This page features on-demand content and coverage from the annual Women in Retail Leadership Summit. Discover thought-provoking panels and inspiring keynote presentations from C-level women disrupting the retail space.
In its 12th year, the Women in Retail Leadership Summit has evolved from an event into a movement. We’re breaking barriers, challenging stereotypes, and creating an environment that empowers women across the retail landscape. This invitation-only event is designed for women in leadership positions at top retailers and brands who want to learn, network, and...
In today’s hyperconnected world, women are bombarded with an endless stream of health tips, viral fads and fitness hacks. What advice is proven and beneficial, and what unconventional tricks are just fleeting hype? Joy Bauer, MS, RDN, CDN, and one of the nation’s leading health authorities, is here to help. At the 2025 Women in Retail...
What’s one thing retail brands True Religion and Vera Bradley have in common? In undergoing recent brand transformations, they both returned to what made their brands so authentic — the “why” behind the initial successes of each brand when it first launched. At the 2025 Women in Retail Leadership Summit, marketing executives from both True...
When Bogg Bag was experiencing a period of fast-paced growth, founder and CEO Kim Vaccarella hired seasoned retail executives to help scale the business. However, Vaccarella says she “went into a slump,” questioning herself and her vision for the brand until she righted the course. Her learnings for other entrepreneurs? Stick to your values and...
How do women and girls build confidence? Confidence is built through experiences, not compliments. Confidence building requires a safe environment with supportive people and activities that stretch your expertise. Dr. Lisa Hinkelman, founder and CEO of Ruling Our eXperiences (ROX), took the stage at the 2025 Women in Retail Leadership Summit to examine the challenges...
During a panel at the 2025 Women in Retail Leadership Summit, four retail and brand c-suite executives were asked to identify the number one skill or trait that separates high-achievers from everyone else. The top response? Curiosity. In this clip from the discussion, two panelists Stacy Bowe, president of HSN brand and U.S. merchandising at...
Laysha Ward spent a remarkable 33 years at Target Corp., most recently serving as its executive vice president and chief external engagement officer. But even as one of the nation’s leading female C-suite executives, she faced biases and challenges at work. In this video clip from the 2025 Women in Retail Leadership Summit, Ward recounts...
When Mecca Mitchell thinks about professional courage, she breaks it into three parts: attitude, aptitude and appetite. In other words, it’s informed by who you are, what you can do, and what you want. Mitchell, senior vice president of leadership and organizational development, DEI, and community impact at Burlington Stores, Inc., spoke as part of...
In her first two months as the CEO of David’s Bridal, Kelly Cook has been thinking a lot about servant leadership. Just 30 days into her new role leading transformation at the Pennsylvania-based company, Cook took the stage at the 2025 Women in Retail Leadership Summit, held April 28-30 on Amelia Island, FL, to share...
Why and how did SoulCycle cut through the crowded fitness industry? What made the brand “sticky” enough to grab consumers’ interest? Amy Shecter, CEO of Cast Jewelry, asked these questions of Julie Rice, co-founder of Peoplehood and SoulCycle, on stage during the 2025 Women in Retail Leadership Summit, held April 28-30 on Amelia Island, FL. In...
