Date & Time:
Saturday, March 9 | 8:30AM - 7PM CT
Sunday, March 10 | 8:30AM - 7PM CT
Location:
Waller Creek Boathouse
74 Trinity St.
Austin, TX 78701
85% of purchase decisions are made by women.
51% of the U.S. population are women.
Yet, only 2% of VC funding finds its way to women.
Just under 5% of public sector suppliers are women-owned businesses.
And women hold a mere 5% of CEO roles in the S&P 500.
Equality is possible… when good intentions meet intentional actions.
Promote us. Procure us. Fund us. Find us.
Join us in the Equality Lounge® @ SXSW.
Founders, forward thinkers, and forces of the economy are all found here.
All are welcome. No exceptions. No badge required.
The Atlantic recently issued some new findings on the latest approach to leadership. The results? A new requisite for C-Suite has been set: business leaders must be more empathetic, purposeful, and connected than their predecessors if they want to inspire and retain talent. Join this panel conversation of leaders as they unpack the importance of human centricity in leadership.
Start your day with an inspiring conversation with top health advocates about how leadership and health go hand in hand. Join nonprofit Eat Real’s CEO Nora LaTorre as she discusses key things we can all do with Primal Founder & CEO Morgan Zanotti, Integrated Medicine visionary Dr. Deepti Agarwal, Former NFL Player Marcell Dareus, and Host of The Skinny Confidential HIM & HER Podcast, Lauryn Bosstick.
Nora LaTorre, CEO, Eat Real
Dr. Deepti Agarwal, Medical Director, Health Optimization, Case Integrative Health/Precision Medical Care
Morgan Zanotti, Co-Founder & President, Primal Kitchen
Marcell Dareus, Former NFL Player and Chairman, Dareus Charitable Foundation
Lauryn Bosstick, Entrepreneur and Podcaster, The Skinny Confidential
77% of working moms are reporting life-shifting benefits at work with a powerful ally: AI. These benefits go beyond time-saving hacks and automated to-do lists and empower working moms to reclaim control, prioritize well-being, and reimagine work-life balance. This is just one of the many new takeaways from The Harris Poll and The Female Quotient’s State of Women + AI Report. Join us for a conversation on the transformative power of AI for women in the workplace.
Niven McCall Mazza, Editor-in-Chief, theSkimm
Stephanie Bannos, EVP, Head, Experience Practice, CX, EX, UX, Ipsos
Meghan Labot, Chief Growth Officer, North America, FutureBrand
Monica Williams, SVP, Digital Products and Operations, NBCUniversal
Kristen Hayashi, Director, Business Development, Global Advertiser Team, The Trade Desk
You’re invited to Dolphin Tank: Austin by Springboard Enterprises in partnership with The Female Quotient. Springboard’s Dolphin Tank brings the power of our collective community to women entrepreneurs innovating in technology. Our Dolphin Tank events showcase exciting women-led companies and provide them with the opportunity for connections, capital, and insight from our audience of investors, advisors, and industry leaders.
With workplaces undergoing major overhauls in the post-covid era, it’s clear the true measure of a thriving corporate culture lies in its commitment to employee well-being, growth, and freedom. From mindfulness programs to flexible schedules, prioritizing well-being is a strategic investment in retention and productivity. Join us for a conversation on how leaders can create an environment where employees flourish under a culture that prioritizes not just the bottom line, but the human beings who drive it.
Guy Griggs, VP, National Sales, The New York Times
Mo Reynolds, Board Secretary, Governance and Strategic Projects Leader, Deloitte US
Hilary Smith, EVP, Corporate Social Responsibility, NBCUniversal
Elisa Burguera, Media Leader, Skin Health & Hair, Kenvue
Lisa Besserman, Managing Director and Head, Innovation, JPMorgan Chase & Co.
Amber Coleman-Mortley, Sr. Director, Community and Culture, The Female Quotient
This International Women’s Day comes on the heels of what’s been aptly dubbed “The Year of the Girl.” It’s time for companies to move past performative marketing towards women and step into genuine action. Join us for a conversation where we'll discuss the internal shifts companies should make, from inclusive leadership to responsible advertising, and explore actionable strategies for brands to champion women and girls - not just on March 8th, but every day.
