Please join us in the FQ Lounge™ @ SXSW—the place where business happens—to connect and collaborate with industry leaders as we explore big questions:
Women drive up to 85% of purchasing decisions, yet receive less than 2% of venture capital funding. Why?
When we invest in women, we invest in economic growth, innovation, and stronger returns.
IWD: Invest in Women Daily
As always, all are welcome. No badge required.
We can’t wait to see you there!
PANEL OF JUDGES:
Anna Consani, Head, Community, Goodwater Capital
Lisa Burton, VP, HearstLab
Shannon Sibold, Partner, Morrison Foerster
Nneka Ukpai, Chief Growth Officer, Pop Ventures
Shelley Zalis, CEO, The Female Quotient
PRESENTING COMPANIES:
Dr. Jen Fry, Founder, Coordle
Amanda Burkardt, CEO, PHIOGEN
Adeola Ajani, Founder and CEO, Fem Equity
SPECIAL SPEAKER:
Olivia Igbokwe-Curry, Director, U.S. Federal Affairs & Public Policy, Amazon Web Services (AWS)
International Women’s Day (IWD) on March 8th has become a focal point for brands to showcase their support for women through various campaigns and promotions. However, the effectiveness and authenticity of these efforts are often questioned. What do women truly expect from brands on IWD, and how can companies move beyond performative gestures to make a genuine impact?
Access to quality healthcare is essential for everyone, yet research and medical advancements have not always evolved in ways that fully account for women’s unique health needs. As a result, certain conditions continue to be underdiagnosed, undertreated, or not well understood.
In this panel conversation, healthcare leaders and experts will discuss the latest innovations, emerging solutions, and collaborative efforts aimed at enhancing health outcomes for women. From expanding research representation to improving healthcare communication and access, this session will explore actionable steps to advance equitable and evidence-based care.
The creative landscape is undergoing a seismic shift as artificial intelligence moves from tool to collaborative partner in the creative process. Join leaders from the world's most innovative brands as they share how AI is transforming their creative strategies, enhancing human creativity, and reshaping the future of brand storytelling.
From record-breaking WNBA viewership to sold-out soccer stadiums, women's sports are experiencing unprecedented growth and brand attention. But this isn't just a moment—it's a movement powered by authentic storytelling, engaged fan communities, and compelling ROI. Join industry leaders as they unpack why major brands are dramatically increasing their investment in women's sports and how this surge is reshaping the sponsorship landscape.
Leadership journeys rarely follow a straight line, and the most powerful lessons often come from the moments not shared on LinkedIn. Join founders and C-Suite leaders for an intimate conversation about the pivotal decisions, unexpected victories, and transformative challenges that shaped their organizations and authentic leadership styles. We'll unpack the importance of embracing vulnerability, challenging conventional wisdom, and what it truly takes to build and lead organizations with purpose.
In a world where both professional and personal challenges can disrupt even the best-laid plans, leading female CMOs reveal their strategies for transforming setbacks into stepping stones. These marketing leaders share how they leverage innovative solutions, including AI and emerging technologies, to stay agile, foster authentic communication, and drive brand momentum even in the face of adversity.
In communities around the globe, women are leading transformative change—yet their stories often go untold. In this powerful International Women's Day conversation, actor Bellamy Young and youth activist and filmmaker Zuriel Oduwole join P&G and CARE to explore their campaign She Leads the World and demonstrate how ethical storytelling and amplifying women's voices can catalyze lasting change for communities worldwide.
The boundaries of branded content have been redefined. The focus has shifted from simple product placement to creating stories and experiences that spark meaningful dialogue and action—and women are at the forefront of this evolution. This panel conversation welcomes the leaders who are reshaping narratives, dismantling outdated stereotypes, and forging deeper connections with audiences across every platform.
Today's workplace demands more from us than ever before, making personal wellbeing not just a luxury but a strategic necessity. This panel conversation aims to challenge the notion that self-care is indulgent and demonstrate how prioritizing your wellbeing creates a positive ripple effect, enhancing your leadership impact, strengthening team dynamics, and driving better business outcomes.
