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Annual EmpowHERment Conference 2026
Women and Girls EmpowHERment Conference 2026
She Will Thrive
@ Manassas Museum, Manassas, VA on Saturday, October 3, 2026, from 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Join us for the annual Girls Can Dream Big 2 Women and Girls EmpowHERment Conference, a powerful day designed to inspire, refresh, empower, and connect women and girls from all walks of life.
This year’s theme, She Will Thrive, invites women and girls to think intentionally about the choices, patterns, relationships, and communities that shape their lives. Together, we will explore what it means to make intentional choices, build healthy patterns, strengthen meaningful connections, care for our wellbeing, and create a legacy that positively impacts others.
More than a conference, She Will Thrive will create a welcoming space of sisterhood, support, reflection, renewal, and growth—a space designed to inspire, refresh, and empower women and girls to become all they are created to be.
Through inspiring keynotes, interactive sessions for women and girls, technology and innovation, personal safety, wellness experiences, vendors, community resources, recognition, and meaningful conversations, participants will gain practical tools they can apply in their everyday lives.
Whether you are strengthening your relationships, making an important life decision, building healthier habits, exploring new possibilities, prioritizing your wellbeing, or considering the legacy you want to leave, this conference is for YOU.
Learning Objectives
By the end of the conference, participants will be able to:
- Make Intentional Choices: Identify how choices, influences, environments, and relationships affect personal growth and wellbeing.
- Develop Healthy Patterns: Identify practical strategies for strengthening healthy habits, boundaries, relationships, and support systems.
- Strengthen Healthy Connections: Explore ways to build and maintain supportive relationships, mentorships, and community connections.
- Use Technology Intentionally: Explore opportunities to use technology, AI, and innovation for learning, creativity, career development, and positive impact.
- Increase Personal Safety Awareness: Identify practical ways to strengthen situational awareness, boundaries, and personal safety.
- Support Personal Wellbeing: Identify strategies that support physical, emotional, relational, and digital wellbeing.
- Connect With Resources: Identify community organizations, mentors, businesses, and resources that can provide continued support and opportunity.
- Create a Thrive Commitment: Identify at least one intentional action to release, strengthen, or begin following the conference.
- Reflect on Legacy: Consider how decisions, relationships, service, and contributions can positively influence others.
Conference Speaker Line-up and Session Details
Opening Keynote Speaker: Mayor Michelle Davis
She Will THRIVE: Six Intentional Choices for a Thriving Life and Community
The conference will open with an inspiring keynote that brings the She Will Thrive theme to life through a memorable framework women and girls can carry with them throughout the day and beyond.
Thriving is shaped by the everyday choices we make, the patterns we practice, the relationships we nurture, the way we care for ourselves and others, and the impact we choose to have in our communities.
Using the T.H.R.I.V.E. Framework, Mayor Michelle Davis will invite women and girls to consider six intentional ways they can contribute to lives, families, schools, workplaces, and communities where people can thrive.
What You’ll Gain
By attending She Will Thrive, participants will leave with:
- Practical Tools for Intentional Choices: Strategies to make healthier decisions about relationships, habits, environments, opportunities, and wellbeing.
- Healthy Patterns That Support Growth: Ideas for strengthening boundaries, routines, relationships, and behaviors that help women and girls thrive.
- Stronger Connections and Community: Opportunities to connect with women, girls, mentors, speakers, organizations, vendors, and community resources.
- Technology and Future-Readiness Insights: Exposure to AI, innovation, digital wellbeing, emerging opportunities, and ways girls can create—not just consume—technology.
- Personal Safety and Awareness Strategies: Practical approaches to situational awareness, personal boundaries, and responding when something does not feel right.
- Renewed Focus on Wellbeing: Time to pause, reflect, release, restore, and identify what needs greater attention physically, emotionally, relationally, and digitally.
- A Clearer Sense of Legacy and Impact: Reflection on how everyday choices, service, relationships, and leadership can positively influence families, schools, workplaces, and communities.
- A Personal Thrive Commitment: At least one intentional action to release, strengthen, or begin after the conference.
Registration Details
Adult Registration: $50
Girls Ages 8–18 Attend FREE with Adult Registration
Girls ages 8–18 may attend at no additional cost when registered with an accompanying adult.
