SMITHFIELD, RI – Registration is now open for the 29th annual Women’s Summit® presented by Bryant University, to be held on the Smithfield campus on Thursday, March 19. With a dynamic lineup of inspiring keynotes, impactful breakout sessions offering professional development, and collaborative networking opportunities, the Summit challenges women at all career levels to think boldly, act with intention, and forge meaningful connections by “Illuminating Values, Inspiring Action.”
First launched by Kati C. Machtley in 1997, the Bryant Women’s Summit® has become the largest and longest-running event of its kind in the region, embracing holistic development and women’s financial empowerment by providing a wide range of actionable insights and leadership lessons. To register, visit WSummit.Bryant.edu.
Keynote speakers include:
Elin Hilderbrand: New York Times best-selling author, keynote speaker and cancer survivor, who speaks about overcoming life’s challenges and is a symbol of strength and success.
Amanda (Mandy) Scipione: Head of Global Diversity & Inclusion at Fidelity Investments®, which employs more than 78,000 associates across the United States, Ireland, and India.
In addition, Barbara A. Papitto '83, '85MBA, '97H will receive the Kati C. Machtley Businesswoman of the Year Award. Papitto is the founder and a trustee of the Papitto Opportunity Connection, a non-profit private foundation dedicated to listening and working together with non-profit organizations committed to serving communities most in need in Rhode Island, investing in education, job skills training, housing, healthcare and entrepreneurial ventures.
Along with the keynote speakers and award honoree, the Women’s Summit® features 20 transformative breakout sessions, with topics such as “Leading with Heart in the Age of AI,” “Sisterhood as Strategy: Leading with Connection, Courage, and Clarity,” “Lighting the Way: Values that Spark Change,” “Activating Potential: Leveraging Presence & Performance to Achieve Goals,” and “Leadership and Reporting in a Rapidly Shifting News Media Environment.” There will also be a host of lively networking opportunities for attendees.
“This year’s theme of ‘Illuminating Values, Inspiring Action’ invites us to reflect on the principles that guide our lives and how we can turn them into impactful steps toward the future we want to create,” says Inge-Lise Ameer, Ed.D., Bryant’s vice president of student affairs and dean of student and executive director of the Women’s Summit®. “The Women’s Summit® is one of the most popular and purpose-driven events held at Bryant, bringing influential leaders to our campus, sparking meaningful conversations that make a difference for women at all career levels, and continuing a proud legacy of empowerment and inspiration.”
Amica is honored to continue our support of this year’s Bryant University Women’s Summit® as the Platinum Sponsor,” says Ted Shallcross, president and CEO of Amica. “At Amica, we celebrate the vital role women play in shaping our own organization and driving positive change, and fostering a workplace where women are empowered to excel, lead and turn their values into meaningful action. We encourage all Summit attendees to embrace their unique strengths, inspire others and seek out ways to make a lasting impact through their professional lives.”
Bryant University’s Women’s Summit® is supported by generous sponsors including Amica Insurance (Platinum sponsor); Citizens Bank and Fidelity Investments (Diamond sponsors); Bank of America and PwC (Gold sponsors); Blue Cross Blue Shield of Rhode Island, FM, Navigant Credit Union, Neurotech, New England Construction, Robinson+Cole, and TIAA (Silver sponsors); AAA Northeast, AIPSO, BankNewport, Beacon Mutual, CBIZ, Centerville Bank, Eastern Bank, Gilbane, Hope Global, Southcoast Health, Teknor Apex, and Toyota (Bronze sponsors) and Cardi's (Supporting sponsor). The media sponsors are Boston Globe Rhode Island, Hey Rhody Media Company, Ocean State Media, Providence Business News, and Rhode Island Monthly.
Since its inception, Bryant University’s Women's Summit® has featured prominent speakers who have helped thousands of attendees discover and achieve their full potential. Notable keynote speakers have included Beverly Johnson, Mika Brzezinski, Geena Davis, Viola Davis, Angela Duckworth, Ph.D., Amy Edmonson, Ph.D., Geraldine Ferraro, Jody Hoffer Gittell, Ph.D., Lisa Leslie, Carla Harris, Arianna Huffington, Soledad O'Brien, Suze Orman, and Jane Pauley.
About Bryant University
For more than 160 years, Bryant University has been at the forefront of delivering an exceptional education that anticipates the future and prepares students to be innovative leaders of character in a changing world. The university delivers an integrated academic and student life experience with nationally recognized academic programs at the intersection of business, liberal arts, and health and behavioral sciences.
Located on a 465-acre contemporary campus in Smithfield, R.I., Bryant enrolls approximately 3,800 undergraduate and graduate students from 41 states and 50 countries. Bryant is recognized as a top 1 percent national leader in student education outcomes and ROI and regularly receives high rankings from U.S. News and World Report, QS Stars, Money, Bloomberg Businessweek, Wall Street Journal, and College Factual. Bryant.edu