Charleston WomenRising Spring 2026

A Half-Day Charleston Women's Leadership & Empowerment Conference

May 11, 2026, 2026, 1 pm - 4 pm Eastern | Live Virtual Event

Rise. Lead. Thrive.

Early-Bird $50 Discount Ends Soon!

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Join hundreds of ambitious, high-achieving businesswomen across industries for WomenRising 2026—a dynamic half-day virtual conference designed to empower, elevate, and ignite the next chapter of your leadership journey.

Whether you're aiming for the next promotion, navigating complex leadership dynamics, or simply seeking renewed purpose, this is your moment to rise.

Powerhouse Speakers

Miranda Fulk

Managing DirectorNorthwestern Mutual

Liz Schwartz

Executive Director, US Policy & Govt RelationsMerck & Co.

Gabrielle Howard

DirectorProcter & Gamble

Tamara Robinson

Senior DirectorRedfin

Mona Raju

Manager of Global Learning & DevelopmentNissan

Elizabeth Mansfield

Senior DirectorPinterest

Kate Nowak

Head of Customer SuccessSAP

Britney Young

Senior Technical Product ManagerAmazon Web Services (AWS)

Rachel Hurley

DirectorBayer

Erin Baber-Sherwood

HR Response PartnerPaychex

🎤 Transformational Keynotes

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Resist the Call to Play Small: Leading with Authenticity.

Erin Baber-Sherwood

HR Response Partner at Paychex

Discover how embracing your authentic voice can become your greatest leadership advantage. This keynote will inspire attendees to lead boldly, show up fully, and make an impact without shrinking to fit expectations.

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Hacking Your Brain for Health and Happiness.

Mona Raju

Manager Global Learning & Development at Nissan.

Explore practical strategies to rewire your mindset for greater well-being, resilience, and joy. Attendees will leave with actionable tools to improve mental fitness and create healthier, happier daily habits.

Panels with Candid Truths

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When It’s Time to Pivot: Reinventing Yourself Without Starting Over

Leaders from Bayer, Nissan, Pinterest, Northwestern Mutual, and Merck.

Hear how accomplished women have navigated major career and life shifts while building on the strengths they already had. This conversation will offer fresh perspective on reinvention, growth, and making your next move with confidence.

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Behind Every Great Woman: The Power of Mentors & Sponsors

Leaders from Procter & Gamble, Amazon Web Services, Redfin and SAP.

Learn why mentors and sponsors are essential to career advancement and personal growth. This panel will highlight how powerful relationships can open doors, amplify potential, and help women rise together.

Why Attend WomenRising?

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Top-tier women leaders sharing candid stories and actionable advice

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Zero fluff—only real talk from women who've been there

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Network digitally with like-minded, driven professionals

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Leave recharged, refocused, and reconnected to your potential

Full Conference Agenda

1:00 PM

Keynote: Resist the Call to Play Small: Leading with Authenticity.

Erin Baber-Sherwood

HR Response Partner Paychex

1:30 PM

Panel: When It’s Time to Pivot: Reinventing Yourself Without Starting Over.

Rachel Hurley

Director, US State and Local Government Affairs Bayer

Mona Raju

Manager Global Learning & Development Nissan

Elizabeth Mansfield

Senior Director Pinterest

Miranda Fulk

Managing Director Northwestern Mutual

Liz Schwartz

Executive Director Merck & Co

2:15 PM

Keynote: Hacking Your Brain for Health and Happiness.

Mona Raju

Manager Global Learning & Development Nissan

2:45 PM

Panel: When It’s Time to Pivot: Reinventing Yourself Without Starting Over.

Anu Kharadkar

Global Strategy Director Sherwin-Williams

Karen Van Every

Head of Product Design CNN

Diana Roberts

Sr Director Ricoh

Leslie Hefter

Sr. Director DHL eCommerce

Vasudhara Kantroo

Senior Director Dropbox

What Past Attendees Say

★★★★★ 4.9 Google Verified Business Reviews

"Inspiring speakers who motivate us all to build our relationships with our fellow women leaders."

- Jolene Vos-Camy, Calvin University

"I highly recommend this community for all women."

- Giselle Sandy-Phillips, Constellation

"Great webinar topics and speakers! Looking forward to more ..."

- Dolly Greenhalgh, Playworks

"The meetings are always valuable to me."

- Julie Mobley, Cullman Internal Medicine

"The speakers are really great. They offer practical advice and inspiration for women in the workplace."

- Krista Bednorz, Wayne & Roberts

"Came through again with meaningful content that was a valuable use of my time."

- Maria McWilliams, Vanderlande

"Really enjoy the speakers and the connection to other women leaders. Valuable group."

- Shannon McVeigh, RSM Enterprises

"Great thought provoking presentations."