We want girls to have access to experiences that expose them to positive role models, practical skills, new opportunities, and a supportive community where they can learn and grow.
Your registration includes:
- Inspiring keynote presentations
- Interactive sessions designed specifically for women and girls
- Lunch
- Krav Maga and personal-safety experience for girls
- A special Release & Restore wellness experience
- Access to community vendors and resources
- Breast Cancer Awareness Month activities and resources
- Girls’ awards and recognition
- Thriving Through Service volunteer recognition
- Raffles, giveaways, and interactive activities
- Opportunities to connect with women, girls, mentors, speakers, and community leaders
Ready to make intentional choices, build healthy patterns, strengthen your connections, and continue creating a thriving legacy?
Join us for a meaningful day of sisterhood, learning, connection, renewal, and growth.
Past Empowherment Conferences
Conference Speaker Line-up and Session Details
Opening Keynote Speaker: Carmen Flores
Title: She Will Succeed Because She Can
This empowering keynote opens the day with a message designed to inspire young women and girls to dream boldly and believe in their ability to achieve success. Through a blend of personal stories and actionable insights, participants will be challenged to silence doubt, embrace their strengths, and take the first steps toward their future with confidence.
Speaker Bio:
Carmen is a youth development coach focused on building leadership through speaking and as co-founder of Because Of Why — a youth movement reshaping how the next generation sees themselves and steps into power.She operates at the foundation of confidence and purpose-building, helping teens and families break limiting patterns, rebuild self-respect, and lead with conviction. To Carmen, life isn’t about finding yourself — it’s about building yourself.Through Because Of Why’s coaching, mentorship, and school-based programs, she’s setting a new standard for leadership — one rooted in inner clarity, not external approval
Closing Keynote Speaker: Jinnae Monroe
Title: She Will Lead
The conference concludes with a powerful call to action: step into leadership with courage and purpose. This inspiring keynote challenges participants to embrace success, navigate transitions boldly, leverage their strengths, influence positive change, and lead in their schools, workplaces, and communities. Women and girls alike will leave ready to lead boldly in every area of life.
Speaker Bio:
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Speaker: Lilleta Harlem
Session Title: Succeeding Through Life’s Transitions: Set HER Up for Success
Life’s transitions—career changes, motherhood, entrepreneurship, or returning to school—can feel daunting. This session equips women with tools to navigate these shifts with confidence. Participants will explore mindset shifts, reframing and self-leadership practices that turn transitions into opportunities for growth and success.
Speaker: Ashley Hutson
Dream It. Plan It. Do It: Charting Your Career Path
This session guides girls to explore their passions and align them with potential career paths. Through interactive activities and stories, participants will learn career path options, learn how to set goals, identify opportunities, and build a vision for their future careers. They will leave empowered with a roadmap for success in school and beyond.
Speaker: Kim Beaty
Session Title: Leveraging Technology: AI for Growth and Empowerment
Discover how artificial intelligence and emerging technologies can be powerful tools for personal and professional growth. This session explores practical ways women can use AI to enhance productivity, make informed decisions, and create opportunities in their careers and businesses. Participants will leave inspired and equipped to embrace technology with confidence and purpose.
Speaker: Karen Windholz
Session Title: Organize to Succeed: Systems, Spaces, and Self-Leadership
This engaging session helps girls develop organization skills that support academic and personal success. From setting up effective study systems to managing digital spaces, participants will discover how intentional organization leads to confidence and self-leadership.
Vendor: Susan Furr
Activity Title: Beauty Bar: Refresh. Renew. Radiate.
Step into the Beauty Bar for a moment of self-care and pampering. Enjoy skincare tips, and mini makeovers from local beauty experts. It’s the perfect way to refresh and feel radiant as you step into your next session
Vendor: Endira Stewart
Activity Title: Creative Corner: Craft Your Confidence
Unleash your creativity at the arts and crafts station! Whether making vision boards, personalized keepsakes, or fun crafts, this space invites you to relax, connect, and express yourself through art.
Speakers and Topics
She reaches women and girls through Live S.E.M.P.LY with Natalie P. and The S.E.M.P.LY Girl Life on YouTube, creating spaces for growth, encouragement, and real conversations about faith and intentional living. Whether she’s teaching, writing, or speaking, Natalie’s mission is simple: to help others step boldly into the gifts God has given them.
