Women's Leadership Conference

The 13th annual Women's Leadership Conference, hosted by the Johns Hopkins Alumni Association, was a sold-out event held on March 21 at the Bloomberg Center in Washington, D.C. The day featured interactive workshops, dynamic discussions for professional and personal development, and opportunities to connect with a vibrant, diverse community.

"There's just truly something special about this conference," says Elena Thompson, senior associate director, Identity and Shared Interest Communities at Johns Hopkins. "The women, who range in age from their 20s to their 70s, participate with so much authenticity and vulnerability. They actively engage in sharing and listening, so it tends not to be just our panelists, speakers, and experts offering knowledge; it's also an opportunity for everyone to learn from one another."

Patricia Browne, Bus '07, '10 (MLA), was on the conference's planning committee and interviewed the day's keynote speaker, Michelle Singletary, Bus '93, a personal finance columnist for The Washington Post who writes the popular "Color of Money" column. Singletary spoke on the unique personal financial challenges facing women, such as the persistent gender wage gap, retirement security, and caregiving responsibilities.

"It was a really inspiring discussion," Thompson says. "Our keynote speakers and conference experts don't just talk about their careers; they also share how they got to where they are and the challenges they faced along the way."

Browne has been a part of the conference since its inception and remembers talking with Thompson about forming a women's group to share relevant topics and issues.

"One of our first events was held at a day spa and featured workshops on resilience and transformation," Browne says. "The concept really gained traction and led to forming an annual conference. Now, 13 years later, the conference continues to sell out and interest continues to grow."

The conference draws students, alumni, and friends of the university, offering something for women at every stage of their lives and careers.

"Over the years, women have shared incredible stories—from being fired to reaching the highest levels of leadership," Browne says. "Pivoting and crossing boundaries have become major themes, and they'll continue to be a focus as we explore how to move forward, grow, and prioritize wellness and self-care."

Kim D. Reed, Bus '01 (MBA), has attended the conference for the past eight years and asked to be on the planning committee after last year's event.

"The conference keeps evolving and getting better every year. It offers real opportunities to learn from experts, build connections, and walk away with practical insights," Reed says. "I'm already looking forward to next year's conference and would encourage anyone who wants to grow professionally, make meaningful connections, and leave truly inspired to join us next year."

The next Johns Hopkins Women's Leadership Conference, open to all alumni, is set for March 20, 2026. https://woh.jhu.edu