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
Keynote Speaker
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.
