We are barely three weeks post conference, and my head and heart are still so full from being in fellowship with the amazing women leaders who attended! The When Women Lead annual conference is a unique event that focuses on policy while recognizing the sociopolitical context within which we lead as women in terms of our leadership, intersectional identities, and wellness. At the conference, we were pushed to think about policy opportunities as well as policy consequences, across important topics such as governance, finance, multilingualism, early childhood, STEM and many other topics. I’ve included four presenter highlights in this edition! We also took the time to create a special space for ourselves, to tell our stories, be authentic with one another, and think about our overall wellness. Simply put, it was a Flamboyan moment!
We were inspired by Dr. Barbara Mullen with her opening Policy Talk, and faced the political beast with Emily Ramshaw, were called to accounting by Dr. Sharon Contreras, and schooled on joy and justice by DeNelle West. And in between, we heard from over sixty women leaders from Wyoming to Georgia, to Connecticut and Nevada and states in between. We didn’t mince words about the work ahead of us, instead we conversed as teachers with so much knowledge to share with one another. In between we took photos, broke bread, walked through Charleston, reflected and had some great laughs. This time together was a reminder that life is best enjoyed in the simplicity of love, laughter, joy and fellowship!
We gathered under the Flamboyan to refill our cup with boldness and purpose. Now that we are back in our own communities, let’s keep the connection strong, while taking care of ourselves. Here are a few things to engage in:
- On August 25th at 3pm ET/noon PT, we have a free webinar on Cultural Responsiveness as a Leadership Approach. This is a trusted space for engagement. Registration email coming soon!
- Bring Voice4Equity’s Executive Coaching by women for women to your district. Coaching is about reflective, powerful leadership! Keep taking advantage of growth opportunities. Let’s talk!
- Sign up for the post-conference online Policy Leadership Academy. This 10-hour program is delivered over five, two-hour online sessions from September through November. The fall academy spaces are limited and prioritized for conference attendees that want a structured program to continue to work together in building your equity-focused policy knowledge. Sign up here!
- Save the Date on your calendar for When Women Lead 2026! We will convene on the beautiful waterfront in Vancouver, Washington. We have both a Juneteenth Freedom Celebration program planned and a group hike!
- Hold Thursday, June 18 – Saturday, June 19, 2026 on your calendar.Bring the high school Girls Policy Network to your district! This in-person engaging instructional program is held over two meeting days. Young ladies in their sophomore, junior and senior years who want to develop their equity policy voice in an area of their passion and interest will be thrilled to gain the civic leadership skills in this empowering program. Invest in your young ladies! Complete your interest form.
Show up, speak up and lead where it matters! I am inspired by you.
Christina
