BEGIN:VCALENDAR VERSION:2.0 PRODID:-//Women Business Collaborative - ECPv6.14.0//NONSGML v1.0//EN CALSCALE:GREGORIAN METHOD:PUBLISH X-WR-CALNAME:Women Business Collaborative X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://www.wbcollaborative.org X-WR-CALDESC:Events for Women Business Collaborative REFRESH-INTERVAL;VALUE=DURATION:PT1H X-Robots-Tag:noindex X-PUBLISHED-TTL:PT1H BEGIN:VTIMEZONE TZID:America/New_York BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0400 TZNAME:EDT DTSTART:20250309T070000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0400 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:EST DTSTART:20251102T060000 END:STANDARD END:VTIMEZONE BEGIN:VTIMEZONE TZID:America/New_York BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0400 TZNAME:EDT DTSTART:20250309T070000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0400 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:EST DTSTART:20251102T060000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0400 TZNAME:EDT DTSTART:20260308T070000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0400 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:EST DTSTART:20261101T060000 END:STANDARD END:VTIMEZONE BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20250915 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20250920 DTSTAMP:20260429T085737 CREATED:20250519T135745Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251206T002046Z UID:51820-1757894400-1758326399@www.wbcollaborative.org SUMMARY:Action for Impact Summit 2025 DESCRIPTION:WBC Action for Impact Summit\non LinkedIn\nThis was a weeklong virtual experience celebrating innovation\, leadership\, and equity in business. From September 15–19\, 2025\, we brought together trailblazing business leaders\, changemakers\, and innovators from across industries to spotlight the top business trends shaping the future for women in leadership. We are pleased to be able to share those sessions with you here to watch at your convenience. \n \n View the Program\n \n \nNew! Impact Talks on Spotify\nThe insights from WBC’s Action for Impact annual summit are now available\, weekly! \n \n Listen on Spotify\n \n \nSummit Themes\, Agenda & Session Recordings \n \n12:00 PM | Impact and Action: Workforce in 2025A4I Kick-Off with Gwen K. Young\, CEO\, Women Business Collaborative \n12:02 PM | Leading Companies and Workplaces in 2025 \n\nModerator: David Chun\, Founder and CEO\, Equilar\nCheryl Rosario\, Head of DEI and CSR\, Munich Re\nKhalil Smith\, Vice President\, Inclusion\, Diversity\, and Engagement\, Akamai Technologies\n\n12:22 PM | Building the Workplace of the Future \n\nModerator: Dr. Rohini Anand\, DEI Advisor\, Author\, Board Member\, & Esteemed Speaker\nSubha Barry\, President\, Seramount\nNadine Bullock-Pottinga\, Senior Advisor\, Paradigm for Parity\nJennifer McCollum\, President and CEO\, Catalyst\n\n12:42 PM | Impact Talk: Leveraging Technology and Community to Address Disparities in Care \n\nInterviewer: Gwen K. Young\, CEO\, Women Business Collaborative\nDr. J. Nwando Olayiwola\, President Advocate National Center for Clinical & Community Impact & Senior Vice President Advocate Health; Professor\, Wake Forest School of Medicine\n\n12:52 PM | Corporate Responsibility in Crisis: How Businesses Lead Disaster Response \n\nModerator: Cid Wilson\, President & Chief Executive Officer\, HACR\nBalaji Ganapathy\, Sustainability Advisor\, WBC Board Director\nClaude Zukowski\, Senior Director\, Community Impact\, Procter & Gamble\n\n1:12 PM | Leading Today’s Workforce: From Governance to Operations \n\nModerator: Laine Gandy\, Director\, Adecco Group US Foundation\nKendra Cato\, Director of Strategic Partnerships\, Advance Partners\nMolly Day\, Chief Operating Officer\, Moms First\nMegan Shattuck\, Vice Chair and Global Managing Partner\, Corporate Business\, DSG Global\n\n \n12:00 PM | Impact and Action: Innovation and Technology in 2025Introduction with Gwen K. Young\, CEO\, Women Business Collaborative \n12:02 PM | Building the New Operating Environment \n\nModerator: Kevin Cirilli\, Founder and President\, Meet the Future\nEries Mentzer\, Colonel USAF (Ret.) Principal\, The Freedom to Serve Solutions\nMary O’Brien\, Lt Gen USAF (Ret.)