WBC Action for Impact Summit

Driving Innovation and Success Through Tech-Powered Leadership

12:00 PM | Impact and Action Innovation and Tech in 2025
Introduction with Gwen K. Young, CEO, Women Business Collaborative

12:02 PM | Building the New Operating Environment
In today’s rapidly evolving workplace, marked by digital transformation and hybrid models, inclusive and efficient operations is paramount. This panel brings together distinguished leaders with extensive cross-sector experience in establishing and optimizing complex environments to delve into practical strategies for developing adaptable leadership models, systematically empowering women’s professional development and growth, ensuring meaningful connections in asynchronous teams, and cultivating an environment to maximize all employees’ productivity. This discussion aims to uncover actionable insights for building resilient and inclusive ecosystems that drive efficient operations in the future of work.

• Moderator: Kevin Cirilli, Founder and President, Meet the Future
• Eries Mentzer, Colonel USAF (Ret.) Principal, The Freedom to Serve Solutions
• Mary O’Brien, Lt Gen USAF (Ret.), CEO, Mary O’Brien Strategies LLC

12:15 PM | Women Leading in Technology
As technology accelerates across industries, the very structure of the workforce is being redefined, especially within the tech sector. From AI-driven operations and cyber innovation to enterprise transformation and infrastructure optimization, organizations are navigating how to harness technology for growth, agility, and impact. This conversation will explore how digital innovation is reshaping jobs, leadership, and opportunity in 2025 – and what it takes to build tech-enabled, people-centered organizations in a rapidly evolving world.

• Moderator: Kurt Merriweather, Co-Founder and VP of Marketing, The Diversity Movement
• Christine Bongard, President, The WIT Network
• Rashmi Chaturvedi, Co-Founder and President, Kaygen, Inc.
• Theresa Harrison, Sr. Managing Partner, GEORGE STREET Services, Inc.
• Joyce Hunter, Executive Director for Collaboration & Education, Mission Critical
• Melissa Moreno, Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer, Lindsay Corporation

12:50 PM | Demystifying AI: Practical Applications for Business Growth
Artificial intelligence is transforming industries, but how can businesses harness its full potential? This panel explores practical AI applications that drive efficiency, innovation, and competitive advantage. Experts will discuss how AI is revolutionizing operations, improving decision-making, and reshaping customer experiences. Whether you’re integrating AI into your business for the first time or refining your existing strategy, this session will provide valuable insights on leveraging AI for sustainable business growth.

• Moderator: Rona Bunn, Chief Information Officer, NACD
• Soribel Feliz, AI Governance Policy Advisor, US Dept. of Homeland Security
• Alicia Lyttle, Founder and CEO, AI Innovision
• Merri C. Moken, Partner, Brown Rudnick

1:10 PM | Risk and Response: How Companies Are Protecting Our Future
From cybersecurity threats to climate change, businesses must proactively manage risks to ensure long-term success. This panel examines how companies are identifying vulnerabilities, mitigating risks, and developing crisis response strategies. Industry leaders will share insights into risk management frameworks, business continuity planning, and innovative solutions that safeguard operations. Learn how organizations are strengthening resilience and preparing for the unexpected in an increasingly complex global landscape.

• Moderator: Johanna Jones, President & CEO, ITSMF
• Mary Chaney, Chairwoman, CEO and President, Minorities in Cybersecurity Inc.
• Tara Giunta, Board Vice Chair, Invest Ahead; ESG and Sustainable Finance Lawyer; WBC Board Director
• Alexandra Whittington, Futurist, Tata Consultancy Services
• Meredith Wilson, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Emergent Risk International LLC

Empowering Women Entrepreneurs to Fuel the Economy

12:00 PM | WBC Legacy Award – Edie Fraser
Join WBC in honoring our visionary founder for her dedication and commitment to our community. This fireside chat, hosted by WBC’s Board Chair, India Gary Martin, is the presentation of the inaugural WBC Legacy Award to Edie Fraser, founder of WBC, for her life-long contributions to supporting women and entrepreneurship. These WBC leaders will cover topics such as Edie’s inspiration, entrepreneurial journey, the motivation behind launching WBC, and advice for all who support equal position, pay and power for women in business.

