2025 Simmons Leadership Conference

March 20, 2025
In-Person at the Hynes Convention Center
Online from Anywhere

Your Path to Inclusive Leadership Begins Here

The Simmons Leadership Conference (SLC) isn’t just an event – it’s a catalyst for transformative change. We were proud to welcome thousands of leaders to this uplifting and empowering 1-day experience on March 20, 2025.

Attendees can immerse themselves in thought-provoking discussions led by distinguished keynote speakers. Every session is designed to inspire, provide wisdom, and offer actionable insights for the modern workplace.

Why Simmons Stands Out

Amid a sea of leadership conferences, why choose the Simmons Leadership Conference? Here’s why:

  • ENGAGE with thought leaders driving impact.
  • NETWORK with leaders fostering change.
  • ACCESS tools to revolutionize your workplace culture.
  • EXPERIENCE inspiration like never before.
  • ADVOCATE for genuine, equity-driven leadership.
  • CELEBRATE your commitment to the future of inclusive leadership.

Program Schedule: March 20, 2025

On the Mainstage
9:00 am ET

Welcoming Remarks

Joyce_Kulhawik_cohost

Joyce Kulhawik

Emmy Award-Winning Journalist

Kristen_Palson_cohost

Kristen Palson

COO, Simmons University Institute for Inclusive Leadership and Executive Producer, Simmons Leadership Conference

Our esteemed co-hosts, Joyce Kulhawik and Kristen Palson, will kick things off and set the stage for the exceptional women’s leadership keynotes, events, and workshops ahead. They will offer personal and professional insights into this year’s theme – Leading Change.

9:15 am ET

Morning Keynote

10:00 am ET

Helen G. Drinan Visionary Leader Award

helen drinan headshot

Helen G. Drinan

President Emerita at Simmons University

visionary leader word cloud

Join us as we celebrate this year’s Helen G. Drinan Visionary Leader Award. The annual award is named in honor of the former president of Simmons University, Helen G. Drinan and celebrates a woman leader who embodies the values of inclusive leadership in her personal and professional life.

>> Learm more about this award and its past recipients.

10:15 am ET

Business Panel: Leading through Change

Kerry Seitz

Kerry Seitz

Vice President, Women’s Leadership, Simmons University Institute for Inclusive Leadership

This panel, moderated by Kerry Seitz, the Institute’s VP of Women’s Leadership, explores the dynamics of multigenerational leadership and how leaders across different age groups can collaborate effectively in an era of constant change. With rapid shifts in technology, business practices, and work cultures, panelists will share strategies for motivating themselves and their teams, fostering resilience, and driving innovation. Attendees will gain insights into building inclusive leadership practices that engage and inspire employees of all generations.

11:00 am ET

Networking Break

Network with peers from around the world and learn more about sponsor organizations in the virtual exhibit hall.

11:30 am ET

Signature Sessions: AM Breakout Options

With our Signature Sessions, you have the opportunity to choose the topic that most intrigues or inspires you. Our presenters are global experts who will provide timely and relevant expertise on key topics. We are also offering a moderated discussion, where women business leaders will share their personal stories about their leadership journeys as they embrace change enthusiastically to ensure positive impact.

Note some offerings are online only, some are in-person only, and some are available for both audiences. But don’t worry, you won’t miss out! Post-conference, you’ll also be able to access the wisdom shared in the sessions you didn’t attend via video on demand.

Complete details on breakout options coming soon. 

12:30 pm ET

Lunch

Enjoy a 60-minute lunch break to refresh, renew, and refocus for the afternoon sessions.

1:30 pm ET

Afternoon Keynote

2:15 pm ET

Intentional Networking: Action Session

2:45 pm ET

Signature Sessions: PM Breakout Options

With our Signature Sessions, you have the opportunity to choose the topic that most intrigues or inspires you. Our presenters are global experts who will provide timely and relevant expertise on key topics. We are also offering a moderated discussion, where women business leaders will share their personal stories about their leadership journeys as they embrace change enthusiastically to ensure positive impact.

Note some offerings are online only, some are in-person only, and some are available for both audiences. But don’t worry, you won’t miss out! Post-conference, you’ll also be able to access the wisdom shared in the sessions you didn’t attend via video on demand.

