#United States #Washington, D.C. #Women's Health #Take The Lead #Margaret Atwood

Empowering Women Through Leadership: The Take The Lead Power Up Event

On August 25-26, 2026, a momentous gathering aimed at championing women's leadership will take place at The Ritz-Carlton in Washington, D.C. The event, hosted by Take The Lead, is poised to attract over 1,000 influential figures, including executives, founders, policymakers, and advocates, centered around the theme 'Audacity Leadership in Action.'

This year, the spotlight will shine brightly on the internationally renowned author Margaret Atwood, known for her impactful literary works such as The Handmaid's Tale. Atwood will engage attendees through a moderated keynote discussion, offering insights that resonate deeply in contemporary dialogues surrounding women's rights, empowerment, and social change.

According to Gloria Feldt, co-founder and president of Take The Lead, "Power Up is about moving from conversation to action. At a moment when progress is being tested, leadership requires audacity. It requires the courage to step forward, challenge systems, and create new paths." Feldt's words encapsulate the essence of this conference: it aims to transform discussions into actionable strategies.

A Curated Two-Day Leadership Experience

The Power Up experience begins with an exclusive kickoff evening on August 25. This invitation-only event is designed for early-arriving leaders, partners, and speakers and will feature a cocktail reception paired with the Femme Art Fair—an exhibition celebrating the creativity of women artists. This creative atmosphere continues into a VIP dinner, complemented by a live concert featuring various special guests, fostering a unique bonding environment for connection and conversations.

The main day of the conference unfolds on August 26, commencing with Atwood’s keynote address, which will be succeeded by numerous panels, workshops, and recognitions for Power Tools Champions—individuals or organizations demonstrating exceptional commitment to advancing women's leadership.

Attendees will have the opportunity to engage in various enriching experiences throughout the day, including the Mission Matters podcast stage and SHEposium. This full-day wellness and lifestyle marketplace will showcase over 50 women-led brands, covering a broad spectrum from health and beauty to technology and personal development. The conference aims not just to spark ideas, but to create an environment ripe for tangible change.

Highlighting Women's Health as a Leadership Concern

A significant portion of this year’s programming will be dedicated to discussions around menopause and women's health, which are often sidelined in the leadership narrative. The panel, supported by leading sponsor Desert Harvest, will be moderated by CEO Heather Florio, a committed advocate for women's health, alongside Gloria Feldt. Florio emphasizes the importance of addressing women’s health as foundational to effective leadership, stating, "Too often, care is fragmented and reactive. Menopause is a clear example of where women navigate complex changes without integrated support, and it has real implications for careers, confidence, and long-term leadership."

Additionally, discussions will spotlight how evolving healthcare access and policies affect women's health across different life stages, thereby emphasizing the integral role of women's health in sustaining leadership and career longevity.

Advancing Toward Gender Parity in Leadership

Founded in 2014, Take The Lead has consistently championed the cause of achieving gender parity across various leadership sectors. Employing research-based training, mentorship, and its Power Tools framework, the organization aims to expedite the advancement of women into leadership roles. Power Up serves as its signature annual gathering, rallying leaders who are committed to catalyzing change and accelerating progress toward systemic reform.

The event at The Ritz-Carlton promises to be a pivotal opportunity for attendees, furthering the dialogue about women's leadership and devising new methodologies to support women's roles in various sectors. With a diverse range of representatives from government, media, healthcare, finance, technology, and many other industries, this event will engage participants in meaningful discussions and collaborations aimed at fostering suitable pathways for women in leadership.

For anyone invested in the future of women’s leadership and equality, the Power Up event represents not just a gathering, but a movement toward bold, actionable change. Through visionary leadership and collective audacity, the future of women in leadership is set to become brighter than ever.