• Interviewer: India Gary Martin, Founder and CEO Leadership for Execs & Relucent Learning; WBC Board Chair
• Edie Fraser, Honorary Chair and Founder, Women Business Collaborative (WBC)

12:10 PM | Women Business Owners Fueling the Economy
Women entrepreneurs are significant drivers of economic growth and innovation. However, access to funding remains a critical barrier, hindering their potential and limiting overall economic advancement. This panel showcases how WBC community members and partners are actively working to close the gender funding gap. Experts will highlight actionable steps being taken to increase financial support and share insights on how investors, policymakers, and WBC stakeholders are collaborating to build a more equitable financial system that empowers women entrepreneurs and strengthens the economy.

• Moderator: Enid Doggett, CEO, INSPR Media
• Camille Burns, CEO, Women Presidents Organization (WPO)
• Myla Skinner, President and CEO, Committee of 200 (C200)
• Laura Taylor, Sr. VP, Strategic Financial Services & WBE Engagement, Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC)

12:30 PM | Scaling with Support: Women Entrepreneurs and Public Funding Opportunities
Access to capital and government resources remain uneven and often unavailable to women entrepreneurs, limiting the scale and sustainability of many women-led ventures. This panel explores how public funding, government-backed programs, and policy initiatives are helping close that gap. Join experts as they discuss the evolving landscape of federal, state, and local support, from grants and procurement opportunities, to R&D funding and technical assistance. Whether you’re a founder, funder, or policymaker, this session will leave you with actionable strategies to fuel growth and equity through public sector partnerships.

• Moderator: Mignon Clyburn, Principal, MLC Strategies
• Sima Ladjevardian, President, Women’s Entrepreneurship Institute
• Nicole Venable, Senior Vice President, Invariant

12:45 PM | Entrepreneurs of Purpose – Entrepreneurs, Driving Big Change
What does it mean to be an entrepreneur of purpose in today’s dynamic business landscape? This powerful conversation explores how women founders are building companies that not only scale financially but also deliver lasting purpose, community impact and legacy. From mission-driven models to community partnership, these leaders are redefining success by embedding purpose at the core of their business strategy. Panelists will explore the challenges and opportunities of aligning purpose with profitability, building trust with stakeholders, and leaving a legacy that reflects not just what they built—but why they built it.

• Moderator: Edie Fraser, Honorary Chair and Founder, Women Business Collaborative (WBC)
• Brittany N. Cole, CEO, Career Thrivers
• Kathie Okun, President, Okun Financial Group
• Ciemone Sheppard, CEO, Ciemone Inc.
• Judi Sheppard Missett, Founder and Executive Chair, Jazzercise
• Sue Watkins, President and CEO, Telecom Transport Services

1:05 PM | Fashion Forward: Equity and Innovation Fueling Sustainable Impact
Innovation, resilience, and entrepreneurial vision drive success in today’s fashion industry. In this dynamic conversation, Felita Harris, Executive Director of RAISEfashion, joins Lynda Erkiletian, founder and CEO of T•H•E Artist Agency, for a discussion on cultivating opportunities, raising capital, and shaping the future of BIPOC fashion. From launching groundbreaking initiatives to forging bold partnerships with fashion, retail, and sports giants, this conversation explores how entrepreneurial leadership is transforming opportunities for diverse creators and brands.

• Interviewer: Lynda Erkiletian, President, T•H•E Artist Agency
• Felita Harris, Co-Founder and Executive Director, RAISEfashion

1:15 PM | Supplier Opportunity in Action: Building Partnerships with Entrepreneurs
Diverse and inclusive supply chains drive innovation and economic growth. This panel highlights how corporations are building meaningful partnerships with small and diverse businesses, creating more opportunities for underrepresented entrepreneurs. Industry experts will share best practices for supplier diversity, inclusive procurement strategies, and how fostering equitable supply chains benefits both businesses and communities. Discover how organizations are making supplier diversity a core business strategy for long-term success.

