
Women in Leadership Summit: The Great Reinvention
Date
Time
8:30am - 7:30pmAddress
1100 Wilson Blvd, Arlington, VA 22209
Register
The inaugural Women in Leadership Summit will be held on Friday, 23 September 2022, at UVA Darden DC Metro in Arlington, Virginia.
The Summit is free and open to recent Darden alumni, students, prospective students and emerging Washington, D.C., leaders.
Space for this event is limited and registration will be on a first come, first served basis. Once the event is full, there will be an opportunity to join a waitlist to attend.
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Overview
The theme of this year's event is “The Great Reinvention.” The summit will feature leading-edge discussions, networking and skill-building focused on developing and celebrating female leaders in times of change.
This exciting event for Darden alumni, current and prospective students, and emerging leaders in D.C. will highlight scholarly thought leadership and research, forge new connections, and feature programming such as:
- Conversations and skill-building workshops on topics including inclusivity and belonging, engaging in critical conversations and navigating ethical dilemmas
- Industry-focused workshops including experts from tech, media, venture capital/private equity, and entrepreneurship fields, with insights from all three Darden winners of the 2022 UVA Entrepreneurship Cup
- Expert panels on sustainability and the state of women in the workforce moderated by leading Darden faculty
- Hear from expert leaders from Lot Sixteen, Dcode, Meta, Deloitte and more
- Structured networking opportunities with alumni, guest speakers and fellow attendees
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Agenda
Preliminary Agenda
Sessions, times and topics are subject to change
Time Session 8:30-9:30 a.m. Welcome, Registration and Breakfast 9:30-9:40 a.m. Opening Remarks and Introductions 9:45-10:30 a.m. Keynote 10:35-11:35 a.m. Workshops | Skill-Building
- Engaging in Critical Conversations
- Navigating Ethical Dilemmas
- Creating Connection and Championing Equity & Belonging11:45 a.m.-12:45 p.m. Panel | Good Disruptors: Women in Sustainability 12:45-1:40 p.m. Lunch and Informal Networking 1:45-2:45 p.m. Panel | The New World of Work 2:50-3:50 p.m. Workshops: Industry Insights
- Venture Capital and Private Equity
- Entrepreneurship
- Media
- Tech and Innovation4:00-4:50 p.m. Speed Networking 5:00-6:00 p.m. Presentation of Awards 6:00-7:30 p.m. Cocktail Hour We hope to see you in Rosslyn in September for this inaugural event celebrating the remarkable women in our community who are reimagining and reinventing a new world of work!
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Speakers
We look forward to adding speakers and panelists in this section as they are confirmed.
Faculty
Tatiana Batova, Associate Professor of Business Administration
Allison Elias, Assistant Professor of Business Administration
Mary Margaret Frank, Senior Associate Dean for Faculty Development; Samuel A. Lewis Sr. Faculty Fellow; John Tyler Professor of Business Administration; Institute for Business in Society Academic Director
Yael Grushka-Cockayne, Altec Styslinger Foundation Bicentennial Chair in Business Administration, Senior Associate Dean for Professional Degree Programs
Rebecca Goldberg, Visiting Executive Lecturer
Toni Irving, Frank M. Sands Sr. Professor of Practice
Mike Lenox, Tayloe Murphy Professor of Business Administration, Senior Associate Dean and Chief Strategy Officer
Elena Loutskina, Professor of Business Administration, Peter M. Grant II Bicentennial Foundation Chair in Business Administration
Panos Markou, Assistant Professor of Business Administration
Roshni Raveendhran, Assistant Professor of Business Administration
Bobby Parmar, Shannon Smith Emerging Scholar in Business, Associate Professor of Business Administration
Melissa Thomas-Hunt, John D. Forbes Distinguished Professor of Business Administration
Kim Whitler, Frank M. Sands Sr. Associate Professor of Business AdministrationAlumni
Elizabeth Blankenship (MBA ‘22), CEO and Founder at by Eilly (formerly Coton)