Today's workplace unites five distinct generations, each bringing unique strengths: Gen Z's digital innovation and value-driven mindset, Millennials' adaptability and collaborative spirit, Gen X's pragmatic leadership and bridge-building skills, and Boomers' deep industry expertise and relationship mastery. Join leaders from each generation as they share personal stories of uncovering their workplace superpowers and building bridges across generations to create high-value teams.
The inclusion of a broad range of women's perspectives in product design and development is a proven catalyst for innovation. But, let’s go deeper. It’s not just about designing for women more broadly, but for the individual woman and her unique needs. When you include women in the creation process, listen to and incorporate their feedback it ensures that products work effectively and safely. From healthcare solutions to everyday technologies, products developed with diverse perspectives consistently demonstrate superior functionality, broader market success, and enhanced user satisfaction. This panel conversation welcomes female leaders across backgrounds and industries to unpack the importance of designing for all.
The most effective leaders today are rewriting the rules of influence by leading with authenticity, emotional intelligence, and inclusive decision-making. This panel conversation brings together executives who have challenged conventional wisdom to build high-impact teams. We’ll talk about leveraging diverse perspectives, fostering psychological safety, and driving innovation through collaborative leadership.
Today's marketing landscape demands innovation that drives real results, not just buzzworthy headlines. Hear from a panel of leading CMOs as they cut through the hype to share which emerging technologies are actually moving the needle - from GenAI applications that streamline creative processes to data analytics that unlock deeper customer insights.
Every career path tells a unique story of determination, creativity, and resilience. This conversation talks about embracing unexpected turns in our career journeys and how diverse experiences shape our perspectives on leadership. We’ll sit down with Ulta Beauty's newly appointed President and CEO Kecia Steelman to explore the power of possibilities - in stores, in careers, and in life.
What transforms promising executives into visionary leaders? For these male executive leaders, it was the women who shaped their perspectives, challenged their assumptions, and pushed them beyond conventional thinking - both in the boardroom and at home. This panel conversation welcomes senior male executives to share how the women in their lives influenced not just their professional trajectory but their core values, emotional intelligence, and vision of what leadership truly means.
In an era where market dynamics are constantly shifting, today's most successful brands are those that think like challengers—questioning norms, moving faster than competitors, and innovating boldly. This session will explore how forward-thinking organizations are leveraging AI, emerging technologies, and data-driven insights to disrupt their categories, foster internal alignment, and reshape perceptions across stakeholders.
The term "homemaker" once defined women's realm as within four walls – now they're designing, engineering, and constructing those walls. Taylor Morrison CEO Sheryl Palmer joins us for an inspiring discussion about leading industry evolution and creating blueprints for a future that benefits both the workforce and communities they serve.
From record-breaking viewership to historic brand deals, women athletes and women's sports are commanding the spotlight they've long deserved. Today's female athletes aren't just revolutionizing their sports – they're simultaneously building powerful personal brands and businesses that transcend the field, court, or ice. In this session, current and former elite athletes share their strategies for maintaining a champion's mindset while maximizing their platform and influence to create impact both in their sport and beyond.
Marketing has evolved from selling products to shaping culture, values, and societal change. Today’s brands wield unprecedented influence, requiring marketers to balance business growth with responsibility in a marketplace where trust is earned through action, not just messaging. This session explores how industry leaders are redefining engagement—leveraging inclusive storytelling, sustainable practices, and purposeful strategies to build stronger connections with their audiences in today’s trust-driven marketplace.
In today's hyper-connected world, your personal brand isn't just what you post online – it's how you show up, lead, and impact every room you enter. Strategic leaders know that building an authentic, powerful presence requires more than just career wins – it demands a crystal-clear vision, ride-or-die support system, and daily habits that amplify your impact. In this session, powerhouse executives share their unfiltered insights on defining your personal philosophy, assembling your dream team of mentors, and implementing game-changing life hacks that help you both personally and professionally.
