Washington, DC August 25–26, 2026 Keynote: Margaret Atwood Women's Equality Day Power Up 2026 Washington, DC August 25–26, 2026 Keynote: Margaret Atwood Women's Equality Day Power Up 2026
Sessions & Speakers — Conference Day August 26, 2026
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. Attendees will gain insight, validation, and strategies for redefining success, setting boundaries, and leading with audacity in every aspect of life.

Moderator: To Be Confirmed

Panelists Being Confirmed

More speakers TBA
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, from pay inequity and caregiving responsibilities to underrepresentation in investing and financial decision-making.

Moderator: Eva Crouse

Moderator

EC
Eva Crouse
Senior Editor, Worth

Confirmed Speakers

NO
Dr. Nancy O'Reilly
Founder and President, Women Connect4Good Foundation
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the importance of education, workplace awareness, access to informed healthcare, and self-advocacy while challenging outdated narratives around aging and women's health.

Moderator: Jennifer Weiss-Wolf

Moderator

JW
Jennifer Weiss-Wolf
Executive Director, NYU Law

Confirmed Speakers

YA
Representative Yassamin Ansari
U.S. Representative
RR
Dr. Rachel Rubin
Urologist & Sexual Medicine Specialist, Georgetown University
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.

Moderator: Heather Florio

Moderator

HF
Heather Florio
CEO, Desert Harvest

Confirmed Speakers

SY
Dr. Sophia Yen
Co-Founder, Pandia Health
JD
Jane Delgado
President and CEO, National Alliance for Hispanic Health
CH
Cheyenne Hunt
Attorney and Advocate
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.

Moderator: Stacey Engle

Moderator

SE
Stacey Engle
Founder and CEO, Twin Protocol

Confirmed Speakers

WK
Wanjiku Kamau
Founder & CEO, TealBridge
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 will share practical ways to build influence, advocate effectively, and turn passion into purpose-driven leadership.

Moderator: Jamia Wilson

Moderator

JW
Jamia Wilson
Vice President & Executive Editor, Penguin Random House

Confirmed Speakers

CH
Cheyenne Hunt
Attorney and Advocate
WH
William He
Founder, Dream for America
AM
Alice Miranda Ollstein
Senior Health Care Reporter, POLITICO
Breakout

Own the Narrative: Women, Power & Storytelling

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. This interactive session will feature leaders, creators, authors, journalists, and advocates who have used storytelling to challenge norms, amplify underrepresented voices, and create meaningful impact. Attendees will leave with tools to own their narrative, strengthen their influence, and harness storytelling as a catalyst for personal and professional growth.

Moderator: To Be Confirmed

Confirmed Speakers

KC
Kendall Cherry
Copywriter and Storyteller
Breakout

Making the Workplace Work

A focused conversation on practical strategies for navigating and improving workplace dynamics, building allies, and driving meaningful change from within organizations.

Moderator: To Be Confirmed

Confirmed Speakers

MH
Minda Harts
Author, Consultant & Filmmaker
DS
David Smith
PhD, Workplace Allies
BJ
Brad Johnson
Clinical Psychologist, Workplace Allies
Breakout

Making Connections

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

Confirmed Speakers

VM
Vada Manager
Founder/CEO, Manager Global

“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 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
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

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The Watergate Hotel

2650 Virginia Ave NW, Washington, DC 20037

0.4 MI From Venue

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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
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