Note: This conference session is an invite-only, ticketed event. Thank you to our WomenAdvancing Founding sponsor Lighthouse Labs. 1:15 - 2:15 pm - Invitational Only Executive Roundtable, curated by Citrine Angels and VIPC
1:30 - 2:00 pm - Arrival and Bingo Networking
2:00 - 2:45 pm -
This session is presented proudly in partnership with Sherah - Welcome Remarks & Fireside Chat on “The Future of Work: Escaping the Cult of Busyness By Breaking Free from Overwork & Overwhelm”
We’ve been sold the myth that success means working harder, longer, and faster, but what if everything we believe about work is wrong? Brigid Schulte, bestselling author of Overwhelmed and Overwork, takes on the cult of busyness and lays out a smarter, saner vision for the future of work. From rethinking productivity to designing workplaces that actually work for humans, this keynote explores how we can ditch the burnout, reclaim time, and build a work culture that doesn’t require an escape plan.
2:45 - 3:30 pm -
This session is proudly presented in partnership with 757 Collab - “Win Anyway: How to Succeed in Today’s Startup Environment”
With any new administration comes trickle-down changes, and this term is no different. Join us for an overview of current and impending regulatory, legislative, changes impacting the start-up ecosystem. Leading experts will provide guidance on how to navigate these challenges and find success in fundraising and scaling your business.
3:30 - 3:45 pm - Break
3:45 - 4:30 pm -
"Women Lifting Others: Examples in Climate and Sustainability"
Women excel at building networks and coalitions to support each other, and this work is more important today than ever. Our panelists are not only entrepreneurs in the climate and sustainability space themselves, but actively work to support other women in the sector and are connectors of people, projects, and funding. During this session, we will learn how we can translate what they're doing in one industry into others.
4:30 - 5:15 pm -
This session is proudly presented in partnership with Startup Virginia - "Money Moves: Funding Strategies for Women Entrepreneurs"
Women entrepreneurs receive significantly less funding than their male counterparts—but that doesn’t mean the money isn’t out there. This panel is all about understanding your funding options, overcoming systemic barriers, and making strategic moves to get the capital you need to grow. Our expert panelists—including lenders, investors, and successful founders—will share actionable insights on the funding gap, different funding avenues, and tips for crafting the perfect pitch.
- Chris Cain, Director of Capital Access, Bridging Virginia, moderator
- Aurelia Flores, Co-Founder, Citrine Angels, and Investment Director, VIPC
- Teira E. Farley, COO, Community Investment Collaborative (CIC)
5:15 - 6:00 pm - Networking and Closing Reception
Join us for a mixer that pairs good conversation with even better snacks, all from Virginia's amazing female-owned startups. Meet innovators and entrepreneurs, all while supporting women-owned businesses and sampling their finest creations. Whether you’re looking to make professional connections, discover new products, or just enjoy some tasty bites, this session promises a relaxed, enjoyable way to expand your network.
Savor delicious samples from Virginia female-owned startups, including:
- Keya's Snacks - Indian-inspired potato chips
- Absurd Snacks - allergen-free snack mixes
- Mocktail Club - Pauline Idogho - non-alcoholic canned mocktails
- Shoe Crazy Wine - Gwen Hurt - wine, spirits
- Navy Hill - Jenny Lucas - Tequila Sodas
- Eastwood Winery - Athena Eastwood - wine
- I Kale Life - Imani Esparza Pitman - kale salads, hibiscus tea
- Taste Supply - Whitney Matthews - a F&B marketplace for small producers out of CA
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A special thank you to our sponsors: The 13th Annual Tom Tom Festival is presented with the University of Virginia, UVA Innovates, Virginia Tourism, RL Beyer Custom Homes, and Ludwig Kuttner.
