2025 Women Spanning the Globe
On June 4th, 2025, something remarkable unfolded at the stunning Overhills Mansion—the region’s premier gathering of globally focused women, where inspiration, connection, and purpose converged in unforgettable ways.
Conference 8 AM – 4 PM | Happy hour 4 PM- 5 PM
For our 19th annual Women Spanning the Globe Conference, it was about time—time to celebrate the empowerment of women across all sectors, time to recognize the powerful intersection of our professional and personal lives, and time to tap into the strength of our ever-expanding community of women leaders. As we navigated our individual journeys, this WTCI signature conference continued to explore the most pressing topics and issues that are pivotal to our success—then and now. Through our highly anticipated roster of speakers and panelists, we inspired discussions on breaking down barriers, seizing opportunities, and fostering environments where women’s voices and perspectives were not only valued but integrated into a more inclusive decision-making process.
We welcomed both in-person and virtual attendees once again, delivering a fun and energizing event for all participants. With our focus on transformative leadership in business, the influence of technology and AI, health and wellness, executive-level success, plus conversations around the diverse stages and life cycles of women’s careers, we charted a course that acknowledged our past achievements and propelled us forward.
It was About Time we owned a purposeful future…shaped by all of us, for all of us.
Who Attended?
More than 500 emerging and existing leaders from all industries and career levels—from those entering the workforce to the C-suite—attending both virtually from around the world and in-person.
Why Should I Attend Next Year?
Because you seek to grow personally and professionally and know that we are stronger together. Inspiration can come from unexpected places and the diverse group that attends the annual event can’t be found anywhere else.
What Can I Expect?
A day packed with informative and interactive speakers and presentations, punctuated with time for networking and connecting with fellow attendees.
Agenda Overview
8:00 AM
Doors Open and Morning Networking: Start your conference experience with our energizing morning networking session. Enjoy freshly brewed coffee and a selection of light breakfast options while connecting with fellow women leaders in a relaxed atmosphere. Whether you’re looking to reconnect with familiar faces or meet new professional allies, our Coffee & Light Breakfast gathering creates the ideal setting for meaningful conversation and relationship building that can enhance your entire conference experience.
8:45 AM
Welcome Remarks: Our brief welcome remarks will set the tone for the conference, highlighting our theme, and outlining the transformative journey ahead. Take this moment to settle in, feel the collective energy of remarkable women leaders gathered from across the globe, and prepare for a day designed to inspire your professional evolution and expand your network of powerful allies.
Valerie Sheares Ashby
Elizabeth Robinson
9:00 AM
Opening Keynote: Brave Your Fear – Fear is personal. It commandeers our spirit and handcuffs our will. In striving to be “fearless,” we reinforce the idea that life is best lived without fear. But is it? Fear is real. What we truly mean when we commend someone for their fearlessness is that we value their bravery. The point isn’t to fear less—it’s to brave more. Drawing from data on thousands of women, including Women Spanning the Globe participants, Brave Enterprises presents a powerful case for fear as both an alarm and an engine for courageous action, and a case for bravery as a vital lever to confidence. This potent keynote will ignite your joy in concert with your fear, guiding you to unlock your bravery and build your BOOM.
Crista Samaras
9:45 AM
Panel: Lead Smarter – AI Strategies to Power Up Performance: Discover how today’s most innovative women leaders leverage artificial intelligence to transform their organizations and accelerate results. This dynamic panel brings together pioneering executives who will share practical AI implementation strategies, reveal productivity breakthroughs, and demonstrate how embracing these powerful tools can create more space for truly human-centered leadership.
Seema Alexander
Jess Szmajda
Kristin Bauer
Vivian Duker
10:45 AM
Embracing Bold Leadership and Risk with Resilience: Join Alicia Wilson as she shares her inspiring journey from working-class roots to Chief Impact Officer, revealing how bold leadership requires both calculated risk-taking and unwavering resilience. This interactive session invites you to engage directly with Alicia, as she answers your questions and offers personalized advice on navigating leadership challenges while transforming obstacles into opportunities for yourself and others.
Alicia Wilson
11:45 AM
Morning Wrap up and Break for Lunch
For Sponsors: Join leadership expert Randi Braun for an enlightening lunchtime session that reimagines C-Suite leadership for today’s rapidly evolving business landscape. Discover strategic approaches to confidently navigate economic shifts, market volatility, and team transformation while enjoying valuable networking with fellow leaders.
Rebecca Altman RN, MBA
Randi Braun
For All Guests: Refuel and connect over a delicious locally sourced buffet lunch featuring seasonal ingredients and refreshing beverage options. Enjoy family-style seating that encourages conversation with new connections, or take a moment of personal reflection before the afternoon’s activities begin.
1:00 PM
Afternoon Welcome: Following lunch, our host will welcome all attendees back to the conference. The conference continues with two tracks: Interactive breakout sessions for in-person attendees and a curated and hosted track for virtual attendees.
1:15 PM
Networking Breakout: Find Your “Harmony” – Beating Burnout, Prioritizing Your Health, and Thriving in Every Role
Discover powerful strategies for balancing your professional ambitions with personal wellbeing as health experts share the latest innovations for combating burnout, optimizing energy, and creating sustainable harmony across all dimensions of your busy life.
2:15 PM
Networking Breakout: Lead the Change – Master Uncertainty & Inspire Action
Navigate disruption, rally your team, and turn today’s challenges into opportunities with bold leadership.
3:15 PM
Closing Remarks & Raffle: Our hosts re-cap the day and give out some prizes.
3:45 PM
Happy Hour
Unwind and connect at our happy hour, where an open bar, live music, and interactive photo booth await to transform networking into the highlight of your day! Mingle with fellow attendees amid buzzing exhibit tables in this vibrant atmosphere designed to create meaningful connections and unforgettable moments.
Afternoon Virtual Sessions
We are curating a bespoke afternoon experience for our virtual attendees featuring an exclusive mix of live and recorded content from our presenters, all hosted by dedicated afternoon virtual hosts. Check back here soon for more information.
Candace Steele Flippin
Deena Ghazarian
Seema Alexander
Stacy Stube
Virtual Panel: It’s About Time to Lead the Change: Insights from Inspiring Leaders: – Insights on taking your leadership to the next level
Elizabeth Weglein
Molly Hughes Wilmer
Sirali Kewalramani
Sloane Brown
Leslie Morales
Table Facilitators
In the afternoon, attendees will engage in guided networking sessions, led by our expert facilitators. These women come from various fields, but all share a passion for building bonds and forging connections.
Alexandria Montanio
Elizabeth Robinson
Gracelyn McDermott
Jenna Reese
Kara Connell
Kendra Parlock
Lynn Sanders
Molly Hughes Wilmer
Oxana Andreeva
Sirali Kewalramani
Sylvia Toense
Tammy Ridgley
2025 Women Spanning the Globe Conference Highlights
The 2025 conference was held on June 4th at the scenic Overhills Mansion. This year featured a powerful keynote, dynamic speakers, and an afternoon dedicated to building connections. In addition to the day-long conference, attendees enjoyed a happy hour with live music. Relive the day through the beautiful photos!
2025 Session Videos
Although nothing compares to joining us in-person, check out the videos below to relive the excitement of the 2025 conference.
Lead Smarter – AI Strategies to Power Up Performance
Lead Smarter – AI Strategies to Power Up Performance
Brave Your Fear: Transformational Leadership Insights with Crista Samaras
Brave Your Fear: Transformational Leadership Insights with Crista Samaras
Embracing Bold Leadership and Risk with Resilience
Embracing Bold Leadership and Risk with Resilience
How to Know When It’s Time to Change Careers & Build Your Brand
How to Know When It’s Time to Change Careers & Build Your Brand
Making a Living, Keeping Your Values: Innovation in the Creative Economy
Making a Living, Keeping Your Values: Innovation in the Creative Economy
Leadership Insights – Redefining Resilience
Leadership Insights – Redefining Resilience
Five Must-Haves for Your Career Plan
Five Must-Haves for Your Career Plan
Speakers, Panelists, and Presenters
Virtual and In-person Attendees last year
Years of hosting the Mid-Atlantic’s top conference for global women
Conference Attendees Alltime
Women Spanning the Globe Advisory Council
Elizabeth Robinson
Gracelyn McDermott
Kendra Parlock
Kristin Bauer
Lynn Sanders
Nicole Ortiz Fleischmann
Oxana Andreeva
Rebecca Altman RN, MBA
Tammy Ridgley
2025 Women Spanning the Globe Sponsors
Co-Host
Platinum Sponsors
Gold Sponsors
Silver Sponsors
Production Partners
Questions?
For more information about the Women Spanning the Globe Conference, contact:
