The Nation's Premier Women's Conference

Simmons Leadership Conference

 

What is the Simmons Leadership Conference?

our RICH 44-YEAR HISTORY

The First Women’s Conference in U.S.

photo of early Simmons leadership conference
The Simmons Leadership Conference has been at the forefront of women's leadership since its inception in 1978 as America’s first women’s business conference. It has paved the way for women’s leadership around the world inspiring over 115K+ women to date.

WORLD-CLASS THOUGHT LEADERS

Acclaimed Speakers & Panelists

Michelle Obama 2018 Simmons Leadership Conference
Today the Simmons Leadership Conference brings together more than 8,500 professional leaders from around the globe – women and their allies – who want to better themselves, their workplaces, and the world. The conference stage has seen notable keynote speakers such as Michelle Obama, Hillary Clinton, Brené Brown, Gloria Estefan, Maya Angelou, Oprah Winfrey, Serena Williams, Quinta Brunson, Sheryl Lee Ralph, and more.

Why Attend

Join us on April 3, 2024, at the 45th annual Simmons Leadership Conference when we’ll explore this year’s theme of Creating Impact and empower women to thrive in today’s business landscape. We’re offering in-person and online attendance options – choose the format that’s best for you and your team.

Over the course of this one-day event, inspiring keynote speakers offer candid stories about their experiences on the way to the top, as well as principles for success to help you pursue your own professional path. The conference also offers thought-provoking panel discussions that will build your knowledge of leadership best practices. Each session allows for candid and open Q & As with top women leaders who provide expert advice and pro tips immediately applicable to enhance your leadership success.

1 Gain wisdom, insights, and inspiration from our world-class lineup of speakers.
2 Acquire practical tips and tools you can apply immediately from skill building sessions and panel discussions.
3 Network with women and allies from around the globe enhancing your professional and personal connections.
4 Arrive and Thrive as a leader in your organization to boost productivity and create a collaborative workplace culture.

Highlights from 2023

We unpacked the theme of Renewal and Innovation at the 44th Simmons Leadership Conference. Attendees gained heartfelt inspiration, wisdom, and insights from a world-class lineup of speakers, including Gloria Estefan, Quinta Brunson, Sheryl Lee Ralph, Amy Purdy, Carla Harris, and more. They shared highly personal stories that illustrated the importance of renewal, innovation, relationships, self-care, and vulnerability in leadership.

Take a look at memorable moments from the 2023 Simmons Leadership Conference and read highlights and pivotal takeaways from our empowering keynote addresses, thought-provoking Business Panels, and information-rich skill-building Signature Sessions.

quinta brunson, sheryl lee ralph, joyce kulhawik, lynn perry wooten slc44

2023 Simmons Leadership Conference Attendees Said...

I absolutely love that it was a hybrid experience. Due to the excellent technology set-up that was provided (PC or app), my virtual experience was flawless. It was as if I was there in person! Having a choice to attend in person or virtual was fantastic!

Latsamy Visetsin

Manager of Inclusion & Diversity, The TJX Companies, Inc.

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

Fatima Hassan

Senior Product Manager, HPE

I had the pleasure of attending the Simmons Leadership Conference in Boston. I am so inspired by the amazing women who shared their stories of how Renewal & Innovation have shaped their career journeys.

McKenna White

Project Manager, Cisco

I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to attend the Simmons Conference for Inclusive Leadership! Listening to all of the strong, inspiring women leaders was re-energizing and empowering.
I left the conference feeling inspired and ready to embrace new challenges! I am excited to discover the opportunities and experiences they lead me to.

Molly Miller

Global Talent Development & Learning Specialist, Mercury Systems

Feeling empowered and energized this morning as I virtually attend the 2023 Simmons Leadership Conference sponsored by Raytheon Technologies! I am inspired and grateful to hear these remarkable women share their journey and experiences.

Bianca Mattera

Manager, FP&A Power & Controls at Collins Aerospace

The Simmons Leadership Conference 2023 was nothing short of phenomenal.

Saidah Grayson Dill

Vice President, Deputy General Counsel - Employment Law at Cisco Systems, Inc.

Thank you, Simmons University Institute for Inclusive Leadership, for the privilege to participate in the 2023 Simmons Leadership Conference. It was an empowering experience, and I walked away feeling inspired and motivated to continue pushing boundaries and challenging the status quo.

Joanne Stephane

Vice President, Deputy General Counsel - Employment Law at Cisco Systems, Inc.

The Simmons Leadership Conference has been a best practice in how they shifted to a hybrid event. With an easy to use platform, more globalized content and amazing speakers that motivate attendees, they have made it simple for us to be more inclusive in offering seamless access to our global team members for the event.

Dawn Tiemann

Sr. Advisor, External Relationships, Culture, Diversity & Inclusion, Dell Technologies

Past Conference Speakers

See a list of all past speakers.

