As artificial intelligence continues to disrupt and innovate retail, the real question facing leaders today isn’t if AI will transform the industry, but rather how to lead through it.

That’s exactly the conversation Women in Retail Leadership Circle (WIRLC) will be having at the 2026 CommerceNext Growth Show, taking place June 23-24 in New York City.

On  June 24, WIRLC will host a featured panel breakfast, Leadership Reimagined: Women Driving Retail in the AI Era. This candid, high-impact session is designed to move beyond the buzz surrounding AI and into real-world application. At the center of it all is a powerful group of women leaders who are actively shaping what AI looks like inside today’s retail organizations. This year’s panel features:

  • Kristin Bennett, senior vice president of merchandising and production at Rue Gilt Groupe, who is driving strategy at the intersection of product, data, and customer demand.
  • Vanessa LeFebvre, president of sport and lifestyle at G-III Apparel Group, leading one of the most dynamic segments in global apparel.
  • Mary Beth Sheridan, CEO and board member of Guild Brands, a multi-brand platform supporting artist-made retail, offering a unique perspective on scaling creativity through technology.

The conversation will focus on how these executives are using AI not as a concept, but as a practical tool to drive smarter decision-making, faster execution, and improved business outcomes.

Expect an open and honest discussion grounded in real experiences — what’s working, what’s not, and where leaders are seeing the greatest impact. From evolving customer expectations to internal team dynamics and operational efficiency, this session is designed to deliver insights you can actually apply.

The breakfast takes place from 8:00 a.m. – 8:50 a.m. on June 24 in Track D. It is part of the broader CommerceNext Growth Show, which is expected to bring together more than 2,700 senior-level leaders, 150 speakers, and 60 sessions focused on growth, innovation, and the future of retail and e-commerce.

Beyond the breakfast, WIRLC will also host a dedicated Women in Retail Pavilion on the show floor, which will feature curated leadership conversations designed to foster connection across the community. Pavilion speakers will be announced soon.

As a CommerceNext partner, the WIRLC community can take advantage of exclusive registration benefits. Scaled retailers and brands may qualify for complimentary admission or receive 10 percent off registration using the referral code “WIRLC” in the registration form. You can register here.

Also, during the evening of June 24, join WIRLC member ambassadors for a Member Meetup at the Michael Kors flagship store in Rockefeller Center. Connect with fellow members and gain valuable insights from Michael Kors leaders Anne Walsh, president, and Sharonda Weatherspoon, senior vice president of stores, store operations, and retail development.

Enjoy light bites and sparkling refreshments, courtesy of Attentive, while networking with industry peers in an inspiring setting. You can register for the Member Meetup here.

I can’t wait to see you in New York this June!