Every woman's journey through career and life milestones looks different – from pumping between meetings as a new mom to managing hot flashes during presentations to coordinating care for a loved one. While these experiences are universal, they've long been kept behind closed doors, with women silently juggling the complex dance of health, family, and professional ambitions. In this intimate conversation, female leaders share their personal stories of navigating various life stages while balancing career growth, offering honest insights and practical wisdom for supporting ourselves and each other through every transition.
From breaking barriers in comedy to being outspoken on deeply personal matters, Chelsea Handler has always been unapologetically herself. Join us for an intimate conversation as Chelsea discusses how age has given her the confidence to care less about others' expectations and more about creating meaningful impact. She'll share her journey of finding her authentic voice – and how you can use yours to shake things up.
You’re invited to Dolphin Tank: Austin by Springboard Enterprises and Amazon 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.
In an era where market dynamics are constantly shifting, today's most successful brands are those that think like challengers—questioning norms, moving faster than competitors, and innovating boldly. This session will explore how forward-thinking organizations are leveraging AI, emerging technologies, and data-driven insights to disrupt their categories, foster internal alignment, and reshape perceptions across stakeholders.
Digital creators have fundamentally transformed how we connect, consume, and shape culture in the modern age. As audiences seamlessly navigate between platforms and experiences, creators have emerged as trusted voices influencing everything from entertainment and fashion to entrepreneurship and financial literacy. Join Noël Paasch, Global Head of Creative Strategy & Programs for YouTube as she sits down with some of YouTube's leading women creators who are at the epicenter of culture. Together, they’ll discuss how they're building powerful communities and authentic connections by leveraging a whole new playbook for what it means to inspire and influence the next generation of fans.
In a world of abundance, the true challenge isn't creating content but ensuring everyone can experience it meaningfully. Brand leaders are reimagining access points and building bridges that invite diverse communities into cultural conversations and spaces - from beauty and sports to entertainment and beyond. This panel conversation welcomes marketing leaders to share success stories and practical strategies for fostering authentic community engagement.
Did you know that women influence 70-80% of consumer purchasing decisions? When companies actively integrate insights from their primary consumer base into the innovation pipeline, they drive smarter decision-making and fuel unprecedented growth. Join senior female executives as they share how intentional listening and inclusive leadership are transforming businesses and shaping the future of innovation.
Women's health remains an emerging field historically marginalized in medical research and practice. Women routinely face diagnostic delays, symptom dismissal, and inadequate treatment options—barriers that demand both personal advocacy and systemic change. This panel unites pioneering experts who are revolutionizing women's healthcare through advocacy and awareness. Together we’ll discuss how to navigate healthcare systems confidently and effectively.
AI's power is undeniable, but its potential is only realized with human intelligence guiding its application. There must be a critical balance between automation and human expertise to deliver impactful, unbiased results. This panel conversation welcomes leaders to discuss real-world examples and actionable strategies for responsible AI marketing success.
Today, more than ever, brands are expected to solve challenging issues through innovation. The key? Embedding a culture of bold curiosity into every aspect of a company’s operations to unlock untapped innovation to create meaningful impact.
Innovation isn't just about technology - it's about responding to evolving expectations, values, and identities by anticipating the varied needs of their audiences, designing inclusive experiences, and fostering a culture that sparks game-changing ideas.
Hear from this diverse group of panelists on overcoming setbacks to bring their groundbreaking ideas to market, demonstrating resilience and ingenuity in the face of challenges and why true innovation isn’t just about making things work, but making them matter.
Join The Female Quotient, Shopify & leading creators and founders as they dive into the power of creator-led brands. This conversation will explore how creators are shaping the future of commerce, turning influence into sustainable businesses, and leveraging innovative partner models to drive growth. Panel will be followed by happy hour to celebrate and continue the conversation.