Programs & Events
Women’s Leadership Summit
Women’s Leadership Summit
Drawing alumni from nearly 30 countries and spanning six decades of experience, the
two-day Women’s Leadership Summit provided a platform to discuss women’s leadership
roles in society, and across industries such as finance, technology, sports, cultural
institutions, and more. Additional themes included artificial intelligence, DEI initiatives,
and career journeys. The diverse audience emphasized the universal nature of the challenges
and opportunities facing women in business today, while fostering rich discussions
across cultural and generational lines. By sharing insights and fostering connections,
attendees left inspired and united in their shared commitment to transforming organizational
practices and shaping a collective future for women’s leadership. Read more.
Select recordings from the Summit are available now on Live from Klarman Hall!
- Resources
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Post Summit engagement Opportunities
Following the HBS Women’s Summit, there are numerous ways to stay connected to each other, to HBS and to ensure you are leveraging all the resources available to you to navigate your life and professional career.
Forge New Connections to Each Other
Forge New Connections to Each Other Build and deepen relationships with a powerful global network of alumni who share your values and experiences. Stay connected, collaborate, and leverage these relationships to fuel your personal and professional growth.- HBS Women’s Association (HBSWA - for alumni)
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The only HBS women's alumni club in the world, HBSWA creates opportunities for members to learn, network, and collaborate. The Club's goal is to support and promote members to attain leadership roles in business and beyond. HBS Women's Association
- Interested in joining an Alumnae Circle?
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Alumnae Circles is an HBS-enabled, alumnae-owned program designed to build and foster genuine relationships among HBS alumnae. 2025 Alumnae Circles applications closed on Sunday, 11/17. We invite you to bookmark the HBS Alumnae Circles page for general information and news about future openings in Alumnae Circles.
- Beyond the Summit: Connection Session – Harness the momentum from the Summit!
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Elaine MacDonald (MBA 1998) organized virtual sessions for small groups of attendees to reflect on key takeaways, share personal action plans, and exchange feedback. Signups closed on Sunday, 11/17.
- Alumni Forums
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HBS Alumni Forums are small, confidential groups where alumni support each other in personal and professional growth. Members meet regularly to share openly, building valuable, lasting relationships that guide them through life's challenges and strengthen their leadership. Alumni Forums
- Clubs & SIGs
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With a network of 105 Clubs and Shared Interest Groups (SIGs) globally, engage with fellow alumni where you work and live or focused on important identity groups. These alumni-led groups provide a plethora of compelling programs and activities such as pro bono work with Community Partners and start-up investments through the Angels network. HBS Clubs & SIGs
Access Tailored Support for Your Success
Leverage a range of HBS resources designed to support your ongoing success. From career development to learning opportunities, we’re here to provide guidance and tools to help you navigate every stage of your professional journey.- Career Coaches
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HBS offers six free individual coaching sessions a year to alumni from a cadre of trained career coaches. You do not need to have a specific career focus to work with a coach. Coaches are very skilled in helping HBS alumni gain clarity in their careers and life HBS Coaches
- HBS Board Diversity Network
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The HBS RGE Board Diversity Network connects underrepresented alumni with board opportunities by offering access to companies, resources, insights, and educational programs, supporting diverse alumni placement on corporate boards. Board Diversity Network
- HBS Executive Education programs supporting Women Leaders
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Women on Boards: Women on Boards empowers participants to break into corporate board roles by navigating the selection process, building strategic networks, and understanding boardroom dynamics. Participants will explore best practices, legal and regulatory environments, and gender perceptions in the boardroom, while learning to align their skills with board needs and increase visibility among key decision-makers. Women on Boards
Women's Leadership Forum: Women's Leadership Forum empowers senior executives to elevate their leadership skills, drive change, and influence organizational culture. Participants gain new strategies, confidence, and tools to advance their careers and inspire transformation within their organizations, learning from a global network of successful leaders. Women's Leadership - HBS for Life
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HBS offers comprehensive programs and resources to help you on your learning and life journeys. HBS for Life
Stay Engaged with the School
Strengthen your lifelong connection to Harvard Business School. Through exclusive events, thought leadership, and opportunities to engage, you’ll stay aligned with the latest in research, insights, and innovations that shape the business world.- Upcoming confirmed regional events / YA regional events
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Join us at HBS Alumni Regional events to connect, learn, and grow with fellow alumni in your area! Sign up to stay informed about upcoming gatherings near you. HBS Events
- Women’s Student Association 34th Annual Women in Business Conference
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Come back to campus February 22nd, 2025 for this student-run annual conference. As one of HBS' largest student-run events with over 1000 attendees last year, the conference aims to inspire the next generation of leaders by inviting inspirational women to share their valuable life experiences and lessons with its participants. WSA Conference
- Join D^3 (Digital, Data & Design) Community
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Stay updated with the latest from the Digital Data Design Institute! Explore insights from the Leading with AI conference, faculty research, and D^3 events. Subscribe to our newsletter to join the conversation and help shape the future for business and society. D^3
- HBS Initiatives / Institute for Business in a Global Society (BiGS)
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HBS faculty research extends beyond business management to tackle large-scale societal issues through cross-disciplinary initiatives and projects. These efforts, supported by HBS-wide research agendas, lead to impactful publications, conferences, and practical solutions for global challenges. HBS BiGS
HBS Initiatives - Race, Gender & Equity (RGE) newsletter
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Sign up for our newsletter to stay updated on the Race, Gender & Equity Initiative! Discover how cutting-edge research is shaping practices, empowering leaders, and advancing equity by tackling gender, race, and other inequalities in business and society https://www.hbs.edu/race-gender-equity/about/Pages/signup.aspx
- Working Knowledge newsletter
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Learn about fresh research and ideas from Harvard Business School faculty in this weekly newsletter. Working Knowledge
Check Out What Attendees are Saying About the Women’s Leadership Summit
Watch Video Highlights
Downloadable Event Photo Library
Download Photos from the SmugMug Photo Gallery
AGENDA
SPEAKERS
- Faculty Co-Chairs
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Robin J. Ely
Baker Foundation Professor and Diane Doerge Wilson Professor of Business Administration, Emerita; Co-chair, Race, Gender, and Equity Initiative
Kristin W. Mugford (MBA 1993)
Melvin Tukman Senior Lecturer of Business Administration, Senior Associate Dean for Culture and Community
Lakshmi Ramarajan
Diane Doerge Wilson Professor of Business Administration; Co-chair, Race, Gender, and Equity Initiative
- Alumni Committee
ATTENDEE LIST
While the conference was about and in support of women, the program was open to all
HBS alumni.
Please see our policy on non-discrimination for more details.