Washington, DC August 25–26, 2026 Aug. 25: 5:00–8:00 PM ET Aug. 26: 7:30 AM–5:00 PM ET Keynote: Margaret Atwood Women's Equality Day Power Up 2026 Power Tool Champions Washington, DC August 25–26, 2026 Aug. 25: 5:00–8:00 PM ET Aug. 26: 7:30 AM–5:00 PM ET Keynote: Margaret Atwood Women's Equality Day Power Up 2026 Power Tool Champions
Panel

The Power of Care: Women Leading at Work and at Home

This candid conversation will bring together leaders, advocates, caregivers, and workplace experts to examine the emotional, financial, and professional impact of caregiving, from raising children to supporting aging parents and loved ones. Panelists will discuss the systemic challenges women continue to navigate, the changing expectations around work and family, and create bold solutions needed to create more equitable, supportive, and sustainable workplaces.

Panelists

Brad Johnson
Brad Johnson
Founder / CEO, Workplace Allies
Wonder Wendy Farrell
Wonder Wendy Farrell
Performer, Spokesperson & Fashion Advocate
Leseliey Welch
Leseliey Welch
CEO & Co-Founder, Birth Center Equity
Panel

Invest in Herself: Women, Money & Long-Term Success

This dynamic conversation will explore how women are redefining financial success, building wealth on their own terms, and using economic power as a catalyst for leadership and long-term impact. The panel will bring together financial experts, entrepreneurs, investors, executives, and advocates to discuss the barriers women continue to face in wealth building.

Panelists

Dr. Nancy O'Reilly
Dr. Nancy O'Reilly
Founder, WomenSpeak
Vernetra Gavin Hardy, Esq.
Vernetra Gavin Hardy, Esq.
Deputy City Attorney, City of Pasadena
Alexis Allen
Alexis Allen
Associate Financial Advisor, UBS
Panel

The Audacity to Thrive: Women Claiming Midlife Health & Power

Often overlooked or stigmatized, these life stages can significantly impact women’s health, confidence, relationships, and careers. This candid conversation will explore the importance of education, workplace awareness, access to informed healthcare, and self-advocacy while challenging outdated narratives around aging and women’s health.

Panelists

Jennifer Weiss-Wolf
Jennifer Weiss-Wolf
Executive Director, NYU Law
Dr. Rachel Rubin
Dr. Rachel Rubin
Urologist & Sexual Medicine Specialist
Emily Serebryanny
Emily Serebryanny
2x Exited Founder, Healthcare Entrepreneur
Dr. Joanna Strober
Dr. Joanna Strober
Founder & CEO, Midi Health
Davina Lyons
Davina Lyons
Resilience Strategist, Creator of the RISE Framework
Panel

Women’s Health Unfiltered: Sex & Leadership

Women have long been judged, underestimated, objectified, or penalized because of perceptions tied to appearance, confidence, sexuality, and femininity — often forcing them to navigate impossible double standards. This conversation tackles those dynamics head-on with honesty, expertise, and actionable insight.

Panelists

Heather Florio
Heather Florio
CEO, Desert Harvest
Dr. Sophia Yen
Dr. Sophia Yen
CEO, Co-founder, Pandia Health
Jane Delgado
Jane Delgado
President and CEO, National Alliance for Hispanic Health
Cheyenne Hunt
Cheyenne Hunt
Attorney and Advocate
Eva Goicochea
Eva Goicochea
Founder & CEO, maude
Dr. Justin Garcia
Dr. Justin Garcia
Evolutionary Biologist & Executive Director, Kinsey Institute
Panel

The Human Advantage: AI Risks, Representation & Real Solutions

As AI reshapes hiring, communication, productivity, and career pathways, women face both unprecedented opportunities and significant challenges — including technology bias, unequal access to advancement, workforce displacement, and the urgent need for new skills. This forward-looking conversation will explore how women can adapt, lead, and thrive in an AI-driven future.

Panelists

Wanjiku Kamau
Wanjiku Kamau
Founder & CEO, TealBridge
Stacey Engle
Stacey Engle
CEO, Twin Protocol
Rachel B. Lee
Rachel B. Lee
Co-Owner & Founder, Brand Marketing Strategist
Panel

Young, Bold & Unstoppable: No Seat at the Table? Build One.