Complete details on breakout options coming soon. 

3:45 pm ET

Networking Break

Network with peers from around the world and learn more about sponsor organizations in the virtual exhibit hall.

3:45 pm ET

Closing Keynote

5:30 pm ET

Program Ends

Attendees Are Raving...

Even attending this conference virtually, you could feel the energy of the speakers! The nuggets of wisdom and guidance, I will put into practice immediately, like choosing to be BETTER rather than be BITTER. Thank you, Magie, for reminding us that we are EXTRAORDINARY, and that we have the power to create to do so many things. Thank you, Simmons University, for gathering us together for this amazing conference!

Channeary McDowell

Strategic Site Partnership Lead, Novartis

What a learning experience! Attended the Simmons Leadership Conference today representing HPE. Interacting with such powerhouses and women of impact first hand was an experience I will never forget.

Richelle Smith, MSM,MSW

Assistant Principal, Arlington Public Schools

Loved hearing the stories from all the leaders today. The impact only continues and loved hearing Padma Lakshmi's mentor stories and giving back to her community by paving the path with the power of networking. Especially felt inspired by Magie's manifestation story of living in an orphanage and having a hard childhood only to see herself as equal as the rest of us. Simply shows just how mindset plays a key role in our success and how we show up everyday.

Kimberly Falcon

Software Engineer I, USAA

What a treat to listen to Cassandra Worthy! Today she gave a talk at the 45th Annual Simmons Leadership Conference #SLC45 - talk that engages, influences, inspires. There were lots of learnings on how to "uncover your inner change enthusiast to maximize your impact." Her authenticity, honesty, and energizing presence is the bar for all influencers and inspirational speakers.

Kayla Bolton

Communications & Project/Program Manager, Hewlett Packard Enterprises

What an amazing, inspiring and impactful event!!!
Congratulations to you and your entire team! I am so lucky to have been able to attend and I can’t wait to pay it forward by continuing the conversation. Thank you for leading the charge in creating an inclusive workplace!

Beth Comenat

Business Transformation Leader| Ex-FB/Meta, Ex-Oracle

I cried, laughed, applauded with the wonderful women around me and really immersed myself in this experience. We all have what it takes to become who we want to be as long as we are resilient and stand true to our beliefs.I could have never dreamed up this life for myself but other people saw my potential and with that I flourished. Now it’s my turn, I will continue to stand behind my beliefs and fight for those that don’t have a voice with kindness, compassion and always empathy.

Michele Murphy

Liaison Education & Development Specialist

So excited and happy to be *virtually* a part of the Simmons Leadership Conference today! Learning, growing and connecting with other leaders around the world is an AMAZING opportunity!! Even more amazing that this year was the 45th anniversary of this event. I plan to take back a lot of tips I can use to impact change in my role.

Tatyana Thomas-Sanford

Frontline Supervisor at Boston Children’s Hospital

The Simmons Leadership Conference Is for You If…

  •  You’re driven to be a force of positive change in leadership.
  •  You value inclusion and equity as a cornerstone of impactful leadership.
  •  Tangible insights and actions that support workplace inclusion resonate more than mere theories.
  •  Connecting with gender parity visionaries ignites your passion.
  •  You represent an organization that champions positive cultural evolution.
  •  Allyship, for you, is a call to action and a commitment to create impact.

Individual Tickets

Registration will open in early Fall and we recommend you plan ahead as in-person tickets will sell out fast.

In-Person

$1299 at the Hynes Conventions Center in Boston, MA

Online

$399 join virtually from anywhere

Online (non-profit)

$299 join virtually from anywhere

Video on Demand (only)

$349 90 days following the event – a convenient way for you to benefit if you can't join us on March 20

Group Sales

Planning to Bring a Group? Contact Tracie Charland to speak about group sales.

Sponsorship

Our team is ready to assist you with details and pricing for sponsoship packages.

Group Sales

Share the Experience! Contact Tracie for details and pricing for larger groups.

Imagine...

You've just attended SLC46. You're transforming your team, and your industry takes notice. With the tools you gained from our inclusive leadership conference, you're not just a leader – you're a beacon of change.

Visualize a world where leadership truly represents all. Where equity isn't a goal, but a given.

SLC46 is your first step. Are you ready?