Jennifer Risi, Founder & President, The Sway Effect
Erica Samadani, Executive Director, PR, MullenLowe
Jennifer Bender, Associate Partner, Ipsos Strategy3
Alexis Schwartz, Executive Director, Head, Purpose Partnerships, Guardian U.S.
Laura Gardner, SVP Marketing & Merchandising, Foxtrot
Sabeena Ladha, Founder and CEO, Deux
Jenika Newsum, Brand Manager, Bulleit Frontier Whiskey, Diageo
Historically, natural history programs have been told through the male gaze, with male subjects, storytellers and audiences as its core. National Geographic is flipping the script with their new series Queens, a celebration of the fierce, powerful and majestic matriarchs in the animal kingdom, captured through the eyes of female leaders in documentary, wildlife and conservation. Join us for a conversation with the Queens behind Queens as they discuss the transformative power of female-centric storytelling, building pipelines to offer more opportunities for women in filmmaking, their strategies for reaching new, diverse audiences, and what this groundbreaking new series means for National Geographic and the future of content produced for television and streaming platforms.
Periods, hot flashes, in vitro fertilization, pumping — the nuances of women’s health have historically only been whispered about in workplace culture. But it’s no secret that a woman’s health impacts her work in many ways, at every stage of her career. Now, as topics surrounding women’s health have become less taboo, not only are companies telling new and relatable stories through their marketing, they’re also stepping up to adopt corporate policies and benefits that follow suit. Join us as we discuss the inextricable link between women’s health and work and what the future holds in this empowering era.
Tania Boler, Founder & President, Elvie
Jeanelle Teves, Chief Commercial Officer, Bugaboo
Dawn Laguens, Chief, Global Strategy and Innovation, Planned Parenthood Federation of America
Hannah Bronfman, Founder, Pres10 Ventures, Activist, Author, Wellness Influencer/Expert and Investor
Shelley Zalis, CEO, The Female Quotient
Research indicates that more than half of U.S. consumers believe that generative AI can improve access to medical care. In this dynamic conversation, we will sit down with three incredible women leaders to explore how AI is driving progress in sectors like business, marketing, and healthcare. Together, we’ll dive into the transformative potential of artificial intelligence and how to embrace a future shaped by innovation.
Investing in women’s sports goes far beyond the game (and the marketing around it)—it’s about driving gender equality, fostering leadership, and inspiring future generations to get involved in the power of sports. Join this panel conversation with the CMOs from Delta and Cisco as they highlight how advancing visibility and investing in women’s sports is a priority for both their brands and personal passions.
This panel will highlight the pivotal role that women and other underrepresented groups are playing in driving the creative shift in storytelling and reporting, media, and advertising. By examining the intersection of gender diversity, creative innovation, and audience connection, panelists will discuss how diverse perspectives are reshaping narratives across media platforms. The discussion will also explore the impact of AI tools in enhancing creativity and amplifying the voices of underrepresented groups in the storytelling landscape.
Social networks offer more than just a platform for networking—they provide opportunities for thought leadership, audience growth, and community building. Leaders are getting crafty with social interactions forging genuine connections with their followers by sharing compelling narratives and commentary on trending topics. Join this panel conversation to discuss harnessing the power of social networks to share ideas and connect on an intimate level.
Taina Palombo-Price, Head, Global Product Marketing, LinkedIn Ads
Junmian Sun, Managing Director, Shorty Awards
Yiying Lu, Inaugural Shorty Awards Winner in Design, Inaugural LinkedIn Creator Accelerator Member & Pantone Spotlight Artist
Sonia Oblitey, Senior Director, Brand Marketing, Match Group
Monica Earle, Senior PR and Brand Comms Manager, Duolingo
RaeAnne Pae, Head, Vertical, Global Business Group, Meta
A recent survey revealed that women are more inclined to prioritize the needs of their children, pets, senior relatives, and their spouse or significant other before their own. Moreover, our health and wellness systems are outdated and riddled with obstacles, lacking optimization for genuine support. Nevertheless, there is a glimmer of hope. A new generation of leaders is revolutionizing traditional approaches, introducing innovative products and services that empower consumers. This shift places the control firmly in the hands of individuals, particularly women, enabling them to seek the support they require. Join us for a discussion on how women can effectively manage their health and wellness needs across all life stages, while also exploring how brands are reshaping the landscape of wellness by enhancing accessibility and encouraging women to put their needs first.
