The 13th Annual Virginia Women’s Conference: Women Lead the Way

Saturday, November 15, 2025
8:00 AM – 2:30 PM
Cost: No cost to attend but registration is required
Where: Johnson Center, George Mason University – Fairfax Campus

Join us for an unforgettable day of inspiration, empowerment, and connection at the Virginia Women’s Conference—where women from across the Commonwealth come together to learn, lead, and lift each other up.

2025 Conference Co-Hosts: Senator Mark R. Warner, George Mason University, 5Points Creative, Amazon, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield, Dominion Energy, FICO, Genworth | CareScout, Hilton, Inova Health, Market Exec, and Navy Federal Credit Union.

We’re thrilled to announce our keynote speaker: Cynt Marshall! As President & CEO of Marshaling Resources, former CEO of the Dallas Mavericks, author, and retired AT&T executive, Cynt brings her signature energy, authenticity, and hard-earned wisdom to the stage. Her story will leave you inspired and ready to take charge of your future. 

Throughout the day, you’ll hear from dynamic speakers, explore interactive workshops, and connect with experts and resources covering topics from health and wealth to career growth, community-building, and leadership.
 

This event is free to all participants but registration is required as space is limited!

General Session 9 AM – 9:50 AM

 Women in Public Service: Challenges, Rewards, and Inspiring the Next Generation

This panel features women who are serving or have served in elected office, along with a leader who helps prepare young women for public service. Panelists will share their journeys, lessons learned, and ways to inspire the next generation to develop leadership skills, engage in politics, and make an impact in their communities.

Moderated by Jamie Jones Miller, Dean and CEO of Northeastern University – Arlington Campus; State Senator Jennifer Carroll Foy, Virginia Senate District 33; Barbara Comstock, former U.S. Congresswoman, Virginia’s 10^th District; Shea Holman, NEW Leadership Faculty in Residence, Assistant Professor, Schar School of Policy and Government, George Mason University; and Sonia Vasquez Luna, member of the Manassas City Council.

Breakout Session I – 10 AM – 10:50 AM

Women & Health: Owning Your Journey Through all Ages and Stages

Join clinician experts from Inova and Anthem for an engaging discussion on the health issues women face during perimenopause and menopause, highlighting the latest clinical insights, challenges in diagnosis and treatment, and practical strategies to improve quality of life. In addition, we will focus on women’s empowerment, why too often women face barriers to being heard, making informed decisions, and accessing timely care; and why overcoming these barriers is critical to navigating the health journey with confidence. Gain perspectives on hormonal changes, mental health, and evidence-based symptom management, with time for Q&A and shared experiences.

Moderated by Monica L. Schmude, president of Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Virginia; Panelists: Dr. Chandrika Balgobin, medical director for Inova Women’s Behavioral Health Program; Dr. Nazaneen Homaifar, system division chief of routine obstetrics, MD, MBA, FACOG, for Inova Health; and Dr. Seema Sarin, medical director, commercial business solutions, Virginia for Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield.

Women & Power: The Butterfly Effect & a New Definition of Power     

Amid headline examples of leadership that prize control and conformity, this panel examines a different model of power. We explore how democratic practices that value diversity, divergence, and shared space enable people to claim agency and co-create change. Through candid conversation and audience Q&A, we surface practical ways to lead communities and design systems where power is exercised with others, not over them. The goal is simple: equip participants to recognize their own strength and catalyze ripple effects in their own communities.

Cadie Hopkins, co-founder of Iron Butterfly Media; Megan Jaffer, co-founder of Iron Butterfly Media; Anjuma Goswami Karkera, chief executive officer of the Institute for Building Technology and Safety; and Stephanie A. La Rue, attorney and senior executive.

Women & Wealth: Navigating Homeownership and Credit with Confidence

Join us for an engaging and informative workshop designed for individuals of all ages and backgrounds who are interested in homeownership and financial empowerment. In this session, you’ll gain essential skills to take control of your finances, make informed decisions, and plan for a secure financial future. We’ll guide you through the entire mortgage application process—from what to consider before applying, to finding the right real estate agent, understanding the benefits of mortgage preapproval and required documentation, searching for a home, navigating closing, and everything in between. You’ll also hear from a FICO expert about the key ingredients in your FICO® Score and have the opportunity to meet with a non-profit financial counselor to help guide you on your financial journey—all for free!

Elaine Cozart, senior manager, consumer empowerment programs & partnerships for FICO; Jared Miller, financial well-being coach for Operation Hope; Jasmine Roberts, assistant vice president, partner success for Operation Hope; Brittany Robinson, business development officer for Navy Federal; and Roger Strecker, regional business development leader for Navy Federal.

Breakout Session II – 11 AM – 11:50 AM

Women & New Beginnings: Leveraging Your Skills for What’s Next

Change is inevitable - whether it comes from a family transition, a career pivot, or unexpected layoffs like those recently affecting federal government workers. This session empowers women to identify and leverage their transferable skills, reframe setbacks as opportunities, and chart paths into new or different roles with confidence.

Zenith Barrett, founder of The Zenith Agency, LLC; Allison Morley, senior director, HR consulting for Hilton; Latoya Asia Smith, vice president of employee experience and talent strategy for Dominion Energy.

Women & E-Commerce: Unlock Success in Amazon’s Store

Join us for an exclusive panel discussion moderated by Diana Mungu, a Program Manager in Amazon Seller External Relations, where you’ll hear firsthand from local small business owners as they share their entrepreneurial journeys. Learn how these experienced small business owners and Amazon selling partners grew and scaled their brands by leveraging Amazon. Discover the steps they took, the challenges they overcame, and the strategies that led to their success. This discussion will provide valuable insights for any small business owner interested in selling in Amazon's store.

Moderated by Diana Mungu, program manager, seller external relations for Amazon; Panelists: Laverne Amara, founder of NVLX Labs; Dr. Noreen Galaria, dermatologist and founder and CEO of Inner Glow vitamins; and Scarlett Pons, founder of Scarlettwares.

Women & Community: Inspiration to Impact   

Meet women who saw a need in their communities and took action, turning ideas into meaningful organizations. Hear their stories, learn about the challenges and rewards, and get practical tips for starting your own initiative. Be inspired to take your own ideas from vision to impact!

Moderated by Claire Guthrie Gastañaga, founder of ChangeServant; Panelists: Shannon Castleman, executive director of Oakwood Arts; Dilshad Charania, co-founder and co-executive director of CAPAZ-IT; Elvira De la Cruz, CEO of Latinos in Virginia Empowerment Center; Dr. Jaclyn Nunziato, co-founder and executive director of Huddle Up Moms; and Angela Patton, founder of Camp Diva Leadership Academy, and CEO of Girls For A Change

Join us for a family friendly afternoon of singing traditional Christmas Carols from Spain and Latin America. 

Saint Luke Catholic Church in McLean VA from 3 to 6 in the afternoon on Sunday, the 7th of Dec 2025.  Tickets are available at https://www.torcuart.com/events or via QR code on the flyer. 
Cost is $16 for adults and $8 for children and includes Chocolate and Churros, 
Raffle tickets for a nice gift basket will also be for sale at the event. 
Attendance is limited and this event always sells out so get your tickets now! 
For more information see the attached flyer or our website!