The energy, the elegance, the elevation. The 2025 Executive Women of Color Summit (EWOC), hosted by The Leverage Network (TLN), was a radiant celebration of 10 powerful years of convening executive women of color across industries to rest, reflect, and rise.
With a sold-out gathering of leaders, thinkers, and change-makers, the summit was not just a milestone — it was a movement in motion.
From the moment guests arrived to the final standing ovation, the spirit of this 10th anniversary convening was undeniable: this is where power meets purpose, and sisterhood meets strategy.
Moments That Moved Us
For Heather Nelson, planning committee member and dedicated advocate for women of color in leadership, one moment stood above the rest:
“One unforgettable moment was witnessing the standing ovation following Rev. Shavon Arline-Bradley’s address, where she shared her journey of restorative justice, resilience and leadership. The energy in the room was palpable… a vivid reminder that our stories have the power to inspire and create lasting change — and doing so while looking AMAZING.”
Gwendolyn Oglesby-Odom, a veteran of nine EWOC Summits and a cornerstone of this year’s planning team, was deeply impacted by a moment of cinematic sisterhood:
“The private screening of Minda Harts’ film The Memo was both a trigger and a healing moment for me. As a woman of color who has experienced those same realities, the film was a powerful affirmation that I am not alone.”
Curated With Care
This year’s summit was designed with intention — from self-care activations to courageous conversations. Heather Nelson reflected on the meaning of shaping this space:
“It meant having a hand in creating a platform where executive women of color could connect, share, and grow together… where authenticity and ambition are celebrated, and where the unique challenges and triumphs of women of color are recognized and elevated.”
For Gwendolyn, helping plan the 10th EWOC Summit was a full-circle moment:
“It gave me great pleasure to help plan this celebration. I wanted to ensure that the TLN staff, board members, and attendees had an unforgettable experience. Based on the responses I heard — we delivered.”
The Ripple Effect of Rest & Renewal
From fireside chats to meditative sessions, EWOC 2025 embraced rest as resistance and leadership as love.
“The impact was awe-inspiring and for some, life-changing,” Gwendolyn shared. “I believe the women are walking taller and using their voices and resources to navigate their work landscapes more effectively. The ripple effect? Love and more love — and I hope that continues as the wind beneath the wings of all who attended.”
Heather echoed this vision:
“I believe EWOC 2025 empowered attendees to REST, embrace their leadership potential, and reinvigorate a renewed sense of purpose… I hope to see more women of color in executive roles and a stronger, more supportive professional network.”
A Future Carried by Love
While every session left an imprint, Heather pointed to the “Sisterhood in the Boardroom” fireside chat as a defining highlight:
“The depth of vulnerability and support in that room reminded me that LOVE is a verb, and SUPPORT is a core leadership characteristic. It was a space where ambition and authenticity were not only allowed — they were expected.”
Gwendolyn summed it up best:
“All the sessions were magnificent. I loved being in the room, feeling the magic, and relishing in what it means to be seen, heard, and appreciated.”
Looking Ahead
As The Leverage Network looks to the future, EWOC remains a cornerstone of its mission to advance equity and access for professionals of color in leadership. If EWOC 2025 was the celebration — the next chapter is the call.
Because for 10 years, EWOC has built the table.
Now, we lead from it — with boldness, brilliance, and love.