Small and micro-businesses (SMBs) are the heartbeat of the global economy, promoting innovation, creating jobs and promoting upward mobility. SMBs represent 90% of businesses worldwide, yet as many as 67% of SMBs worldwide are fighting for survival and 70% of women-owned SMBs in emerging markets have unmet financing needs. In a conversation centered around raising visibility of women entrepreneurs to advance equality, Visa Foundation will bring together thought leaders, industry experts, and beneficiary voices from the wider investor landscape to discuss the role that we can play in advancing financial inclusion.
According to US Census data, 73% of moms with children under 18 were working in 2022. At the same time, 90% of full-time working moms say it is challenging to be successful in both areas highlighting the need for a thoughtful balancing act. Join us for a discussion on management strategies, burnout prevention, and how to harness your superpowers both at home and in the workplace.
Sport is a driving force in entertainment, culture, business, technology and more. Research shows that 96% of CEOs have played sports, which is no surprise given that athletic participation builds confidence, instills the power of teamwork, and sets individuals up for success. The last decade has seen increased popularity of female sporting events and a greater awareness of pay equity for women in sports. Yet, data shows that there is an alarming number of girls quitting sports due to low body confidence. This panel will explore the relevant media and cultural influences impacting efforts to level the playing field for girls and women in sports - from grassroots, to collegiate to professional athletes.
Lisa Rosenberg, Global Partner + President, Consumer Brands, Allison
Kate Veronneau, Director, Women's Strategy, Zwift
Christy Keswick, Co-Founder & President, Good Sports
Li Li Leung, President and CEO, USA Gymnastics
Gabby Reece, Athlete, Podcast Host and Founder, Laird Superfood, Laird Apparel and XPT
While 70% of women still take their husband’s last name when marrying, female leaders have found real value in keeping their family name that they’ve used personally and professionally to build their careers and social footprints. At the same time, FQ research shows that the younger generation may be ready to break with the tradition of taking a partner's name. Join top female leaders who have kept their names on the road to success, why it matters in the age of AI now more than ever, and the impact on future generations.
Angie Sarris, Senior Director, Insights & Strategy, Smith Geiger Group
Josephine Lee, President and Artistic Director, Uniting Voices Chicago
Adriana Carrig, Founder & CEO, Little Words Project
Kamala Avila-Salmon, Head, Inclusive Content, Motion Picture Group, Lionsgate
Caroline Dettman, Chief Marketing and Creative Officer, The Female Quotient
The #1 factor for speed to cash flow break-even for women-owned businesses? Paying yourself — as per findings in recent Lived Experience Research from The Nasdaq Entrepreneurial Center. Join this panel conversation of dynamic leaders as they highlight case studies that reveal why paying yourself matters most and how to build your pay plan while growing your business venture. Exercises and guidebook materials will be shared!
The Mutual Exchange: Navigating Cross-Cultural Friendships in the Workplace To Drive Business Forward
Nurturing cross-cultural friendships is fundamental to developing strength and understanding in the workplace and beyond. What's more, diversity drives business growth. Building strong bonds rooted in compassion and courage with colleagues from different backgrounds and keeping lines of communication open and honest are not just good for workplace culture, they benefit business goals as well. Join us as we explore the power of fostering friendships across cultures.
Niven McCall Mazza, Editor-in-Chief, theSkimm
Emma Hilal, Director, Consumer Marketing, US Ax, Merz Aesthetics
Michelle Wong, Chief Marketing Officer, Sprinkles
Iran Karimian, Head, Startup Developer Ecosystem, Canada, Google
Shannon Shae Montoya, Vice President, Global Head, B2B Marketing, Sponsorships, & Events, Yahoo, Inc.
Companies have extensively restructured their policies to accommodate flexible workplace dynamics. Yet, one major component often goes unnoticed when building these policies: women’s health. What happens when your body clock and your work days don’t align? How about when you’re met with menopausal symptoms, like brain fog, during a meeting? Join us as we unpack what is top of mind for women of all life stages and how leaders can effectively measure these policies to create a comfortable and safe workplaces for women.
