From March 7 to 8, 2025, the BPW International Leaders’ Summit took place at the prestigious Harmonie Club in New York, USA. This highly anticipated annual event brought together leaders from all five BPW regions—Africa, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, Europe, and North America & the Caribbean—to exchange insights, strengthen connections, and drive meaningful change for women worldwide.
With more than 80 participants from 37 countries, the event highlighted the global reach and impact of BPW International. Through inspiring discussions, strategic collaborations, and knowledge-sharing, attendees reaffirmed their commitment to advancing gender equality and empowering women across all sectors.
The Leaders’ Summit serves as a key platform for leadership development, advocacy, and networking, reinforcing BPW International’s commitment to empowering women and shaping a more sustainable and equitable future. This year’s event was particularly special as it marked the first official gathering under the 2024-2027 triennium theme: “Inspire, Innovate, Empower, Transform: Together We Shape a Sustainable Future.”
A Remarkable Lineup of Global Leaders
The event welcomed the BPW International Executive, the Regional Coordinators, and BPW members from across the globe. With a rich agenda featuring panel discussions, keynote speeches, and interactive sessions, the Summit provided an opportunity to align BPW’s vision with global challenges, share best practices, and discuss the role of women in leadership, business, and policy-making.
BPW International President Diana Barragán emphasized the importance of leadership and action in shaping the future:
“At this first Leaders’ Summit of the 2024-2027 triennium, we, as BPW leaders, must step out of our comfort zones, embrace new challenges, and take action to shape a sustainable future. The theme of this triennium—Inspire, Innovate, Empower, Transform—is not just a statement, but a call to responsibility. We must lead by example, push boundaries, and collaborate to create lasting change. The future is in our hands, and if we do not act now, there may be no future at all.”
Voices of the Next Generation: Young BPW Representatives
This year, the Young BPW Representatives played an essential role in shaping the discussions, bringing fresh perspectives on gender equality, innovation, and leadership for the future. Their voices emphasized the importance of engaging young women in decision-making processes and preparing the next generation of female leaders.
Iza Letchacoski, BPW International Young Representative, highlighted the crucial role of young women in BPW’s mission:
“As the BPW International Young Representative, participating in the Leaders’ Summit was an incredible opportunity to elevate the voices of young women and reinforce the importance of mentorship, inclusion, and leadership development. Over the next three years, my action plan focuses on strengthening connections between young BPWs worldwide, fostering intergenerational collaboration, driving innovation, and ensuring that emerging leaders have a seat at the table in shaping BPW’s future. This Summit provided a vital platform for young professionals to contribute ideas, collaborate on global strategies, and amplify BPW’s visibility in our communities and beyond. The engagement of young women is not just valuable—it is essential to building a more inclusive, impactful, and long-lasting future for our organization and gender equality worldwide.”
A First-Time Experience at the Leaders’ Summit
For many attendees, this was their first time experiencing the power of BPW on a global stage. The event offered an unparalleled opportunity to connect with inspiring women, gain insights into BPW’s global impact, and actively participate in shaping the organization’s future.
Katja Kreyenkamp, from BPW Germany, shared her experience as a first-time participant:
“I was inspired to attend the BPW Leaders’ Summit to expand my network with professional women worldwide and benefit from proven best practices. The event was stimulating, with numerous highlights, including varied presentations and practical workshops on leadership. I was particularly fascinated by the fact that my voice and the voices of the other Young BPW members were heard and incorporated into the work as valuable contributions. Through my participation, I was able to make important contacts and gain key insights that will promote my professional development and benefit BPW Germany. These experiences have boosted my confidence and broadened my view of the opportunities available to me and BPW.”
A Legacy of Leadership and Impact
The BPW Leaders’ Summit continues to be a cornerstone event, reinforcing the organization’s mission of empowering women through leadership, advocacy, and professional development. Each year, it provides a space for meaningful dialogue, collaboration, and strategic action toward gender equality and sustainability.
As we move forward in this new triennium, BPW International remains committed to inspiring, innovating, empowering, and transforming the world—together.
Save the Date: The next BPW Leaders’ Summit will take place in March 2026 in New York. Join us in shaping the future!