This energizing conversation will feature young advocates, organizers, creators, and leaders who are using their voices, networks, and lived experiences to challenge systems, mobilize communities, and inspire action on issues that matter most.

Panelists

Jamia Wilson
Jamia Wilson
Vice President & Executive Editor, Penguin Random House
Cheyenne Hunt
Cheyenne Hunt
Attorney and Advocate
William He
William He
Founder, Dream for America
Alice Miranda Ollstein
Alice Miranda Ollstein
Health Care Reporter, Politico
Panel

Making the Workplace Work

A practical session on creating inclusive, equitable workplaces where women can lead and thrive.

Panelists

Minda Harts
Minda Harts
Author & Workplace Equity Advocate
David Smith
David Smith
Author & Professor, Johns Hopkins University
Dr. Peggy Wilmoth
Dr. Peggy Wilmoth
Major General, US Army (ret.); Professor, UNC School of Nursing
Panel

Introducing the 2026 Power Tool Champions

Celebrating the bold women and allies who have wielded the 9 Leadership Power Tools to drive change, break barriers, and lead with audacity.

Panelists

Felicia Davis
Felicia Davis
Founder, Haus of Vocal Empowerment
Dr. Rose Crockett Matthews
Dr. Rose Crockett Matthews
Power Tool #1 — Know Your History (The Visionary)
Vernetra Gavin Hardy, Esq.
Vernetra Gavin Hardy, Esq.
Power Tool #2 — Define Your Own Terms (The Trailblazer)
Maggie Castro
Maggie Castro
Power Tool #3 — Use What You've Got (The Maximizer)
Wonder Wendy Farrell
Wonder Wendy Farrell
Power Tool #4 — Embrace Controversy (The Disruptor)
Davina Lyons
Davina Lyons
Power Tool #5 — Carpe the Chaos (The Change Catalyst)
Dr. Peggy Wilmoth
Dr. Peggy Wilmoth
Power Tool #6 — Wear the Shirt (The Truth Seeker)
Leseliey Welch
Leseliey Welch
Power Tool #7 — Create a Movement (The Movement Maker)
Rachel B. Lee
Rachel B. Lee
Power Tool #8 — Employ Every Medium (The Influencer)
Veronica Lynn Clark
Veronica Lynn Clark
Power Tool #9 — Tell Your Story (The Activator)
Panel

Amplified: Storytelling & the Courage to Lead

From media and entertainment to advocacy, business, and public life, storytelling remains one of the most powerful tools for influencing culture, building connection, and driving change. Panelists will share practical strategies for finding and refining your voice, communicating with authenticity, and using personal stories to inspire action.

Panelists

Kendall Cherry
Kendall Cherry
Founder, The Cherry Agency
Veronica Lynn Clark
Veronica Lynn Clark
International Speaker, Author & Leadership Educator
Panel

Making Connections

A session dedicated to building meaningful networks, strategic relationships, and lasting community across industries and generations.

Panelists

Vada Manager
Vada Manager
Founder/CEO, Manager Global
Maggie Castro
Maggie Castro
Strategic Leader & Relationship Builder
Panel

The Power of the Arts to Change the World

A conversation on how art, music, and creative expression serve as powerful vehicles for social change, healing, and leadership.

Panelists

Dr. Nancy O'Reilly
Dr. Nancy O'Reilly
Founder, Women Connect4Good
Maggie O'Neill
Maggie O'Neill
Artist and Advocate
Alyson Palmer
Alyson Palmer
Musician, BETTY
Dr. Rose Crockett Matthews
Dr. Rose Crockett Matthews
Clinical Quality & Compliance Leader, DHA

“It was a powerful, inspiring conference of learning, sharing, networking & encouragement. When you own your voice—shift the world.”

- Dr. Winter A. Okoth, 2025 Power Tool Champion


Power Up 2026 · Audacity: Leadership in Action

Dates & Times

Two days in Washington, D.C. on Women's Equality Day

Day One

Tue, Aug. 25

2026

5:00 PM Doors open
8:00 PM Program concludes
Day Two

Wed, Aug. 26

2026

7:30 AM Registration opens
5:00 PM Program concludes

All times listed in Eastern Time (ET)

The Ritz-Carlton, Washington, D.C.