Karen Chong, Vice President, Audience Strategy, Age Inclusion, Office of Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion, AARP
Tamsen Fadal, Menopause Advocate, Journalist, Author, Podcast Host
Dr. Jessica Shepherd, Women's Health Expert and Founder, Modern Meno Health
Denise Pines, Founder, WisePause Wellness
Caroline Dettman, Chief Marketing and Creative Officer, The Female Quotient
This panel discussion will bring together a diverse group of women leaders from the media and technology industries to explore the critical role of diversity and inclusion in creating thriving workplaces and impactful experiences for clients and consumers. Panelists will share their insights on the challenges and opportunities in fostering inclusive environments, the benefits of diverse perspectives, and the strategies that have proven successful in driving meaningful change. Through their experiences and expertise, they will provide valuable insights and actionable steps for attendees to champion diversity and inclusion in their own organizations and communities.
Heather Carruthers, President, Qualitative, Ipsos
Jess Shuraleff, Director, Head, US & Canada Restaurants, Uber Advertising, Uber
Madelyn Olavarria, Strategic Account Manager and Co-President, Women, Amazon Web Services (AWS)
Laura Mignott, Global Chief Experiential Officer, VML
Kay Prince, Director, Growth Marketing, XR Extreme Reach
As hybrid and remote work evolve, the workplace increasingly develops into a shared space of various generational perspectives. For the first time, Baby Boomers, Generation X, Millennials, and Generation Z employees are working together on the same teams and organizations. However, it's not just about coexisting; it's about leveraging each generation's strengths. How can we effectively work to understand and communicate with each other? Join us as we share insights and experiences that construct a new vision for a multigenerational workplace.
John Oros, Head, Industry, The New York Times
Deb Golden, US Chief Innovation Officer, Deloitte Consulting LLP
Taina Palombo-Price, Head, Global Product Marketing, LinkedIn Ads
Catherine Zinn, Chief Client Officer, Baker Botts
Gina Sandon, Director, Mergers & Acquisitions, IBM
Tressie Lieberman, Chief Marketing Officer, Yahoo
At a time when brand purpose and responsible corporate citizenship is a consumer expectation, why are so many avoiding storytelling around their accomplishments and solutions for planet and people? Join the Guardian US for a candid conversation about championing and celebrating brand bravery in the face of the potential for backlash, often from a loud minority. What is the risk vs. reward? Which brands continue to share their advances in sustainability and DEI? How do you evangelize those narratives internally, especially to comms teams working to protect and promote the brand? We look forward to a lively conversation with these thought-leaders:
Alexis Schwartz, Executive Director, Head, Purpose Partnerships, Guardian U.S.
Lola Bakare, CMO Advisor, Inclusive Marketing Strategist, Author and Founder, be/co
Samantha Fennell, Partner and Managing Director, Purpose
Firdaous El Honsali, Vice President, Dove Masterbrand Global & North America, Dove
A discussion with Scott Galloway and Kara Swisher on the roles of mentors and relationships in all aspects of life. From friendships to work husbands and wives - we'll discuss what's really important to this dynamic duo including love, empathy and community. We'll go deep into why the world needs great male role models and why Kara's new book - Burn Book: A Tech Love Story is about leaders and relationships that shaped her life. Scott's best selling book The Algebra for Happiness is a guide to personal fulfillment and professional success.
Money talks, and women are starting to listen. More women are investing than ever before, and younger women are taking more control of their finances. But we have a long way to go to close the investment gap and to empower women to feel more confident with their financial wellness. The Female Quotient is on a mission to do just that with our new show, The Money Quotient, which features conversations covering all things money, from how to talk to your family about money, negotiating salaries, investing with confidence, how money impacts relationships, businesses, and careers over time and more. Join us for real talk around women, money and unlocking financial freedom.
As more and more corporate leaders, policymakers, celebrities, and other influential voices are speaking on the often-taboo experience of menopause and aging, we are seeing a shift in how employees, government, and society views this life stage and an increased commitmemnt to research, resources, and support for women in midlife.
