About the Conference
​We are pleased to announce the Fifteenth Annual Women of Color Empowerment Conference to take place September 11th – September 13th, 2026, at the beautiful Fort Lauderdale beach.
Our theme this year is "Made for this Moment: Purpose, Power & Progress."
On September 11th, there will be programming followed by a beautiful evening networking reception on Fort Lauderdale Beach (location to be announced.) September 12th is our featured programming day, which should not be missed. On September 13th, attendees will enjoy jazz and breakfast on Fort Lauderdale Beach. The weekend will include renowned speakers, thought-provoking presentations, and networking with leaders throughout the state and nation. Leaders will be present from a variety of professional sectors and industries, including law, government, business, technology, not-for-profit, medicine, academia and more.
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In past years, the conference has drawn state and local leaders from all over the country and beyond. Past conference speakers have included: Award-winning journalist Tamron Hall, CNN Commentator Angela Rye, media mogul Cathy Hughes, White House correspondent, April Ryan, Carla Hall from 'The Chew", Trumpet Awards Founder Xernona Clayton, Judy Smith, noted crisis manager, MSNBC’s Laura Coates, former media executive Paula Madison, television hosts Joy-Ann Reid, Congresswoman Donna Edwards, Judge Glenda Hatchett, African Ancestry Founder Gina Paige, Florida Supreme Court Justice Peggy Quince, and D.C. Circuit Court Judge J. Michelle Childs, along with numerous actors, authors and elected officials. The leadership conference will feature panel discussions comprised of women news anchors, election experts, technology experts, top corporate executives, and scholars. Register today!
40 Under 40
The Women of Color Empowerment Institute, Inc. (“WOCEI”) extends an invitation for you to recommend leaders from your organization, under the age of 40, to attend the annual Women of Color Empowerment Leadership Conference.
Forty (40) young women will be selected from various organizations to attend the conference at no charge. A short application is required for selection and the women selected must commit to attending all three days. Additionally, the forty women selected may be paired with a mentor for 12 months, upon request. See application below for details.
