Our 2024 Simmons Leadership Conference Speakers
This year’s speakers will share their personal journeys, offer career-building advice, and lead thought-provoking discussions on the theme of action and impact. Get ready to be inspired!
Mainstage Keynotes & Honored Guests

Cassandra Worthy
World’s Leading Expert on Change Enthusiasm

Jennifer Hyman
Co-founder and CEO, Rent the Runway

Magie Cook
CEO, Magie’s All-Natural Fresh Salsas and Dips, Author

Padma Lakshmi
Emmy-Nominated Food Expert, Television Host & New York Times Bestselling Author

Trevor Noah
Comedian & Bestselling Author

Gloria Steinem
Writer & Feminist Activist

Thasunda Brown Duckett
President and Chief Executive Officer of TIAA

Susan MacKenty Brady
CEO of Simmons University Institute for Inclusive Leadership

Dr. Lynn Perry Wooten
President, Simmons University
Co-Hosts
Signature Session Speakers

Dr. Gary Bailey
Assistant Dean for Community Engagement & Social Justice, College of Social Sciences, Policy & Practice, Simmons University

Shabana Basij-Rasikh
Co-Founder & President of the School of Leadership, Afghanistan (SOLA)

Audra Bohannon
Founder, Bohannon Advisory

Susan MacKenty Brady
CEO of Simmons University Institute for Inclusive Leadership

Elisa van Dam
Vice President, Allyship & Inclusion, Simmons University Institute for Inclusive Leadership

Lisa Carmen Wang
Founder and Host of Bad Bitch Empire

Heather R. Younger
Founder and CEO of Employee Fanatix