Women's Power Series Returns to New York City
On September 18, 2026, The Ritz-Carlton New York, NoMad, will host the much-anticipated second edition of the Women’s Power Series, a gathering that promises to empower and inspire. Founded by the dynamic mother-daughter duo, Dayssi Olarte de Kanavos and Sophia Kanavos, this half-day business conference is set to convene over 200 influential women from various sectors, including art, philanthropy, and corporate leadership.
An Engaging Agenda
This year’s event is not just about meeting and greeting; it’s about fostering meaningful dialogues centered on leadership, legacy, and impact. Attendees can look forward to an enriching lineup featuring fireside chats, panels, and discussions designed to delve deeply into critical topics. The overarching themes include “Building Legacy,” “The Business of Art,” “Next Generation,” and “Philanthropy,” presenting an excellent opportunity to explore how women can create lasting cultural influences and guide the next wave of leaders.
Sophia Kanavos, the Co-Founder, shared her enthusiasm for this year’s changes:
“Last year’s event showed the strong demand in New York for a platform where women could come together and discuss business effectively. For this iteration, we’ve enhanced the format to incorporate in-depth conversations through fireside chats, recognizing that some of the most impactful discussions arise when we have the space to explore issues thoroughly.”
Special Guests and Speakers
The event kicks off with Jennifer Valoppi, the Founder and President of Women of Tomorrow, setting the tone, followed by a keynote address from Lydia Fenet, who is the Founder and CEO of the Lydia Fenet Agency. In addition, a fireside chat featuring Emilia Fazzalari, Co-Founder of Cincoro Tequila, alongside Susan Magrino, the Founder of Magrino PR, is set to further enrich the program.
Notable moderators include Phebe Wahl, Editor-in-Chief of Modern Luxury; Megan Salt, the Co-Founder of Salt + Ruttner Communications; and Isolde Brielmaier, Chief Strategy Officer at Work of Art Holdings (WOAH).
Featured Panelists
Building Legacy
- - Dr. Barbara Sturm, Founder of Dr. Barbara Sturm Molecular Cosmetics
- - Nadja Swarovski, Board Member of Swarovski
- - Tara Rudes-Dann, Fashion Director and Principal of L'Agence
The Business of Art
- - Yvonne Force Villareal, Founding Partner of Culture Corps
- - Fairfax Dorn, Founder of Fairfax Dorn Projects and Co-Founder of Ballroom Marfa
- - Jeanne Greenberg Rohatyn, Founder of Salon 94
Next Generation
- - Carlota Andrés, Board Member of Brand Development & Operations for José Andrés Group
- - Danielle Naftali, Executive Vice President of Marketing, Sales & Design at Naftali Group
Philanthropy
- - Mary Alice Stephenson, Founder and CEO of Glam4Good
- - Kinga Lampert, Chairwoman Emeritus of Breast Cancer Research Foundation
Networking Opportunities
The program runs from 8:30 AM to 1:30 PM, culminating in a networking reception and marketplace showcasing female-founded brands, allowing attendees to connect with one another and explore potential collaborations and support.
Tickets for this transformative event are currently on sale, with proceeds benefiting the Women of Tomorrow Mentor & Scholarship Program, which focuses on mentorship and leadership development for young women.
Event sponsors include prominent organizations such as Deutsche Bank, the Insurance Office of America, and The Ritz-Carlton New York, NoMad.
For more details about tickets and the event, visit
womenspowerseries.com or follow their journey on Instagram and LinkedIn.
About Women's Power Series
The Women’s Power Series, launched in 2023, aims to create accessible platforms where women in business can network, share experiences, and learn from successful female leaders. This initiative not only fosters a sense of community but also empowers women to bridge the gender gap and achieve high levels of success in their respective fields.
By bringing together diverse voices and perspectives, the series promotes a future where women are seen as transformational leaders in all dimensions of society.