Marci English, VP, Head, BioPharma Development, Astellas
Shontelle Dodson, EVP, Head, Medical Affairs, Astellas
Maimah Karmo, President and CEO, Tigerlily Foundation
Samantha Samaras, Senior Vice President Science and Technology, Unilever
Caroline Dettman, Chief Marketing and Creative Officer, The Female Quotient
Join us for an absorbing fireside chat with acclaimed social justice humanitarian, writer, and actress Ashley Judd. In this critical election year, Ashley joins us for an unplugged dive into reproductive justice, male entitlement to female bodies, and the power that exists in all women to impact progress and democracy.
Women are gifted storytellers, often harnessing community and connection to bring a story to life. But when it comes to technology, women’s voices are less frequently heard. Join us for a conversation that highlights why we need more women storytellers in the technology space, and how we as women can help society not just think about the future, but actually feel it. Together, we can use our voices to design a better, brighter future.
More than ever, authenticity is at the forefront of brand development and innovation. Likewise, leaders recognize how embracing vulnerability can become a potent force in effective leadership. But how does expressing vulnerability actualize when leading teams and driving ideas? In this conversation, we’ll highlight the transformative power of vulnerability, how it translates into conscious leadership, and how leaders can utilize openness to relate to their teams and consumer base.
Ife Babatunde, Enterprise Sales Manager, LinkedIn
Vivian Krause, Marketing Director, Private Brands Fashion and General Merchandise, Walmart
Beverly Jackson, Vice President, Brand and Product Marketing, Zillow
Christina Collins, VP Integrated Planning & Synergy, Disney
Nicole Ramirez, Marketing Director, Growth, Emerging Products, Forbes
There’s no denying that brands are a part of the cultural zeitgeist. Brands both shape and respond to societal values, stay current with cultural trends and maintain authenticity and inclusivity in messaging. We’re joined by marketing leaders to discuss the delicate dance of the evolving and intimate relationship between brands and their customers with the ultimate goal of ensuring we're driving equality in culture.
The 'Manel' returns to the Equality Lounge SXSW. Workplace research has reconfirmed that women face an abundance of double standards at work. Traits and behaviors lauded in men are often unfairly criticized in women. In this panel conversation, male leaders share how they are leveraging their influence to challenge biases, break these barriers, and foster inclusivity in their workplaces.
This discussion will delve into the transformative impact of storytelling on societal norms, focusing on the compelling anthology "In Bloom." Funded by The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation produced by The MTV Staying Alive Foundation and Distributed by Paramount Global. "In Bloom" stands as a beacon for SDG No. 5: Gender Equality. Featuring five short films directed by talented women from Nigeria, Kenya, India, the US, and Brazil, the project addresses critical issues such as child marriage, gender-based violence, and economic empowerment. "In Bloom" showcases the power of storytelling to challenge norms, with 60% of the project featuring women in unconventional roles both on and off-screen. This panel promises to explore the dynamic interplay between narrative storytelling, social impact, and gender equality, offering a captivating insight into the world of "In Bloom" and the broader landscape of content driving positive societal shifts.
Melissa Potter, VP Executive Director, Content for Change
Akriti Saronwala, Country Manager, India and Project Manager, In Bloom, MTV Staying Alive Foundation
Kitty Harding, Senior Program Officer, Office of the President, Gender Equality Division Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation
Uloaku Anyiam-Osigwe, Producing Fellow, The American Film Institute (Sponsored by Paramount Pictures)
Dana Droppo, Chief Brand Officer, Billboard
Amelia McPartlon Rogers, SVP, Global Marketing & Content Strategy, Lionsgate
Kamal Bhandal, VP, Invisalign® Brand and Consumer Marketing, Align Technology
Tian Pei, Head, Sports, Roblox
Laura Correnti, Founder and CEO, Deep Blue Sports + Entertainment
Katrina Palanca, VP, Global Partnerships, Spurs Sports & Entertainment
The creator economy is booming, and women creators are expanding their reach. As female tech-focused influencers build diverse and inclusive digital communities, we’re seeing a new era of relatable content emerge that reimagines the tech landscape. What are the keys to fostering a loyal audience, generating impact, and standing out in the competitive landscape? Join this panel conversation as creators share the keys to creating successful, equitable, tech-focused content that breaks barriers and builds community.
