This event welcomes women leaders from across the country who are engaging in the political process, including current and future candidates, current and former elected and appointed officials, spouses and families, and women and men working to grow and sustain the network. Summit attendees get access to live keynote sessions, networking hours with other women leaders, skills-building workshops, motherhood rooms, professional headshot sessions, and free childcare! (Childcare registration is now closed.)
SUPPORT & SAVE: If you’re not yet part of our Rankin Circle, this is the perfect time to become a supporter and enjoy exclusive special pricing—up to 20% off!
We're excited to announce that this year's Summit will take place at the historic Union League of Philadelphia. Founded in 1862 to support the Union during the Civil War, The Union League of Philadelphia stands as one of America's most historic societies. Guided by its founding motto "Amor Patriae Ducit" (Love of Country Leads), the League has hosted U.S. presidents, heads of state, and distinguished leaders for over 160 years.
Book Your Stay | We have a room block at Hyatt Centric Center City Philadelphia — just 0.3 miles and a 7-minute walk from the venue — at a special rate for registered Summit attendees. Click here to book your stay at Hyatt Centric. Rooms are limited, so we encourage you to reserve yours soon.
12:00 PM Registration Opens | Library Lounge
1:30- 2:30 PM Breakout Sessions | Grant Center & Grant West
AI for Impact: Practical Tools to Lead, Communicate, and Work Smarter | Ashley O'Rourke (Microsoft)
Reaching Your Audience | Sarah Marie Ridley (Numinar)
Own the Room: Media and Messaging Essentials |
Positioning for Impact: How to Step Into Leadership Opportunities | Adrianna Sekula (Solidarity Partners)
4:30- 6:00 PM Opening Reception, hosted by Mimi Walters, Former Member of Congress
6:15- 8:15 PM* Exclusive VIP Experience | Offsite
7:45 AM Registration Opens | Library Lounge
8:00- 8:30 AM Breakfast & Welcome | Lincoln Hall
Grab a plate in Lincoln Memorial and join us in Lincoln Hall to kick off the day!
8:30- 9:00 AM Opening Session: State of American Women with Debbie Walsh (CAWP) and Amanda Iovino (Pantheon Insight) | Lincoln Hall
9:00- 11:15 AM Plenary Sessions
Pennsylvania: Leadership in Action | Emily Brey (Americans for Prosperity), Amber Benzon (Level Up), State Rep. Kristin Marcell, State Rep. Martina White
Legacy of Liberty: Reaching and Serving Every Community (hosted by The LIBRE Initiative) | Judy Pino (the LIBRE Initiative), Jennie Dallas (the LIBRE Initiative), Emily Brey (Americans for Prosperity), Israel Ortega (The LIBRE Initiative), Sandra Benitez (The LIBRE Initiative), Karen Navarro (Chief of Staff, Congresswoman Monica De La Cruz, TX- 15)
Power Hour: Power Positioning Series
Negotiation
Handling Difficult Situations & Pivoting After a Loss
11:15- 12:00 Breakout Sessions | Grant Center & Grant West
AI for Impact: Practical Tools to Lead, Communicate, and Work Smarter | Ashley O'Rourke (Microsoft)
Leading with Integrity: Navigating Rules, Ethics, and Compliance | Lisa Lisker (Huckaby, Davis Lisker), Rebekah Marino (Holtzman Vogel), HDL Compliance, Megan Martin (Commonwealth Foundation)
12:00- 1:30 PM Leadership Spotlight Luncheon | Lincoln Hall
AI in Action: Using Google Tools to Lead, Communicate, and Deliver Results | Macaulay Porter (Google)
Fireside Chat with Joan Carter, recipient of the 2026 Distinguished Leader Award. Moderated by: Megan Martin. Chief Operating Officer & General Counsel, Commonwealth Foundation
(Sponsored by: The Commonwealth Foundation)
1:35- 2:00 PM Fireside Chat
2:00- 2:20 PM Powering Possibility: Women, Communities, and What Comes Next
2:25- 3:15 PM Plenary Session | Lincoln Hall
Leading Across Differences: Pluralism in Practice | Kate Carney (More in Common USA), Jorge Lima (Stand Together)
3:20-4:20 Power Hour: Elevate Your Presence Series | Grant West
Topics include:
Styling with Confidence
Building Your Brand
Public Speaking
4:20-5:00 PM Networking + Headshots | Grant East
5:00- 6:00 PM General + VIP Receptions | Library Lounge & Lincoln Memorial
6:15- 7:45 PM Leadership Awards Dinner | Lincoln Hall
Daniel Anthony Award
Architect of Society Award
Follow us on all platforms @WPLNetwork to keep up with speaker announcements for this event!
I learned more in the three days of the Summit than I have in the last year... I left feeling inspired, motivated, and more confident in my skills than ever before.
The VIP Reception was amazing. I was able to catch up with many friends from around the country while enjoying great wine, food, and music. Looking forward to attending the next Summit!
My favorite part of summit was meeting like-minded women. I enjoyed it being more intimate than other conferences I've attended. I told my husband, "I finally found my tribe, a place I fit."
Sharing the experience of Summit with my 6-year-old daughter was a highlight for us both. Participating in WPLN's Summit is a tangible way to show her that we are trying to change that narrative, to change history. Doesn't get much better than that.
I had no idea that there were so many women out there who really want to lift other women up!

Corporate and nonprofit partners help make our work possible. View sponsorship opportunities to see how you can partner with us at 2026 Summit.

Katch Skills helps you capture learning as it happens, translate everyday experiences into recognizable skills, and build a living skills profile that becomes your edge — whether you’re growing in your role, exploring new opportunities, or simply owning your progress. Learn more.
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Customize your summit experience by selecting the registration option that best aligns with your journey.
Get ready to hear from some of the best and brightest in the political sphere. General Admission tickets include receptions, expert-led programming, our annual Awards Dinner, and more!
Experience our National Summit in style! In addition to all of our general program offerings, our VIP ticket includes upgraded swag, exclusive experiences, VIP only receptions, full use of our 24/7 hospitality suite, and more.
Are you a young leader under the age of 30? Register at a discounted price with our Young Leaders registration. Your ticket includes receptions, expert-led programming, our annual Awards Dinner, and more! Don't miss this opportunity to shape the future alongside established professionals.
This ticket option is a discounted rate for professionals ages 30 and under.
We offer a special ticket price for one guest pass to the Leadership & Awards Dinner plus one reception of their choosing. This pass does not grant guests access to full programming.
WPLN offers FREE CHILDCARE onsite throughout the event as well. Be sure to select "yes" when asked during registration.
Includes discounted general admission access to WPLN Summit programs, meals, and networking for students enrolled in an undergraduate program. Don't miss this opportunity to shape the future alongside established professionals.
Proof of student ID will be required to check-in.
Our Junior Ticket is designed for young attendees ages 16 and under to attend programming and receptions. This is perfect for young attendees who want to kick-start their leadership journey early!
This ticket selection does not include childcare.