1150 22nd St NW, Washington, DC 20037

Power Up Concert & Conference — Registration

Registration

Your Seat at Power
Up
Starts Here

Power Up Conference attendees
Dinner Experience

Aug. 25th – Exclusive Opening Night Experience Only

$500

Aug 25th Events Only

Includes Dinner Only:
Best for:

Women who want deeper access, elevated networking, premium experiences, and the opportunity to build relationships before the main conference begins.

Includes:

  • Femme Art Fair Opening Night
  • First-purchase window before general access opens
  • Cocktail Reception + Dinner
  • Concert
Full Experience

Aug. 25th – Exclusive Opening Night Experience + Aug. 26th – Conference

$875

Aug 25th Events + Aug. 26th Conference

Includes EVERYTHING in Power Up Pass PLUS:
Best for:

Women who want deeper access, elevated networking, premium experiences, and the opportunity to build relationships before the main conference begins.

Includes:

  • Femme Art Fair Opening Night
  • Cocktail Reception + Dinner
  • Concert
  • Margaret Atwood Fire-Side Chat
  • Audacity: Leadership in Action Speakers, Action Plans
  • Breakfast, Lunch, & AM/PM Snacks
  • Access to SHEposium women's health, wellness, and lifestyle expo
Leadership Team Table – Conference Only

Table of 10 with preferred seating – Aug. 26th Conference

$5,000

Women's Equality Day – Aug. 26th Conference

Includes:

  • Table of 10 with Preferred Seating
  • Margaret Atwood Fire-Side Chat
  • Audacity: Leadership in Action Speakers, Action Plans
  • Breakfast, Lunch, & AM/PM Snacks
  • Access to SHEposium women's health, wellness, and lifestyle expo
  • Supports scholarships/access/mission
Signature Experience Table – Full Experience

Table of 10 with preferred seating – Aug. 25th Exclusive Opening Night Experience + Aug. 26th – Conference

$15,000

Aug 25th Events + Aug. 26th Conference

Includes:

  • Table of 10 with Preferred Seating
  • Femme Art Fair Opening Night
  • Cocktail Reception + Dinner
  • Concert
  • Margaret Atwood Fire-Side Chat
  • Audacity: Leadership in Action Speakers, Action Plans
  • Access to SHEposium women's health, wellness, and lifestyle expo
Power Up 2026

Our 2026 Sponsors

These organizations are investing in women’s leadership — and in you. We are grateful for their partnership and commitment to the mission.

Presenting Sponsor

Women Connect 4 Good

Bella Magazine
Mission Matters
Pandia Health
Desert Harvest
Kendra Scott
Worth
It's Not That Serious
KryptiaNN
Goldman Sachs
Fuel the Movement — Power Up 2026 Sponsorship
Take The Lead · Power Up 2026 · Sponsorship

Fuel the
Movement

Partner with Take The Lead to invest in women's leadership at the most electrifying event of 2026. Your sponsorship powers change — on stage, in the room, and far beyond.

Every sponsorship tier delivers real visibility and real impact. Choose the partnership that aligns with your brand's mission from naming the entire event to powering the next generation of women leaders. All levels are fully customizable.

