INAUGURAL VIRGINIA WOMEN'S LEADERSHIP FORUM

Description

Please join the Virginia Chamber Foundation for a landmark event, the Inaugural Women’s Leadership Forum on Tuesday, August 26, 2025. This date holds special significance as it marks the 105th anniversary of the adoption of the 19th Amendment – a fitting day to recognize the impactful achievements of women who have shaped, and continue to shape, our Commonwealth. 

This forum is also a moment to acknowledge significant leadership milestones within our own organization, including the appointment of our first-ever female CEO, Cathie J. Vick. Come reflect on important progress, highlight influential voices, and inspire the next generation of leaders.

To register for the event, go here: Inaugural Virginia Women's Leadership Forum 

HIGHLIGHTS 

• Thought-provoking conversations with women leading in business, government, and public service. 
• Personal leadership stories and real-world lessons from trailblazers across Virginia. 
• Networking opportunities with professionals, advocates, and changemakers committed to equity and impact. 
• Celebration of women’s civic and economic contributions, past and present. 

LUNCHEON KEYNOTE SPEAKERS

• The Honorable Jennifer Kiggans – Virginia’s 2nd Congressional District Representative 
• The Honorable Jennifer McClellan – Virginia’s 4th Congressional District Representative 

Pathways to the C-Suite: Women Leading at the Top

In a business world that’s still catching up on gender equity at the highest levels, this panel brings together some of Virginia’s top female business leaders. These accomplished professionals will share their personal career journeys — the pivotal moments, hard-earned lessons, and strategies that propelled them forward. From overcoming bias to creating work-life balance, navigating career pivots, and mentoring the next generation, this discussion will offer an honest, empowering look at what it takes to lead at the highest level.

Whether you’re an emerging leader or an established professional, this conversation offers inspiration, practical advice, and a powerful reminder that leadership can — and should — look like you.

Ideas and Enterprise: Women Leaders in the Small Business Economy

Across industries and communities, women-led small and mid-size businesses are shaping the future of Virginia’s local economies, creating jobs, and driving innovation. This panel brings together women leading small and mid-size companies to share their experiences starting, building, and growing successful businesses, from securing capital and navigating regulation to scaling operations and balancing risk.

Panelists will discuss the challenges and opportunities women face in the entrepreneurial and small business landscape, highlight lessons learned, and offer practical advice for aspiring and established leaders.

Reflecting on Personal Stories of Professional Women

We will break out into small groups to offer attendees an opportunity for more personal discussions of their experiences in the workforce. These small-group conversations are designed to create space for authentic dialog among our forum attendees. There will be an opportunity, time permitting, for the table leaders to share notable highlights from the breakout sessions.

KEYNOTE SPEAKER CONVERSATION

Moderator:

• Cathie J. Vick, President and CEO, Virginia Chamber of Commerce

Keynote Speakers:

• The Honorable Jennifer Kiggans – Virginia’s 2nd Congressional District Representative
• The Honorable Jennifer McClellan – Virginia’s 4th Congressional District Representative