\, CEO\, Mary O’Brien Strategies LLC\n\n12:15 PM | Women Leading in Technology \n\nModerator: Kurt Merriweather\, Co-Founder and VP of Marketing\, The Diversity Movement\nChristine Bongard\, President\, The WIT Network\nRashmi Chaturvedi\, Co-Founder and President\, Kaygen\, Inc.\nJoyce Hunter\, Executive Director for Collaboration & Education\, Mission Critical\nMelissa Moreno\, Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer\, Lindsay Corporation\n\n12:35 PM | From Startup to Scale: Funding and Exiting Women-Led Tech Ventures \n\nErika Baez-Grimes\, Certified M&A Professional & Founder of THE BPH Group\nTheresa Harrison\, Managing Partner\, George Street Services; Founder\, Misinformant\n\n12:50 PM | Demystifying AI: Practical Applications for Business Growth \n\nModerator: Rona Bunn\, Chief Information Officer\, NACD\nSoribel Feliz\, AI Governance Policy Advisor\, US Dept. of Homeland Security\nAlicia Lyttle\, Founder and CEO\, AI Innovision\n\n1:10 PM | Risk and Response: How Companies Are Protecting Our Future \n\nModerator: Johanna Jones\, President & CEO\, ITSMF\nMary Chaney\, Chairwoman\, CEO and President\, Minorities in Cybersecurity Inc.\nTara Giunta\, Board Vice Chair\, Invest Ahead; ESG and Sustainable Finance Lawyer; WBC Board Director\nAlexandra Whittington\, Futurist\, Tata Consultancy Services\nMeredith Wilson\, Founder and Chief Executive Officer\, Emergent Risk International LLC\n\n \n12:00 PM | WBC Legacy Award – Edie Fraser \n\nInterviewer: India Gary Martin\, Founder and CEO Leadership for Execs & Relucent Learning; WBC Board Chair\nEdie Fraser\, Honorary Chair and Founder\, Women Business Collaborative (WBC)\n\n12:10 PM | Women Business Owners Fueling the Economy \n\nModerator: Enid Doggett\, CEO\, INSPR Media\nAngela Dingle\, CEO\, WIPP\nMyla Skinner\, CEO\, C200\nLaura Taylor\, Sr. VP\, Strategic Financial Services & WBE Engagement\, WBENC\n\n12:30 PM | Scaling with Support: Women Entrepreneurs and Public Funding Opportunities \n\nModerator: Mignon Clyburn\, Principal\, MLC Strategies\nSima Ladjevardian\, President\, Women’s Entrepreneurship Institute\nNicole Venable\, Senior Vice President\, Invariant\n\n12:45 PM | Entrepreneurs of Purpose – Entrepreneurs\, Driving Big Change \n\nModerator: Edie Fraser\, Honorary Chair and Founder\, Women Business Collaborative (WBC)\nBrittany N. Cole\, CEO\, Career Thrivers\nKathie Okun\, President\, Okun Financial Group\nCiemone Sheppard\, CEO\, Ciemone Inc.\nJudi Sheppard Missett\, Founder and Executive Chair\, Jazzercise\nSue Watkins\, President and CEO\, Telecom Transport Services\n\n1:05 PM | Fashion Forward: Equity and Innovation Fueling Sustainable Impact \n\nInterviewer: Lynda Erkiletian\, President\, T•H•E Artist Agency\nFelita Harris\, Co-Founder and Executive Director\, RAISEfashion\n\n1:15 PM | Supplier Opportunity in Action: Building Partnerships with Entrepreneurs \n\nModerator: Sharon Reynolds\, CEO and Founder\, DevMar Manufacturing; WBC Board Director\nDr. Barbara Brown\, Founder and CEO\, CapitolHill Consortium for Counseling & Consultation (CCCC)\nSharina Perry\, Founder\, Utopia Plastix\nDr. Felicia Phillips\, CEO\, Heartland Solutions\nDiedre Windsor\, CEO\, Windsor Group LLC\n\n \n12:00 PM | Impact and Action: Access to Capital in 2025Introduction with Gwen K. Young\, CEO\, Women Business Collaborative \n12:02 PM | Investing in the Future: Women as Catalysts for Scalable Change Fireside Chat \n\nInterviewer: La Keisha Landrum Pierre\, General Partner and Co-Founder\, Emmeline Ventures\nErin Harkless Moore\, Vice President and Managing Director\, Investments\, Pivotal Ventures\n\n12:17 PM | Advancing Capital to Secure the Future of Business \n\nModerator: Jen Earle\, CEO\, National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO)\nMelissa Bradley\, Co-Founder\, New Majority Ventures\nJoy Fairbanks\, Managing Principal\, Fairbanks Venture Advisors\n\n12:37 PM | The Future Is Funded: Working #FasterTogether \n\nInterviewer: Victoria Pettibone\, CIO and Managing Director\, Astia\nJesse Draper\, Founding Partner\, Halogen