- Tamaki Stratman, The Historical Society

Buyer's Guide: How To Choose the Right Women's Leadership Conference or Summit.

1. Criteria in Choosing a Women's Leadership Conference or Summit.

A women's leadership conference is only partly about the stage. The real value is not in trying to absorb every slide, every panel, and every keynote; it is in using the event as a live map of what serious leaders are thinking about right now. The most effective attendees arrive with a point of view and a short list of questions they want answered: Which leadership challenge am I trying to solve? Which assumptions do I need to pressure-test? Who in this room sees the future earlier than I do? That shift matters. Once you stop treating the conference like a fire hose of content and start treating it like a focused leadership lab, your decisions get better. You choose sessions more deliberately, listen for recurring themes, and use hallway conversations to test ideas in real time. A strong conference outcome is not “I attended everything.” It is “I left with one sharper strategic idea, a handful of meaningful relationships, and a clearer sense of what to do next.”

That kind of outcome begins before you ever put on your badge. Effective attendees do their homework. They study the agenda, identify the sessions most likely to challenge their thinking, and make a priority list of people they genuinely want to meet. Then they reach out early. A short note before the event can do more than a dozen awkward introductions onsite: it lets you pre-introduce yourself, suggest a coffee, or simply tell someone you plan to attend their session. Just as important, do not overschedule every minute. Leave room for serendipity, because leadership conferences often become most valuable in the spaces between formal sessions. Build in white space for a conversation that runs long, a speaker you want to approach, or an impromptu lunch with someone who sees your industry from a different angle. The best attendees are prepared, but they are not rigid; they create structure so they can take advantage of surprise.

Once you are there, your most important tool is not your business card. It is your ability to explain who you are in a way that is clear, memorable, and relevant. Too many attendees answer “What do you do?” with a job title and a dead end. A better answer is a short “movie trailer” of your work: what you lead, what problem you are trying to solve, and why it matters now. Pair that with a small repertoire of questions that invite real conversation rather than polite noise. Asking what brought someone to this conference, what issue is taking more leadership time than it should, or what they are seeing change in their organization quickly moves the exchange from small talk to substance. Even for introverts, this approach works because it replaces performance with curiosity. You do not have to impress the room. You have to help one person at a time feel that the conversation with you was worth having.

That is why the smartest conference attendees work the room humanly, not theatrically. They do not try to become the loudest networker in the ballroom. They focus on a series of thoughtful, one-to-one exchanges, and they use good business etiquette to make those exchanges easy for everyone else. They know how to enter a group without hijacking it, introduce people to one another, shift conversations gracefully, and exit without awkwardness. They pay attention to small details because small details signal leadership maturity. They listen more than they speak. They notice who asks the sharpest questions from the audience. They treat coffee lines, post-session clusters, and shared tables as openings rather than inconveniences. And when they meet someone interesting, they capture a quick note afterward so the conversation does not dissolve into the blur of the day. A leadership conference rewards energy, yes, but it rewards composure, attentiveness, and generosity even more.

It also rewards people who understand that networking is not a numbers game. The point is not to collect the most contacts; it is to strengthen the right mix of relationships. Some of the most valuable people you meet will not be the headline speakers or the obvious power players. They may be peers wrestling with the same management problem, operators from adjacent industries, rising leaders with fresh pattern recognition, or connectors who know worlds you do not. So go broad enough to avoid an echo chamber, and generous enough to be useful. Offer a relevant introduction. Share an article, a framework, or a data point. Ask, “How can I help?” with sincerity, not theater. Authenticity matters because people can feel the difference between someone building a relationship and someone merely working a room. Leadership conferences create a rare temporary community; the attendees who benefit most are the ones who contribute to that community while they are in it.

The final test of conference effectiveness comes after the flight home. If you do not process the event quickly, even excellent conversations decay into vague good intentions. Block time within a day or two to review your notes, organize the contacts you made, and decide what each relationship actually needs next. Some people deserve an immediate follow-up tied to a specific opportunity. Some belong in a smaller group of relationships worth deepening over time. Others may only call for a brief note of appreciation and a connection request with context. The follow-up itself should be short, specific, and personal: remind them what you discussed, deliver any resource you promised, and suggest a natural next step. That simple discipline is where conference value compounds. The real return on attending a leadership conference is not measured by how busy you felt while you were there. It is measured by which ideas you acted on, which relationships continued, and how much better you lead because you went.

2. Key Questions to Answer Before Selecting a Women's Leadership Conference and Summit.

Is this women's leadership conference aligned with my goals?
Yes--clearly define your primary objective (e.g., networking, skill-building, advancement) and ensure the agenda emphasizes practical outcomes, not just inspiration; the strongest conferences explicitly map sessions to real career use cases and future growth paths.