Learn more: http://www.livesemply.com/
Speaker Bio: Margie Hamner.
Margie Hamner is the best-selling children’s book author of Magic Ball of Light: Summer Camp. Her journey into writing was sparked by an unexpected vision during a Zoom call, where she saw herself holding a glowing ball of light and sharing it with children. This powerful image ignited her passion to empower children to believe in themselves and their dreams.
Before becoming an author, Margie had a distinguished career as an HR leadership instructor and coach. After years of developing today’s leaders, she transitioned to empowering the next generation—your children and grandchildren. She is an inspirational speaker and holds a bachelor’s degree from American University, an Associate Certified Coach (ACC) credential from the International Coaching Federation, and a Certified Professional in Talent Development (CPTD) through the Association for Talent Development. Margie and her husband enjoy life at their lake house in Virginia. As a proud grandmother of six, her grandchildren are the heart of her storytelling. In her free time, she enjoys swimming, fishing, biking, visiting museums, practicing Qigong, photography, holistic living, and real estate investing.
Connect with Margie at margie@starfishconsulting.net
@authormargiehamner
703-507-1466
www.magicballoflight.com
About the Mothers Daughters Summit
The Mothers & Daughters EmpowHERment Summit is an inspiring and uplifting event designed to strengthen bonds, build confidence, and empower the next generation of leaders. This summit is not just for biological mothers and daughters—it is for any woman who mentors, uplifts, or inspires a young girl, as well as for girls who look up to a role model in their lives. Whether you are a mother, guardian, mentor, educator, or community leader, this summit is for you! Participants will gain practical tools, encouragement, and insights to lead with love, courage, and confidence while fostering a strong sense of community and mentorship.
🎯 Summit Objectives:
✔️ Empower women and girls to speak boldly and lead bravely in their personal and professional lives.
✔️Provide practical parenting strategies to nurture confidence and resilience in young girls.
✔️ Equip participants with public speaking and communication skills to help them express themselves effectively.
✔️Highlight the power of mentorship and community support in shaping future leaders.
✔️ Recognize and celebrate young changemakers through the Girls Awards & Mentoring Opportunity.
🎤 Featured Topics & Speakers:
❤️ Parenting with Love – Supporting children struggling with confidence & self-worth💪 Confidence Building for Girls & Women – Embracing self-love & stepping into leadership🎙️ Public Speaking & Finding Your Voice – Overcoming fear & speaking with impact🌟 Mentorship & Community – The power of uplifting and guiding the next generation
🏆 Girls Awards & Mentoring Opportunity!
✨ Nominate a Young Changemaker! ✨We are recognizing 5 outstanding girls (ages 8-18) who are making a difference in school, home, or their community. These top 5 mentees will be selected to join our exclusive mentoring program, gaining leadership development, coaching, and networking opportunities.
🏅 Finalists Receive:
✔️ Awards & Fun Prizes
✔️ Public Recognition at the Summit
✔️ Exclusive Enrollment in the Mentoring Program
✔️ One Outstanding Winner Named “Mentee of the Year”
📩 Nominations Open: February 25, 2025⏳ Deadline: March 15, 2025🔗 Stay tuned for the nomination link!
✨ Key Takeaways:
🌸 Stronger Connections: Strengthen the mother-daughter (or mentor-mentee) bond and build lasting relationships.
🌸 Confidence & Leadership: Gain tools to build self-confidence and develop leadership skills.
🌸 Effective Communication: Learn the art of public speaking and how to express yourself boldly.
🌸Mentorship & Community Impact: Understand the role of mentorship and how to create a positive influence in your community.
🌸 Celebrate & Inspire: Recognize and uplift young changemakers making a difference.
🎟️ Registration is FREE, but spots are limited!👉 Secure your spot today! https://mailchi.mp/b083c4e2f991/girlscandreambig2summit
📢 Spread the Word! Tag a mother, daughter, mentor, or young leader who would love to be part of this event!
#EmpowHERmentSummit #SpeakBoldlyLeadBravelyUpliftFearlessly #GirlsCanDreamBig2 #WomenSupportingWomen #Confidence #MentorshipMatters
Past Events 2024
Speakers and Topics
Women believe in your dreams and take action
Financial planning and management
Be Bold, Confident and Courageous. Self-defense
- Women and girls seeking to reignite their passions and identify their life’s purpose.
