This panel will highlight powerful stories of women rising to the challenge in sports and business – demonstrating how ethics and respect are maintained while excelling in high-stakes, competitive environments. Panelists will explore how true leadership isn’t about forcing change, but about leading with integrity, cultivating trust, and breaking barriers with purpose. This discussion will reflect how sportsmanship is rooted in respect and resilience, and how it goes beyond tough decisions. It’s about showing up authentically, inspiring others by example, and creating pathways for future leaders.
This panel will explore the growing conversation about mental health within the athletic world, highlighting how the resilience and mindset athletes develop on the field can become powerful tools for women navigating their own challenges. This discussion will explore the importance of vulnerability, challenging the traditional belief of mental toughness as simply “powering through” on your own. Through personal experiences, practical advice, and expert insights, panelists will discuss how mental strength isn’t about pushing through pain in silence, but about cultivating balance, self-awareness, and connection.
This panel will celebrate women leaders who are making a difference across sectors, stages of life, and levels of leadership. From student leaders and entrepreneurs to seasoned professionals, our panelists will share how they have harnessed their voices, skills, and platforms to drive change in their campuses, workplaces, and communities. Through dynamic discussion, we’ll explore the pivotal moments that shaped their leadership journeys, the challenges they’ve overcome, and the strategies they use to inspire others. Attendees will gain valuable insights into how women are redefining leadership, fostering collaboration, and paving the way for more inclusive and equitable futures. This conversation offers inspiration and practical lessons for anyone committed to making an impact—no matter where they are in their own leadership journey.
This panel will explore how sports, teamwork, accountability, and resilience form the foundation for transformative leadership in the business world. Panelists will share how the competitive drive and grit that powered their athletic careers continue to shape their approach to leading diverse, high-performing teams. They will discuss how the same skills that helped them win games now allow them to drive innovation, create inclusive teams, and lead with purpose and empathy. Through their stories, attendees will gain valuable insights into how sports-based leadership can be a powerful force for success, both in business and beyond.
This panel will explore how young women are transforming digital spaces into platforms for purpose-driven leadership and advocacy. Panelists will draw from their own journeys and hard-earned insights on what it really means to have a voice in the digital world and the responsibility that comes with it. Whether they’re creating a personal brand, advocating for a cause, or simply showing up with integrity and intention, these young leaders are creating content that reflects their values. The discussion will explore how practicing digital citizenship with empathy and intention can elevate unheard voices, bring people together, and spark meaningful change beyond the screen.
This conversation brings together women who are using their platforms to create meaningful change across communities and continents. Uniting voices from sport, music, and social impact, the discussion explores how global citizenship begins with purpose and how each of us can turn our passions into tools for connection, compassion, and change. Panelists will share what it means to use your voice and influence for good, no matter your stage, title, or background.
The WNBA’s impact has never been stronger, from record-breaking viewership to growing global influence, women’s basketball is redefining sports, leadership, and representation.
In this exclusive Fireside Chat, Executive Producer Trish Williams sits down with Aerial Powers , joining live from overseas, for a dynamic conversation about the league’s incredible momentum and what’s driving its rise around the world. Together, they’ll explore how today’s athletes are inspiring the next generation, the evolving meaning of sportsmanship, and what the future holds for women in sports on and off the court. This discussion will be a true celebration of competition, leadership, and purpose.
We are committed to helping young women and men reach their full potential while giving them the tools they need to succeed. We are thrilled to continue our mentoring program. Mentors and mentees will have the benefit of connecting and building relationships that will last well beyond the event. Don’t miss out on this amazing chance to participate and be a part of this empowering program!
To instill leadership, ethics, confidence, and character-based skills in the mindsets of young women and men by providing inspirational and empowering programming over three days.
The Symposium will provide insight and working knowledge of societal and cultural topics, health, and more presented by women experts, business leaders, and former college and professional athletes.
The Rose Bowl Institute would like to thank all of the following generous donors who have made it possible for us to bring you the 7th Annual Women's Empowerment Symposium.
Shuster Family Foundation
Carolyn Miller
The Larry and Helen Hoag Foundation
Randall Family Foundation
John and Bonnie DeWitt
John and Mary Manuck
Dr. Betty Uribe
The Fitzberg Foundation
Dan and Sarah Rothenberg
Beckie Yon and Jayne Parker
The Christina Mauser Foundation
The Confidence Foundation
Angie and Fritz Miller
James Washington
Shelter 37
Rita and John Canning
Dr. Chris Mattmann