You're invited to join a remarkable circle of women leaders for what we hope will be the celebration of the summer.
A full day of connection, inspiration, and discovery at the Women's Leadership Center — a world-class campus on the shores of Geneva Lake. For some of you, this is a heartfelt thank you for the guidance you've offered along the way; for others, a first introduction. For all of you, it's a day we intend to make unforgettable.
"The stars for women's leadership are aligning over Williams Bay."
— Ann M. Drake, Chair & President
Thursday, August 27, 2026
Your Day Unfolds
From flash talks and forest bathing to dinner beneath a rare eclipse moon — every moment is designed to surprise, connect, and inspire.
1:30 – 5:30 PM
Afternoon Adventures
A range of experiences to spark curiosity and connection — from flash talks and expert panels to demonstrations, thematic tours, and time in nature. Choose the ones that call to you.
Sign up for these experiences when you RSVP. Space is limited for each and offered first-come, first-served. As experiences reach capacity, we'll work to open more sessions.
Author Flash Talks
Upper Library
Expert Panels
Council Conference Rooms
Digital Twin of the Earth
Demonstration · The Council
Glass Art Tour
Thematic Tour · Campus-Wide
Architecture Tour
Thematic Tour · Campus-Wide
Landscape Tour
Thematic Tour · Gardens & Grounds
Forest Bathing
Experience in Nature · Woodland Paths
Art & Movement Classes
The Terrace Garden
Plus coffee lounges, refreshment stations, and quiet spaces to explore between experiences. More to come.
As the Sun Sets
An Evening to Remember
As daylight fades, the evening builds toward something truly rare — a reception, a special dinner, dancing, and a celestial finale overhead.
Reception
6:30 PM — Thematic beverages & live music
Dinner & Astronomy
7:30 PM — A special dinner & a sky primer
Dancing & Stargazing
9:00 PM — Beneath the eclipse moon
A Once-in-a-Generation Finale
Beneath a Rare Eclipse Moon
On the very night of our gathering, the sky offers something extraordinary. A deep partial lunar eclipse — with roughly 96% of the moon slipping into Earth's shadow and glowing a deep reddish-orange — will be visible from start to finish across our skies. Astronomers call it the most striking lunar eclipse anywhere on Earth until the close of 2028.
The full "Sturgeon Moon" of late summer — perfectly timed, directly above Geneva Lake. No telescope required; the eclipse is safe and breathtaking to the naked eye.
The Campus
A Place Like No Other
8.6 pristine acres on the shores of Geneva Lake — where world-class architecture meets natural beauty, designed to foster conversation and collaboration. As you explore, imagine what a gathering of your own might look like here.
Whether for ten or a hundred, these spaces were made for bringing remarkable people together. We'd love to show you what's possible.
Explore the Grounds
The Council, Lodge, Cabin, Terrace Garden, Boardwalk, Woodland Clearing, and more — all connected by winding paths through 8.6 acres of pristine woodlands on Geneva Lake.
Your Hosts & Guides
Featured Speakers & Leaders
You'll be in extraordinary company. Meet some of the remarkable women who will welcome, inspire, and guide you through the day.
Your Host
Ann M. Drake
Chair & President, Women's Leadership Center at Williams Bay
Ann M. Drake founded the Women's Leadership Center in 2020 with a singular vision: to create a world-class space where accomplished women could reflect, connect, and collaborate on fresh approaches to complex challenges. A transformational leader and philanthropist, Ann brings together the brightest minds to imagine — and build — a better future.
Advisory Board
Chevy Humphrey
President & CEO, Griffin Museum of Science & Industry
Chevy Humphrey leads one of the world's premier science museums, inspiring millions to explore science, technology, and innovation. She will lead a breakout session on the future of science, discovery, and women in STEM.
Advisory Board
Cady Coleman
Retired Astronaut, NASA
Colonel Cady Coleman is a former NASA astronaut who spent 159 days aboard the International Space Station. A scientist, flutist, and trailblazer, she brings a perspective that is literally out of this world.
Advisory Board
Francesca Cornelli
Dean, Kellogg School of Management, Northwestern University
Francesca Cornelli is the Dean of the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University — one of the world's top business schools. A renowned economist and thought leader, she champions women in leadership at every level.
Advisory Board
Janet Foutty
Former CEO, Deloitte Consulting / US Board Chair – Deloitte
Janet Foutty served as Chair of the Board of Deloitte US and CEO of Deloitte Consulting, leading one of the world's largest professional services organizations. She is a passionate advocate for inclusive leadership.
Advisory Board
Donna Zarcone
Board Director, Cigna Group, Smithsonian Institution
Donna Zarcone is a distinguished corporate board director serving organizations including the Cigna Group, Duchossois Capital Management, and the Smithsonian Institution. A respected voice in governance and leadership.
Advisory Board
Angela V. Olinto
Former Dean, Division of Physical Sciences, University of Chicago
Angela V. Olinto is a world-renowned astrophysicist and former Dean of the Physical Sciences at the University of Chicago. Her research on cosmic rays and the early universe has shaped our understanding of the cosmos.
WLC Leadership Team
MarySue Barrett
SVP Programming & Partnerships
Jennifer Nix
SVP Marketing & Strategy
Yvette Howard
VP Property & Visitor Experience
Casey Stelletello
VP Programming & Partnerships
Please RSVP by July 15, 2026
Whether we're saying thank you for your guidance along the way or welcoming you for the very first time, we'd be honored to have you with us. Space is limited, so we hope you'll reserve your place soon.
RSVP Deadline Countdown
July 15, 2026 · 11:59 PM CT
Join Us
Date: Thursday, August 27, 2026
Time: 11:30 AM – Late Evening
Location: Women's Leadership Center
333 Constance Boulevard, Williams Bay, Wisconsin
Getting Here & Staying Over
Travel: Guests arrange their own travel to Lake Geneva.
Overnight stays: A block of rooms is reserved at The Lodge at Geneva National for those who'd like to stay the night. A complimentary shuttle will run from the hotel to the Center before lunch, and back again at evening's end.
Lodging and shuttle details — including how to reserve your room — are available when you RSVP.
Space is limited. Please respond by July 15, 2026.