Ventures\n\n1:00 PM | Meeting Market Demand \n\nModerator: Peter Abrahams\, Director – New Business\, Associates International\nMarianne Markowitz\, President and CEO\, First Women’s Bank\nJosephine Moran\, President and CEO\, Ledyard Bank\n\n1:15 PM | Women Leading Markets: Early Stage Capital \n\nInterviewer: Kelly Ann Winget\, Founder and CEO\, Alternative Wealth Partners\nJoley Michaelson\, Founder and CEO\, The Sun Company\n\n \n12:00 PM | Impact and Action: 2025 In the Arena \nIntroduction with Gwen K. Young\, CEO\, Women Business Collaborative \n12:05 PM | Impact Talk: Women in Sports Leadership \n\nLois Cook\, CEO\, FootballHer; Vice President\, WFA D.C. Divas\nRich Daniel\, Owner and Team President\, WFA D.C. Divas\n\n12:15 PM | Game Changers: Advancing Equity in the Business of Sports \n\nModerator: Thayer Lavielle\, Managing Director – The Collective\, Wasserman\nPeter Giorgio\, Global and US Sports Practice Lead\, Deloitte\nDanette Leighton\, CEO\, Women’s Sports Foundation\nDr. DeRetta Rhodes\, Executive Vice President & Chief Culture Officer\, Atlanta Braves; WBC Board Director\nNancy K. Stewart\, VP\, People & Culture\, San Diego Wave Fútbol Club\n\n12:35 PM | Title IX Beyond Compliance: Bridging Sports Equity and Business Leadership \n\nSarah Axelson\, Vice President – Advocacy\, Women’s Sports Foundation\nHon. Cheri Bustos\, Partner and Co-Chair; Mercury Public Affairs; Former US Representative\, IL-17\nHon. Charles T. (Tom) McMillen\, Partner\, Moran Global Strategies; Former US Representative\, MD-4\n\n12:50 PM | Coaching Beyond the Game: Building the Next Generation of Leaders \n\nModerator: Beth Twomey\, Chief Operating Officer\, USTA Mid-Atlantic Foundation\nPaul Caccamo\, Founder and CEO\, Coach Across America\nSandi James\, Head Coach\, Flag Football\, Mount St. Mary’s University; Player\, WFA D.C. Divas\nKatie Ritchie\, Club Liaison\, San Diego Wave FC; Girls Coaching Director\, SD Force FC; Former Professional Soccer Player\nKelsey Trainor\, Consultant\, Athena Global Advisors\n\n1:10 PM | Here Comes the Boom: Investing in Women’s Sports \n\nModerator: Gwen K. Young\, CEO\, Women Business Collaborative\nMonika Mantilla\, Co-Founder\, Altura Capital\nAnne 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\n\nThank you to our Sponsors!\nReview more information about becoming a sponsor. \nNo posts found. \n \nGold sponsors\nNo posts found. \n \nSilver sponsors\nNo posts found. \n \nGeneral sponsors\n No posts found. \n \n \n Relive A4I 2024 URL:https://www.wbcollaborative.org/wbc-events/action-for-impact-summit-2025/ LOCATION:Virtual ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.wbcollaborative.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/A4I-2025-Featured-Image-e1748356922865.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20251118T113000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20251118T121500 DTSTAMP:20260429T085737 CREATED:20251113T032837Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251116T210807Z UID:64970-1763465400-1763468100@www.wbcollaborative.org SUMMARY:Supporting Women Veterans in Career Transition DESCRIPTION:Days Hours Minutes \nSupporting Women Veterans in Career Transition\nNovember 18\, 2025 11:30 AM – 12:15 PM ET\nVirtual Webinar\n\n \n Zoom Webinar Registration\n \n \nEvery year\, thousands of women transition out of military service\, bringing with them a wealth of leadership experience\, discipline\, and mission-driven focus. Despite these strengths\, many face challenges in translating military experience into the civilian workforce\, navigating career options\, and building networks. \nWomen veterans\, in particular\, often lack tailored resources that address both gender and service-related transition hurdles. Join Women Business Collaborative (WBC) for an insightful panel discussion on Supporting Women Veterans in Career Transition. \nDiscover how to bridge the gap between military leadership and civilian roles\, reframe accomplishments for the business world\, and leverage mentorship for accelerated career growth. Don’t miss this opportunity to empower successful transitions and connect with a community dedicated