- Women and girls looking to connect with a supportive community of like-minded individuals.
- Professionals seeking personal and professional development opportunities.
- Women and girls at all stages of their lives, from students to seasoned entrepreneurs.
Location: Manassas Church of the Brethren
Price: $45 Early bird, $30 (early bird cut off, extended from August 30th to Sepember 7, 2024)
FREE for Girls 9+. Must Register with Adult
- Rediscover Your Dreams: Rekindle the spark of your dreams and envision a future filled with possibilities.
- Embrace Your Purpose: Uncover your unique strengths and values, aligning your actions with what truly matters to you.
- Fuel Your Passion: Identify what sets your heart on fire and gain the tools and resources to pursue your passions with purpose.
- Build a Thriving Community: Connect with inspiring women and girls and develop a supportive network to elevate you on your journey.
- Turn Inspiration into Action: Develop a personalized action plan to move your dreams from inspiration to reality.
🎉 Exciting Announcement! Join Us for the Mothers & Daughters Summit 🚀
🗓️ Date: March 16th 🕙 Time: 10 AM – 12 Noon (Virtual Event) 🎟️ Free Registration: Scan the QR code or visit https://girlscandreambig2.org
Calling all mothers, daughters, and mother figures! You’re invited to our empowering Mothers & Daughters Summit. 🌟 This virtual event is a celebration of the special bond between generations of women, where we’ll come together to learn, connect, and empower each other.
🌈 What to Expect:
- Inspirational keynote speaker: Amy Nelson, Maxwell Leadership Certified Professional Development Coach and DISC Consultant.
- Insightful panel discussions.
- Engaging breakout sessions.
- Opportunities to connect with like-minded women and girls.
- And much more!
Don’t miss this incredible opportunity to celebrate Women’s History Month and strengthen the bond between mothers and daughters. Register now to secure your spot!
Spread the word and tag a mother or daughter who should join us. Let’s empower each other and rise together! 💪 #MothersAndDaughtersSummit #EmpowerHer #WomenEmpowerment
Past Events 2023
Join us and invite others. Share the love.
Exciting News! Join Us for the Soft Launch of “Girls Can Dream Big 2”! 
Date: September 23rd 2023
Time: 11:00am-2:00pm EST
Location:Prince William County Bull Run Library, Manassas VAOur mission is to empower, inspire, support, and uplift women and girls through coaching, mentoring, educational programs and collaborative initiatives. We’re creating a platform where women and girls can manifest their dreams and as a community empower each other to become.
What to Expect at the soft launch: 
Get to know the heartbeat of our nonprofit. Meet like-minded individuals who share a passion for empowerment. Discover exciting upcoming projects and opportunities. Learn how you can be part of our journey and make a difference.
Let’s Collaborate! We believe that true change happens when we work together. Whether you’re an educator, a parent of a girl child, entrepreneur, artist, or simply someone who believes in the power of dreams for anyone, there’s a place for you in our community.
RSVP today, scan the QR code or click here: https://mailchi.mp/e6c6c5752ee7/gcdb2-softlaunchPast Events 2022
Are you ready for your big and lofty dreams to manifest? Or, have you given up? Have you tried so many times and failed? Well, it’s time to dream again, and this time around commit to seeing it manifest. This conference is for women and girls who have dreams, big and lofty dreams, and need a push in the right direction to take action and see their dreams manifest. This conference is also for women and girls who have faced obstacles to living their dreams. Some have abandoned their dreams or spend a huge part of their lives living the dreams or others or being discouraged to live their dreams. Research informs us that over 50 percent of women give up on their dreams. One of the main reasons is due to lack of confidence. However, of those who pursue their dreams, about 82 percent achieve them. 82 percent is encouraging and worth the gamble to take a leap and live your dreams. This conference is in two parts. Part 1 is for women leaders and part 2 is for our future women leaders, girls.
In this conference, you will be inspired, empowered, motivated, gain confidence, and held accountable to live your dreams boldly. This is a conference with an incredible speaker line-up to equip women and girls to live their dreams boldly. Join us at the 2023 Girls Can Dream Big 2 Conference. Stay tuned for more information.
Girls Can Dream Big 2 Conference
Past Events 2021
Girls Can Dream Big 2 Fundraising Ball
This is a fundraising, scholarship award event for women and girls. Stay tuned for more information.