2026 Leadership Conference: Full Schedule

7:30am EDT

Check-in/Continental Breakfast

Saturday April 11, 2026 7:30am - 8:30am EDT

5 West (5th Floor)

Check-in begins at 7:30 AM in 5 West.

Saturday April 11, 2026 7:30am - 8:30am EDT
5 West (5th Floor)

8:30am EDT

Emcee Remarks

Saturday April 11, 2026 8:30am - 8:45am EDT

5 East (5th Floor)

Emcee Renee Wynn welcomes the attendees, emphasizes on the background & theme, and goes through key house keeping items.

Speakers

Renee Wynn

Strategic Advisor, RP Wynn Consulting LLC

Renee Wynn is a seasoned executive and board advisor with more than 30 years of leadership experience spanning environmental policy, global IT operations, cybersecurity, and supply chain risk management. She has led complex, mission-critical programs at the U.S. Environmental Protection... Read More →

Saturday April 11, 2026 8:30am - 8:45am EDT
5 East (5th Floor)

8:50am EDT

Rising to the Moment: Leadership Lessons from History's Front Lines (Keynote)

Saturday April 11, 2026 8:50am - 9:15am EDT

5 East (5th Floor)

For four decades, Ann Compton reported from the front lines of American History as a pioneering White House correspondent for ABC News. Drawing on her extraordinary career covering seven U.S. presidents and historic global events, including reporting aboard Air Force One on September 11, she shares firsthand insights on leadership in moments of crisis, evolving the role of journalism, and the...
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Speakers

Ann Compton

Former White House Correspondent, ABC News

As the first woman assigned to cover the White House on network television and with 41years on the air for ABC News, her longevity and impact are unparalleled. Compton’s career spanned seven presidents and 10 presidential campaigns. President Barack Obama announced her retirement... Read More →

Saturday April 11, 2026 8:50am - 9:15am EDT
5 East (5th Floor)

Mainstage, Keynote

9:25am EDT

Mission Ready: Leading Through Uncertainty and Challenge (Keynote)

Saturday April 11, 2026 9:25am - 9:45am EDT

5 East (5th Floor)

From the cockpit of a space shuttle to the forefront of global innovation, Pamela Melroy has built a career defined by courage, resilience and bold leadership. In this inspiring keynote, Melroy shares powerful lessons from her journey as an astronaut, space shuttle commander, and NASA Deputy Administrator--revealing how embracing uncertainty and rising through challenge can unlock extraordinary...
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Speakers

Colonel Pam Melroy, USAF, Retd.

Deputy Administrator, NASA

Pam Melroy is a senior aerospace executive with government and industry experience across civil, commercial, and national security space. She is the former Deputy Administrator of NASA, a former NASA astronaut and Space Shuttle commander, and a retired US Air Force test pilot.

Melroy was commissioned in the United States Air Force and served as a KC-10 copilot, aircraft commander, and instructor pilot. Melroy is a veteran of Operation Just Cause and Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm, with over 200 combat and combat support hours. She attended the Air... Read More →

Saturday April 11, 2026 9:25am - 9:45am EDT
5 East (5th Floor)

Mainstage, Keynote

10:00am EDT

Where are You on AI?

Saturday April 11, 2026 10:00am - 10:20am EDT

5 East (5th Floor)

This opening session is designed to spark curiosity, not provide answers. By mapping perspectives across the room and surfacing the questions people are asking about AI, participants will gain clarity on the changes ahead.

Speakers

Bob Etris

Managing Partner, Evans

As Managing Partner at Evans, Bob Etris transforms complex organizational challenges into clear, sustainable solutions. Since joining Evans in 2003, he has systematically built practical frameworks that bridge technology, business needs, and — most importantly — human dynamics... Read More →

Saturday April 11, 2026 10:00am - 10:20am EDT
5 East (5th Floor)

Mainstage

10:25am EDT

Movement to Breakouts & Leadership Forum

Saturday April 11, 2026 10:25am - 10:40am EDT

10:40am EDT

AI as Your Advantage: Practical Tools for Smarter, More Effective Leadership

Saturday April 11, 2026 10:40am - 11:25am EDT

1 East (1st Floor)

Please note that all breakout sessions will be repeated, so if you miss a session during the first round, you’ll have another opportunity to attend it. AI is reshaping how we work — and those who harness it thoughtfully will gain a distinct advantage. In this session, Mary Jo Robinson will guide participants through practical applications of AI that enhance productivity, sharpen focus,...
See More →