to equal position\, pay and power for all women in business. \nAgenda\n\n\n November 18\, 2025\n \n\n11:30 AM | Webinar Begins\, Welcome & Moderator Introduction \n\nGwen K. Young\, CEO\, Women Business Collaborative\n\n\n11:35 AM  | Panel Introduction & Discussion \n\nNancy Lacore\, Former Vice Admiral at the United States Navy Reserve\nEries Mentzer\, Retired Colonel in the United States Air Force and Principal\, Freedom to Serve Solutions\nMary O’Brien\, Retired Lieutenant General\, United States Air Force and CEO\, Mary O’Brien Strategies\nDr. Linda Singh\, Retired Major General\, Maryland National Guard and CEO and President\, Kaleidoscope Effect\nCandice E. Frost (Moderator)\, Retired Army Colonel and Senior Director of the Cyber Warfare Command\, Parsons Corporation\n\n\n12:00 pm: Audience Q&A \n\n12:15 pm: Webinar Concludes \nThe Speakers\n No posts found. URL:https://www.wbcollaborative.org/wbc-events/supporting-women-veterans-in-career-transition/ ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.wbcollaborative.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Supporting-Women-Veterans-in-Career-Transition-Panel-Horizontal-e1763004492625.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260309T123000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260309T140000 DTSTAMP:20260429T085737 CREATED:20260225T031403Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260307T185656Z UID:68861-1773059400-1773064800@www.wbcollaborative.org SUMMARY:From Service & Sport to the C-Suite: Women Leaders in Transition DESCRIPTION:Days Hours Minutes \nFrom Service & Sport to the C-Suite: Women Leaders in Transition\nWomen Business Collaborative invites you to an exclusive panel reception bringing together women athletes and women veterans as they transition into the next chapter of their leadership journeys—business\, entrepreneurship\, and corporate leadership. \nWomen athletes and veterans possess extraordinary leadership capabilities: discipline\, resilience\, strategic decision-making\, and the ability to perform under pressure. Yet\, too often\, these skills are undervalued or misunderstood in traditional hiring and advancement pathways. WBC is working to change that. \nThrough initiatives such as the Athlete Business Academy and Women Veterans Lead\, WBC is building structured pathways that translate high-performance experience into business leadership—connecting women to coaching\, career opportunities\, and corporate networks that accelerate their success. \nThis event will showcase the leadership stories of women athletes and veterans\, highlight the business case for investing in these talent pipelines\, and provide opportunities for companies and partners to engage directly in building the next generation of leaders. \nJoin us to learn how investing in these leaders strengthens organizations\, expands talent pipelines\, and drives a more inclusive and high-performing economy. \nMarch 9th\, 2026 | 12:30–2:00 ETPaul Hastings\, 2050 M St\, NWWashington DC\n \n Register\n \nSpeakers\n\nLori Reynolds\, Chief Executive Officer\, LEReynolds Group\nSally Roberts\, Co-Founder and CEO\, Wrestle Like A Girl; Board Member\, Hire Heroes USA\nMelissa Dawn Simkins\, CEO\, Velvet Suite and Founder\, Athleadership\nDr. Linda Singh\, CEO and President\, Kaleidoscope Effect\nMarycate Walsh\, Vice President\, External Affairs\, Monumental Sports and Entertainment\nModerator: Porche D. Grant\, Major Account Executive-HOA\, Republic Services; Chair\, Sponsorship and Partnership Committee\, WISE DC\n\n“When we invest in women who have already led under pressure\, we unlock extraordinary leadership for business.” \nNo posts found. URL:https://www.wbcollaborative.org/wbc-events/from-service-sport-to-the-c-suite-women-leaders-in-transition/ LOCATION:Paul Hastings\, 2050 M St NW\, Washington DC\, DC\, 20036\, United States ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.wbcollaborative.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/From-Service-Sport-to-the-C-Suite.