2025 Women's Leadership Council Conference

Speaker: Susan Kyles, Executive Director/CEO, Washington DC

Each year, WLC chooses a local charity to actively support during an organized activity to “give back” to the community and network with peers.  It is by far one of the highlights of coming together to make a difference at the conference.

To support Dress for Success, Washington, D.C. now click here.

Speakers:

• Cheryl Durzy, CEO, LibDib

• Virginia Means, Chief People Officer, United Distributors

• Romie Montpeirous, Director of Logistics for Nevada, Southern Glazer's Wine & Spirits

• Liz Phillips, Vice President, Commercial Excellence, Breakthru Beverage Group

Ever wonder just how much our industry has changed since COVID? How is the industry adapting to new business models and defining success in an evolving marketplace? Hear from Virginia Means as she leads a panel of exceptional women who are altering, adapting, and excelling in our increasingly dynamic and complex marketplace.

Attendees will be divided into 3 small groups to enjoy dinner within walking distance of the hotel on Wharf. Connect with friends and get to know new peers across the industry!

Have your headshots taken by a professional photographer! More information and signup to be shared with registered attendees.

Speaker: Fran Hauser, Best-selling Author, Keynote Speaker, Publishing Strategist, Media Executive, and Champion of Women in the Workplace

Returning for the second year, we welcome back Fran Hauser, best-selling author, speaker, commentator, and podcast host. This year, Fran will walk us through her second book, Embrace the Work, Love Your Career: a guided workbook and session for realizing your career goals with clarity, intention, and confidence. 

Speaker: 

• Dale Stratton, Analyst, SipSource
• Jessica Cyr, Vice President, Sales Execution, Martignetti Companies

Hear from WLC member Jessica Cyr and SipSource analyst and industry veteran Dale Stratton as they share the latest data and trends in the wine and spirits marketplace. Utilizing SipSource as a tool, we will put into action how to problem solve with data exercises through an interactive workshop. Learn practical tips to improve your supplier customer strategies, harness knowledge to improve employee training with data application, calculate brand velocity, understand points of distribution in making portfolio decisions for any market. You will walk away armed with a new appreciation for SipSource.

Lead by: April Oury, Poker Power Facilitator, General Partner at Prota Capital Fund II
 

Founded in 2020, Poker Power aims to empower women with confidence and risk-taking skills by teaching them to play poker. Learning how to think, strategize, negotiate and take risks, like a winning poker player, translates to leadership skills that help women succeed from the classroom to the board room. An expert instructor will guide us through the basics, from hand strength to bet sizing, so we can confidently sit at the table like a boss. We will learn the ins and outs of the game, when to hold, and when to fold, all while having a blast. But it's not just about the game - the skills you'll learn in this program can be applied to your career and life. You'll develop strategic thinking, quick decision-making, and a competitive edge that will set you apart in any field. And the best part? You'll get to put your newfound knowledge into practice right away by playing with your fellow WLC attendees!