Unlock Your Potential: Accelerate Action for IWD and Become a Champion of Change

As we celebrate International Women's Day (IWD) on March 8, 2025, the global theme, Accelerate Action, calls on individuals, organizations, and communities to take steps toward closing the gender gap. According to the World Economic Forum, at the current rate of progress, it could take another 135 years to reach full gender parity. Now, more than ever, we must focus on accelerating the momentum for change.

One of the most impactful actions we can take is to actively support and empower the women who are leading the charge—whether through mentorship, access to resources, or, most importantly, by stepping into leadership roles ourselves.

That's where the Greater Raleigh Chamber's Women's Leadership Conference presented by PNC comes in.
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This year’s conference, taking place on March 25 and just a few weeks after International Women’s Day, is the perfect platform to Accelerate Action for gender equality in your own life and career. The theme for this year’s conference, Champions of Change, aligns perfectly with the global IWD call to action for 2025. The conference will empower you to be an agent of transformation, whether in your personal development, your workplace, or your community. Register now here.

 Meet Jess Ekstrom: A True Champion of Change

​This year’s conference keynote speaker is Jess Ekstrom, Founder of Headbands of Hope and the Mic Drop Workshop. Jess has built a successful business that not only empowers young girls but also donates headbands to children with cancer, impacting communities across the world. Her story of transformative change will inspire you to become a champion in your own field.

Breakout Sessions Focused on Women’s Advancement
The conference offers a variety of breakout sessions that will expand your professional toolkit and forge meaningful connections. These sessions include:

• Success in Succession: Build a pipeline of capable leaders and foster a culture of growth with insights from Katherine Peele of LS3P Associates, Matt Chambers of Clancy & Theys Construction, and Laura Goode of Parker Poe Adams & Bernstein LLP, and Amy Carroll of Trademark Properties on leadership development strategies.
• Demystifying AI: Practical Tools for the Professional Toolbox: Explore the essential artificial intelligence (AI) tools to enhance productivity as Angela Doughty of Ward and Smith, P.A., Dirk Nicol or My AI Transformation, and Ada Lopez of Lenovo, and Rod Ellis of MetLife discuss how industries leverage generative AI for innovation.
• The Talent Spectrum: Building a Team Beyond the Checklist: Join a dynamic panel discussion focused on building teams that excel, empowering leaders to identify and leverage a wide range of skills within their teams to drive organizational success with Lindsay Wrege of 321 Coffee, Becca Egger-Alley of UBS, Allison Manning of Dean Dorton, and Cristina Colón of Habitat for Humanity.
• Frustration to Freedom: Dismantling Workplace Barriers: Empower women in leadership roles as Creighton Blackwell of Coastal Credit Union, Kristen Englehart of Brasco Marketing, and Rebecca Troyer of Triangle Business Journal share strategies for overcoming challenges and fostering resilience.​
• Building Financial Confidence: Foster financial confidence and independence by learning key tools and strategies for women to take control of their financial futures with Che-Che McCrimmon of PNC Bank, Sandra Stowe of White Owl Financial Advisors, and Jessica Wisniewski of RTP.
• Mastering Difficult Conversations: Master the essential skills for handling difficult conversations as Nicole Blake-Crigler of North Carolina Football Club, Erica DeLong of iHeartMedia, and Josh Stimpson of Hitachi Energy provide strategies for effective communication and relationship-building.
• Community Engagement: A Catalyst for Change: Harness the power of community engagement to foster personal and professional growth with Sarah Crawford of TLC, Wake County Commissioner Shinica Thomas, Gary Greene of Greene Resources, and Lori O'Keefe of Triangle Community Foundation.
• Networking With Purpose: Refine your networking skills and make meaningful connections as Meredith Pasekoff-Dinitz, Founder of Your Career Happiness Professional Coaching, leads an interactive session designed to enhance your relationships.

Register Today
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By attending the Women's Leadership Conference 2025, you will not only be contributing to the momentum of accelerating action for gender equality, but you will also leave with practical knowledge and inspiration that will make you a catalyst for change in your organization and beyond.
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Register Now for the 2025 Women's Leadership Conference

Tuesday, March 25 | 8 a.m. – 2 p.m. | Raleigh Convention Center | Agenda

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