Tier 1
Unicorn
$250,000
+ Atwood Meeting
Unicorn sponsor recognition + eternal gratitude
Main stage presence: keynote or opening remarks
Exclusive small group meeting with Margaret Atwood
Dominant logo: stage backdrop, website, registration, signage, press
Named sponsor opportunity for speaker, honoree, or panel
10 Full Experience tickets + exclusive dinner with board, talent & celebrity guests
Prominent branded table placement at conference
Prominent exhibit placement (if desired)
Full media integration: named in PR, press releases, social campaigns
CEO-level planning call to co-design impact
10 Take The Lead memberships (1 year) — includes access to any online or in-person leadership development program
Tier 2
Presenting
$150,000
+ Atwood Meeting
Title sponsor recognition
Main stage presence: keynote or opening remarks
Exclusive small group meeting with Margaret Atwood
Dominant logo: stage backdrop, website, registration, signage, press
Named sponsor for speaker, honoree, or panel
5 Full Experience tickets + exclusive dinner with board, talent & celebrity guests
Sponsored table with prominent branded placement
Prominent exhibit placement (if desired)
Named in PR, press releases, and social campaigns
CEO-level planning call to co-design impact
7 Take The Lead memberships (1 year) — includes access to any online or in-person leadership development program
Tier 3
Platinum
$50,000
+ Atwood Meeting
Custom brand integration: keynote intro, co-branded lounge, or signature experience
Named sponsor for speaker, panel, or honoree
Exclusive small group meeting with Margaret Atwood
Top-tier logo placement
4 Full Experience tickets + exclusive dinner with board, talent & celebrity guests
Sponsored table with prominent branded placement
Prominent exhibit placement
Recognition in press releases and social media
CEO-level planning call to co-design impact
5 Take The Lead memberships (1 year) — includes access to any online or in-person leadership development program
Tier 4
Gold
$25,000
+ Atwood Meeting
Premium logo placement: main stage, website, all promo materials
Exclusive small group meeting with Margaret Atwood
Named sponsor opportunity for speaker, panel, or honoree
Prominent exhibit placement
3 Full Experience tickets + exclusive dinner with board, talent & celebrity guests
Sponsored table at conference
Recognition in press releases and social media
3 Take The Lead memberships (1 year) — includes access to any online or in-person leadership development program
Tier 5
Silver
$10,000
Logo placement: website, onsite signage, promo materials
Exhibit table
2 Full Experience tickets + exclusive dinner with board, talent & celebrity guests
Sponsored table at conference
Recognition in press releases and social media
Tier 6
Bronze
$5,000
Logo placement: website, onsite signage, promo materials
Exhibit table
2 Full Experience tickets + exclusive dinner with board, talent & celebrity guests
Sponsored table at conference
Why Sponsor Power Up 2026
700+
Leaders, executives & founders in the room
20+
Years of Take The Lead advancing women in leadership
50K+
Women reached through Take The Lead programs and campaigns
100%
Of sponsorship supports women's leadership programs
Let's Build Something Together

Ready to
Partner?

All sponsorship levels can be customized to meet your company's philanthropic and marketing goals. Let's design the right partnership for you.

Contact Us to Sponsor →
Power Up 2026 · Take The Lead Women · #PowerUp2026 · All sponsorship levels customizable to meet your goals.
Getting Here — Power Up 2026
 
Getting Here — Power Up 2026
Venue & Travel

Getting
Here

The Ritz-Carlton, Washington, D.C.

The Ritz-Carlton, Washington, D.C.

1150 22nd Street NW
Washington, D.C. 20037
T: +1.202.835.0500 ext. 5537
D: +1.202.974.5537

Conference Day · August 26, 2026 · Women's Equality Day

Special Power Up 2026 Rate

A room block has been reserved at The Ritz-Carlton for Power Up 2026 attendees. Book using the exclusive group rate before it fills — DC in August books fast.

Book Your Group Rate →

Nearby Hotels

Hotel Zena

1155 14th Street NW, Washington, DC 20005

1.2 MI From Venue

View →

One Washington Circle Hotel

1 Washington Cir NW, Washington, DC 20037

0.2 MI From Venue

View →

The Westin Georgetown

2350 M St NW, Washington, DC 20037

0.5 MI From Venue

View →

The Ritz-Carlton, Washington D.C.

1150 22nd St NW, Washington, DC 20037

Conference Venue Hotel · Group Rate Available

Book Group Rate →
Getting There
  • Fly into DCA (Reagan National) — 20 min by Metro or rideshare
  • Metro: Blue/Orange/Silver Line to Foggy Bottom-GWU station (0.4 mi walk)
  • Fly into IAD (Dulles) — 45 min by rideshare or Silver Line Express
  • Book your room block early — group rate has limited availability

Partners in Parity
Women Connect 4 Good
Bella Magazine
Mission Matters
Pandia Health
Desert Harvest
Kendra Scott
Worth
It's Not That Serious
KryptiaNN
Goldman Sachs
Scan Me ↓
To Donate
For Parity
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