Past Conference Speakers

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Madeleine Albright

Diplomat and Former U.S. Secretary of State

madeleine albright headshot

Madeleine Albright

Diplomat and Former U.S. Secretary of State

madeleine albright headshot
masih alinejad

Masih Alinejad

Iranian-born Activist, Journalist, and Author

masih alinejad

Masih Alinejad

Iranian-born Activist, Journalist, and Author

masih alinejad
christiane amanpour headshot

Christiane Amanpour

British-Iranian Journalist and Television Host

christiane amanpour headshot

Christiane Amanpour

British-Iranian Journalist and Television Host

christiane amanpour headshot
Simone Biles Headshot

Simone Biles

World’s Most Decorated Gymnast

Simone Biles Headshot

Simone Biles

World’s Most Decorated Gymnast

Simone Biles Headshot
brene brown headshot

Brené Brown

Researcher & Bestselling Author

brene brown headshot

Brené Brown

Researcher & Bestselling Author

brene brown headshot
quinta brunson headshot

Quinta Brunson

Emmy Award-Winning Writer, Actor, Producer, and Stand-up Comedian

quinta brunson headshot

Quinta Brunson

Emmy Award-Winning Writer, Actor, Producer, and Stand-up Comedian

quinta brunson headshot
juju chang headshot

Juju Chang

Emmy Award-Winning Co-Anchor of ABC News Nightline

juju chang headshot

Juju Chang

Emmy Award-Winning Co-Anchor of ABC News Nightline

juju chang headshot
Hillary Clinton Headshot

Hillary Clinton

Former U.S. Secretary of State, Former First Lady, and Politician

Hillary Clinton Headshot

Hillary Clinton

Former U.S. Secretary of State, Former First Lady, and Politician

Hillary Clinton Headshot
Laverne Cox addressing crowd.

Laverne Cox

Actress

Laverne Cox addressing crowd.

Laverne Cox

Actress

Laverne Cox addressing crowd.
gloria estefan headshot

Gloria Estefan

Grammy Award-Winning International Superstar

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Gloria Estefan

Grammy Award-Winning International Superstar

gloria estefan headshot
carly fiorina headshot

Carly Fiorina

Business Executive, Politician, and Former CEO of Hewlett-Packard

carly fiorina headshot

Carly Fiorina

Business Executive, Politician, and Former CEO of Hewlett-Packard

carly fiorina headshot
julia gillard headshot

Julia Gillard

Former Prime Minister of Australia

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Julia Gillard

Former Prime Minister of Australia

julia gillard headshot
amanda gorman headshot wearing yellow turtleneck

Amanda Gorman

America's First Youth Poet Laureate

amanda gorman headshot wearing yellow turtleneck

Amanda Gorman

America's First Youth Poet Laureate

amanda gorman headshot wearing yellow turtleneck
jameela jamil headshot

Jameela Jamil

Actress and Activist

jameela jamil headshot

Jameela Jamil

Actress and Activist

jameela jamil headshot
Mindy Kaling Headshot

Mindy Kaling

Actress, Comedian, Writer, and Producer

Mindy Kaling Headshot

Mindy Kaling

Actress, Comedian, Writer, and Producer

Mindy Kaling Headshot
Michelle Obama Headshot

Michelle Obama

Former First Lady, Attorney, and Author

Michelle Obama Headshot

Michelle Obama

Former First Lady, Attorney, and Author

Michelle Obama Headshot
Amy Purdy headshot with paralympic medals

Amy Purdy

Survivor, New York Times Best-Selling Author, World Class Snowboarder, and Founder of Adaptive Action Sports

Amy Purdy headshot with paralympic medals

Amy Purdy

Survivor, New York Times Best-Selling Author, World Class Snowboarder, and Founder of Adaptive Action Sports

Amy Purdy headshot with paralympic medals
meg whitman headshot

Meg Whitman

Business Executive, Diplomat, and Politician

meg whitman headshot

Meg Whitman

Business Executive, Diplomat, and Politician

meg whitman headshot
Serena Williams Headshot

Serena Williams

World Champion Tennis Player

Serena Williams Headshot

Serena Williams

World Champion Tennis Player

Serena Williams Headshot
Oprah Winfrey Headshot

Oprah Winfrey

Talk Show Host, Television Producer, Actress, Author, and Philanthropist

Oprah Winfrey Headshot

Oprah Winfrey

Talk Show Host, Television Producer, Actress, Author, and Philanthropist

Oprah Winfrey Headshot

Nominate a Speaker

Let us know who might inspire you at a future conference or event.

Become a Conference Sponsor

Join the hundreds of organizations whose sponsorship has helped advance their growth and develop their team members into inclusive leaders.
If you’re interested in learning more about the many benefits of becoming a sponsor, please contact Tracie Charland at 617-521-3830 or tracie.charland@simmons.edu

Why our sponsors invest in women through sponsorship year after year.

Watch the video.

Raise your visibility

Enhance your organization’s commitment to women’s leadership, gender equity, diversity, and inclusion by spotlighting participation of conference delegates at media events.

Enhance your productivity

Improve team morale and return to work more motivated and equipped with innovative leadership tools and strategies.

Recruit top talent

Network with more than 500 accomplished women leaders from all around the world who boast impeccable educations, career paths, and achievements.