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San Francisco

November 5, 2026

The Avalon

1244 Sutter St, San Francisco, CA 94109
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Join us in San Francisco as we take the Women in Retail Leadership Circle “on the road”! Like the popular Women in Retail Leadership Summit, these invitation-only events enable executive women in leadership positions at retail companies the opportunity to network, learn from each other, and improve business processes.

WIRLC events are like no other, featuring content focusing on both executive professional development and retail business strategy. Attendees will hear inspiring keynote presentations from C-level women at enterprise retailers as well as from founders of startup companies disrupting the retail space. In addition to engaging keynote presentations, WIRLC: On the Road events feature thought-provoking panels as well as fun, unique networking opportunities. Take advantage of these opportunities to share your knowledge with new contacts, discuss industry issues, and find inspiration on how to conquer challenges in both your personal and professional lives.

The agenda below reflects the finalized 2024 agenda. The 2026 schedule will be announced soon.

Thursday, November 7

  • 8:00 am 8:45 am
    Breakfast and Registration

    Start the day with a relaxed networking opportunity over breakfast.

  • 8:45 am 9:00 am
    Welcome and Introductions

    Kick off the event with a brief welcome from our president and co-founder Jennifer DiPasquale and an overview of the day’s schedule.

    Speaker
    • Jennifer DiPasquale President and Co-Founder Women in Retail Leadership Circle
  • 9:00 am 9:10 am
    How PATTERN Beauty Fuels Growth Through Customer Engagement and AI

    PATTERN Beauty by Tracee Ellis Ross is on a mission to help people “embrace the hair they have”. Join Hande Cilingir, Co-Founder and CEO at Insider, and Christiane Pendarvis, Co-CEO at PATTERN Beauty as they discuss the power of personalization, data, and AI to help people build a haircare regime that supports the hair they have – and to embrace every curl.

    The two leaders will explore how hair, much like life, goes through many patterns and changes, meaning no one stays in a single segment throughout their life. Together, they will share how personalization is driving innovation, diversity, and growth in the beauty industry, and how Insider is powering the success of PATTERN Beauty.

    Speakers
    • Christiane Pendarvis Co-CEO PATTERN Beauty
    • Hande Cilingir Co-Founder and CEO Insider
  • 9:15 am 9:50 am
    Women in Retail Talks Live with Jenny Ming
    Get ready for an exciting and inspiring session! Women in Retail is thrilled to present a live interview with Jenny Ming, CEO of the fast-growing sustainable retailer Rothy’s, Inc., modeled after our popular Women in Retail Talks podcast. This dynamic conversation will be livestreamed on our LinkedIn page and later released on our podcast channel. Jenny will share insights on leading Rothy’s as it scales across retail, wholesale, and international markets, lessons from managing through change and disruption, her vision for the future of sustainability in fashion, and more. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn from one of retail’s top leaders!
    Speaker
    • Jenny Ming CEO Rothy's
    Moderator
    • Melissa Campanelli Co-Founder Women in Retail Leadership Circle
  • 9:50 am 10:00 am
    3 Tips to Embrace Failure to Grow Quickly

    While many of us strive for perfection in every aspect of our lives, we know that failure is actually the key to success and growth. Join this session to hear the failures that Gaby Phillips experienced that ultimately guided her growth from retailers like Lucky, Sole Society, Teleflora, Bliss, and SPARC Group.

    Speakers
    • Sarah Cascone Vice President of Marketing Bluecore
    • Gabriela Phillips Director, Digital Marketing, CRM and Loyalty SPARC Group
  • 10:05 am 10:40 am
    Master the Art of Influence

    Great leadership is rooted in the power to inspire action and create meaningful impact. In this dynamic session, you’ll uncover the four key elements of influence and explore how to harness each one to elevate your leadership presence and drive positive change within your organization. Through engaging discussions and hands-on exercises, you’ll walk away with a personalized brand statement that reflects your unique influence style, ready to apply immediately.

    Speaker
    • Carrie A. Weaver Management Consultant and Executive Coach Silver Branch Consulting
  • 10:40 am 10:55 am
    In-Room Networking

    Let’s warm up with an icebreaker and some speed networking.

  • 10:55 am 11:30 am
    Networking and Break

    Take an extended break to connect with other attendees and reflect on the morning’s sessions.

  • 11:30 am 11:40 am
    Stop Burning Money: How AI Can Reduce Waste, Speed Time to Market and Transform Your Retail Strategy.

    Join Bailey Hanson from Centric Software for a compelling session on embracing agility in retail by overcoming offline system challenges and fostering collaboration across teams. Learn how to bridge the gap between systems and teams to ensure speed and accuracy in inventory, product assortments and customer expectations.

    Speaker
    • Bailey Hanson Customer Success Manager Centric Software
  • 11:45 am 12:30 pm
    Exploring AI in Retail: Insights from Industry Leaders

    Join us for an enlightening discussion featuring three distinguished retailers, each bringing unique perspectives on the transformative power of artificial intelligence (AI) in the retail industry. Moderated by an expert in retail innovation, this session delves into the diverse applications of AI, showcasing how it is reshaping the landscape of modern retail. Topics discussed will include:

    • How AI-driven recommendation engines and predictive analytics enhance customer engagement, increase sales, and improve customer satisfaction.
    • Operational efficiencies gained through AI in supply chain management and inventory optimization.
    • How AI chatbots and virtual assistants have revolutionized customer support.

    This panel discussion is a must-watch for anyone interested in the cutting-edge applications of AI in retail.

    Speakers
    • Lisa Perlmutter Chief Customer Officer Hanna Andersson
    • Sarah Wallis Chief Operating Officer Minted
    • Nanette Wong Vice President, Global Brand Marketing, Fenty Beauty Kendo Brands
    Moderator
    • Beth Gumm Independent Board Director and Advisor
  • 12:30 pm 1:45 pm
    Lunch and Roundtable Discussions

    Join us for lunch and roundtable discussions! Each table has a different topic related to some of the pain points you’re facing in the world of retail:

    • How AI is Reshaping the Retail Industry
    • How Tech is Transforming Brick-and-Mortar
    • Getting Personalization Right
    • Charting Your Tech Road Map to Future Growth
    • Enabling Omnichannel Excellence Through Technology
    • Strategies for Managing a Digital Transformation

     

  • 1:45 pm 2:30 pm
    Building Resilience: Empowering Ourselves and Our Teams to Thrive Through Change
    In this interactive talk, we’ll explore how to build resilience for both ourselves and our teams, and how we can charge our batteries. We will explore how resilience is our ability to face stress, recover, and thrive in changing circumstances. How viewing obstacles is essential to success as is being open to change. We will lean into how resilience is a path to step into our authentic selves.

     

    Speaker
    • Christina McFadden Founder and CEO Blue Door Partners
  • 2:30 pm 2:40 pm
    How Hearst is Bringing its Power to the Digital World With VTEX

    Hearst, owner of magazines such as Harper’s Bazaar, Cosmopolitan, Men’s Health and many others, chose VTEX to power its e-commerce operations through a Marketplace model across its magazines brands. The company already drove revenue through affiliate links to third-party sites through its blogs but has now taken the next step into selling items in its own e-commerce sites. Hearst utilizes VTEX in a pragmatic fashion, decomposing what is key to its business and leveraging out of the box features when applicable.

    Speaker
    • Julia Jacociunas Senior Solution Engineer, US VTEX
  • 2:45 pm 3:00 pm
    In-Room Networking

    Get ready for another networking activity.

  • 3:00 pm 3:25 pm
    Networking and Break

    Connect with peers and discuss insights gleaned from the event.

  • 3:25 pm 4:05 pm
    The Power of Collaboration: Transforming Finance and Marketing for Growth at e.l.f Beauty

    Join us for an insightful session featuring Kory Marchisotto, SVP and Chief Marketing Officer, and Mandy Fields, SVP and CFO of e.l.f. Beauty, as they share the secrets behind their successful partnership that has transformed traditional perceptions of finance and marketing.  During this engaging discussion, Kory and Mandy will reflect on how fostering a culture of mutual respect and shared vision has led to remarkable outcomes. They’ll dive into strategies for bridging the gap between finance and marketing, highlighting the importance of viewing marketing as a growth driver rather than a cost center. They’ll also discuss how their commitment to collaboration, mentorship, and building diverse teams has elevated their organizations as well as created pathways for emerging leaders across the industry. Don’t miss this opportunity to gain valuable insights on the power of collaboration in achieving lasting success!

    Speakers
    • Kory Marchisotto Chief Marketing Officer and President e.l.f. Beauty and Keys Soulcare
    • Mandy Fields Chief Financial Officer e.l.f. Beauty
    Moderator
    • Nadine Dietz Co-Founder and CEO Virtuosi LEAP
  • 4:05 pm 4:15 pm
    Women in Retail Member Moment

    What’s it like to be a part of the Women in Retail Leadership Circle? Hear directly from a member of this amazing community of women, as well as from Women in Retail’s membership director.

    Speakers
    • Susan Koger Senior Director, Membership Women in Retail Leadership Circle
    • Kim Miller President Saks OFF 5TH
  • 4:15 pm 4:55 pm
    Insights and Strategies on Work and Life from Retail Industry Leaders

    This session delves into the experiences and knowledge of top female executives who have shaped the retail landscape. Gain valuable career insights, leadership strategies, and work-life balance techniques from women who have successfully navigated the complexities of the industry. Join us to be inspired, empowered, and equipped with the tools to elevate your professional and personal journey.

    Speakers
    • Christina Stembel Founder and CEO Farmgirl Flowers
    • Vanessa Wallace Chief Marketing Officer Savage X Fenty
    • Dani Dudeck Chief Corporate Affairs Officer Instacart
    • Allison (Ali) Vigil President Rocksbox
    Moderator
    • Jana Rich Founder and Executive Chair Rich Talent Group
  • 4:55 pm 5:00 pm
    Closing/Thank Yous

    Thank you for joining us at our On the Road San Francisco event! Our co-founder and president Jennifer DiPasquale sends us off.

    Speaker
    • Jennifer DiPasquale President and Co-Founder Women in Retail Leadership Circle
  • 5:00 pm 6:00 pm
    Cocktail Reception

    An opportunity to unwind, network, and continue discussions in a more informal setting.

Speakers