Natalie Cucchiara (EMBA '20), Vice President at Lot Sixteen
Christine Fruehwirth (MBA '96), Founder at FlexCareers Consulting
Ivy Ghatan (MBA '09), Senior Account Executive, LinkedIn Marketing Solutions at LinkedIn
Anshu Gupta (MBA ‘16), Incubation Manager, New Products at Meta
Karen Henneberger (EMBA '20), Senior Executive, New Ship Design at U.S. DOE
Claritza Jimenez (EMBA '21), Managing Producer, POLITICO live, POLITICO; Founder, InColorStock.com
Patrice Ju (MBA '14), Head of Business Operations, PeopleDev at Google
Ashley Keating (EMBA ’20), Founder & CEO at the Mediterranean Movement
Laure Katz (GEMBA '16), VP, Blue Nature & Co-Lead Blue Nature Alliance at Conservation International
Nicole Lindsay (MBA ’99/JD ‘00), SVP, People & Capability, Products and Technology at Mastercard
Tolu Oyefesobi (MBA ‘08), Head of Operational Risk and Financial Controls at Inter-American Development Bank
Cecilia Rios Murrieta (MBA ‘22), Founder at JAS Alcohol-free cocktails
Gretchen Pace (MBA ‘22), Founder & CEO of Goose & Willow
Chrissa Pagitsas (MBA ‘09), Founder & Principal at Pagitsas Advisors
Pavani Reddy (JD/MBA ’06), Managing Director at EAB
Bill Shelton (MBA '93), CMO at Group 1001; Co-CEO and Co-Founder at Parity
Erin Tollini (EMBA ’20), CEO & Founder at SoSocial App
Meg Vorland (MBA ’16), Co-founder and Chief Strategy Officer at Dcode, Managing Partner at Dcode Capital
Meghan Welch (EMBA '10), Chief People Officer at Plaid
Elizabeth Weymouth (MBA '94), Founder and Managing Partner at Grafine PartnersAdditional Speakers
Jenny Abramson, Founder and Managing Partner at Rethink Impact
Aurelia Flores, Venture Partner at New Market Venture Partners
Meghan Fennell, Director at Deloitte
Jack Speer, Nightly Newscaster at NPR
Stef Strack, Founder & CEO at Voice in Sport, VIS and Voice in Sport Foundation
Robyn Swift, Partner and Head of Investor Relations at Transform Capital -
Awards
Several new women's leadership awards will recognize individuals in the community for their outstanding leadership and contributions to the advancement of women in business.
A fireside chat featuring the three award winners will be hosted by Mary Margaret Frank, Senior Associate Dean for Faculty Development; Samuel A. Lewis Sr. Faculty Fellow; John Tyler Professor of Business Administration; Institute for Business in Society Academic Director
Women's Leadership Champion Award
Awarded to a prominent and successful leader in the corporate, public service or non-profit space who has demonstrated a long-term commitment to championing women in her field and an extensive focus on developing, challenging, motivating and supporting women in their careers and lives
Recent Alumni Leader Award
Awarded to a recent Darden graduate (2012-21) in the corporate, public service or non-profit space who has demonstrated a commitment to developing, challenging, motivating and supporting women in their careers and lives
Women’s Leadership Summit Trailblazer Award
Natalia Alvarez Diaz (MBA '22)
For her leadership and numerous contributions to advancing women and gender equity at Darden, inside and outside of the classroom, through her work with faculty, Admissions, [email protected], the MBA Diversity Equity and Inclusion initiatives, and her presidency of the Graduate Women In Business club. Diaz is a visionary leader, paying careful attention to the individuals and the community around her, working to make Darden the best school it could be for diverse women and all. This award will be further recognized at the Women in Leadership Summit in September.
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Details
Accommodations
Darden has special rates with both the Hyatt Centric Arlington and Le Meridien (Marriott). When making a reservation, please use the links below to receive a reduced rate at these nearby properties. Reduced rate rooms may be limited, and will be available on a first-come, first-served basis.
View additional information about visiting UVA Darden DC Metro
Health and Safety
