At our annual National Summit, women from across the country come to advance their leadership journey. Our Summit features inspiring speakers; skill-building workshops by experts; networking; and free professional headshots and childcare – all of which helps our attendees to become more effective leaders in their communities and at every level of government!

This year, our National Summit was held in Orlando, Florida, from June 5 through June 7. Here are some of the highlights!

Check out the professional photography from the 2025 WPLN Summit!

Day 1: June 5

WPLN’s 2025 Summit kicked off with a luncheon hosted by WPLN Board Vice Chair Valerie Dowling, featuring South Carolina Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette.

"I wasn’t the typical mold to run for office... [but[ one of the best pieces of advice that was given to me is that this window is open right now. Once it closes, it may never open again. When you have the opportunity, take the opportunity." - South Carolina Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette

A panel on “Freedom Conservatism in Action” followed, where the following panelists discussed policy, advocacy, and political strategy:

• Laura Maristany (CEO of Katch Skills)
• Carrie Conko (CEO of Iron Light)
• Matt Ralston (WPLN Board Treasurer and Senior Manager of State Affairs at Troutman Strategies)

"The ability to be resilient in the face of challenges is what really drew me to Freedom Conservatism." - Iron Light CEO Carrie Conko

From there, the day continued with a discussion on “AI Essentials for Women in Business and Government,” led by Laura Maristany.

Attendees were then free to take their free professional headshots or explore the Vendor Expo before we wrapped up the day with a Welcome Reception, with VIP guests enjoying exclusive off-site networking.

Day 2: June 6

Friday opened with a leadership breakfast conversation hosted by Casandra Matej (President and CEO of Visit Orlando), featuring:

• Victoria Jaramillo (Chief Commercial Officer for Orlando International Airport) and
• Maribeth Bisienere (Senior Vice President of Operations at Walt Disney World)

"Be open to opportunities. You may not be 100% ready or BE on the edge of your comfort seat, but be open to those opportunities, even if they’re not exactly what you’re looking for… be a sponge and you’ll do well." - Victoria Jaramillo, Chief Commercial Officer for Orlando International Airport

The “Veterans in Leadership” session followed, with Madeline Meininger moderating the conversation between Phyllis Wilson (President of Military Women’s Memorial) and Seth Lynn (Founder of Veterans Campaign) as they discussed the vital role of veteran voices in public leadership.

Military Women's Memorial President Phyllis Wilson on how serving in the military, alongside people of different backgrounds and political affiliations, helps prepare servicemembers for serving in office: "We learned how to work together... We know how to work with people that we may violently disagree with, but you’ll never see it."

The next panel on “The Future of Work and Opportunity” brought together the following thought leaders to address workforce policy, skills, and economic inclusion in today’s changing job market:

• Laura Maristany (Katch Skills CEO)
• Dr. Steve Taylor (Policy Director and Senior Fellow of Economic Mobility at Stand Together Trust)
• Niki DaSilva (Senior Director of Programs & Policy at U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation)
• Stephanie Santiago‑Rolón (CEO & Founder of Elevated Music Industries)

Niki's advice about workforce development:
1. Before proposing solutions, listen to employers about their needs.
2. Start with data that quantifies and explains the pain points employers are experiencing.
3. Speak in employers' language, not government or educational jargon.
4. Make it easy for employers to say yes: Have a clear ask and commitment, to make it easy for employers to be a part of the process upfront.

Following the "Future of Work" panel, we wrapped up the morning with workshops on how to “Elevate Your Brand” with June Cutter and how to “Fundraise Like a Pro” with Falicia Mandel, giving participants actionable tools for their personal leadership journeys.

These workshops set the stage for the Profiles in Leadership Luncheon, featuring a Google presentation from Maureen McInerney and a Fireside Chat hosted by Jenifer Sarver with Allison Keller (Chief Administrative Officer of the PGA Tour).

Allison Keller on the importance of being and finding a champion: "Who is that person in your organization that is going to go to bat for you — and if you don’t have that person, who could it be?"

Following lunch, the LIBRE Initiative hosted a panel on outreach to the Hispanic community, featuring the following experts from LIBRE:

• Sandra Benitez (Executive Director)
• Andrea Costacampas (Digital Media Manager)
• Wadi Gaitan (Communications Director and National Spokesman)
• Judy Pino (Marketing Manager)

LIBRE Digital Media Manager Andrea Costacampas on Hispanic Americans: "We don’t need institutional communities to be built for us, we are building those communities around our churches, around our schools. So the message has to be not 'what can we do for you' but 'what do you need us to get out of the way so that you can take control of your own life' — because that’s what people come to America for.."

The day concluded with a reception before the Leadership Awards Dinner, hosted by former U.S. Representative Mimi Walters. WPLN was proud to recognize the following standout leaders:

• Sandra Mortham, Founder and Chair of Maggie's List, was honored with the 2025 Architect of Society Award. Inspired by Harriett Beecher Stowe’s words that “Women are the real architects of society,” this award is given to a woman who exemplifies the qualities of a public leader: effective, principled, and a true public servant.
• Paul Mitchell, Partner at the Southern Group, was honored with the 2025 Daniel Anthony Award. Named for Susan B. Anthony’s father and early supporter of her work, this award recognizes a man who has provided critical support to a female public leader or leaders.

Learn more about the WPLN Awards and this year's recipients.

Day 3: June 7

Saturday was a day to “Brunch & Learn,” with workshops, panels, and discussions focused on authentic leadership in communication.

Workshops included:

• “Crafting Your Why” with Valerie Dowling
• “Elevate Your Brand” with June Cutter
• “Fundraise Like a Pro” with Falicia Mandel

Afterward, WPLN Impact Council Member Lisa Lisker hosted Becki Wright (CEO of Proximity) and Adrianna Sekula (Founder and President of Solidarity Partners) to discuss “Finding Your Voice: Authentic Communication,” in which they emphasized empathy, public presentation, and using storytelling to connect.

"Authenticity is your true core values, and then the polished piece is always being prepared for a stage." - Adrianna Sekula, Founder and President of Solidarity Partners

We concluded our 2025 National Summit with a Fireside Chat hosted by WPLN President Larissa Martinez with Mayor Sue Finkam of Carmel, Indiana, who shared insights about local leadership and community engagement.

Mayor Sue Finkam on deciding to run for office: "The dialogue was internal: Am I ready? Is this something I really want to do? Am I capable? Do I have the skills and talent? And I had no answers to any of those questions, I just decided to do it anyway."

Click here to view the professional photography from the 2025 WPLN Summit!

Our 2025 WPLN Summit helped attendees sharpen their leadership toolkit and step into their potential with purpose and with “confidence in their competence.”

As one attendee this year said, “From AI toolboxes, the future of work, running for office, fundraising skills, professional branding, to understanding the legislator's perspective, we learned so much!”

Thank you to our 2025 Summit sponsors, without whom this event would not be possible:

✨ Google
✨ The LIBRE Initiative
✨ Majority Strategies
✨ WPLN Action
✨ Sarver Strategies
✨ Republican State Leadership Committee
✨ Orlando Mom Collective
✨ Activys
✨ Visit Orlando
✨ Chain Bridge Bank, N.A.
✨ L2, Inc.
✨ Proximity
✨ Wenvia
✨ Future Caucus
✨ Kendra Scott
✨ Girl Scouts of Citrus Council
✨ Katch Skills

We’re so grateful for all you do to help empower women to use their voices and lead.

Stay tuned to learn more about our 2026 National Summit, including dates and location!