The Women’s Leadership Forum is dedicated to recognizing and honoring inspirational individuals for their leadership qualities and accomplishments. All honorees have made a significant contribution to their field and share their unique personal stories with attendees. On Thursday, March 16, at the Seaport World Trade Center, more than 1000 individuals heard raw, unfiltered, truthful, and empowering stories from inspirational women.
Founder of Collettey’s Cookies & The 2017 Ad Club ADmiration Award Winner
Since 2011, Collette, a young woman with Down Syndrome, has been creating her own recipe for cookies for fun! But after rejection over and over again when applying for a job and being told she had great skills but was not “a good fit” she was determined to own her own business, despite any disability, and show people how able she is.
Chief Speechwriter for Michelle Obama
Sarah worked with Michelle Obama to craft a number of widely-acclaimed addresses, including her 2012 and 2016 Democratic National Convention speeches and her political speeches during the 2016 campaign cycle.
Musician, Singer, Entertainer, and Songwriter
Jazz saxophonist and singer-songwriter, she now plays with the house band on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert. The former prodigy recorded her first album at 12, played with the Boston Pops at 14 and at President Obama’s inauguration at 16!
Award Winning Director & Documentary Film Maker
Mary Mazzio, an award-winning documentary film director, Olympic athlete, and former law firm partner, is Founder and CEO of 50 Eggs, Inc., an independent film production company dedicated to making socially impactful films.
Expert on Media Economics and Communication
Miriam is in demand around the globe for her talks. She is a former State Secretary and government spokeswoman in her native Germany. A high achiever, always going the extra mile like many women focused on success, she writes compellingly about her experience with burn-out syndrome in a book,
Public Speaker, Award Winning Author & Former EVP, Chief Innovation Officer at State Street Corporation
Madge was born in Shanghai, China under Communist rule and raised in Hong Kong She overcame many barriers for Asian women and rose to become the Chief Innovation Officer of State Street Corporation after serving as an executive at IBM and Merrill Lynch. She is widely recognized and awarded for her unique and practical approach to advancing leadership and innovation.
Comedian, Writer, & Co-Creator of The Daily Show
Believing that humor is the best weapon when it comes to drawing attention to subjects close to her heart, Lizz tackles provocative topics from abortion to politics on her own terms.
Former Minister for Social Welfare and Women’s Development in Kashmir
Her journey as a politician began as the first woman to contest the elections in her home state. All of her opponents were men. Her mission is all about empowering women.