• Moderator: Sharon Reynolds, CEO and Founder, DevMar Manufacturing; WBC Board Director
• Sharina Perry, Founder, Utopia Plastix
• Dr. Felicia Phillips, CEO, Heartland Solutions
• Diedre Windsor, CEO, Windsor Group LLC

Advancing Capital to Secure the Future of Business

12:00 PM | Impact and Action in Capital
Introduction with Gwen K. Young, CEO, Women Business Collaborative

12:02 PM | Investing in the Future: Women as Catalysts for Scalable Change Fireside Chat
What will it take to truly grow capital access for women, and what happens when we do? This candid discussion will touch on how targeted investments in women entrepreneurs not only close funding gaps but also unlock economic and social returns that benefit entire communities. From the bold vision behind Pivotal Ventures’ mission, to the rise of women-led venture capital firms, this fireside chat will explore the structural shifts and investment approaches reshaping the capital landscape.

• Interviewer: La Keisha Landrum Pierre, General Partner and Co-Founder, Emmeline Ventures
• Erin Harkless Moore, Managing Director – Investments, Pivotal Ventures

12:17 PM | Advancing Capital to Secure the Future of Business
Access to appropriate capital is fundamental for growth and innovation. This panel brings together leaders from organizations dedicated to expanding economic opportunities for women and underrepresented entrepreneurs. Drawing from their extensive experience in venture funding, business advocacy, and entrepreneurial development, our experts will share insights on navigating the evolving capital landscape. Join us as they discuss how to align funding strategies with business objectives and overcome historical challenges to create more equitable access to capital.

• Moderator: Jen Earle, CEO, National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO)
• Melissa Bradley, Co-Founder, New Majority Ventures
• Joy Fairbanks, Managing Principal, Fairbanks Venture Advisors
• Kelly O’Connell, Managing Partner, 360 Venture Collective

12:37 PM | The Future Is Funded: Working #FasterTogether
In this replay of the closing fireside chat of the 2025 Women’s Capital Summit, Astia’s CIO Victoria Pettibone chats with Jesse Draper, Founding Partner of Halogen Ventures, in a candid and inspiring conversation about the future of funding for women-led startups. Jesse shares her unique path from Emmy-nominated TV host to influential venture capitalist, and how her journey shapes Halogen Ventures’ mission to back female founders. The conversation explores the current funding climate from a funder’s perspective, actionable advice for women entrepreneurs, and highlights standout companies from Halogen’s portfolio.

• Interviewer: Victoria Pettibone, CIO and Managing Director, Astia
• Jesse Draper, Founding Partner, Halogen Ventures

1:00 PM | Meeting Market Demand
Women-led banks are playing a pivotal role in driving inclusive growth and expanding access to capital for women in business. This panel brings together leaders from leading institutions to discuss how their missions, models, and leadership are reshaping the financial sector from the top down. From advancing more women into C-suite and board roles to designing products and services that meet the unique needs of women entrepreneurs, these banks are setting a new standard for intentional investment.

• Moderator: Peter Abrahams, Director – New Business, Associates International
• Marianne Markowitz, President and CEO, First Women’s Bank
• Josephine Moran, President and CEO, Ledyard Financial Group

1:15 PM | Women Leading Markets: Early Stage Capital
Early-stage capital is key to setting the right foundation for a business’s long-term growth. This dynamic pre-recorded session from the 2025 Women’s Capital Summit features two founders reshaping access to capital in energy and private equity. Joley Michaelson, CEO of The Sun Company, and Kelly Ann Winget, CEO of Alternative Wealth Partners, share how they structured their investor-founder relationship for long-term trust, navigated the complexities of fundraising, and built stakeholder trust in industries often resistant to change. From energy innovation to inclusive private equity, this conversation offers real-world insights on aligning capital strategy with vision.