In accordance with University of Virginia direction, all participants should follow CDC guidelines for safe in-person events and gatherings. We encourage all participants to be up to date on COVID-19 vaccinations and booster shots. If you are experiencing any of the symptoms of COVID-19, we kindly ask that you choose not to attend the Summit. Wearing of masks is not required at the Summit; however, we respect and support any participant who chooses to wear a mask.
Questions?
Contact us at [email protected]
The theme of this year's event is “The Great Reinvention.” The summit will feature leading-edge discussions, networking and skill-building focused on developing and celebrating female leaders in times of change.
This exciting event for Darden alumni, current and prospective students, and emerging leaders in D.C. will highlight scholarly thought leadership and research, forge new connections, and feature programming such as:
- Conversations and skill-building workshops on topics including inclusivity and belonging, engaging in critical conversations and navigating ethical dilemmas
- Industry-focused workshops including experts from tech, media, venture capital/private equity, and entrepreneurship fields, with insights from all three Darden winners of the 2022 UVA Entrepreneurship Cup
- Expert panels on sustainability and the state of women in the workforce moderated by leading Darden faculty
- Hear from expert leaders from Lot Sixteen, Dcode, Meta, Deloitte and more
- Structured networking opportunities with alumni, guest speakers and fellow attendees
Preliminary Agenda
Sessions, times and topics are subject to change
Time | Session |
---|---|
8:30-9:30 a.m. | Welcome, Registration and Breakfast |
9:30-9:40 a.m. | Opening Remarks and Introductions |
9:45-10:30 a.m. | Keynote |
10:35-11:35 a.m. |
Workshops | Skill-Building - Engaging in Critical Conversations |
11:45 a.m.-12:45 p.m. | Panel | Good Disruptors: Women in Sustainability |
12:45-1:40 p.m. | Lunch and Informal Networking |
1:45-2:45 p.m. | Panel | The New World of Work |
2:50-3:50 p.m. |
Workshops: Industry Insights - Venture Capital and Private Equity |
4:00-4:50 p.m. | Speed Networking |
5:00-6:00 p.m. | Presentation of Awards |
6:00-7:30 p.m. | Cocktail Hour |
We hope to see you in Rosslyn in September for this inaugural event celebrating the remarkable women in our community who are reimagining and reinventing a new world of work!
We look forward to adding speakers and panelists in this section as they are confirmed.
Faculty
Tatiana Batova, Associate Professor of Business Administration
Allison Elias, Assistant Professor of Business Administration
Mary Margaret Frank, Senior Associate Dean for Faculty Development; Samuel A. Lewis Sr. Faculty Fellow; John Tyler Professor of Business Administration; Institute for Business in Society Academic Director
Yael Grushka-Cockayne, Altec Styslinger Foundation Bicentennial Chair in Business Administration, Senior Associate Dean for Professional Degree Programs
Rebecca Goldberg, Visiting Executive Lecturer
Toni Irving, Frank M. Sands Sr. Professor of Practice
Mike Lenox, Tayloe Murphy Professor of Business Administration, Senior Associate Dean and Chief Strategy Officer
Elena Loutskina, Professor of Business Administration, Peter M. Grant II Bicentennial Foundation Chair in Business Administration
Panos Markou, Assistant Professor of Business Administration
Roshni Raveendhran, Assistant Professor of Business Administration
Bobby Parmar, Shannon Smith Emerging Scholar in Business, Associate Professor of Business Administration
Melissa Thomas-Hunt, John D. Forbes Distinguished Professor of Business Administration
Kim Whitler, Frank M. Sands Sr. Associate Professor of Business Administration
Alumni
Elizabeth Blankenship (MBA ‘22), CEO and Founder at by Eilly (formerly Coton)
Natalie Cucchiara (EMBA '20), Vice President at Lot Sixteen
Christine Fruehwirth (MBA '96), Founder at FlexCareers Consulting
Ivy Ghatan (MBA '09), Senior Account Executive, LinkedIn Marketing Solutions at LinkedIn
Anshu Gupta (MBA ‘16), Incubation Manager, New Products at Meta
Karen Henneberger (EMBA '20), Senior Executive, New Ship Design at U.S. DOE
