. Attend this session to develop a Winning Money Mindset and create smart money habits that will grow your wealth for future generations to come.

Speaker: Vivian Tu, Founder & CEO, Your Rich BFF, and NYT Best-Selling Author

Host: Kathleen Auth, Managing Director, PWM Market Executive, Bank of America Private Bank

WELLBEING | WORKSHOP

The Longevity Shift: Women’s Health Reclaimed

Women are living longer than ever—but are we living well? Too often, critical conversations about health, hormones, mental wellbeing, and menopause are delayed, dismissed, or deprioritized. In this dynamic session, Dr. Jessica Shepherd, OB/GYN and Chief Medical Officer of Hers, breaks down what women need to know now to take control of their long-term health. Walk away with actionable insights to navigate hormone shifts (yes, including perimenopause and menopause), stress and brain health, preventative screenings, and the power of daily habits that build long-term resilience. Because longevity isn’t just about adding years—it’s about owning every stage with clarity, confidence, and intention.

Speaker: Dr. Jessica Shepherd, MD, MBA, Women’s Wellness & Longevity Expert, Chief Medical Officer – Hers and Author, Generation M

Host: Dr. Erica Normandin, Associate Director, Corporate Partnerships, Flagship Pioneering

LEARNING STAGE | MINI MASTERCLASS (1:45 – 2:00 PM)

Bridge the Gap: Turning Opportunity into Career Advancement

In this energizing session, learn how to “bridge the gap” by spotting where needs or opportunities are being overlooked—and stepping in to create value that propels your career forward. With examples for early, mid, and senior-level roles, learn how to identify and fill gaps within teams, across business lines, and through external networks to help raise your profile and open new doors. Attendees will leave with a simple framework to uncover gaps, build smart solutions, and translate those wins into lasting career momentum.

Speaker: Violet Wittig, Director, Sales, Healthcare & Life Sciences, Cloudera

WELLBEING STAGE | MINI MASTERCLASS (1:50 – 2:05 PM)

He for She: Power, Privilege & Purpose in Allyship

In this urgent, action-forward session, Warner Santiago—drawing on a global career in Human Rights and DE&I, and his lived experience as a Latino, gay, first-generation professional—reframes male allyship as strategic, accountable leadership: how men can consciously leverage privilege to challenge systemic bias, sponsor and amplify women’s careers, and redistribute the heavy labor of equity so it no longer falls on the shoulders of those already marginalized. Combining hard lessons from the costs of male absence with practical examples of sponsorship and bystander intervention, Warner issues a clarion call: move past performative awareness into deliberate, measurable actions that dismantle barriers and build workplaces where everyone can thrive.

Speaker: Warner Santiago, Global Director, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Learning & Development, Takeda

LEARNING STAGE | MINI MASTERCLASS (2:05 – 2:20 PM)

From Self-Doubt to Self-Confidence: Turning Imposter Syndrome into Inner Strength

We’ve all had that moment—walking into a room, certain someone will realize we don’t belong. But those imposter feelings aren’t proof of inadequacy; they’re signs of growth. In this empowering session, Executive and General Counsel Diana Catalano shares her personal journey from self-doubt to self-assurance, offering practical tools to quiet the inner critic, reframe uncertainty as learning, and replace perfectionism with self-compassion. You’ll leave with strategies to own your accomplishments, trust your voice, and step fully into the confidence that you do belong—because you’ve earned it.

Speaker: Diana Catalano, Vice President and General Counsel, Werfen

LEARNING STAGE | MINI MASTERCLASS (2:25 – 2:40 PM)

Owning Your Career Development

Instead of waiting to be noticed, the most successful professionals actively shape their own career paths. In this session, you’ll learn how to leverage mentors and sponsors, pursue stretch opportunities, and strategically choose roles that build toward your next move. From pitching a job swap to exploring international assignments, you’ll leave with practical strategies to create opportunities, take bold risks, and keep your development plan fresh and forward-looking.

Speaker: Colleen Proctor, Chief Financial Officer, North America, Sanofi

3:15 pm – 4:15 pm
Session III Program Offerings
LEADERSHIP | WORKSHOP

The Win-Win Workplace: Thriving Through Change Together

Both employees and employers are navigating a delicate balance of economic uncertainty and shifting expectations. Individuals might feel it’s the worst time to ask for more at work, while managers may feel it’s the worst time to push harder—or risk losing top talent. But what if it’s actually the best time? In this session, Dr. Angela Jackson shows how today’s challenges can become opportunities to build a workplace where everyone wins. Whether you’re a practitioner, leading a team, or simply looking to grow in your role, you’ll walk away with the tools to turn requests into partnerships— not ultimatums. Learn her nine essential principles for building environments where both employees and employers flourish, equipping you with practical, research-driven strategies to advocate with confidence, negotiate with clarity, and thrive—even in the most uncertain times.