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260325T130000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260325T140000 DTSTAMP:20260429T085737 CREATED:20260314T213606Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260331T143431Z UID:69480-1774443600-1774447200@www.wbcollaborative.org SUMMARY:The State of the Workforce in 2026: Leadership\, Talent\, and Opportunity DESCRIPTION:The State of the Workforce in 2026: Leadership\, Talent\, and Opportunity\n\nHosted by: Women Business Collaborative\nMarch 25\, 2026 1-2 p.m. ET\nFeaturing: \nNo posts found. \n \nModerated by: Gwen Young\, CEO\, Women Business Collaborative \n​Join Subha Barry\, President of Seramount; Cid Wilson\, President of HACR And Cheryl Rosario head of D&I and CSR at Munich Re for a conversation on the evolving workplace and what leading companies are doing to advance women’s leadership and opportunity in 2026.  \nDrawing on Seramount’s latest research and insights from top employers\, we will explore the trends shaping talent\, culture\, and leadership in the years ahead and how companies are translating these insights into real organizational change. Join us for a discussion on what forward-thinking organizations must do now to build stronger\, more inclusive workplaces where women leaders can thrive. \nhttps://youtu.be/c6tYpjRKD28 \n​As organizations navigate rapid technological change\, demographic shifts\, and evolving expectations around leadership and workplace culture\, the question facing business leaders is clear: what does the workforce of 2026 look like—and how must companies adapt to remain competitive? \n​Recent workforce trends suggest the stakes are higher than many leaders realize. In the first half of 2025 alone\, nearly half a million women left the U.S. workforce—the steepest decline in more than forty years—quietly weakening leadership pipelines across industries. What often appears as a slow pipeline challenge is\, in reality\, a growing retention and succession risk. Today’s debates about return-to-office policies\, flexibility\, and caregiving aren’t just workplace preferences—they are shaping who stays\, who advances\, and ultimately who becomes tomorrow’s leaders. \nThis timely conversation will bring together ​t​he most influential voices in workplace equity and corporate leadership to discuss the trends reshaping talent\, opportunity\, and leadership pipelines across industries. \nDrawing on new research and insights from corporate partners\, the discussion will explore how companies are building resilient organizations that attract diverse talent\, develop leaders\, and respond to the realities of a rapidly changing economy. URL:https://www.wbcollaborative.org/wbc-events/the-state-of-the-workforce-in-2026-leadership-talent-and-opportunity/ LOCATION:Virtual ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.wbcollaborative.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/The-State-of-the-Workforce-in-2026-032526-1pm-800px.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260331T160000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260331T164500 DTSTAMP:20260429T085737 CREATED:20260321T023122Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260406T190019Z UID:69698-1774972800-1774975500@www.wbcollaborative.org SUMMARY:Service to Strategy: Veteran Leadership and the Value of Diverse Boardrooms DESCRIPTION:Overview\nThis conversation highlighted the value that military veterans bring to corporate governance and how diverse leadership—including gender\, cultural\, and service backgrounds—strengthens boards in 2026. \nThe discussion also spotlighted pathways for veteran leaders to serve on corporate boards and the importance of expanding representation across boardrooms. It also focused on the key trends and issues facing boards in 2026. \nhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CVXStNMmg38&t=1s \nFeatured Speakers\nMichael Montelongo\, Council Member\, Council on Global Competition and Innovation \nLinda Singh\, CEO\, Kaleidoscope Affect\, LLC; Board Member \nLinda Urrutia-Varhall\, Major General (Ret)\, Board Director/Trustee \nModerator: Heather Spilsbury\, CEO\, 50/50 women on boards URL:https://www.wbcollaborative.org/wbc-events/service-to-strategy-veteran-leadership-and-the-value-of-diverse-boardrooms/ LOCATION:Virtual ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.wbcollaborative.