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B.I.G. SUMMIT
September 25, 2025
NYC Microsoft HQ
at 11 Times Square
BLAZE
INNOVATE
GROW
Join us for a day of learning and meaningful connection as we bring together industry leaders, changemakers, and rising talent.
Together, we'll share tools, forge connections, and drive theindustry-wide change we all seek.
BLAZE
INNOVATE
GROW
Join us for a day of learning and meaningful connection as we bring together industry leaders, changemakers, and rising talent.
Together, we'll share tools, forge connections, and drive theindustry-wide change we all seek.
AGENDA HIGHLIGHTS
BLAZE
new paths with visionary insights from industry leaders driving change.
INNOVATE
for the future in AI & Tech sessions exploring emerging technology, digital transformation, and industry disruptors.
GROW
through leadership development sessions on career advancement, peer mentorship, and pathways to the boardroom.
CULTIVATE
resilience and well-being with strategies to navigate workplace challenges, prevent burnout, and lead with strength and clarity.
CELEBRATE
impact at the Awards Presentation & Reception, closing the summit with an evening of recognition.
“I wish I had WOCRA ten years ago when I was struggling trying to make a career in retail. Makes me emotional about what it could have been...” B. Owens
“ WOCRA and Ellie’s Pathways Program became a beacon of light for me every time a session was coming up.” A. Smith
EVENT DETAILS
Beyond the scheduled sessions, the B.I.G. Summit offers curated pop-up experiences to deliver immediate value and lasting impact. These exclusive opportunities will be available throughout the day, allowing you to customize your summit experience.
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Personal Brand Pop-up | Elevate Your Professional Presence
Transform your professional image with our comprehensive Personal Brand
Experience.
What you'll receive:
Professional Headshot Session
Pro-Artist Makeup Refresh
LinkedIn Profile Audit
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Executive Coaching Pop-up | Strategic Guidancefor Your Next Level
Seize the rare opportunity to connect one-on-one with our roster of elite executive coaches who typically work exclusively with C-suite leaders at Fortune 500 companies.
What you'll experience:
Private 10-Minute Strategy Sessions
Personalized Leadership Assessment
Connection Opportunities
These transformative sessions are designed for mid-to-senior-level professionals.
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Founders Marketplace | Discover Retail's Next Wave
Discover our carefully curated showcase of innovative brands founded by women of color, reshaping the retail landscape with fresh perspectives and unique offerings.
What you'll discover:
Exclusive Product Previews from emerging brands before they hit mainstream channels
Potential Partnerships for retailers seeking to diversify their product assortments
Investment Opportunities in the next generation of retail disruptors-
1. Registration and Light Continental breakfast
2. Welcoming & Opening Statements -WOCRA CEO
3. State of WOC in Retail (Mckinsey)
4. Marquee Keynote
5. Lunch & Connect
6. Fireside Chat, "Total Leadership"
7. Movement Break & Intro to Afternoon
8. Track AI/Tech Education (Certification)
Session 1: Understand
Session 2: Apply
Session 3: Futureproof
9. Track Leadership Development
The Loving Leader
Peer-to-Peer Emerging Leaders
The Path to the Boardroom
10. Track Self-Care and Resilience
Hormones in the Workplace
Mitigating Burnout
The Truth About IsolationThe day culminates in a vibrant reception and awards ceremony honoring trailblazers, innovators, and brilliant business leaders who exemplify our mission.
1. Door opens, transition from Summit
2. Welcoming & Opening Statements
WOCRA Impact Video
3. Fellowship and Festivities
4. Awards Presentation
5. Events comes to an end
6. Private VIP/Awardee Dessert & Champagne Reception
The B.I.G. Award - This pinnacle recognition honors those who have broken
barriers, championed innovative approaches, and fostered significant personal
and professional growth for themselves and others. Recipients of this
prestigious award have made transformative contributions that advance
WOCRA's vision to elevate women of color, diversify the c-suite, and transform
the industry.
Blaze Award - Celebrates trailblazers who courageously break through barriers
and chart unique paths to success. These honorees demonstrate exceptional
leadership through their ability to overcome challenges, make bold moves, and
create lasting change. Recipients of this award have also extended their
influence to build pathways for others, connecting fellow professionals and
serving as beacons for those ready to rise in their careers.
Innovate Award - Recognizes visionary individuals or teams who stand at the
forefront of retail's evolution by embracing cutting-edge technologies and
emerging trends. These forward-thinking leaders have demonstrated the
power of creative thinking and driven meaningful change within their
organizations or the broader industry.
Grow Award - Honors those who exemplify the transformation of potential into
unstoppable momentum through their commitment to personal and
professional development. These recipients have cultivated the leadership
skills, strategic mindset, and industry expertise for exceptional career growth while simultaneously lifting others.Enhance and build your community
Connect with 200+ retail decision-makers shaping the future.
Enhance you tech/Ai knowledge/skills, professional and personal
development.
Engage in high-impact networking with executives, founders, and investors.
Build your brand at our Personal Brand Popup
Test new products
Have a great time!
This is more than a summit—it’s a movement. Blaze new trails. Innovate with purpose. Grow into the leader you are meant to be.
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