• Interviewer: Kelly Ann Winget, Founder and CEO, Alternative Wealth Partners
• Joley Michaelson, Founder and CEO, The Sun Company

Elevating the Game for Women in Sports Business

12:00 PM | Impact and Action 2025 In the Arena

Introduction with Gwen K. Young, CEO, Women Business Collaborative

12:05 PM | Impact Talk: Women in Sports Leadership

• Lois Cook, CEO, FootballHer; Vice President, WFA D.C. Divas
• Rich Daniel, Owner and Team President, WFA D.C. Divas

12:15 PM | Game Changers: Advancing Equity in the Business of Sports
The sports industry is evolving, but systemic barriers still exist. This panel explores how organizations, athletes, and business leaders are working to advance equity in sports, from leadership representation to financial investment. Speakers will discuss strategies for increasing diversity, closing gender pay gaps, and driving meaningful industry-wide change. Whether in management, sponsorship, or media, discover how key players are pushing for a more inclusive and equitable future in the business of sports.

• Moderator: Thayer Lavielle, Managing Director, Wasserman
• Peter Giorgio, Global and US Sports Practice Lead, Deloitte
• Danette Leighton, CEO, Women’s Sports Foundation
• Dr. DeRetta Rhodes, Executive Vice President & Chief Culture Officer, Atlanta Braves; WBC Board Director
• Nancy K. Stewart, VP, People & Culture, San Diego Wave Fútbol Club

12:35 PM | Title IX Beyond Compliance: Bridging Sports Equity and Business Leadership
More than five decades after Title IX reshaped the landscape of education and athletics, its ripple effects continue to influence leadership pipelines far beyond the locker room. This panel explores how gender equity in sports has laid the groundwork for broader inclusion in business, public service, and corporate leadership—and how its evolving legacy can drive equity across sectors.

• Sarah Axelson, Vice President – Advocacy, Women’s Sports Foundation
• Hon. Cheri Bustos, Partner and Co-Chair; Mercury Public Affairs; Former US Representative, IL-17
• Hon. Charles T. (Tom) McMillen, President and Chief Executive Officer, LEAD1 Association; Former US Representative, MD-4

12:50 PM | Coaching Beyond the Game: Building the Next Generation of Leaders
This dynamic panel explores the pivotal role coaches play in shaping not only athletic talent but also the leadership pipeline for a career beyond the field. From grassroots to elite levels, coaches are uniquely positioned to influence character, confidence, and career readiness. Join us as we dive into how intentional coaching strategies can foster resilience, equity, and long-term success—on the pitch, in the boardroom, and everywhere in between.

• Moderator: Beth Twomey, Chief Operating Officer, US Tennis Association Mid-Atlantic Foundation
• Paul Caccamo, Founder and CEO, Coach Across America
• Sandi James, Coach, WFA D.C.Divas; Head Coach, Flag Football, Marymount University
• Nicole LaVoi, Director, The Tucker Center for Research on Girls & Women in Sport and Senior Lecturer, School of Kinesiology, University of Minnesota
• Katie Ritchie, Club Liaison, San Diego Wave FC; Girls Coaching Director, SD Force FC; Former Professional Soccer Player
• Kelsey Trainor, Consultant, Athena Global Advisors

1:10 PM | Here Comes the Boom: Investing in Women’s Sports
Women’s sports are gaining unprecedented momentum, but sustained investment is key to long-term success. This panel explores the financial opportunities emerging in women’s sports, from sponsorship deals to media rights and venture capital. Experts will discuss the factors driving this growth, the challenges that remain, and strategies to further accelerate investment. Learn how businesses and investors can capitalize on the growing market for women’s sports and help shape its future.

• Monika Mantilla, Co-Founder, Altura Capital
• Donna Orender, Founder, Investor, Commissioner, The Upshot League
• Dee Robinson, CEO, Robinson Hill; Founder and CEO, GT Spirits Company
• Anne Sempowski Ward, Chairwoman of the Board, SPS Commerce, Vanda Pharmaceuticals, Curio Brands, and The Lip Bar; Minority Owner, WNBA Chicago Sky and USL Super League Fort Lauderdale United FC