In a time of backsliding and breakthroughs for women across the globe, the Commonwealth’s largest conference for women will focus on being a positive force for change this November.
For the first time, the 18th annual Massachusetts Conference for Women will also offer both an in-person gathering and a virtual event to meet diverse needs in a not-yet-COVID-free world. The theme for this year’s conference is “Reset. Renew. Reconnect,” recognizing the extraordinary challenges women have overcome in recent years and the power of coming together as a community of women supporting women.
The Massachusetts Conference for Women is dedicated to advancing women at work. Its in-person gathering will be held at the Boston Convention & Exhibition Center on Wednesday, Nov. 30. The virtual event will be held on Thursday, Dec. 1. A free virtual career fair will also be held on Tuesday, Nov. 29.
“This exceptional community of women has a strong desire – and capacity – to be a positive force for change,” said Leslie Stiles, Massachusetts Conference for Women Board President. “And we are excited that this year’s speakers are some of the most significant exemplars of positive change in these times.”
Speakers at the Nov. 30 in-person gathering include:
- Dr. Kizzmekia S. Corbett, Ph.D., viral immunologist who led the team that created the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine, health equity advocate, and assistant professor at Harvard University’s T. H. Chan School of Public Health.
- Viola Davis, the first black actress to win Tony, Oscar, and Emmy awards.
- Jameela Jamil, actress, writer, host, and advocate.
Speakers at the Dec. 1 virtual event include:
- José Andrés, Chef, Humanitarian & Founder, World Central Kitchen
- Misty Copeland, the first Black female principal dancer with the American Ballet Theater and New York Times bestselling author.
- Lisa Ling, executive producer and host of This is Life on CNN
- Reese Witherspoon, Academy Award-winning actress, Emmy Award-winning producer, entrepreneur, and New York Times bestselling author
Nearly a dozen breakout speakers will also appear at the virtual event to discuss leadership, well-being, diversity and inclusion, and other topics. Among them: Award-winning author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, Academy Award-winning actress and disability advocate Marlee Matalin, and New York Times bestselling author Daniel Pink.
The presenting sponsor is State Street Corporation.
“Providing working women with opportunities to connect and learn new strategies to lead and succeed in today’s changing workplace has never been more important,” said Kathy Horgan, Chief Human Resources and Citizenship Officer at State Street. “State Street is proud to once again be this year’s presenting sponsor of the Massachusetts Conference for Women.”
Tickets and more information available at https://www.
