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Join us at the Women Who Amaze Summit to connect, learn, and celebrate — together.
Come back often as we add more summit details to the schedule.
5:00 pm-6:00 pm
Amethyst Circle member reception at Duke Hall
6:00-6:30 pm
Meet up with other guests at Hotel Madison, and get excited for the weekend!
6:30-6:45 pm
Guests who are participating in Dine Arounds will leave Hotel Madison and travel to their specific dining locations around downtown Harrisonburg.
7:45-9:00 am
Check-in | Festival Student and Conference Center
8:15-9:00 am
Breakfast | Festival Ballroom A
We are pleased to offer a full breakfast, which includes a variety of hot and cold options.
9:10-10:00 am
Keynote 1 | Festival Ballroom A
Elizabeth Paul (’03): Nevertheless, we persist
Women make up roughly half of the American workforce yet still make 85c on every dollar paid to men; and only 10% of Fortune 500 companies have a female leader at the helm. As women enter (or make our way) through the workforce, we must learn to thrive amid less-than-ideal circumstances — even as we create change to make it better for the women coming up behind us. This talk will cover how women persevere in the midst of adversity, and how that adversity can unlock our strengths.
10:15-11:00 am
Breakout Session 1 | Festival
Carrie Willetts (’97): Culture is the Solution: Respect the Past, Create Vision for the Future, Own the Road Ahead
Since graduating from JMU in 1997, Willetts has ascended through leadership in various large integrated delivery systems by staying true to her core values and applying a simple leadership formula focused on building culture. Living by the motto, “culture is the solution to respect the past, create vision for the future, and own the road ahead," Willetts will share how casting a vision for the future, creating relevance for all, and providing a roadmap in support can transform any culture and achieve results. Over time, Willetts has applied this formula to organizations as small as 20 and as large as 30,000. The presentation is sure to be filled with personal stories, interaction and fun.
Breakout Session 2 | Festival
Morgan Dye (’05), Libby Hale Azzarello (’11) and Corrie Park (’28P) with moderator Suzanne Bergmeister: Authenticity in Action: Women Entrepreneurs Share Their Stories
Join us for an inspiring panel discussion on entrepreneurship featuring three remarkable women- Libby Hale Azzarello, Morgan Dye and Corrie Park. They will be speaking about their journey to entrepreneurship. They will explore how utilizing creativity, authenticity and connection can help build a successful business. Additionally, panelists will discuss the importance of marrying past jobs and experiences to create a job that you love. Don't miss this opportunity to gain valuable insights and connect with like-minded individuals!
11:00-12:45 pm
Women for Madison Apparel Store — Get Ready to Try and Buy!
The Women for Madison apparel store will have an amazing selection of items for you to try on and order. Don't miss out on the chance to find your perfect fit and style!
11:15-12:00 pm
Breakout Session 3 | Festival
Leigh Evans: Bridging the Gap: Understanding Intergenerational Communication
Join me as I unpack years of qualitative life experience and quantitative research to better understand the interplay between generational and personal values and how they affect our ability to effectively communicate. In this session, we will determine our personal values; discover overarching generational values; learn to anticipate expectation violations; and implement feedback methods.
Breakout Session 4 | Festival
Dr. Ebony Waugh (’93): Walking in Purpose: Embracing Your Story, Empowering Your Future
Hear an uplifting message about embracing your own journey, discovering your purpose and learning from the women who came before you. By embracing your story—without comparison or hesitation—you unlock the power to define your own path and purpose. Through personal stories and practical advice, this presentation will inspire every woman to step boldly into her path and contribute to their legacy of impact and empowerment.
12:15 am- 12:45 pm
Luncheon | Festival Ballroom
2:00-2:45 pm
Breakout Session 5 | Festival
Caroline Stoaks (’25) and Karen Hillis-Skipper (’95): Changing Pain to Purpose
This session will cover the transformative journey of turning pain into purpose. Caroline will share her powerful story of resilience and how she founded Pain to Purpose, a nonprofit supporting foster youth. Attendees will reflect on their own experiences and learn how to shape their purpose from their challenges. Join this session for an opportunity to connect, grow, and be inspired!
Breakout Session 6 | Festival
Claire Chewning (’17): Nourish to Flourish: How to Connect to Your Body’s Appetite Cues and Embrace Balanced Nutrition Over Restrictive Diet Rules
Through her personal food journey and professional experience as a Registered Dietitian, Claire knows that the “diet starts Monday” mentality is not the way to build a long-lasting healthy relationship with food and nutrition. If you’re ready to break free from yo-yo dieting and nutrition misinformation, join her for this session where you’ll learn how to nourish your body with feel-good nutrition and listen to your body’s cues instead of diet rules.
Connect with Claire:
Website: clairechewning.com
Instagram: @clairechewning
3:00- 3:30 pm
Closing | Festival Ballroom A
Thank you! Get excited and gear up for an unforgettable evening!
Purple Ball (Brix and Columns)
5:00 - 5:15 pm
Pick-up for Purple Ball at Brix and Columns | Hotel Madison Lobby
Pick up at Hotel Madison Lobby (both buses leave in 5 to 10 minute intervals from Hotel Madison)
5:30 - 6:15 pm
Cocktails and Convos | Brix and Columns
6:15 - 7:45 pm
Welcome & Remarks | Summit co-chairs McKenna Kendrick (’16) and Julie Flournoy (’89)
Presentation of Spirit of Philanthropy Award and Outstanding Young Philanthropist Award
Dinner
Enjoy a delicious dinner provided by Shenandoah Provisions! Savor grilled pork topped with a flavorful romesco sauce, paired with oven-roasted potatoes and sautéed zucchini. A vegetarian option is also available, featuring a hearty grilled cauliflower steak in place of the pork.
*If you have registered and have specific dietary restrictions you did not disclose please contact the Women for Madison office at 540-569-8831or womenformadison@jmu.edu*
Lauren K. Alleyne: (Un)Becoming Gretel: A Poetry Performance
Lauren K. Alleyne offers a look into how the stories we receive shape the stories we tell ourselves.
8:00 - 9:30 pm
Dancing with a live DJ | Brix and Columns
9:30 - 9:45 pm
Buses Depart | Brix and Columns
Optional Activities begin at 11:00am:
Brunch | D-Hall or E-Hall
Door Price (open 10 am-4:30 pm)
Sound bathing in the Arboretum | Ernst Tree Terrace (adjacent to Plecker Education Center)
$10 (11am)
Bring a yoga mat, blanket or lawn chair, and join sound healer and yoga and meditation teacher Connie Magee for an etheric journey in the woods. (Pre-registration required)
Hidden HerStories: Inspiring Women from JMU’s Past | Wilson Hall
$10 (at 11:00 am, 11:15 am, 11:30 am)
This inclusive approach highlights the many accomplished women students, faculty, staff, and administrators who helped build and shape the institution we know today. Join us for a special walking tour that reclaims these hidden herstories as “our stories.”
Movie: "Black Holes" | John C. Wells Planetarium
$10 (11 am)
Join us at the planetarium on May 4th for an epic space-themed adventure, exploring the mysteries of black holes with spectacular visuals and immersive light shows.
BINGO Around Campus | Various Locations
Free, all day as you wish
Join your friends to play this bingo game, and mail it back to us for some JMU/WFM swag!
Women for Madison is guided by the university's statement
on non-discrimination and equal opportunity. Events and
activities are open to all genders.