Speakers

Awni Bansal

Digital Transformation and AI Enablement Leader, Booz Allen Hamilton

Awni Bansal is a dynamic digital transformation and AI enablement leader who turns complex enterprise challenges into fast, measurable impact. She helps organizations embrace change, scale innovation, and prepare their people for the future. At Booz Allen, she has led high-impact... Read More →

Mary Jo Robinson

Director of Technical Enablement and Enterprise AI, Booz Allen Hamilton

MaryJo “MJ” Robinson is a Director of Technical Enablement and Enterprise AI with over 25 years of experience in technology, including the last 19 at Booz Allen. She focuses on shaping enterprise AI and design experiences with a clear goal: delivering impactful, scalable solutions... Read More →

Saturday April 11, 2026 10:40am - 11:25am EDT
1 East (1st Floor)

Breakout Session

10:40am EDT

Bold Speaking: Increase Your Impact (Breakout)

Saturday April 11, 2026 10:40am - 11:25am EDT

2 East (2nd Floor)

Please note that all breakout sessions will be repeated, so if you miss a session during the first round, you’ll have another opportunity to attend it. Your voice is your most powerful leadership asset. This uber interactive, dynamic, prop-filled program guarantees you will walk out a more compelling speaker generating bigger impact in every important meeting, presentation, and pivotal...
See More →

Speakers

Jan Fox

Emmy-Award Winning Broadcaster, Fox Talks

If you live in the DC Metro now, or a while back, you might recognize Jan Fox.

She is a 4 Time TV Emmy Winner, reporting and anchoring at CBS - Channel 9 in DC, for almost 2 decades: a LONG time in TV-land. She took the NBC station in Portland, Maine, from #2 to #1, and hosted an award-winning ABC talk show in Boston. Before all that, she was a teacher and associate... Read More →

Saturday April 11, 2026 10:40am - 11:25am EDT
2 East (2nd Floor)

Breakout Session

10:40am EDT

From Burned Out to Fueled Up: Reclaiming Energy & Sustainable Performance

Saturday April 11, 2026 10:40am - 11:25am EDT

5 West (5th Floor)

Please note that all breakout sessions will be repeated, so if you miss a session during the first round, you’ll have another opportunity to attend it. In this energizing breakout, Lora Cheadle will explore how high-achieving women can adapt to mounting demands without sacrificing well-being, rise above burnout cycles, and ultimately thrive through sustainable performance practices....
See More →

Speakers

Lora Cheadle, JD, CHt

Attorney, TEDx Speaker, Leadership Consultant

Lora is licensed to practice law in California and Colorado and is a trauma-informed leadership consultant specializing in burnout prevention, communication, and sustainable performance in high-pressure environments. A clinical hypnotherapist with advanced training in stress regulation... Read More →

Saturday April 11, 2026 10:40am - 11:25am EDT
5 West (5th Floor)

Breakout Session

10:40am EDT

How to Use Your Personality Brand to Drive Authority, Advocacy, and Advancement

Saturday April 11, 2026 10:40am - 11:25am EDT

Conference Room 3 (3rd Floor)

Please note that all breakout sessions will be repeated, so if you miss a session during the first round, you’ll have another opportunity to attend it. Too often women hesitate to promote themselves, fearing negative perceptions or blending in with generic messaging. This session will show how bringing more of your authentic personality into your professional story builds confidence,...
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Speakers

Danielle Hughes

Chief Personality Officer, More Than Words

As Chief Personality Officer of More Than Words Marketing, Danielle Hughes is the creator of the Personality Brand — a smarter, more human alternative to the polished-but-forgettable versions of “professional” so many women have been taught to perform. Danielle helps leaders... Read More →

Saturday April 11, 2026 10:40am - 11:25am EDT
Conference Room 3 (3rd Floor)

Breakout Session

10:40am EDT

(Leadership Forum - By Invitation Only) From Uncertainty to Opportunity: Leading AI Adoption That Helps Your Organization Adapt.Rise.Thrive.

Saturday April 11, 2026 10:40am - 12:25pm EDT

Carah Cafe (1st Floor)

Please note that the Leadership Forum is 'by invitation' only, as indicated by the red star on your badge.As AI reshapes how we work, many leaders are being asked to move faster than they feel ready for, while still protecting what matters most in their organizations. This interactive workshop creates space to slow down, think together, and explore a more people-centered approach to AI adoption....
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Speakers

Bob Etris

Managing Partner, Evans

Saturday April 11, 2026 10:40am - 12:25pm EDT
Carah Cafe (1st Floor)

Leadership Forum

11:25am EDT

Movement to Breakout (Repeat)

Saturday April 11, 2026 11:25am - 11:40am EDT

Leadership Forum (Invite-only) continues

Saturday April 11, 2026 11:25am - 11:40am EDT

11:40am EDT

(REPEAT) AI as Your Advantage: Practical Tools for Smarter, More Effective Leadership

Saturday April 11, 2026 11:40am - 12:25pm EDT

1 East (1st Floor)

AI is reshaping how we work — and those who harness it thoughtfully will gain a distinct advantage. In this session, Mary Jo Robinson will guide participants through practical applications of AI that enhance productivity, sharpen focus, and create more space for high-value leadership work.
Attendees will leave with actionable insights to confidently integrate AI into their daily routines.

Speakers

Awni Bansal

Digital Transformation and AI Enablement Leader, Booz Allen Hamilton

Mary Jo Robinson

Director of Technical Enablement and Enterprise AI, Booz Allen Hamilton

Saturday April 11, 2026 11:40am - 12:25pm EDT
1 East (1st Floor)

Breakout Session

11:40am EDT

(REPEAT) Bold Speaking: Increase Your Impact (Breakout)

Saturday April 11, 2026 11:40am - 12:25pm EDT

2 East (2nd Floor)

Your voice is your most powerful leadership asset. This uber interactive, dynamic, prop-filled program guarantees you will walk out a more compelling speaker generating bigger impact in every important meeting, presentation, and pivotal conversation. This session will help you: Advance Your CareerLead with Your PurposeEngage Your TeamsCure Speaker Jitters – if you...
See More →

Speakers

Jan Fox

Emmy-Award Winning Broadcaster, Fox Talks

Saturday April 11, 2026 11:40am - 12:25pm EDT
2 East (2nd Floor)

Breakout Session

11:40am EDT

(REPEAT) From Burned Out to Fueled Up: Reclaiming Energy & Sustainable Performance

Saturday April 11, 2026 11:40am - 12:25pm EDT

5 West (5th Floor)

In this energizing breakout, Lora Cheadle will explore how high-achieving women can adapt to mounting demands without sacrificing well-being, rise above burnout cycles, and ultimately thrive through sustainable performance practices.

Participants will gain practical tools to reclaim their energy, reset priorities, and build resilience that lasts beyond the conference.

Speakers

Lora Cheadle, JD, CHt

Attorney, TEDx Speaker, Leadership Consultant

Saturday April 11, 2026 11:40am - 12:25pm EDT
5 West (5th Floor)

Breakout Session

11:40am EDT

(REPEAT) How to Use Your Personality Brand to Drive Authority, Advocacy, and Advancement

Saturday April 11, 2026 11:40am - 12:25pm EDT

Conference Room 3 (3rd Floor)

Too often women hesitate to promote themselves, fearing negative perceptions or blending in with generic messaging. This session will show how bringing more of your authentic personality into your professional story builds confidence, creates stronger connections, and opens doors to the right roles and opportunities. Participants will leave with practical tools to craft messaging that...
See More →

Speakers

Danielle Hughes

Chief Personality Officer, More Than Words

Saturday April 11, 2026 11:40am - 12:25pm EDT
Conference Room 3 (3rd Floor)