Speaker: Dr. Angela Jackson, Founder & Managing Partner, Future Forward Institute

Host: Jennifer Briere, VP, Chief People Officer New England, National Grid

LEADERSHIP | WORKSHOP

Uncompete: Rejecting Competition to Unlock Success

Traditional work environments—where every interaction feels like a contest—can undermine innovation, stall collaboration, and leave teams fractured. In this session, Ruchika Malhotra introduces a revolutionary framework that transforms competition into mutual elevation, emphasizing how women in the workplace can break free from internal rivalries to achieve more together. Drawing on cutting-edge research and real-world case studies, Malhotra reveals how organizations that embrace cooperation, mutual benefit, and a new definition of winning unlock greater creativity, drive sustainable growth, and foster cultures where every individual thrives. You’ll leave ready to challenge entrenched mindsets, champion your colleagues’ achievements, and build a professional environment where collaboration becomes the ultimate competitive advantage.

Speaker: Ruchika Malhotra, CEO & Founder, Candour

Host: Ana Docampo, Digital Innovation Lead, Werfen

CAREER | PANEL

Power Circles: How to Build Your Personal Board of Advisors

Behind every powerful woman is a powerful circle. In this session, Thought Leader Dr. Alison Fragale will give initial remarks to explore how to build your own personal board of advisors—mentors, peers, sponsors, and allies—who challenge you, champion your growth, and help you navigate what’s next. She will then be joined by a panel of professionals who will share actionable strategies to help you cultivate intentional relationships that fuel both professional and personal success so you gain a clear sense of who belongs in your circle—and how to find them. Whether you’re looking to expand your network or deepen the connections you already have, this session offers real talk, real strategies, and the inspiration to build your most powerful community yet.

Thought Leader: Dr. Alison Fragale, Organizational Psychologist & Professor, UNC Kenan-Flagler Business School

Panelists:

  • Kem Danner, EVP, Chief Talent Officer, State Street
  • Kelli Kirwin, Sr. Director, Cisco Sales, Cisco & Board Member, MA CFW
  • Caitlin Meloy, SVP, Endowment & Foundation Specialist, Bank of America Private Bank

Host: Denise Santos, Customer Success Director, PTC

CAREER | WORKSHOP

How to Talk Gooder: Forging Better Communication at Work

Ever leave a meeting thinking “Why did I say that?” or avoid speaking up because it just feels awkward? You’re not alone—and it doesn’t have to be that way. In this refreshingly real session, Harvard Business School professor Alison Wood Brooks—creator of the popular TALK course and author of TALK: The Science of Conversation and the Art of BeingOurselves—shares how to navigate everyday conversations in the workplace with more confidence, clarity, and connection. Whether you’re pitching an idea, giving feedback, brainstorming, or just trying to make small talk less painful, she blends science and humor to help you improve how you show up in conversations—without pretending to be someone you’re not. You’ll walk away with tools to communicate more effectively, build trust faster, and feel more comfortable in your own voice—at work and beyond.

Speaker: Alison Wood Brooks, Author & Professor, Harvard Business School

Host: Taryn Smith-O’Neil, Corporate Communications Manager, United Airlines

BELONGING | WORKSHOP

3 Essentials for Building High-Trust Resilient Relationships

This session explores how high-trust, resilient relationships are the foundation for meaningful connection, sustainable success, and lasting change—both at work and in life. Led by relationship expert Shasta Nelson, you’ll learn the three essential practices that every strong relationship relies on—and how to apply them to deepen connection, increase collaboration, and build cultures of empathy and belonging. You’ll walk away with research-backed strategies to move beyond transactional interactions and develop the kind of bonds that not only enhance performance but also support well-being through times of uncertainty.

Speaker: Shasta Nelson, Author, Friendship Expert

Additional speakers to be announced!

WELLBEING | WORKSHOP

From Paychecks to Piña Coladas: Mastering Money Throughout Your Life

When Vivian Tu left Wall Street, she started sharing her financial savvy on social media to help friends build wealth and save for retirement with easy and digestible “healthy money habits”. In this session, NYT bestseller and Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree Vivian Tu shares tips and tools to help you build a successful financial strategy, from your first paycheck to Piña Coladas in retirement. Discover how to maximize your earnings, understand where to keep your money, identify tax strategies for retirement, and overcome investing fears to secure generational wealth. Attend this session to develop a Winning Money Mindset and create smart money habits that will grow your wealth for future generations to come.