Who is the audience--and do I belong there?
You should see a strong match between your career stage and the attendee profile, with a mix of peers (for shared learning), senior leaders (for mentorship), and diverse industries if cross-pollination is valuable to you.

How strong and relevant are the speakers?
Prioritize conferences featuring accomplished practitioners with real leadership experience, not just recognizable names--look for speakers known for actionable insights and a range of perspectives that reflect different paths to leadership.

What is the quality of networking opportunities?
The best events intentionally design networking through structured formats (roundtables, small groups), making it easy to build meaningful connections rather than leaving interactions to chance in large, impersonal settings.

Is the content practical and actionable?
High-quality conferences balance inspiration with execution, offering workshops, frameworks, and tools you can immediately apply, rather than relying solely on panels or keynote speeches.
v Who is organizing it--and what’s their reputation?
Choose conferences hosted by well-known publishers, universities, or respected associations with a track record of consistent, well-reviewed events and strong attendee satisfaction.
v What is the format and experience like?
Select a format (in-person, virtual, hybrid) that fits your goals, and consider event size and pacing--smaller or well-structured events often provide deeper engagement and better opportunities to connect.

What’s the ROI (return on investment)?
Evaluate whether the cost aligns with tangible benefits like skills gained, quality of connections, and career impact--and ensure you can clearly articulate this value if seeking employer support.

Are there opportunities for visibility or participation?
Look for events that allow you to actively contribute--through speaking, mentoring, or facilitated sessions--which can significantly increase your visibility and long-term value from attending.

What happens after the conference?
The strongest conferences extend beyond the event itself, offering ongoing communities, resources, and follow-up opportunities that help you sustain relationships and continue learning.