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/webinar-033126-1000px.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20261006T123000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20261007T170000 DTSTAMP:20260429T085737 CREATED:20260409T072956Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260428T145757Z UID:69205-1791289800-1791392400@www.wbcollaborative.org SUMMARY:Women's Capital Summit 2026 DESCRIPTION:Register: Investors\n \n \n Apply: Entrepreneurs\n \n \n Re-live WCS 2025\n \nThe Women’s Capital Summit returns to New York City on October 6–7\, 2026—and it is designed to be the place where entrepreneurs and capital providers meet\, align\, and activate capital across every stage of the business lifecycle. \nThis is not just another convening. It is where capital moves. \nOver two high-impact days\, the Summit will bring together a curated group of 150 investors and 150 high-growth women entrepreneurs—creating a powerful\, balanced ecosystem intentionally designed to drive real outcomes. From early-stage funding to growth equity\, debt\, and exit strategies\, the Summit connects founders to the right capital\, at the right time\, with the right partners. \nAt its core\, the Women’s Capital Summit is about building capital pathways—not just conversations. \nEntrepreneurs will engage directly with investors\, financial institutions\, and strategic advisors to refine their capital strategies\, explore diverse funding options\, and unlock new opportunities for scale. Capital providers will gain access to a strong pipeline of vetted\, high-potential companies while contributing to a more dynamic and inclusive investment landscape. \nThe Summit is built for those who are serious about deploying\, raising\, and scaling capital—including investors\, banks\, private equity and venture leaders\, corporate partners\, and founders. Together\, participants will not only exchange insights—but actively shape deals\, partnerships\, and pathways that extend well beyond the room. \nWhat sets this Summit apart is its intentional design for connection and action. Through curated introductions\, structured engagements\, and intimate conversations\, the experience fosters meaningful relationships that translate into real capital flow and long-term business growth. \nIf you are building\, investing\, or shaping the future of capital—this is where you need to be. \nSponsored by: \n \n \nAgenda\n\n\n October 6\, 2026\n \n\n October 7\, 2026\n \n\n12:30 PM: Arrival and Registration\, Capital Matchmaking Participants \n\n12:45 – 2:00 PM: Capital Matchmaking (exclusively for participating entrepreneurs and investors; By application only) \n\n1:30 PM: Arrival and Registration\, General Admission \n\n2:15 PM: Welcome Remarks \n\n2:30 PM: Breakout Sessions: Upgrading Your Capital Strategy \n\nRound 1 (45 mins) – 2:30 PM – 3:15 PM \nFrom Angel Curious to Angel Confident: The New Era of Early-Stage InvestingAngel investing is evolving—with more women stepping in as both founders and funders. This session explores how early-stage investing works in 2026\, what angels are prioritizing (AI-enabled companies\, capital efficiency\, diverse leadership)\, and how founders can strategically position themselves. Participants will also learn how to build angel portfolios\, join syndicates\, and leverage networks to access high-quality deal flow. \nBeyond Cash Flow: Smart Debt Strategies for Growth in 2026Traditional lending is no longer the only path. This session explores modern debt strategies—including asset-based lending\, SBA programs\, and equipment financing—alongside how data\, AI underwriting\, and alternative credit models are reshaping access to capital. Learn how to align the right debt product with your growth stage while preserving equity and flexibility. \nStructuring for Scale: Ownership\, Control & Long-Term ValueHow you structure your company determines your ability to raise\, scale\, and exit. This session covers ownership strategy\, governance\, and legal frameworks through a 2026 