Massachusetts

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 including Career, Community, Learning, Wellbeing, and Small Business Hub

Complimentary Professional Headshots and Makeup Touch-Ups

*First-come, first served!

View Interactive Hall Highlights

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

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.

Moderator: Liz Paulson, Associate Vice President, Life Sciences Market Sales Leader, LexisNexis Risk Solutions

Executive Mentors:

• Heather Connor, Global Communications, Healthcare, EMD Serono, MilliporeSigma, EMD Electronics
• Dr. Shiva Malek, Global Head, Oncology Disease Area, Novartis Biomedical Research
• Dr. Jennifer Schneiders, President, Diagnostic Solutions, Hologic

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:

• Amy Atwood, VP, U.S. and Global Corporate Communications, Takeda Pharmaceuticals
• Monisha Dabek, Chief Operating Officer, Ocean Spray; Board Member, MA CFW
• Mika Clark Tupy, Managing Director- Alliances, United Airlines

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Nereyda Garcia (Neh-ray-dah), Vice President, Head of Ethics & Compliance, Takeda Pharmaceuticals

Liz Glotch, Group Vice President, Target

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

Jesse Israel, Human Performance & Wellbeing Expert, 5X Audible, Worldwide Best-Seller, Founder of The Big Quiet
In Conversation With Gabrielle Bernstein, New York Times Best-Selling Author, Spiritual Teacher

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, Emmy Award-Winning Television Host
In Conversation With Kelly Choi, Multi-Emmy-Winning Producer, Writer & Author

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

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

VIEW LUNCH MENU

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

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

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

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

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

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: Heather P. Campion, Managing Director, Diversified Search Group & Board Member, MA CFW

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

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

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

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

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

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

Stronger Than You Think

In this powerful and thought-provoking session, Ali Truwit will discuss resilience, grit, and leadership in the face of unwanted change. Reflecting on her own journey of overcoming trauma, she will offer authentic, inspiring insights on how to embrace change with courage and determination and how to turn hardship into hope.

Speaker: Ali Truwit, Paralympic silver medalist; Founder, strongerthanyouthink.org

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

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

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

Power Circles: How to Build Your Personal Board of Advisors

Behind every powerful woman is a powerful circle. In this session, Alison Fragale, organizational psychologist and bestselling author of Likeable Badass: How Women Get the Success They Deserve will offer practical tips for building 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, Author & 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

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

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

Host: Carmen Arce, Chief Operating Officer, The Partnership, Inc. & Board Member, MA CFW

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: Nora Yousif, CFP®, CDFA®, MBA, Financial Advisor, Senior Vice President, EmpowHER House Financial Group at RBC Wealth Management

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: Kimberly Vaughan, Founder and Principal, Summit & Board Member, MA CFW

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: Nancy Rosedale, Vice-President Business Banking Relationship Mgr, Bank of America

Scale and Thrive: The New Blueprint for Sustainable Success

The Founders of Good Sports explore how leaders can grow their impact without sacrificing well-being, beginning with a clear look at what it truly means to scale—and why doing so matters—while distinguishing real burnout from the common pressures that often get mistaken for it. You’ll learn core strategies for sustainable success, from surrounding yourself with a trusted inner circle and focusing on the right priorities to building strong processes across systems and teams. Gain the practical, tactical habits that keep leaders grounded, including effective compartmentalization, protecting capacity, and intentionally feeding the parts of life that restore energy and purpose.

Speakers:

• Christy Keswick, Co-founder & President, Good Sports
• Melissa Harper, Co-founder & CEO, Good Sports

The Art of Human Connection: Using Storytelling and AI to Make Every Interaction Matter

A simple conversation at a COVID vaccine clinic revealed a timeless truth for Nupur Patel: genuine connection is what people crave most. This session explores how to make every interaction—virtual or in-person—more memorable through storytelling, presence, and mindful use of AI. Learn practical ways to craft “sticky” moments by pairing emotional awareness and body language with AI tools that help you personalize, prepare, and follow up with empathy. Discover how technology can enhance, not replace, the art of human connection.

Speaker: Nupur Patel, Customer Relationship Manager, Cognizant

Rebalancing the Busy Brain: The Science of Stress, Hormones, and Focus

If you’ve felt anxious, unfocused, or trapped in brain fog, you’re not broken — your brain is busy. Holistic This session reveals how what we often call burnout is really a hormonal and neurochemical imbalance. Drawing on science and storytelling from her best-selling book The Busy Brain Cure, Dr. Romie explains how cortisol, estrogen, and other hormonal shifts can quietly hijack focus, mood, and confidence. Learn practical, evidence-based tools to calm your cortisol, balance your hormones, and bring your brilliance back into rhythm—through every phase of life.

Speaker: Dr. Romie Mushtaq, Neurologist; Founder, brainSHIFT

Details to be announced!