Connect and Elevate at our 2024 Leadership Conference

Diversity in leadership is essential for a company’s success. That’s not just a lofty statement; it’s backed up by research. Companies with a higher percentage of women in leadership positions consistently outperform those without. And it’s not just about gender. All forms of diversity in a company’s leadership contribute to a pool of experiences and perspectives that drive innovation and attract a broader set of talent. 

Corporate America is taking heed, but the fact remains that women are still underrepresented. This is why The Women’s Center has been at the forefront of promoting diversity and leadership for five decades. The annual Leadership Conference, now in its 38th year, is a testament to our unwavering commitment to empowering women and individuals from diverse backgrounds. The event aims to inspire innovative ideas and promote leadership development through engaging presentations, panel discussions, interactive workshops, and networking activities.  

Aligned with The Women’s Center’s mission to help people live healthy, stable, and productive lives, the event aims to equip and augment all participants with the skills and insights to thrive both as professionals and individuals. This year commemorates a historic occasion since The Women’s Center is celebrating its 50th Anniversary of serving the Washington, DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia communities. 

Kathy Ditto, Board Member and Co-Chair of the Leadership Conference Event Planning Committee is an established technology executive who knows the value of attending events like this. She encourages professionals to take advantage of the opportunity to gain new knowledge, expand their skillset, and meet like-minded individuals. “Every year, I am inspired by new ideas, different perspectives, and I always leave the conference with renewed motivation,” she says.  

2024 Keynote Speakers  

Learn from nationally recognized thought leaders.  

• Judy Woodruff – This year, famed broadcast journalist Judy Woodruff will speak on her recent reporting project, “America at a Crossroads.”  She has covered politics and other news for more than four decades at CNN, NBC, and PBS. 
• Julie Vida – Retired Commander and accomplished senior executive in business and technology, Julie thrives on innovation and collaboration. She actively leverages her experience, relationships, and public platform through her professional role to advocate for and actively support military veterans in all stages of their careers and transition out of uniform. 

• Elyce Arons – A 35-year fashion veteran most well-known for co-founding Kate Spade in 1993, then growing the company into one of the most iconic brands in modern fashion history, will present her story, “Beyond the Seams – A Journey of Friendship, Reinvention, and Resilience.”    
• Janine Driver – Janine is the CEO of the Body Language Institute, the NY Times Best-Selling author of “You Say More Than You Think” and top business-seller “You Can’t Lie to Me.” Janine spent over 16 years as a federal law enforcement officer with the Department of Justice and now shares her expertise in people-reading and body language skills. 

Main Stage Presenters 

In addition to the keynote speakers, the conference will also welcome the following guest speakers to the main stage. These established business leaders will share their unique perspectives and success strategies. 

• Amanda Duffy – is an industry-recognized sports executive. Amanda’s past accomplishments include bringing the NWSL (National Women’s Soccer League) to the ESPN family of networks and launching NWSL media, the league’s commercial arm.  
• Greg Baroni – is the founder and CEO of Attain Enterprises.  An active leader in the community, among other roles, Greg serves as a member of the Board and the former Board Chair for the Northern Virginia Technology Council (NVTC) and serves as a board member or active leader of several charitable organizations, including The Women’s Center and the National Kidney Foundation. 
• Janet Marie Smith – is the Founder and Executive Chair of The Canopy Team. Dedicated to urban revitalization and community enrichment, Canopy specializes in large-scale projects that seamlessly blend sports, design, and urban planning and intimate scales within museums, retail, and public parks. Janet currently serves as Executive Vice President of Planning and Development for the Los Angeles Dodgers. 
• Jasmin El Kordi – is an accomplished Senior Executive, Entrepreneur, Innovator, and Board Member with more than 30 years of success in the Technology and Health & Beauty sectors. Her career includes leadership positions at Cisco Systems and NCR. Jasmin is currently the CEO of MBlue Labs, a fast-growing biosciences company, focused on commercializing human aging research discoveries.   
• Shankar Vedantam – is the host and executive editor of The Hidden Brain podcast and radio show, based on his book, “The Hidden Brain: How Our Unconscious Minds Elect Presidents, Control Markets, Wage Wars and Save Our Lives.” 

Panels and Breakout Sessions 

Explore a diverse range of thought-provoking sessions that explore a variety of topics, including: 

• Women in Sports: Breaking Barriers and Shaping the Future 
• Listening Circles – Fostering Respect Amongst Diverse Perspectives 
• Bet on You – How to Win with Risk 
• Mindful Leadership – Harnessing Chaos to Achieve Well-Being 
• Creating an Inclusive Culture and Community 
• Using Body Language to Increase Results, Influence Others & Get What You Want 
• Stepping Up as a Leader – A New Paradigm for Success 

Networking  

Build powerful connections through both structured and open opportunities to meet, mingle, and network with hundreds of other like-minded professionals. These interactions will not only reinvigorate and inspire you but will also empower you to unlock your full potential through the power of connection. Make the most of these opportunities to forge valuable relationships and propel your career forward.

Special thanks to The Women’s Center 2024 Leadership Conference Sponsors 

*Please note that conference attendance is not limited to women. While it is an inspirational professional development event with some topics aligned to the specific care-about of women, people of all genders are welcome to attend.