Call for Speakers and Exciting Changes for the 2026 Women’s Leadership Conference!
We are pleased to announce that our 2026 Women’s Leadership Conference will be held on Friday, May 1 at Bigham Knoll in Jacksonville. Our theme is Lift As You Climb, which perfectly aligns with our core mission of helping women connect and advance.
We’ll be putting the emphasis on women helping women and we’ll introduce ways for you to be on the givingand the receiving end of that support. You will the leave the event with tangible tools, fresh perspectives, and powerful new connections that will guide you to grow your career and help other women rise right alongside you!
A new way for women to connect – Introducing the WLC Vendor Marketplace!
New for 2024 – Join us at the WLC Vendor Marketplace at the Conference!
A marketplace for women-owned and women-run businesses.
Held in the Stardust Lounge during the WLC Conference on May 3, shop around and support local businesses at the WLC Marketplace, showcasing local businesses in:
- Retail
- Arts & Crafts
- Health & Wellness
- Beauty & Self Care
Interested in being a vendor at the WLC Conference?
Apply today!
Please DO NOT register for the conference until you have received notice on the status of your vendor application!
Booth fee for accepted vendors:
$169.00 (includes conference ticket): (1) one six-foot table with white linen and two chairs
CALL FOR SPEAKERS
We are now accepting speaker applications for the conference. We’re seeking speakers who can inspire and equip our 300+ attendees with practical strategies, meaningful stories, and tools for leadership growth and community impact.
Speakers are encouraged to incorporate the theme in a way that feels authentic to their message. We are looking for two different types of presentations as described below.
Speaker Opportunities:
● Keynote Speakers: 50-minute sessions (we offer a modest honorarium).
● Lightning Talks: 12-15-minute, high-impact sessions like TED Talks (volunteer).
Application Requirements:
Submit your materials through our official Speaker Application Form.
Be prepared to include:
● A 2–3-minute video introducing yourself, your topic, and key learning points.
● A short, written description of your session, including title, takeaways, and connection to the theme.
● A brief professional bio.
Timeline:
Applications are due December 31, 2025. Selected speakers will be notified in January 2026. If you’re ready to share your expertise and inspire others, we invite you to apply and be part of this uplifting experience.
Ashland Hills Hotel
Once again, we’ll be back at the beautiful Ashland Hills Hotel for the reception and conference. You can register here for early bird pricing of $129 for the conference and reception through March 15th. After that, our regular pricing will be $139 for the conference plus an additional $20 for the reception. Please register early as the conference will sell out!
The conference is on May 2, registration opens at 7:30, and the conference begins at 8:30.
Please note that our registration is managed through SOU’s system. When you register, you’ll be redirected to their page, where you’ll need to create a login if you don’t already have one.
We invite you to join our mailing list so you can stay up to date on all the 2025 conference activities. You can sign up in the footer and follow us on social media at (LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram)
OUR SPEAKER LINE-UP
Keynotes
Lauren Trantham – FUEL FOR THE ROAD: Using Life’s Challenges to Accelerate Success in Business and Life.
Jasmine Brett Stringer – SEIZE YOUR LIFE: Unlocking Your Path to Personal Excellence
Luncheon Panel
Patsy Smullin, President and Owner of COBI (KOBI-TV NBC5/KOTI-TV NBC2)
Shannon Evers, CEO Girl Scouts of Oregon & Southwest Washington
Tina Miller, CFO Lithia Motors, Inc.
Nita Joseph, VP Controller Harry & David
Breakout Sessions
Sandra Colley – UNWRAPPING THE TRUTH: Why Feedback Feels Like a Tough Gift to Give
Tonya Sowles – LEVEL UP YOUR LEADERSHIP: Confidently Navigating Difficult Conversations and Conflict
Elissa Denton – CONFIDENCE IS A VERB: Taking Action in Moments of Uncertainty.
Kristi Frederick – DARING LEADERSHIP: Leading with Courage, Authenticity, and Heart.
Dr. Raquel Muller – LEVEL UP YOUR MONEY, LEVEL UP YOUR LIFE
Sarah Cagann – COMMUNICATE LIKE A BOSS
Conference Schedule
Thursday, May 1
Stardust Lounge
Opening Reception
5:30pm – 7:00pm
Friday, May 2
Ballroom
Women’s Leadership Conference
7:30am – 8:30am
Registration
8:30am – 8:40am
Opening Remarks and Introductions
8:40am – 9:30am
Morning Keynote – Lauren Trantham
9:30am – 9:40am
Coffee and Networking Break
9:40am – 10:30am
Breakout Session #1
• Elissa Denton (Ballroom)
• Sarah Cagann (Cosmos)
10:30am – 10:40am
Coffee and Networking Break
10:40am – 11:30am
Breakout Session #2
• Raquel Muller (Ballroom)
• Kristi Frederick (Cosmos)
11:30am – 12:30Pm
Buffet Lunch (Main room)
11:50am – 12:30Pm
Panel Discussion (Ballroom)
12:30pm – 1:00pm
Recognition + Awards (Main Room)
1:00pm-1:20pm
Stretching/Movement Break
1:20pm – 1:30pm
Coffee and Networking Break
1:30Pm – 2:20pm
Breakout Session #3
• Sandra Colley (Ballroom)
• Tonya Sowles (Cosmos)
2:20pm – 2:30pm
Coffee and Networking Break
2:30PM – 3:20Pm
Closing Keynote – Jasmine Brett Stringer (Ballroom)
3:20pm – 3:30pm
Final Remarks
3:30PM – 5:00Pm
WLC Marketplace (Main Hall)