Breakout Session

12:25pm EDT

Movement to Lunch

Saturday April 11, 2026 12:25pm - 12:40pm EDT

12:40pm EDT

Buffet Lunch

Saturday April 11, 2026 12:40pm - 1:10pm EDT

5 East (5th Floor)

Main Course Selections include (will be labeled):
Herb Grilled Chicken Breast - GF
Cedar Wrapped Salmon - GF
Asparagus & Meyer Lemon Risotto - GF, V
Brie and Bow Tie Pasta - V
Roasted Vegetables - GF, Veg

Romaine salad - GF, Veg
Assorted breads

Dessert:
Dark Chocolate Cakelets- GF, V
Key Lime Pie Sweet Shot - V
Cheesecake Pops - V

Saturday April 11, 2026 12:40pm - 1:10pm EDT
5 East (5th Floor)

1:15pm EDT

The Women's Center Program

Saturday April 11, 2026 1:15pm - 1:50pm EDT

5 East (5th Floor)

Saturday April 11, 2026 1:15pm - 1:50pm EDT
5 East (5th Floor)

2:00pm EDT

(Panel) Growing into Leadership: Mentors, Moves, and Mindset

Saturday April 11, 2026 2:00pm - 2:25pm EDT

5 East (5th Floor)

Katy Breuer moderates a panel discussion with Tiffany Goddard, Karen Hanscom, and Shannon Teel on the pivotal moments that shaped their leadership journeys. From early career moves to navigating setbacks, they’ll share how mentorship, intentional risks, and mindset shifts fueled their growth.

Speakers

Karen Hanscom

Director of Sales, Carahsoft

Karen Hanscom is the Director of Sales for Carahsoft’s Adobe Public Sector Business Unit at Carahsoft Technology Corp. In this role, she leads sales, marketing, and go-to-market strategy for Adobe’s Digital Experience solutions across the U.S. and Canadian public sector markets... Read More →

Tiffany Goddard

Vice President of Sales, Carahsoft

Tiffany is currently Vice President of Sales at Carahsoft Technology. Under her leadership her team revenue grew from $0 in 2011 to over $800 million YTD in 2025. She led onboarding efforts for over 60 new partnerships this year alone and over 350 during her time with the company... Read More →

Shannon Teel

Head of North America Partnerships, Digital Learning at Adobe

Shannon Teel is Head of North America Partnerships for Digital Learning at Adobe, where she leads a partner ecosystem focused on delivering scalable, high-impact learning experiences for global organizations. Throughout her career, Shannon has been deeply committed to advancing the... Read More →

Saturday April 11, 2026 2:00pm - 2:25pm EDT
5 East (5th Floor)

Mainstage, Panel

2:30pm EDT

Turning Adversity into Strength

Saturday April 11, 2026 2:30pm - 3:05pm EDT

5 East (5th Floor)

Humanitarian worker Jessica Buchanan knows what it means to face unimaginable adversity and emerge stronger on the other side. After being kidnapped and held captive in Somalia before a dramatic rescue by U.S. Navy SEALs, Buchanan transformed her experience into a powerful message about courage, perspective, and the strength of the human spirit. In this deeply moving keynote, she shares lessons on...
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Speakers

Jessica Buchanan

NY Times Bestselling Author, Motivational Speaker

On October 25, 2011, while on a routine field mission in Somalia working as the Education Advisor for her non-governmental organization, Jessica was abducted at gunpoint and held for ransom by a group of Somali pirates for 93 days. Forced to live outdoors in deplorable conditions... Read More →

Saturday April 11, 2026 2:30pm - 3:05pm EDT
5 East (5th Floor)

Mainstage, Keynote

3:20pm EDT

Networking Happy Hour — compliments of Carahsoft

Saturday April 11, 2026 3:20pm - 4:20pm EDT

5 West (5th Floor)

Saturday April 11, 2026 3:20pm - 4:20pm EDT
5 West (5th Floor)

7:30am EDT

8:30am EDT

8:50am EDT

9:25am EDT

10:00am EDT

10:25am EDT

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10:40am EDT

10:40am EDT

10:40am EDT

10:40am EDT

11:25am EDT

11:40am EDT

11:40am EDT

11:40am EDT

11:40am EDT

12:25pm EDT

12:40pm EDT

1:15pm EDT

2:00pm EDT

2:30pm EDT

3:20pm EDT

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