Claritza Jimenez (EMBA '21), Managing Producer, POLITICO live, POLITICO; Founder, InColorStock.com
Patrice Ju (MBA '14), Head of Business Operations, PeopleDev at Google
Ashley Keating (EMBA ’20), Founder & CEO at the Mediterranean Movement
Laure Katz (GEMBA '16), VP, Blue Nature & Co-Lead Blue Nature Alliance at Conservation International
Nicole Lindsay (MBA ’99/JD ‘00), SVP, People & Capability, Products and Technology at Mastercard
Tolu Oyefesobi (MBA ‘08), Head of Operational Risk and Financial Controls at Inter-American Development Bank
Cecilia Rios Murrieta (MBA ‘22), Founder at JAS Alcohol-free cocktails
Gretchen Pace (MBA ‘22), Founder & CEO of Goose & Willow
Chrissa Pagitsas (MBA ‘09), Founder & Principal at Pagitsas Advisors
Pavani Reddy (JD/MBA ’06), Managing Director at EAB
Bill Shelton (MBA '93), CMO at Group 1001; Co-CEO and Co-Founder at Parity
Erin Tollini (EMBA ’20), CEO & Founder at SoSocial App
Meg Vorland (MBA ’16), Co-founder and Chief Strategy Officer at Dcode, Managing Partner at Dcode Capital
Meghan Welch (EMBA '10), Chief People Officer at Plaid
Elizabeth Weymouth (MBA '94), Founder and Managing Partner at Grafine Partners
Additional Speakers
Jenny Abramson, Founder and Managing Partner at Rethink Impact
Aurelia Flores, Venture Partner at New Market Venture Partners
Meghan Fennell, Director at Deloitte
Jack Speer, Nightly Newscaster at NPR
Stef Strack, Founder & CEO at Voice in Sport, VIS and Voice in Sport Foundation
Robyn Swift, Partner and Head of Investor Relations at Transform Capital
Several new women's leadership awards will recognize individuals in the community for their outstanding leadership and contributions to the advancement of women in business.
A fireside chat featuring the three award winners will be hosted by Mary Margaret Frank, Senior Associate Dean for Faculty Development; Samuel A. Lewis Sr. Faculty Fellow; John Tyler Professor of Business Administration; Institute for Business in Society Academic Director
Women's Leadership Champion Award
Awarded to a prominent and successful leader in the corporate, public service or non-profit space who has demonstrated a long-term commitment to championing women in her field and an extensive focus on developing, challenging, motivating and supporting women in their careers and lives
Recent Alumni Leader Award
Awarded to a recent Darden graduate (2012-21) in the corporate, public service or non-profit space who has demonstrated a commitment to developing, challenging, motivating and supporting women in their careers and lives
Women’s Leadership Summit Trailblazer Award
Natalia Alvarez Diaz (MBA '22)
For her leadership and numerous contributions to advancing women and gender equity at Darden, inside and outside of the classroom, through her work with faculty, Admissions, [email protected], the MBA Diversity Equity and Inclusion initiatives, and her presidency of the Graduate Women In Business club. Diaz is a visionary leader, paying careful attention to the individuals and the community around her, working to make Darden the best school it could be for diverse women and all. This award will be further recognized at the Women in Leadership Summit in September.
Accommodations
Darden has special rates with both the Hyatt Centric Arlington and Le Meridien (Marriott). When making a reservation, please use the links below to receive a reduced rate at these nearby properties. Reduced rate rooms may be limited, and will be available on a first-come, first-served basis.
View additional information about visiting UVA Darden DC Metro
Health and Safety
In accordance with University of Virginia direction, all participants should follow CDC guidelines for safe in-person events and gatherings. We encourage all participants to be up to date on COVID-19 vaccinations and booster shots. If you are experiencing any of the symptoms of COVID-19, we kindly ask that you choose not to attend the Summit. Wearing of masks is not required at the Summit; however, we respect and support any participant who chooses to wear a mask.
Questions?
Contact us at [email protected]
Sessions + Speakers
Our distinguished Keynote speaker will be announced soon!
Keynote