lens—including QSBS\, cap table strategy\, and investor alignment. Learn how to protect value while positioning your company for growth\, acquisition\, or long-term profitability. \nAccelerators\, Platforms & Ecosystems: Where Growth Happens NowAccelerators are no longer just programs—they are gateways into capital\, customers\, and ecosystems. This session explores how accelerators are evolving to integrate capital access\, corporate partnerships\, and AI-driven growth tools. Learn how to choose and leverage the right ecosystem to accelerate traction and scale. \n\nRound 2 (45 mins) – 3:30 PM – 4:15 PM \nRethinking Capital: Alternative Funding Strategies for Founders From revenue-based financing to venture debt and embedded finance\, founders have more options than ever. This session demystifies non-dilutive and hybrid capital solutions\, helping entrepreneurs understand when and how to use them. Walk away with a clear framework for aligning capital strategy with your growth model. \nCapital Readiness in the AI Era: Building a Fundable CompanyInvestors expect more than a great idea—they expect data\, systems\, and scalability. This session explores how founders can use AI\, financial infrastructure\, and storytelling to present a compelling\, investment-ready business. Learn how to build dashboards\, forecasts\, and narratives that drive valuation and investor confidence. \nFounder Wealth: Building Personal and Business Capital TogetherEntrepreneurs are increasingly thinking beyond business success to personal wealth strategy. This session explores how founders should approach liquidity\, equity\, and long-term wealth creation—while building their companies. Learn how top advisors guide entrepreneurs in integrating business growth with personal financial strategy. \nThe Network Effect: How Relationships Drive Capital & Growth In 2026\, capital extends beyond funding—it’s relational. This session explores how peer networks\, CEO communities\, and membership ecosystems unlock access to relationships\,  partnerships\, and influence. Learn how to strategically build relationships that accelerate growth. \n\n4:15 PM: Break \n\n4:30 PM: Opening Panel \n\n5:30 PM: Opening Reception and Women’s Marketplace \n\n7:00 PM: Reception Concludes \n8:00 AM: Arrival\, Breakfast and Networking \n\n9:00 AM: Building an Ecosystem: Connections and Capital – Welcome Remarks \n\n9:05 AM: Keynote Fireside ChatCandid conversation with a successful entrepreneur who built and scaled a business-topic to be determined  \n\n9:40 AM:  Capital Strategy 2026: Navigating a Complex Funding LandscapeToday’s funding landscape spans equity\, debt\, CDFIs\, family offices\, and strategic capital. This session provides a clear framework for selecting the right capital partners based on your business model\, growth stage\, and long-term vision. \n\n10:45 AM: Coffee Break \n\n11:00 AM: The New Capital Playbook: Platforms\, AI & the Future of FundraisingFundraising is being transformed by technology. This session explores emerging tools and models—including AI-driven investor matching\, crowdfunding\, rolling funds\, tokenization\, and blockchain-enabled capital. Learn how founders are raising smarter\, faster\, and more efficiently in 2026. \n\n11:50 PM: Networking LunchFacilitated networking with thematic conversations around the Summit’s key topics. Connect with fellow entrepreneurs and forge meaningful relationships. \n\n12:50  PM: Live Capital Strategy Clinic:  An interactive session connecting founders directly with capital providers. Get real-time feedback on funding strategy\, business model\, and growth plans from investors\, lenders\, and advisors—designed for practical\, actionable insights. \n\n1:35  PM: Founder-Funder Alignment: Building High-Impact PartnershipsThis curated conversation brings founders and funders together to explore what drives investment decisions today. Learn how alignment on vision\, growth strategy\, and outcomes shapes successful partnerships. \n\n2:20 PM Break \n\n2:35 PM: M&A for Growth: Strategic ScalingM&A is no longer just an exit strategy—it’s a growth tool. This session explores how founders can