Each year, Women in Retail Leadership Circle (WIRLC) selects a Nonprofit of the Year whose mission aligns with our values and the women we serve. For 2026, we’re honored to announce the American Heart Association (AHA) as our Nonprofit of the Year. AHA is an organization at the forefront of the fight against heart disease...
As part of our partnership with CommerceNext, Women in Retail Leadership Circle (WIRLC) is excited to host a panel breakfast during the 2026 CommerceNext Growth Show. The breakfast session will bring our community together for a high-impact, candid conversation to start the day. Taking place on June 24, the session will focus on the next iteration...
Women in Retail Leadership Circle is thrilled to announce the publication of our 16th annual Top Women in Retail report! Over those years we have featured SO MANY women in the retail industry who have had an incredible, meaningful impact, and we’re so excited to celebrate our newest cohort. Like in years past, the 2026...
There’s an unspoken side of unemployment that rarely gets discussed, especially among senior leaders. It’s not just the loss of a role or a paycheck. It’s the gradual erosion of visibility, validation and belonging. When I became unemployed, I expected the practical challenges: updating my resume, networking, interviewing, explaining my situation. What I didn’t fully...
Hosted by Women in Retail Leadership Circle’s sister brand, Total Retail, Total Retail Talks is a podcast for retail executives who crave the knowledge and insights needed to stay successful in today’s fast-paced industry. In episode 497 of Total Retail Talks, Editor-in-Chief Joe Keenan interviews Rene Federico, head of marketing for the U.S. at Primark,...
Are you ready to hear from powerful women leaders in retail and beyond? Registration for the Women in Retail Leadership Summit, held April 27-29 in Miami, is now open, and this year’s speaker lineup is shaping up to be one of our most dynamic yet. You’ll hear passionate stories of successes, challenges, and thought-provoking retail...
There’s a been a real shift in LinkedIn over the last few months. It’s no longer just a job search platform; it’s a trust-based platform, designed to convert visitors into relationships, talent, and thought leadership. That’s according to LinkedIn strategist Judi Hays, who earlier this month expertly led Women in Retail Leadership Circle (WIRLC) members...
As Women in Retail Leadership Circle marks its 12th year, we’re excited to introduce the dynamic group of professionals who comprise our 2026 Advisory Board! This year’s board is an inspiring mix of familiar faces and new leaders, all dedicated to advancing the role of women in the retail industry. The Advisory Board serves as the cornerstone of...
At the National Retail Federation Big Show in New York City last week, leaders from three of VF Corp.’s most popular brands — The North Face, Timberland, and Vans — shared insights into how they’re navigating large-scale brand transformation while staying true to deeply rooted DNA. Moderated by VF Corp. board member and former retail...
Career transitions are becoming an increasingly common part of the professional journey. Organizational shifts, leadership changes, paused searches, and intentional career decisions are prompting many women to ask the same question: What’s next? We’re hearing this directly from our community. And while transitions look different for everyone, one thing is consistent — the need for...
