PanelDuring dinner · The Square
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.
Two days · Two venues
The full agenda.
Day One · Tuesday, August 25, 2026
5:00 PM–8:00 PM
The Square
Day Two · Wednesday, August 26, 2026
7:30 AM–5:00 PM
The Ritz-Carlton, Washington, D.C.
All times Eastern (ET)The Square (Aug 25) · The Ritz-Carlton, Washington, D.C. (Aug 26)
Both days are listed here in the order they run, and are subject to change. The full timed agenda is coming from Take The Lead, and will be linked from this page as soon as it lands.
Aug 25 · The Square, 1850 K St NW · Doors 5:00 PM
Opening Night.
Cocktails and an exclusive pre-opening look at the Femme Art Fair, welcome remarks from Take The Lead, a panel staged during dinner, and the first Power Tool Champion recognition. One room, the evening before the conference.
On the night of August 25, Power Up guests get an exclusive pre-opening look at the Femme Art Fair, with select art pieces benefitting Take The Lead available for purchase. Dinner follows, in the same room.
How the evening runs
In order, from doors to close.
Cocktails, and the Femme Art Fair opens
Doors at 5:00 PM. Exclusive pre-opening look at the Femme Art Fair, with select art pieces benefitting Take The Lead available for purchase. Elizabeth Ziff of BETTY DJs the reception.
Welcome remarks
Take The Lead opens the evening.
Take The Lead, on film
A short film on the organization behind Power Up.
Sponsor recognition
The organizations funding this work, recognized from the stage.
The Power of the Arts to Change the World
A panel, staged during dinner, introduced from the stage by Aly Palmer, who is on it.
Dinner, with music
An elevated dining experience for special guests, donors, and influential leaders. Thoughtfully seated. Beautifully executed. The kind of dinner that turns strangers into collaborators.
Power Tool Champion recognition
The first of the 2026 Power Tool Champions are recognized, presented by the leadership ambassador who architected the honors.
Closing remarks, and BETTY
BETTY — Alyson Palmer, Amy Ziff, Elizabeth Ziff — closes the evening with a brief live set.
Aug 26 · The Ritz-Carlton, Washington, D.C. · Women's Equality Day · Doors 7:30 AM
The Conference.
Audacity: Leadership in Action. 7 main-stage panels, interactive breakout rooms, and the Power Tool Champions honors, all built around the 9 Leadership Power Tools.
How the day opens
Opening remarks and a land acknowledgement
Women's Equality Day starts with the host of the conference and the chair of Take The Lead's board.
Take The Lead's remarks
Gloria Feldt on the year, the work, and the nine tools the whole day is built around.
Fireside chat: Gloria Feldt in conversation with Margaret Atwood
Atwood names what is broken. Take The Lead's leaders spend the rest of the day on the solutions.
The rest of the day, in order
- 01Intentional networking, an interactive ice-breaker
- 02Women's Health Unfiltered: Sex & Leadership
- 03Break, with SHEposium and the bookstore open
- 04The Power of Care: Women Leading at Work and at Home
- 05The Audacity to Thrive: Women Claiming Midlife Health & Power
- 06Lunch, SHEposium, and a book signing
- 07Breakout rooms, running in parallel — choose one
- 08The 2026 Power Tool Champions, presented by Felicia Davis
- 09The Human Advantage: AI Risks, Representation & Real Solutions
- 10Invest in Herself: Women, Money & Long-Term Success
- 11Young, Bold & Unstoppable: No Seat at the Table? Build One.
- 12A report-out on the commitments made in the room
- 13The closing BETTY dance party
Aug 26 · Main stage · 7 panels
The Panels.
Main-stage conversations, each built around one or more of the 9 Leadership Power Tools, in the order they run.
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.
Panel
The Power of Care: Women Leading at Work and at Home
This candid conversation brings 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. They discuss the systemic challenges women continue to navigate, the changing expectations around work and family, and the bold solutions needed to create more equitable, supportive, and sustainable workplaces.
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 explores the importance of education, workplace awareness, access to informed healthcare, and self-advocacy while challenging outdated narratives around aging and women's health.