Presented by
Professor Toni Irving, Frank M. Sands Sr. Professor of Practice
Engaging in Critical Conversations

Roshni Raveendhran
Assistant Professor of Business Administration

Tolu Oyefesobi
Head of Operational Risk and Financial Controls at Inter-American Development Bank

Christine Fruehwirth
Founder at FlexCareers Consulting
Navigating Ethical Dilemmas

Bidhan ("Bobby") Parmar
Shannon Smith Emerging Scholar in Business Associate Professor of Business Administration

Karen Henneberger
Senior Executive, New Ship Design at U.S. DOE

Pavani Reddy
Managing Director at EAB
Creating Connection and Championing Equity & Belonging

Melissa Thomas-Hunt
John D. Forbes Distinguished Professor of Business Administration and Special Advisor

Brian Krentz
Class of 2023, Allies for Gender Equity

Patrice Ju
Head of Business Operations, PeopleDev at Google

Bill Shelton
CMO at Group 1001; Co-CEO and Co-Founder at Parity

Stef Strack
Founder & CEO at Voice in Sport, VIS and Voice in Sport Foundation
Good Disruptors: Women in Sustainability

Yael Grushka-Cockayne
Senior Associate Dean for Professional Degree Programs

Mike Lenox
Tayloe Murphy Professor of Business Administration; Senior Associate Dean and Chief Strategy Officer

Laure Katz
VP, Blue Nature & Co-Lead Blue Nature Alliance at Conservation International

Chrissa Pagitsas
Founder & Principal at Pagitsas Advisors
The New World of Work

Allison Elias
Assistant Professor of Business Administration

Meghan Welch
Chief People Officer at Plaid

Jenny Abramson
Founder and Managing Partner at Rethink Impact

Meghan Fennell
Director at Deloitte
Industry Insights: Venture Capital and Private Equity

Elena Loutskina
Peter M. Grant II Bicentennial Foundation Chair in Business Administration

Elizabeth Weymouth
Founder and Managing Partner at Grafine Partners

Aurelia Flores
Venture Partner at New Market Ventures

Robyn Swift
Partner & Head of Investor Relations at Transform Capital
Industry Insights: Entrepreneurship

Rebecca Goldberg
Visiting Executive Lecturer

Erin Tollini
CEO & Founder at SoSocial App

Ashley Keating
Founder & CEO at the Mediterranean Movement

Meg Vorland
Co-founder and Chief Strategy Officer at Dcode; Managing Partner at Dcode Capital

Elizabeth Blankenship
CEO and Founder at by Eilly (formerly Coton)

Gretchen Pace
Founder & CEO at Goose & Willow

Cecilia Rios Murrieta
Founder at JAS Alcohol-free cocktails
Industry Insights: Tech and Innovation

Panos Markou
Assistant Professor of Business Administration

Tatiana Batova
Associate Professor of Business Administration

Anshu Gupta
Incubation Manager, New Products at Meta

Nicole Lindsay
SVP, People & Capability, Products and Technology at Mastercard

Ivy Ghatan
Senior Account Executive, LinkedIn Marketing Solutions at LinkedIn
Industry Insights: Media

Kimberly A. Whitler
Frank M. Sands Sr. Associate Professor of Business Administration

Natalie Cucchiara
Vice President at Lot Sixteen

Claritza Jimenez
Managing Producer, POLITICO live, POLITICO; Founder, InColorStock.com

Jack Speer
Nightly Newscaster at NPR
[email protected]
Learn about the [email protected] initiative, student organizations and alumnae groups that support women at Darden.