My First WIN Summit: A Front-Row Seat to Women Leading Boldly
Written By WIN Marketing Manager, Jamelia Jones
WIN Summit 2025: Chart a New Course
May 16, Apella by Alexandria, NYC
Just a few months ago I joined the WIN team as the new Marketing Manager and this May I had the incredible opportunity to help produce my very first WIN Summit. I knew coming in that this was a special community, but experiencing the 9th Annual WIN Summit in person gave that understanding a whole new depth.
This year’s theme, “Chart a New Course,” couldn’t have been more timely. As we navigate an increasingly complex world — one where women's empowerment efforts are facing real resistance and resources often feel stretched thin — the need for spaces like WIN has never felt more urgent.
But what stood out to me most wasn’t just the content or the production, it was the people.
This was a group of women who lead with intention and warmth. Who were not only impressive on paper, but genuinely kind and engaged. There was a real sense of shared momentum in the room and that energy carried through every single moment of the day.
A Day of Bold Conversations and Real Tools
The day opened with an inspiring fireside chat with Stephanie Dobbs-Brown, in conversation with WIN CEO and Co-Founder Daniella Kahane, who set the tone with her thoughtful perspective on building and investing in women-led ventures. And it closed just as powerfully with Assemblymember Jenifer Rajkumar, who brought heart and a rallying call to continue showing up — especially when it’s hard.
I had a behind-the-scenes view of the entire day, and I can tell you: the amount of work and intention poured into every element was extraordinary. The team worked around the clock, and it all paid off. Our workshops were packed with real strategies, our panels buzzed with forward-thinking conversation, and our wellness sessions gave attendees space to reset and reflect.
My Top Takeaways
Workshops that shifted mindsets and sparked action.
I saw and spoke with people who walked out of sessions like “Negotiating Through Uncertainty” and “Claiming Your Worth” with lightbulb moments. You could almost feel the breakthroughs happening.
Panels that pushed the conversation forward.
From AI and personal branding to women’s health, and leadership, these weren’t your typical panel conversations. They were grounded, honest, and deeply relevant to what women are navigating today.
Wellness that wasn’t an afterthought.
From breathwork techniques and meditation to movement, improv and astrology, our wellness sessions reminded everyone that leadership starts from within. These sessions were some of the most beloved moments of the day.
Grateful for Our Partners
None of this would’ve been possible without our incredible sponsors and partners. Your support helped create not just an event — but an experience.
Sponsors:
ReedSmith, SHRM, CITI, Revitalash, Michael Stars, TriNet
Exhibitors & Wellness Partners:
Another Tomorrow, AstroTwins, House of Gro, NEON Acupuncture (Marian Conaty), Nnabi, ORA by Tangni, Two Moons Health, Zeel, and our headshot photographer Katherine Nunez.
Gift Bag, Snack Sponsors, & Raffle Contributors:
Behave, Better Sour, Ceremonia, Cesta, Daily Crunch, House of Gro, Maman, Revitalash, Stellar Pretzels, Talea, The Ranch, Tony's Chocolonely, Veronique Gabai, YFT.
A Personal Note of Thanks
To our amazing volunteers, your calm, capable, and kind support made everything run smoothly and created such a welcoming atmosphere for everyone.
A special thank you to Daniella Kahane, our CEO and co-founder, for trusting me to join this incredible team and for her inspiring leadership. As well as my teammate Emily Bayne, working alongside you has been a true privilege.
And to every woman I met that day: thank you for showing up with openness and grace. Your presence made my first WIN Summit not only memorable, but meaningful.
What Comes Next
As May winds down and we move into summer — a season of motion, growth, and change — I’m reflecting on how this event came at exactly the right time. The world may be shifting in ways that feel unknown, but this experience reaffirmed something I deeply believe: when women gather with intention, change becomes possible.
WIN Summit 2025 wasn’t just about leadership. It was about reclaiming our momentum, reconnecting to what matters, and redefining the future — together.
Here’s to everything that comes next. Let’s keep charting bold, brilliant courses forward.