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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, Maya Angelou, Oprah Winfrey, Serena Williams and more.

2023 simmons leadership conference logo and save the date

Choice & Flexibility

Join us for the 2023 Simmons Leadership Conference where we will explore the theme of Renewal and Innovation. We're offering three attendance options to provide maximum choice and flexibility we know women need. Attend in-person in Boston or online from anywhere on March 14, or watch video on demand 90 days following the event. All three participation options offer a great value at a great price.

Why Attend

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 2022

We unpacked the theme of Cultivating Courage and Connection at the 43rd Simmons Leadership Conference. Attendees gained heartfelt inspiration, wisdom, and insights from a world-class lineup of speakers, including Simone Biles, Brené Brown, Molly Fletcher, Amanda Gorman, and Luvvie Ajayi Jones. They shared highly personal stories that highlighted the importance of courage, connection, community, and vulnerability in leadership.

Take a look at memorable moments from the 2022 Simmons Leadership Conference.

kristen palson and joyce kulhawik in studio simmons leadership conference

2022 Simmons Leadership Conference Attendees Said...

These are some of the BEST virtual presentations I’ve had the pleasure of viewing. Thank you #SLCBoston

Emily Marsil

This has been so incredible — I don't want the day to end!

Robin Barde

I can't say thank you enough for being able to attend this amazing event today. As a male there should be more men being allies to support all of you strong women and to understand they may have some of their own vulnerabilities.

Mark Goerke

This experience is invaluable! Thank you Simmons University for putting together these amazing speakers!

Erin Granville

Closing out my day and the great conference with Simone Biles and Brené Brown—doesn’t get much better than that!

Dr. Rebecca Marchand

Another great lineup of inspiring leaders, speakers, and compelling stories.

Vicky M. Bartholo

An inspiring session during an inspiring day at #SLCBoston, thank you ⁦Simone Biles⁩, Brené Brown⁩ and so many others!

Sheila Watson

This was a great and inspiring conference. I am so glad that I was able to attend.

Lynda Carter

No words. Brené Brown and Simone Biles just blew my mind. How to find perspective and listen to yourself during crisis.

Stephanie P. Wladkowski, PhD, LMSW

Am loving my first time attending the Simmons Leadership Conference. What an inspiring day!

Sandy Plarske

Feeling so inspired by the speakers from #SLCBoston after this mornings sessions!

Harper Schmidt

Can't wait to get my hands on Arrive and Thrive to learn about and practice returning to my 'best self.' Love everything Susan MacKenty Brady is saying.

Lindsey Mills

Past Conference Speakers

Past Conference Speakers

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
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
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
Serena Williams Headshot

Serena Williams

World Champion Tennis Player

Serena Williams Headshot

Serena Williams

World Champion Tennis Player

Serena Williams 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
brene brown headshot

Brené Brown

Researcher & Bestselling Author

brene brown headshot

Brené Brown

Researcher & Bestselling Author

brene brown headshot
Simone Biles Headshot

Simone Biles

World’s Most Decorated Gymnast

Simone Biles Headshot

Simone Biles

World’s Most Decorated Gymnast

Simone Biles Headshot
Mindy Kaling Headshot

Mindy Kaling

Actress, Comedian, Writer, and Producer

Mindy Kaling Headshot

Mindy Kaling

Actress, Comedian, Writer, and Producer

Mindy Kaling Headshot
jameela jamil headshot

Jameela Jamil

Actress and Activist

jameela jamil headshot

Jameela Jamil

Actress and Activist

jameela jamil headshot
madeleine albright headshot

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

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

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.

Learn More & Register for the 2023 Conference