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Betty Francisco Keynote Speaker 20th Anniversary

Gearing Up Leadership Conference

CELEBRATING 20 YEARS

Celebrating the 20th Anniversary of the Gearing Up Leadership Conference on June 11, 2025 would not have been possible without our sponsors, powerhouse speakers, award recipients, special guests, and every single attendee who brought their energy and commitment to advancing women+ leaders. From thought-provoking conversations to powerful moments of community, we’re proud to be building a growing network ready to redefine leadership and create more pathways to power.

Save the Date: March 25, 2026

2025 Gearing Up Award Winners

Rising Star

Amelia Sisson, Finance Manager, KLINGSPOR Abrasives USA

Ally in Action

Dr. William Kapfer, Global Head, Supplier Diversity - Community Engagement, JPMorgan Chase & Co.

Gender Equity Leadership

Lynelia Raposo, Global Marketing: CIM, Duracell, Inc.

Progressive Partner

Loomis, Sayles & Company

2025 Sponsors

THANK YOU 2025 SPONSORS

Your partnership fuels more than just a conference, it fuels confidence, connection, and career-shaping moments for hundreds of women+ leaders and allies dedicated to making a difference in the push toward gender equity. Thank you!

Keynote Speaker

Headshot of keynote speaker Betty Francisco

Betty Francisco delivered a powerful Keynote Address! She reminded us that to truly advance women+ leaders, we must reimagine power and progress by shifting who controls capital, how decisions are made, and the kind of economy we’re building. From corporate law to impact investing, her journey makes one thing clear: capital is power. And when women have a voice, we change what gets funded, who gets to lead, and how wealth is shared. During her fireside chat with Dr. Yaro Fong-Olivares, Executive Director of The Center for Women and Business at Bentley University, Betty left us with a challenge: Don’t just claim a seat—build a new table.

 

Session Recordings Will Be Available Soon

Skill Enhancement

✔ Workshops for enhancing leadership skills

✔ Focus on communication, negotiation, strategic thinking, and more

✔ Designed to equip participants with tangible skills

✔ Aimed at thriving in corporate settings

Networking and Mentorship

✔ Connect with like-minded individuals, potential mentors, and influential speakers

✔ Building a strong professional network emphasized

✔ Mentorship for career advancement

✔ Conference facilitates valuable connections

✔ The chance to collaborate with the CWB to host a corporate visit for graduate and undergraduate students. These visits provide students with the opportunity to learn about your organization while exposing them to different workplace environments within the corporate sector. 

Career Advancement Action Plan

✔ Learn actionable steps and best practices for career advancement 

✔ Panels and curated speakers provide real-world strategies

✔ Focus on breaking through barriers and advancing into C-suite positions

✔ Personalized action plans tailored to individual career goals

Learn more about Gearing Up

20

Years

5,000

Participants

105+

Workshops

194

Sponsorships

The Gloria Cordes Larson Center for Women and Business aims to create a welcoming space that celebrates the diversity of our community at the intersection of race, ethnicity, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, religion, and ability. We are committed to providing and promoting a bias free environment by addressing issues of equity and inclusion through our conference.

Accessibility

The Gloria Cordes Larson Center for Women and Business at Bentley University is committed to ensuring all individuals have access to the Gearing Up Conference. We are committed to providing accommodations to conference attendees, and if you need accommodations, including but not limited to listening devices, quiet or prayer spaces, closed captioning, large print, wheelchair access, and lactation rooms, please let us know. In addition, if you have any questions about the venue, or workshops, please get in touch with us at cwb@bentley.edu.

A Transformational Day

CWB Gearing Up Collage
Dr. Tiffany Jana
It is through our relationships with other people that we become a better version of ourselves.
Dr. Tiffany Jana
Gearing Up 2021 Keynote Speaker, Founder, and Lead Consultant, TMI Consulting

Learn More About the Gearing Up Leadership Conference