In this session
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: technology bias, unequal access to advancement, workforce displacement, and the urgent need for new skills. This forward-looking conversation explores how women can adapt, lead, and thrive in an AI-driven future.
Panel
Invest in Herself: Women, Money & Long-Term Success
This dynamic conversation explores 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 brings together financial experts, entrepreneurs, investors, executives, and advocates to discuss the barriers women continue to face in wealth building.
Panel
Young, Bold & Unstoppable: No Seat at the Table? Build One.
This energizing conversation features young advocates, organizers, creators, and leaders who are using their voices, networks, and lived experiences to challenge systems, mobilize communities, and inspire action on the issues that matter most.
Panel
Making the Workplace Work
A practical session on creating inclusive, equitable workplaces where women can lead and thrive.
Aug 26 · Interactive · Breakout rooms
Breakout Rooms.
Smaller rooms built for participation, not spectating. Come ready to work, not just to listen.
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. Speakers share practical strategies for finding and refining your voice, communicating with authenticity, and using personal stories to inspire action.
Making Connections
A session dedicated to building meaningful networks, strategic relationships, and lasting community across industries and generations.
Aug 26 · Honors · Presented by Felicia Davis
Power Tool Champions.
Introducing the 2026 honorees, recognized for how they wielded the 9 Leadership Power Tools this year to break barriers and lead with audacity. Felicia Davis, Take The Lead's leadership ambassador, architected the honors and presents them on both days.
The VisionaryKnow Your History
2026 Champion
Dr. Rose Crockett Matthews
Clinical Quality & Compliance Leader
Understand the women and events that paved the way so you can build upon their successes and avoid repeating their mistakes.
The TrailblazerDefine Your Own Terms
2026 Champion
Vernetra Gavin Hardy, Esq.
Deputy City Attorney
First, before anyone else does: take control of your narrative and establish what success means to you, rather than letting others dictate your value.
The MaximizerUse What You've Got
2026 Champion
Maggie Castro
Strategic Leader & Relationship Builder
Maximize the resources, relationships, and skills you currently possess rather than waiting for ideal circumstances.
Femme Art Fair · this tool, in art by Tess Duncan
The DisruptorEmbrace Controversy
2026 Champion
Wonder Wendy Farrell
Performer, Spokesperson & Fashion Advocate
View disagreements and challenges not as obstacles, but as opportunities for growth and necessary catalysts for change.
The Change CatalystCarpe the Chaos
2026 Champion
Davina Lyons
Founder
Capitalize on disruption and turbulent environments to innovate and take decisive action.
The Truth SeekerWear the Shirt
2026 Champion
Dr. Peggy Wilmoth
Retired Major General
Wear the shirt of your convictions: take clear, visible ownership of your leadership role and responsibility.
The Movement MakerCreate a Movement
2026 Champion
Leseliey Welch
CEO & Co-Founder
Take action; create a movement. Build collaborative networks and rally others around a shared purpose or vision to scale your impact.
The InfluencerEmploy Every Medium
2026 Champion
Rachel B. Lee
Co-Owner & Founder
Use all available channels, from face-to-face meetings to social media and public speaking, to communicate your message.
Femme Art Fair · this tool, in art by Helen Dannelly
The ActivatorTell Your Story
2026 Champion
Veronica Lynn Clark
International Speaker, Author & Leadership Educator
Craft a compelling narrative that inspires others, connects with your audience, and motivates action.
Femme Art Fair · this tool, in art by Heather Florio
Aug 26 · All day
Also on the floor.
SHEposium
Put your brand in front of the room. One of 50+ women-owned brands. 50+ women-owned brands, Conference day · Aug 26, 8:00 AM–5:00 PM.
Visit SHEposiumClosing BETTY Dance Party
Power Up 2026 closes with a dance party featuring BETTY, the award-winning indie rock trio fronted by speaker Alyson Palmer.
Mission Matters podcast conversations are also happening on the floor throughout the day.
Every session. Every speaker. Both days.
August 25–26, 2026 · The Square & The Ritz-Carlton, Washington, D.C.