Speaker: Vivian Tu, Founder & CEO, Your Rich BFF, and NYT Best-Selling Author

Additional speakers to be announced!

WELLBEING | WORKSHOP

The Longevity Shift: Women’s Health Reclaimed

Women are living longer than ever—but are we living well? Too often, critical conversations about health, hormones, mental wellbeing, and menopause are delayed, dismissed, or deprioritized. In this dynamic session, Dr. Jessica Shepherd, OB/GYN and Chief Medical Officer of Hers, breaks down what women need to know now to take control of their long-term health. Walk away with actionable insights to navigate hormone shifts (yes, including perimenopause and menopause), stress and brain health, preventative screenings, and the power of daily habits that build long-term resilience. Because longevity isn’t just about adding years—it’s about owning every stage with clarity, confidence, and intention.

Speaker: Dr. Jessica Shepherd, MD, MBA, Women’s Wellness & Longevity Expert, Chief Medical Officer – Hers and Author, Generation M

Additional speakers to be announced!

LEARNING STAGE | MINI MASTERCLASS (3:10 – 3:25 PM)

Access to Capital: From Vision to Venture

Accessing capital is one of the greatest challenges—and opportunities—for early-stage women founders. This session covers securing the funding your business deserves, from understanding internal and external funding sources to exploring traditional and alternative lending options. Learn how to master the “6 Cs of Credit” to turn your loan application into an approval, discover why business credit matters, and get practical strategies to build and strengthen it. Whether you’re just starting out or scaling your enterprise, you’ll leave with the insight, confidence, and tools to take control of your financial future and open new doors to growth.

Speaker to be announced!

4:00 pm – 5:00 pm
End of Day Party

Details to be announced!

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2025 Tickets

All in-person tickets include complimentary access to the
virtual National Conference for Women on March 4, 2026.

Before you register, please review Helpful Tips.

(2025 MA CFW ticket waitlist)

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MA GO! Ticket

December 3, 2025

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MA GO! Table

December 3, 2025

Tables seat 10

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March 4, 2026

A Virtual Gathering

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A VIRTUAL GATHERING

Boston is Sold Out!

Experience the magic another way, no travel required!

National Conference for Women on March 4, 2026
Best-in-Class Virtual Gathering.
15,000+ Professionals. Infinite Possibilities.

Learn More & Register
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Attendee Information

Getting Here
Where is the Conference located?

Boston Convention & Exhibition Center (BCEC)
415 Summer St, Boston, MA 02210 (entrance on Summer Street)

What time does the Conference start & end?

8:00 AM-5:00 PM ET

  • Doors open at 7:00 AM
  • Interactive Hall opens at 8:00 AM
  • Programming begins at 8:45 AM

Browse the day’s agenda for more specifics.

What is the best way to get there?

We highly recommend taking public transit or a rideshare to avoid traffic delays and limited parking near the venue. Please plan ahead to account for potential congestion.

Public Transit Options:

Take the MBTA Silver Line to the World Trade Center stop—just steps from the venue.
Alternatively, you can walk from South Station, a major transit hub, which is about a 15-minute walk.

Where should I park?

Book convenient and affordable parking in advance through SpotHero, the nation’s leading parking reservations app.

To reserve parking, visit the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center SpotHero Parking page and book a spot with rates up to 50% off drive-up.

Where should I stay?

For the best deals on local hotels, we recommend booking your stay using HotelMap.

 

WEBSITE BOOKING DISCLAIMER

The hotels named on this website are provided for your convenience only. Conferences for Women and EvolveCon, LLC make absolutely no representations or warranties as to the actual condition or quality of the hotel’s guestroom accommodations, facilities or amenities, or a hotel’s guestroom/suite availability at the time a reservation is requested or made. Use of this website or any link provided above to make your guestroom reservations or your stay at any of these hotels shall be without any liability whatsoever by Conferences for Women or EvolveCon, LLC. Rates offered by each hotel are subject to change without prior notice.  Individuals booking accommodations through this website or with any hotel listed will be responsible for their own room, tax, and incidental charges in accordance with such hotel’s policies. Please contact the hotel directly for additional information.

What else can I do while I’m in Boston?

Check out WBUR’s “Weird and wonderful: This is your Field Guide to Boston” for some great ideas!

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Tickets & Entry
What credentials do I need for entry?

You’ll need to bring your printed badge to access the event, and you’ll be required to wear it throughout the day. Lanyards and badge holders will be provided onsite. 

Badges will be emailed to all attendees on Monday the week of the Conference.

What if I forget or lose my badge?

In the event you lose or forget your badge, you may visit the Help Desk located in the North Lobby, however, wait times may be extensive.

What should I wear?

Most attendees choose a business casual look. You may also want to be photo-ready in case you take a professional headshot or other photo opportunity.

The venue is large and there will be a lot of walking, so we recommend wearing comfortable shoes!

Do I need to bring anything else?

A few things to pack for a smooth and productive day:

  • Reusable water bottle – Refill stations are available in the Interactive Hall and throughout the meeting spaces.
  • Resume – Take advantage of our complimentary Resume Review in the Interactive Hall. (Sign-ups happen in person on Conference Day and are first come, first serve!)
What if I need help with my registration?

If you registered yourself, please reach out to [email protected].

If you registered as part of a group and need assistance, please contact the primary registrant for your group.

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Lunch
Is lunch provided?

A complimentary boxed lunch and filtered water is provided. Please refer to the Menu for specifics.

What time is lunch?

Lunch takes place during a scheduled intermission (~11:45 AM – 12:00 PM) within the Keynote Session.

Is there assigned seating for lunch?

Yes — the Keynote Session, where lunch is served, is assigned seating. Your table assignment is designated on your badge.

Refer to the Keynote Seating Map (link forthcoming) or the CFW App to find your table location.

(Seating in all Breakout Sessions is first-come, first-served.)

Do you offer a vegan/ vegetarian/ gluten-free option?

A vegan and gluten-free alternate lunch option is available upon advance request.

Please refer to the Menu for specifics and instructions to secure the alternate meal.

What if I have special dietary needs and/or allergies not satisfied by the alternate lunch option?

If the alternative lunch option does not meet your specific needs, you’re welcome to bring your own food for the day. Additionally, Concessions will be available to purchase food.

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Agenda
Is a printed program book available?

The Conference is paperless — you can access all session information (and much more) on the CFW App!

Download it today from your app store. Just search “The Conferences for Women.”

What is the flow of the day?

Browse the Agendafor a snapshot of the day’s programming.

The Conference includes one Keynote Session (10:15 AM – 1:20 PM), three Breakout Sessions (at 8:45 AM, 1:45 PM, and 3:15 PM), lunch intermission (11:45 AM), end-of-day party (4:00 PM), and free time built in for networking, 1:1 Career Coaching, Resume Review, and to explore Interactive Hall offerings.

When can I see the Keynote speakers?

The Keynote Session takes place from 10:15 AM – 1:20 PM , with a 30-minute lunch intermission starting at 11:45 AM.

When do Breakout Sessions take place?

Session offerings are available in three time blocks throughout the day: 

Session I – 8:45 – 9:45 AM

Session II – 1:45 – 2:45 PM

Session III – 3:15 – 4:15 PM 

Many sessions will be repeated so you don’t have to miss your favorite speakers and sessions.

Browse the Agenda for a snapshot of the day’s programming. And learn about session formats and tracks here.

Do I need to sign up for Breakout Sessions in advance?

Advance sign-up is NOT required for Breakout Sessions; however seating is first-come, first-served.

We encourage you to review the Agenda in advance and plan out which sessions you want to attend. It’s a good idea to have a backup in mind in case your first choice is full!

When do Resume Review & Career Coaching take place?

Complimentary 1:1 Resume Review and Career Coaching will take place in the Interactive hall throughout the day — except during the Keynote Session.

Advance sign-up is required onsite. Space is limited and appointments are first-come, first-served  from 8:00 AM–10:15 AM and 1:20 PM–5:00 PM.

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Safety And Accessibility
Is there security?

Yes, all Conference attendees will be required to pass through security (and magnetometers) upon entry.

We do NOT have a clear bag policy—all types of bags are allowed and all are subject to search.

Is there a coat check available?

Yes, two coat checks will be available:

  • North Lobby, near the Help Desk
  • Interactive Hall

The cost is $5 per item, payable via cash, credit, and Apple Pay.

The coat check will also accept luggage.

Do you have accommodations in place for the hearing impaired?

The Keynote Session will be closed-captioned.

What if I need another accommodation?

CFW creates an inclusive and accessible experience for all attendees. We request 30 days advance notice of any special accessibility needs. If you have questions, please reach out to [email protected].

I am a nursing mother — where can I pump & store milk?

There is a Mamava nursing pod available on Level 1, across from Meeting Room 159.

There is also a dedicated Nursing Mothers Room. You’ll find power outlets and refrigeration in Meeting Room 101 on Level 1.

Will men’s restrooms be available?

Most restrooms have been converted to women’s, with the exception of the following men’s rooms:

  • Level 0 – Exhibit Hall (east wall) & General Session (east wall)
  • Level 0 – Southeast Lobby B2
  • Level 1 – North Lobby (east wall) and SE & SW ends of hallways
  • Level 2 – SE & SW ends of hallways
  • Level 3 – East and West sides of Ballroom
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Interactive Hall
What is happening in the Interactive Hall this year?

This year’s Interactive Hall is bursting with energy, connection, and experiences you won’t want to miss. Explore dynamic exhibitor booths, shop the Marketplace, enjoy photo ops, visit the Bookstore Lounge, and recharge with Learning & Wellness Stage sessions. Plus, take advantage of free professional headshots (& makeup touch-ups), career development services like 1:1 Resume Reviews & Career Coaching, and opportunities to connect with top employers. 

How do I sign up for Career Coaching / Resume Review?

Appointments are first-come, first-served and are open from 8:00 AM–10:15 AM and 1:20 PM–5:00 PM.

Look for signage in the Career Hub inside the Interactive Hall.

Where can I find a list of this year’s exhibitors?

A current list of exhibitors can be found on the CFW App, and a directory will be available in the Interactive Hall onsite.

What networking opportunities can I expect?

Visit the Networking & Connections area within the Interactive Hall to participate in Small Group Networking Meet-Ups.

You can also use the CFW App to easily connect and share information with fellow attendees.

How can I stay connected before and after the event?

Connect with us on LinkedInlike us on Facebookfollow us on Instagram, and tune into our podcast, Women Amplified.

Use the CFW App to easily find and connect with fellow attendees.

Download the CFW App to access everything you need on event day—like the agenda, speaker info, maps, networking options, and exclusive giveaways—and to connect with fellow attendees. But don’t delete it after the Conference! The App is your 365-day connection to the CFW community. Stay plugged in with year-round inspiring content, CFW communications, and access to the free Career Connections Program—all in one easy-to-use platform.

And keep an eye out for our monthly newsletter, The Conference in Your Inbox, packed with tips and inspiration from Conference speakers and beyond!

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National Conference for Women (virtual)
Do I need to purchase a separate ticket for the virtual Conference on March 4, 2026?

Your ticket to the in-person Conference on December 3rd includes free access to the virtual National Conference in 2026. There’s nothing more to do now. Stay tuned via email with information and login instructions in early 2026.

Want to invite friends and colleagues to join you online? Additional tickets can be purchased here.

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State Street
EMD Group
Fidelity Investments logo, black text and icon.
Hologic logo with tag
PTC logo with digital transforms physical tagline
Sanofi logo
Takeda logo
Red Target bullseye logo
Cisco logo no TM midnight blue
Bank of America vertical
Johnson & Johnson logo, red letters
Liberty Mutual Stacked
Teradyne company logo in blue gradient
TJX and its store logos, including T.J.Maxx.
United Airlines logo, blue text and globe.
Werfen company logo in blue.
Accenture logo
Canyon Ranch logo in orange text
Dell Technologies logo, blue text on white background.
EF Education First black logo with text
Healthcare Businesswomen’s Association purple logo
Lantheus logo with abstract green shapes.
Needham Bank logo with tagline.
New Balance logo
Novartis logo with colorful emblem.
Alkermes company logo with red swoosh
Alnylam company logo with abstract design
Boston Swan logo in green and black shield
Bristol Myers Squibb logo R
Converse logo
Cytiva logo in green and black colors
EvolveCon: Your Event Master Plan logo
Flagship Pioneering logo with colored triangles
IPG Photonics company logo with stylized design
P&G Gillette logo in dark blue font
Harvard Pilgrim, Tufts Health Plan, Point32Health logos
Surfside logo with lemon and sun design
University of Massachusetts
Vertex Pharmaceuticals company logo
ZEISS logo with tagline Seeing Beyond
AAA Northeast logo with red and blue design.
Arbella Insurance Foundation logo with ship icon.
Bentley University Center for Women and Business logo
City Wide Facility Solutions Boston logo
Clean Harbors
Cloudera company logo in red text
Commonwealth logo with blue abstract design
Logo of Keolis company
Manatt logo on yellow background
Merck logo
MIT Professional Education logo
Logo with the word SAM
Bank of America logo in black text
Weber Shandwick company logo design
ICF New England Charter Chapter logo
iRelaunch logo, normalizing career breaks
Juniper Networks Foundation Fund logo
Mandarin Oriental Boston logo with fan design.
ReachHIRE logo in blue text
Magic 106.7 radio logo
Mix 104.1 logo
The Boston Globe logo, est. 1872
WBUR logo with green dot design.
WCVB Boston's Community Leader logo

Interactive Hall

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