Women in Power Expo 2026 Inspires a Cultural Reset Through Leadership, Wellness and Innovation

By Tracey Khan

Women in Power Expo 2026 concluded after a transformative week of programming that brought together hundreds of entrepreneurs, executives, creatives, innovators and community leaders for an immersive experience centered on leadership, wellness, technology and meaningful human connection.

More than a conference, the annual expo served as a catalyst for collaboration, challenging attendees to rethink how they build businesses, lead organizations and prioritize personal well-being in an increasingly technology-driven world.

Under this year’s theme, AI, Technology and Innovation, the week featured thought-provoking panel discussions, networking experiences, wellness activations and leadership conversations that blended professional development with intentional community building.

For Women in Power founder Kadesiha Placide, the expo was designed to offer participants more than inspiration.

“We are setting out for people to leave with a cultural reset for how they work, create and live,” Placide said. “That is our intention.”

Opening Night focuses on wealth, innovation and impact

Expo Week officially opened with a high-energy reception presented in partnership with JPMorgan Chase, where attendees explored conversations around generational wealth, financial literacy, artificial intelligence and sustainable entrepreneurship.

Industry experts, including Alexis Kerr and Jatali Bellanton, shared practical strategies for using emerging technologies to strengthen businesses, improve productivity and create healthier work-life integration. 

Throughout the evening, speakers emphasized that artificial intelligence should be viewed not as a replacement for human creativity but as a tool that allows entrepreneurs to work smarter while creating more space for innovation, family and wellness.

“A lot of us are dealing with physical, emotional and mental fatigue,” Placide said. “We want people to leave with real tools and strategies they can use to free up time and focus on the things that truly matter.”

Honoring leaders creating lasting change

One of Opening Night’s most memorable moments was the presentation of the Community Changemakers Impact Awards, recognizing individuals whose leadership has created meaningful opportunities within their industries and communities.

Honorees included Lu Donovan, founder of MIK Ventures; Dr. Brandon Frame, founder of The Black Man Can; Tabby Iftikhar, vice president and community manager for JPMorgan Chase Consumer Bank; award-winning chef, television personality and author Chef JJ Johnson; and Nichol King, executive director of Community and Business Development at JPMorgan Chase.

Each recipient was recognized for expanding opportunities, championing community development and inspiring others through leadership and service.

Placide said honoring change makers reflects the organization’s belief that success should be measured not only by professional accomplishments but also by the lives impacted along the way. 

Wellness takes center stage

As the week progressed, participants shifted from boardroom conversations to personal wellness during Wellness Day, one of the expo’s signature experiences.

Now in its third year, the event has become the traditional kickoff to the summit’s main programming, encouraging attendees to reconnect with themselves before immersing themselves in business and leadership sessions.

This year’s experience introduced a technology-inspired fitness activation in partnership with CycleBar that aligned with the expo’s AI, Technology and Innovation theme.

Working alongside Spark The Brain, Level Up NYC and TechnTurnt, organizers created an environment where movement, mindfulness and technology intersected, giving founders, executives and creatives an opportunity to reset both mentally and physically.

Rather than simply promoting exercise, Wellness Day reinforced one of the expo’s central messages, that long-term success requires intentional care for both personal well-being and professional ambition.

Creating rooms where relationships grow

Community remained the defining theme throughout the week. During Cocktails and Conversations, presented in collaboration with Creator Network, founders, entrepreneurs and creators gathered for an evening of authentic networking and meaningful dialogue.

The momentum continued with The Founder’s Table, curated by Rachel Yates, founder of Divine Global.

Designed as an intimate leadership experience, the gathering brought together founders, executives and changemakers for thoughtful discussions on entrepreneurship, leadership and creating opportunities for others.

The event emphasized that meaningful conversations often happen around smaller tables where ideas can be shared openly and relationships can flourish.

Supporting communications professionals and creativity

The week’s programming also included PR Girl Manifesto, a networking and professional development event tailored for communications professionals, publicists and storytellers seeking to strengthen their skills while expanding their professional networks.

Women in Power also encouraged attendees to slow down through Pour Into You, a wellness-centered paint-and-sip experience designed to promote creativity, reflection and self-expression.

The event highlighted the organization’s belief that creativity and wellness are essential components of effective leadership. 

More than an event

By the conclusion of Expo Week, Women in Power had accomplished far more than hosting a successful conference. 

It created intentional spaces where entrepreneurs found mentors, professionals discovered collaborators and community leaders built relationships that organizers hope will continue long after the final session ends.

Throughout the week, attendees repeatedly described the experience as rooted in authenticity, with conversations extending beyond business cards and social media connections to genuine opportunities for collaboration and growth.

Placide said that a sense of community remains at the heart of the organization’s mission.

“I want people to leave with community and connections,” she said. “But I also want them to walk away with information they can apply to their lives immediately.”

Women in Power Expo 2026 showed that its vision goes beyond a single week of programming. It is cultivating a growing community of leaders committed to redefining success through collaboration, innovation and purpose.

The Expo concluded with its highly anticipated Main Day Summit, a full day of keynote conversations, panel discussions and networking experiences that brought together nationally recognized entrepreneurs, executives, creators and thought leaders to explore the future of leadership, technology, finance, wellness and culture.

The summit featured a keynote address by Hu Capital founder and CEO Jerlisa “JuJu” Fontaine, while Pastor B and Lady Ty of Epiphany Brooklyn led attendees in conversations centered on faith, purpose and leadership. Actress, producer and creator Andrea Lewis served as host, guiding participants through a day of insightful discussions designed to inspire action and meaningful change.

Panel discussions featured cultural strategist Lionell Ball; attorney and Social Docket founder Kameron Monet; product leader Rashan Brown; personal finance expert and Flynanced founder Cinneah El-Amin; AI transformation leader Courtnee Williams; beauty and lifestyle creator Kiana Leroux; entrepreneur Melanie Marie White; fashion industry leader Chee Smalls; content creator Em Lora; fashion and lifestyle influencer Shenea Walker; actress, singer and mental health advocate Serayah McNeill; and host and media personality Blake Newby. Together, they explored topics ranging from entrepreneurship, financial empowerment and artificial intelligence to branding, content creation, leadership and personal well-being.

Attendees also explored the Run the World Expo Marketplace, where emerging brands, wellness companies, beauty innovators, service providers and community-centered businesses showcased products, services and resources while creating new opportunities for collaboration.

The week concluded with Toast at Dusk, an evening rooftop celebration at Elsie Penthouse that brought together attendees, speakers, partners and sponsors for one final opportunity to reflect on the relationships built throughout the week. Through music, networking and a collective toast, participants celebrated the momentum created during the expo while looking ahead to the organization’s vision for 2027.

As the final conversations came to a close, Women in Power Expo 2026 reinforced its mission of creating intentional spaces where innovation, wellness, leadership and community intersect. For many attendees, the week was more than a conference, it was a catalyst for new ideas, lasting partnerships and a renewed commitment to leading with purpose.

“Our goal is to make an impact,” Placide said. “We want people to leave inspired, equipped and ready to create the future they envision for themselves.”