use acquisitions to expand capabilities\, enter new markets\, and accelerate scale\, while preparing to be both a buyer and a target. \n\n3:05 PM: Exit by DesignExits are no longer one-size-fits-all. From acquisitions to secondary sales and long-term ownership models\, founders have more options than ever. Learn how to plan early\, align stakeholders\, and maximize value while maintaining flexibility. \n\n3:35 PM  Making the Myth a Reality: From Founder to UnicornA candid conversation with a founder who has scaled to a significant valuation. Learn what it takes to move from early traction to high-growth scale\, including capital strategy\, leadership decisions\, and navigating key inflection points. \n\n4:20 PM: Closing Remarks \nEvent FAQs\n When and where will the 2026 Women’s Capital Summit be held? \nThe Summit will take place in New York on October 6-7\, 2026 at Wells Fargo Connections – 150 East 42nd Street\, Concourse Level\, New York\, NY 10017. \n What is the registration fee for the summit? \nRegistration for the 2026 summit is $749 USD per participant. \n Who should apply/register for the Women’s Capital Summit? \nFor Entrepreneurs: WBC welcomes women entrepreneurs in all industries who are prepared to scale their businesses and learn about capital investment opportunities. WBC will screen applicants based on criteria outlined in the registration form to assess if a business’ participation is a good fit for the Summit. \nFor Investors: WBC welcomes all investors to join WCS. Particularly firms that are interested in investing at all stages of a business growth (early stage to exit). \n What are the benefits of attending the Summit? \nThe Summit offers a unique opportunity to network with industry leaders\, gain actionable connections and insights\, and explore funding paths essential for business growth. You’ll connect with like-minded entrepreneurs and investors\, enabling you to grow capital for your business. \n What is the agenda for the event? \nYou can review our tentative agenda on the 2026 Women’s Capital Summit webpage. A detailed final agenda will be available closer to the event date. Stay tuned for updates. \n Will there be opportunities to network with investors? \nYes! The Summit offers various networking opportunities including Capital Matchmaking sessions and informal gatherings like the opening reception and marketplace. \nThe Summit will include a variety of investors from debt to equity\, venture\, angel and more. \n Are there breakout sessions? \nYes\, we have designed several breakout sessions for participants. Please see the agenda on this page.  \n Can I attend if I am not a woman entrepreneur? \nThe Summit is focused on empowering and connecting women entrepreneurs with investors. We welcome investors and attendees who share our mission of advancing women-led businesses and fostering diverse business ecosystems. \n Who do I contact to exhibit my business at the women’s marketplace at the 2026 WCS? \nPlease indicate your interest via the registration form. For additional inquiries or questions\, please contact Carolyn Howell\, Carolyn@eventsusa.com. \n How do I get updates on the event? \nTo stay up to date with the latest information on the 2026 Women’s Capital Summit\, please subscribe to WBC’s newsletter or follow us on social media. We will share event details\, speaker announcements\, and registration information there. \nSteering Committee\n\nJudith Goldkrand Vistage Coach\, Vistage Worldwide\, Inc.; WBC Board of Directors Co Chair\, Nom-Gov Committee\nGwen Young CEO\, WBC\nDamien Dwin Founder and CEO\, Lafayette Square\nEda Henries Founder and Managing Principal\, Henries & Co.\nAmy Rice  Founder\, Alumni Emporium\nLaura Taylor Senior Vice President\, Strategic Financial Services & WBE Engagement URL:https://www.wbcollaborative.org/wbc-events/womens-capital-summit-2026/ LOCATION:Wells Fargo Connections\, 150 East 42nd Street\, New York\, New York ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.wbcollaborative.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/WBC_WCS25_COVER_1920x1080-1.jpg END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR