State of the woman ® 2025

September 17-19th, 2025

Bridging Business with Potential

Improving Workforce Performance & Profitability

Presenting Sponsor

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STATE OF THE WOMAN ® 2025

The State of the Woman conference is a premier event for women who have achieved significant milestones in their careers and are looking to build meaningful connections with peers and the next generation of leaders. The event features acclaimed keynote speakers, inspiring panel discussions, and transformative workshops, all designed to unlock new levels of success for women in the workplace.

What they said about 2024:

"This was a very high energy, positive and motivating conference"
“It was great connecting with women from different industries and seeing how we connect on so many of the same things.”
“The presenters were incredibly insightful, had a thorough understanding of the topic and kept the audience captivated through their engagement & presentation style.”
“It was an amazing conference. I'm so happy I was invited to attend. I would recommend it to others.”
“Inspiring & thought provoking speakers; great networking opportunities with a myriad of aspiring women”

Our Mission

  • Foster deep, authentic relationships between accomplished women
  • Inspire and empower women to unlock new levels of success
  • Prepare the next generation of women leaders

Our Values

  • We believe in creating a safe and supportive environment for women to be open and authentic. 
  • We believe in presenting and discussing topics that are relevant. 
  • We believe that growth, opportunity, and success are best achieved when we are proactive.
  • We believe that our careers, relationships, and lives are enriched when we are inclusive.

STATE OF THE WOMAN ® 2025 brings together professional and executive level women to:

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INSPIRE

each other to unlock our potential and take responsibility for our career success

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CELEBRATE

the unique and powerful contributions that women make in the workplace and beyond

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CONNECT

with other executive and professional women to expand their network

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DISCOVER

    and exchange strategies that shape successful and dynamic corporate cultures

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    DISCUSS

    the challenges facing the pipeline to the C-suite and potential solutions to address them

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    SHARE

    the insights they have gathered throughout their career journey

    WHAT WE DO

    Looking for the deeper story behind why conferences like State of the Woman fuel stronger leadership, higher retention, and better business outcomes? Our Q&A covers it— including how events tailored for women drive innovation, build leadership pipelines, and deliver practical tools for long-term career growth.

    Click on the photo to read Q&A

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      STATE OF THE WOMAN 2024 VIDEO

      WHAT WE DO

      2025 Featured Speakers

      Click on the photo to read speaker bios

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      General Session Speakers and Facilitators

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      September 17-19th, 2025

      The Gaylord National Harbor

      Standing on the shores of the Potomac River, The Gaylord National Harbor Resort & Convention Center offers convenient access to many of Maryland’s most beloved attractions, some of which are right under this hotel’s roof. From the 19-story glass atrium overlooking the river to fountain shows, distinct restaurants and signature seasonal attractions, you’ll experience it all. Cap off your night at the rooftop bar before unwinding in a spacious room or suite with views of the Potomac.

      HOTEL RESERVATIONS:  The Gaylord National Harbor is the recommended hotel for out-of-town guests.  A block of rooms has been reserved for attendees of the State of the Woman conference with a discounted rate of $329/night plus the daily resort fee of $27.  To reserve your room, please click on the "Reserve Your Room Today" link below or contact The Gaylord directly at the following number (877) 382-7299. There are a limited number of rooms available so please make your hotel reservation as soon as possible.

      The Gaylord National Harbor
      201 Waterfront St
      Oxon Hill, MD 20745
      (301) 965-4000

      Reserve Your Room Today

      April 7-9, 2024

      Real Women...

      Real Conversations

      A conference designed for women in business by women in business... Women willing to be changemakers... Women looking to take their careers to the next level.

      We hope this event motivates and inspires everyone to take the lead in helping other women move their careers forward and support one another.

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      SEPTEMBER 17-19th, 2025

      State of the Woman ® 2025 Agenda

      Wednesday, September 17

      3:00 pm - 5:00 pm
      Registration

      6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
      Welcome Reception

      Thursday, September 18

      7:30 am - 8:30 am
      Breakfast

      8:30 am - 8:45 am
                              Welcome and Introductory Remarks                                                             Gail Letts, LETTS CONSULT                                           Presenting Sponsor

      8:45 am - 9:45 am
      The Leadership Landscape: What's Changing and What's Next

      9:45 am - 10:00 am
      Break

      10:00 am - 11:00 am
      Business: Innovation and Agility in a Bespoke Economy

      11:00 am - 12:00 pm
                                                 Keynote Session                                                           Dorothy Suskind, Disruptive Change Agents in Communities

      12:00 pm - 12:15 pm
      Break

      12:15 pm - 1:30 pm
                                       Lunch & Keynote Session                                Sally Roberts, Wrestle Like a Girl

      1:30 pm - 2:30 pm
      Workshops:
      - Executive Compensation
      -
      Wellness in Motion: Navigating Menopause with Confidence

      2:30 pm - 3:30 pm
      Workshops:
      - Becoming Board Worthy
      -
      Elevating Your Professional Brand

      3:30 pm - 3:45 pm
      Break

      3:45 pm - 4:30 pm
                                               Focus on Fashion                                            Featuring Nina McLemore & MAE New York

      4:30 pm - 5:30 pm
      Reception

      Friday, September 19

      7:30 am - 8:30 am
      Breakfast

      8:30 am - 9:30 am
      The Psychology of Money for Women: Unlocking Financial Empowerment & Confidence

      9:30 am - 9:45 am
      Break

      9:45 am - 10:45 am
      The Whole Story:  Reframing Health for Today's Woman

      10:45 am - 11:00 am
      Break

      11:00 am - 12:00 pm
      Roundtable Conversations

      12:00 pm - 1:00 pm
                                        Lunch & Keynote Session                                     Denise Hamilton, Indivisible

      1:00 pm - 1:30 pm
      Closing Remarks

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      General Sessions

      The Leadership Landscape: What's Changing and What's Next

      Terrian Barnes

      This dynamic session will be presented by Terrian Barnes, Principal and Owner of Fe-smart, and feature insights from leaders including Sherri Miles, President of Miles Roofing and Christine Aspell, Managing Partner KPMG. Grounded in key findings from McKinsey & Company’s Women in the Workplace report, the panel will explore the current landscape of the workforce and how leadership expectations, workplace culture, and organizational structures continue to evolve. Through real-world examples and forward-looking insights, panelists will discuss how professionals are navigating challenges such as shifting team dynamics, role transitions, and long-term performance demands. This session will offer a practical, thought-provoking conversation on what it means to lead effectively and sustainably in today’s environment.

      Innovation and Agility in a Bespoke Economy

      Tahera Zamanzada

      This session will be led by Tahera Zamanzada, Senior Vice President of Strategic Growth at Rhino AI and Natalie Buda Smith, Director of Digital Strategy for the Library of Congress.  As traditional, one-size-fits-all business models give way to more customized, technology-enabled solutions, this conversation will explore what it means to operate—and lead—in an economy defined by personalization, precision, and adaptability. Drawing from the concept of the “Bespoke Economy,” Tahera will examine how emerging technologies, customer expectations, and workforce preferences are reshaping everything from product design and service delivery to business strategy and operations. This session will offer attendees a front-line look at how organizations are responding to these shifts—and what leaders need to know to stay ahead in a market that rewards agility and intentionality.

      The Psychology of Money For Women: Unlocking Financial Empowerment & Confidence

      Kathleen Kingsbury

      This session explores the deeply personal relationship many women have with money—and how that relationship shapes confidence, decision-making, and long-term strategy. Led by financial behavior expert Kathleen Burns Kingsbury, banking leader Maria Tedesco and School of Business and Management at Loyola University of Maryland, Mary Ann Scully, the conversation will dive into the psychological and cultural factors that influence how women manage, invest, and talk about money. From navigating financial planning conversations to using wealth as a tool for both personal freedom and strategic influence, this session offers a refreshingly honest perspective on building financial confidence. Attendees will gain insight into how mindset and communication play critical roles in financial outcomes—and how to align financial choices with personal and professional goals.

      The Whole Story:  Reframing Health for Today's Woman

      Toni Ardabell

      This session will be led by Toni Ardabell, Chief, Clinical Enterprise Operations at Inova Health System, and will feature a panel of experts including Bonnie Price of Forensic Nursing at Bon Secours, Dr. Nazaneen Homaifar, Healthcare Executive and Medical Director at Seven Starling, and Laura Kelly, Licensed Dietitian Nutritionist and Certified Nutrition Specialist, and Founder of Apeiron Wellness. Together, these leaders will explore the complex realities of women’s health—looking beyond surface-level narratives to discuss the gaps, breakthroughs, and everyday barriers that shape care today. The conversation will span physical, mental, and nutritional health, highlighting both clinical and community perspectives. From access and stigma to innovation and education, this session offers a grounded, honest dialogue on what it truly takes to support and sustain health across the lifespan.

      Workshop Sessions

      All conference participants will be able to join 2 of the following sessions
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      Executive Compensation
      Facilitated by Rebecca Hoover, Partner, Wealth Advisor & Director of Financial Planning, Waverly Advisors and Katie Dykstra, Client Engagement Director at Marsh McLennan Agency for National HR Consulting Practice - this interactive workshop will offer a clear, practical look at executive compensation, demystifying common structures and providing strategies for evaluating and optimizing your total rewards package. From equity and incentive plans to long-term financial planning, facilitator Rebecca Hoover will guide participants through the key components to understand, negotiate, and leverage executive-level compensation with confidence.
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      Wellness in Motion: Navigating Menopause with Confidence
      In this workshop, licensed dietitian nutritionist, certified nutrition specialist, and founder of Apeiron Wellness, Laura Kelly and Board-Certified Obstetrician-Gynecologist, Dr. Nazaneen Homaifar, will guide participants through a practical and empowering conversation on health during midlife. This workshop offers a refreshing, informed approach to navigating menopause—focusing on how nutrition, lifestyle, and mindset can support energy, focus, and overall well-being. With real-world insights and accessible strategies, Laura will help attendees feel more confident in their health choices and better equipped to thrive through this important life stage.
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      Becoming Board Worthy
      In Becoming Board Worthy, Jess Martino, Executive Director of Bank On Women, Inc., will lead a strategic, action-oriented conversation for professionals looking to position themselves for board service. This workshop will explore what it takes to gain visibility, build the right experience, and communicate your value as a potential board member. With insights from the financial and corporate governance sectors, Jess will guide participants through the key considerations—from understanding board structures to identifying the right opportunities—so they leave with a clearer roadmap to board readiness.
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      Elevating Your Professional Brand
      In Elevating Your Professional Brand, Susan Quinn, CEO of Circe S Studio, will guide participants through a thoughtful and practical approach to defining, refining, and amplifying their professional presence. This workshop will focus on how to clearly communicate your strengths, values, and leadership style—both online and in person. Through real-life examples and hands-on strategies, attendees will learn how to align their brand with their goals, build credibility, and stand out in an increasingly competitive marketplace. Whether you're navigating a career transition or stepping into greater visibility, this session will help you show up with clarity and confidence.
      STATE OF THE WOMAN ® 2025

      Sponsorship Opportunities

      Presenting Sponsor

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      Co-Presenting Sponsor

      • $25,000
      • Complimentary registration for 8 attendees

      • Introduced as Co-Presenting Sponsor at opening reception of day 1
        and day 2 of program

      • Speaking opportunity about commitment to the advancement and growth of women in business
      • Opportunity to interview select speakers
      • Listed on the invitation, website and all program materials
      • Inclusion in press releases and media alerts about the partnership

      • Opportunity to share a quote for media purposes

      • Partner/Sponsor highlight on all LETTS CONSULT social media platforms (Linkedin, Facebook, Instagram)

      • Feature in a partner/sponsor State of the Woman blog post

      • Welcome remarks at the opening reception on September 17th

      Platinum Level

      • $15,000
      • Complimentary registration for 6 attendees
      • Opportunity to introduce a workshop or general session
      • Listed on the invitation, website and all program materials

      • Inclusion in press releases and media alerts about the partnership

      • Opportunity to share a quote for media purposes

      • Partner/Sponsor highlight on all LETTS CONSULT social media platforms (Linkedin, Facebook, Instagram)

      • Feature in a partner/sponsor State of the Woman blog post

      • Opportunity to be featured in select podcasts that are promoting the conference

      Gold Level

      • $10,000
      • Complimentary registration for 4 attendees
      • Sponsorship of one workshop
      • Listed on the invitation, website, and all program materials
      • Inclusion in press releases and media alerts about the partnership
      • Opportunity to share a quote for media purposes
      • Opportunity to be featured in select podcasts that are promoting the conference
      • Partner/Sponsor highlight on all LETTS CONSULT social media platforms (LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram)
      • Feature in partner/sponsor State of the Woman blog post

      Bronze Level

      • $2,500
      • Complimentary registration for 1 attendee
      • Reception sponsorship
      • Listed on the invitation, website and all program materials
      • Inclusion in press releases and media alerts about the partnership
      • Opportunity to share a quote for media purposes
      • Partner/Sponsor highlight on all LETTS CONSULT social media platforms (LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram)
      • Feature in partner/sponsor State of the Woman blog post
      • Opportunity to be featured in select podcasts that are promoting the conference

      Silver Level

      • $5,000
      • Complimentary registration for 2 attendees
      • Breakfast sponsorship
      • Listed on the invitation, website and all program materials
      • Inclusion in press releases and media alerts about the partnership
      • Opportunity to share a quote for media purposes
      • Partner/Sponsor highlight on all LETTS CONSULT social media platforms (LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram)
      • Feature in partner/sponsor State of the Woman blog post
      • Opportunity to be featured in select podcasts that are promoting the conference

      Corporate Level

      • $1,000
      • Listed on the invitation, website and all program materials

      Reserve Your Sponsorship Level

      To reserve your sponsorship level, please complete the following information: