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

Join Mary Beth Laughton, president and CEO of REI Co-op, for an inspiring conversation about purpose-driven leadership in today’s evolving retail landscape. Drawing from her experience leading some of the world’s most iconic consumer brands, Mary Beth will share insights on embedding DEI into company culture, navigating brand responsibility in a values-driven market, and empowering the next generation of women leaders. She will also reflect on pivotal moments in her career, her passion for mission-led growth, and what excites her most about the future of retail, innovation and leadership.

Each year, Women in Retail Leadership Circle partners with a nonprofit that gives back to our community in some way. This year we are partnering with Susan G. Komen, the world’s leading breast cancer organization that addresses breast cancer on multiple fronts, including research, community health, global outreach and public policy initiatives in order to make the biggest impact against this disease. Learn more about Susan G. Komen in this inspiring presentation.

In an era defined by disruption — shifting global trade policies, unpredictable tariffs, supply chain volatility, and economic instability — leadership demands strategic clarity and unwavering courage. This keynote empowers executives and operational leaders with a framework to navigate complex challenges and create sustainable organizational resilience during any crisis. Drawing on real-world examples and insightful strategies, Courageous Leadership Through Chaos reveals how courageous leaders can:

• remain grounded and focused under intense pressure;
• communicate transparently to inspire confidence through uncertainty and change; and
• foster resilient teams equipped to act decisively and resiliently.

Whether confronting geopolitical shocks, inflationary pressures, or supply chain unpredictability, this session will arm you with the tools to lead with courage — and to turn disruption into opportunity.

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.

Join us for an engaging and interactive session where we will tackle the most pressing challenges facing retail leaders today. Participants will have the opportunity to share their top business challenge, which will be compiled and analyzed for common themes. Our moderator will then lead a dynamic discussion around key topics based on these shared challenges. This collaborative forum will provide valuable insights, peer-to-peer learning, and practical takeaways as we explore solutions to the issues that matter most to you.

Get ready for an unfiltered, energizing conversation with some of the most influential women of retail. This candid discussion goes beyond the highlight reel to explore what leadership really looks like — from bold career moves to navigating setbacks, managing high-performing teams, and staying grounded through it all. These powerhouse leaders will share the habits, mindset shifts, and sources of inspiration that fuel their success, including the books, podcasts and rituals that keep them going. Walk away with fresh perspectives, actionable advice, and a renewed sense of purpose. This is one session you’ll be talking about long after the event ends.