What happens when you bring together dozens of women leaders, innovators and entrepreneurs under one roof? I’m here to tell you. I interviewed four such women who helped organize the Women in Business (WIB) Leadership Summit, coming Oct. 30 at Mission Springs Conference Center.
They are Santa Cruz Area Chamber of Commerce committee members who volunteer their time and energy to support WIB luncheons and this upcoming Summit. My objective in this article is to tell you why these Leadership Summits matter—and why you should know about them. Little did I realize how inspiring these women would be, and why women’s summits are so mighty.
Breaking Barriers and Finding Belonging
My first interview was with Kristen Brown, executive director of Santa Cruz Chamber of Commerce, who delivered a powerful answer to an important question: “What keeps someone from attending or participating in this kind of event?” she offered.
“Sometimes people don’t feel professional enough, they haven’t been in their business long enough, or don’t feel their business is good enough. Even worse is when they feel they don’t belong at such an event.”
Kristen added, “We want you to be here with us. Our groups are filled with women who may be trying something new in their careers, willing to share their success stories here with you.”
Leaders are not afraid to share their failures and how they moved through them. This year’s Summit brings that spirit to life. Keynote Speaker will be Assemblymember Gail Pellerin. Later panelists Sarah Christensen, executive director of Santa Cruz County RTC; Sarah Ryan, chief of police, City of Capitola; and Judi Oyama, Hall of Fame skateboarder; will share.
Talk about diversity in leadership! And, I haven’t even gotten to the details regarding the breakout sessions, more on this later. Kristen told me, “Whether you are in business or not, everyone is welcome, and the diverse topics should appeal to everyone.”
Inspired to Lead
Kayla Traber, development director of Grey Bears, said that after attending last year’s event, she was “so inspired” that she joined the WIB committee. Since then, she has enjoyed meeting other businesswomen who have become mentors to her. Her story speaks to the core value of why leadership summits matter.
“Whether you are in business or not, witnessing leadership in action should be available to all of us. The experience was inspiring for me,” Kayla commented.
Before I get ahead of myself, like most of my articles, I’d like to share a little history about the topic of the evolution of women in business leadership events—and how we are carrying that torch here in Santa Cruz.
A Brief History of Women’s Leadership Summits
In the 1970s-80s, women’s conferences rose alongside the women’s rights movement, focused on equality in education, career access and legal rights. (And, still today, we continue working toward these inalienable rights.) By the 1990s, corporate women’s leadership initiatives gained traction. By the 2000s, Fortune Magazine listed national summits that brought together high-profile leaders, setting the stage for regional and local versions.
Fast-forward to today: Women’s Leadership Summits have expanded worldwide, emphasizing intersectionality, entrepreneurship and global collaboration.
While many nonprofits and organizations host them annually, the Santa Cruz Chamber of Commerce—founded in 1889 and now 136 years old—has long proven its commitment to local businesses and involvement in their growth and development.
What Attendees Gain
I spoke with Chris Maffia, WIB chairperson and a longtime mentor to so many businesswomen. She helped start the women’s luncheons at the Chamber over 25 years ago, and in 2023, the Women’s Leadership Summit was born.
“We want to engage women, helping them network, hear insightful speakers, and learn how others are doing their careers-and doing well,” Chris said.
She added, “We want business women to feel good about who they are, their journey, and to get support and visibility to help them manifest the careers they want.”
Lisa McGrath, Dignity Health’s community relations liaison, discovered the WIB through a past employer. She has seen firsthand “…how the Summit grew out of the community’s hunger for such an event.”
“The Summit is a place where women meet up and connect. One day is set aside, and you are surrounded by women as we learn together. It’s amazing. It is so powerful to be in one space—a chance to connect, feel inspired, unite with others and build community together,” Lisa said.
This Year’s Theme
Join the Chamber’s Women’s Leadership Summit: Rooted & Rising—Women Growing Through Every Season.
Highlights include the Keynote speaker and panel discussions (led by emcee, Lauren Seaver, KSBW), as well as the breakout sessions: “The Power of Human Magic in the Age of AI,” “Perimenopause/Menopause” and “Salary Negotiations.”
“Everyone is welcome at this event, including anyone who identifies as a woman and men who support the women in their lives,” said Kristen. What impressed me the most was when Kristen added, “We are here for you. There is a seat at the table, and we are inviting you to sit with us.”
Tickets are available at santacruzchamber.org; Oct. 30, 9am-3pm; location: Mission Springs Conference Center in Scotts Valley.
Janet Janssen, Life in Business and Speaker coach, offering leadership and public speaking skills training. Board member of Leadership Santa Cruz County and active in local Chambers of Commerce; janetjanssen.com. (Resources: Forbes, Harvard Bus. Review, ChatGPT)