3. Directory of Women's Leadership Conferences and Summits Near Me.

State	Event City	Women's Leadership and Empowerment Conference Name	Planning Organization	Format	Review
South Carolina	Charleston	Charleston Women's Social	Charleston Women's Social	In-person	This social gathering should appeal to women looking for meaningful peer connection, actionable takeaways, and a supportive atmosphere.
South Carolina	Charleston	Lowcountry Ladies	Lowcountry Ladies	In-person	This group looks perfect for women who want a friendly social outlet, easy new-friend connections, and recurring girls-night-out energy in the Charleston area.
South Carolina	Clemson	Women in Leadership Conference	Clemson University Center for Student Leadership & Engagement	In-person	This conference appears especially valuable for women who want practical leadership insight, actionable takeaways, and a supportive atmosphere.
South Carolina	Columbia	2026 University of South Carolina Women in Business Conference	University of South Carolina Women in Business	In-person	This conference looks like a strong fit for women seeking business-growth ideas and professional perspective, actionable takeaways, and a supportive atmosphere.
South Carolina	Columbia	2026 Women's Summit: Women Who Launch, Lead, and Build a Legacy	South Carolina Department of Commerce; Greater Women's Business Council	In-person	This summit looks energizing for women entrepreneurs and leaders who want keynotes, TED-style talks, networking, and a pop-up marketplace centered on visibility and legacy.
South Carolina	Columbia	Columbia SC Female Travel Meetup Group	Columbia SC Female Travel Meetup Group	Both	This meetup looks like a strong fit for women seeking meaningful peer connection, travel inspiration and community, and specialized industry perspective and niche connections with the flexibility of both in-person and virtual participation.
South Carolina	Columbia	Grown Folks Field Trips	Grown Folks Field Trips	In-person	This community looks fun for women who enjoy exploring new places, trying new food, and building lasting friendships through relaxed local outings.
South Carolina	Columbia	Melanin & Mimosa Women's Empowerment Experience		In-person	This event should appeal to women looking for confidence-building encouragement, actionable takeaways, and a supportive atmosphere.
South Carolina	Columbia	NE Columbia Women's Business Networking		In-person	This networking event appears especially valuable for women who want business-growth ideas and professional perspective, actionable takeaways, and a supportive atmosphere.
South Carolina	Columbia	Northeast Women in Business		In-person	This event should appeal to women looking for business-growth ideas and professional perspective, actionable takeaways, and a supportive atmosphere.
South Carolina	Columbia	Seeds of Success Summit		In-person	This summit looks like a strong fit for women seeking high-level ideas, strong networking potential, and motivating leadership energy.
South Carolina	Columbia	Women's EmpowerMINT Tea		In-person	This tea gathering appears especially valuable for women who want meaningful peer connection, actionable takeaways, and a supportive atmosphere.
South Carolina	Greenville	Cake & Whiskey Networking Event for Women		In-person	This networking event should appeal to women looking for easy conversation, new professional contacts, and encouraging community energy.
South Carolina	Greenville	Empowering Women in Industry - Carolinas Conference	Empowering Women in Industry	In-person	Women attending could gain specialized industry perspective and niche connections, actionable takeaways, and a supportive atmosphere at this conference.
South Carolina	Greenville	Flourish Networking for Women - Greenville, SC		In-person	This networking event looks like a strong fit for women seeking easy conversation, new professional contacts, and encouraging community energy.
South Carolina	Greenville	I'm every woman Empowerment tea party		In-person	Women attending could gain meaningful peer connection, confidence-building encouragement, and actionable takeaways at this tea gathering.
South Carolina	Greenville	Women, Life and Science Conference & Retreat 2026		In-person	This retreat looks like a strong fit for women seeking specialized industry perspective and niche connections, actionable takeaways, and a supportive atmosphere.
South Carolina	Moncks Corner	The RISE Women's Empowerment Summit		In-person	This summit looks like a strong fit for women seeking confidence-building encouragement, actionable takeaways, and a supportive atmosphere.
South Carolina	Mount Pleasant	Chosen Womens Conference 2026	Seacoast Church	In-person	This conference appears especially valuable for women who want faith-rooted encouragement and reflection, actionable takeaways, and a supportive atmosphere.
South Carolina	Mount Pleasant	Unstoppable Women's Conference		In-person	This conference should appeal to women looking for inspiring speakers, practical takeaways, and a supportive women-centered community.
South Carolina	Mount Pleasant	Women's Circle		In-person	This circle should appeal to women looking for meaningful peer connection, actionable takeaways, and a supportive atmosphere.
South Carolina	Myrtle Beach	HypeGirl's 6th Annual Celebration of International Women's Day		In-person	This celebration should appeal to women looking for uplifting recognition and community energy, actionable takeaways, and a supportive atmosphere.
South Carolina	Myrtle Beach	Women of Joy Conference	Phil Waldrep Ministries	In-person	This conference looks like a strong fit for women seeking faith-rooted encouragement and reflection, actionable takeaways, and a supportive atmosphere.
South Carolina	Pendleton	2026 State Conference	Business and Professional Women of South Carolina	In-person	Women attending could gain business-growth ideas and professional perspective, actionable takeaways, and a supportive atmosphere at this conference.
South Carolina	Salem	We Hike to Heal - Devils Fork State Park, SC, FREE Women's Group Hike		In-person	This group outing looks like a strong fit for women seeking wellbeing and resilience support, actionable takeaways, and a supportive atmosphere.
South Carolina	South Carolina	2026 Women's Leadership Conference	South Carolina Farm Bureau	In-person	This conference looks like a strong fit for women seeking practical leadership insight, actionable takeaways, and a supportive atmosphere.
South Carolina	South Carolina	5th Annual Women's Leadership Symposium	South Carolina Manufacturers Alliance	In-person	This symposium looks like a strong fit for women seeking practical leadership insight, actionable takeaways, and a supportive atmosphere.
South Carolina	South Carolina	She Is: A Women's Empowerment Tea		In-person	This tea gathering looks like a strong fit for women seeking meaningful peer connection, confidence-building encouragement, and actionable takeaways.
South Carolina	South Carolina	WOMEN's Conference 2026		In-person	This conference appears especially valuable for women who want inspiring speakers, practical takeaways, and a supportive women-centered community.
South Carolina	Summerville	SUMMERVILLE WOMEN IN BUSINESS NETWORKING		In-person	This networking event appears especially valuable for women who want business-growth ideas and professional perspective, actionable takeaways, and a supportive atmosphere.
South Carolina	Sumter	DOMINION Women's Empowerment Conference		In-person	This conference should appeal to women looking for confidence-building encouragement, actionable takeaways, and a supportive atmosphere.
South Carolina	Virtual	WomenRising 2026 - South Carolina Women Leaders Association	South Carolina Women Leaders Association	Virtual	This event looks appealing for women who want polished keynote content, candid conversations about resilience and growth, and a strong cross-industry leadership network.

4. Locations Served by The Women Leaders Association Conference.

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A Half-Day Charleston Women's Leadership & Empowerment Conference

Rise. Lead. Thrive.

Powerhouse Speakers

🎤 Transformational Keynotes

Resist the Call to Play Small: Leading with Authenticity.

Hacking Your Brain for Health and Happiness.

Panels with Candid Truths

When It’s Time to Pivot: Reinventing Yourself Without Starting Over

Behind Every Great Woman: The Power of Mentors & Sponsors

Why Attend WomenRising?

Full Conference Agenda

What Past Attendees Say

Register Now Risk-Free

Buyer's Guide: How To Choose the Right Women's Leadership Conference or Summit.

1. Criteria in Choosing a Women's Leadership Conference or Summit.

2. Key Questions to Answer Before Selecting a Women's Leadership Conference and Summit.

3. Directory of Women's Leadership Conferences and Summits Near Me.

4. Locations Served by The Women Leaders Association Conference.

5. Useful Articles & Resources.