Women’s Leadership Conference: A Call to Action Uniting Women in Leadership, Advocacy, and Empowerment During Challenging Times

March 12, 2025 - Hackensack, N.J. - YWCA Northern New Jersey (YWCANNJ) is thrilled to announce its upcoming Women’s Leadership Conference, which will take place on Wednesday, March 26, at 8:30 a.m. at the Westmount Country Club in Woodland Park, N.J.

This year’s event will provide a vital space for women to share inspiration, reflect on current challenges, and chart a focused path forward in leadership and advocacy. The theme for this year’s conference - “Gratitude, Grace & Growth” - serves as a reminder that, even in difficult times, we can embrace our resilience, appreciate our progress, and continue to evolve with purpose and strength. 

This conference will bring together a diverse slate of thought leaders, entrepreneurs, and community advocates for networking, Power Panels featuring Q&A, and a dynamic keynote address by media industry titan Michele Thornton Ghee. Attendees will gain insights on how to navigate a variety of challenges impacting women today and prioritize their well-being and harness their personal power. 

YWCANNJ will also be distributing 30 conference scholarships to women who are supported by various YWCA Northern New Jersey programs. 

“We are at a pivotal moment where women’s voices and leadership are needed more than ever. Our Women’s Leadership Conference is an opportunity for women to make powerful connections, consider life changes, and embrace healthy mindsets,” said YWCA Northern New Jersey CEO Helen Archontou. “The thought-provoking discussions, dynamic networking opportunities, and the inspiring keynote will provide our attendees with the necessary tools to live a more intentional and fulfilled life.

Keynote Speaker: Michele Thornton Ghee

The conference’s keynote address will be delivered by Michele Thornton Ghee, Chief Content Officer at Essence Ventures. Ghee is an accomplished media executive who has worked with some of the world’s most influential companies including Ebony, Jet, CNN, BET Networks, and A&E. As the founder and CEO of Expentant Media, she is dedicated to connecting diverse content creators with brands that target diverse audiences.

Ghee’s career highlights include her leadership in revitalizing Ebony and Jet, as well as creating BETHer, the first network solely dedicated to Black Women. Throughout her career, Ghee has been a trailblazer in advocating for diversity and furthering equity in the media landscape, while driving substantial revenue. Her inspiring leadership has earned her several honors, including an Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters from Golden Gate University. 

For more information on YWCANNJ’s Women’s Leadership Conference and panel speakers, as well as other events, programs, and ways to get involved, please visit bit.ly/YW-WLC25.  

About YWCA Northern New Jersey

For over a century, YWCA Northern New Jersey has improved the lives of thousands of women, girls, and families and is on the forefront of the fight against gender and racial discrimination. We work to build more just and inclusive communities through programs for women and girls, anti-racism training, and policy advocacy. We operate healingSPACE, Bergen County’s only Sexual Violence Resource Center (hotline number: 201-487-2227) and provide year-round child care, and senior wellness programs. YWCA Northern New Jersey serves Bergen, Essex, Hudson, Morris, and Passaic counties. To learn more, visit ywcannj.org and follow @ywcannj on social media.