6th Annual Empow[her] Conference

Saturday, June 27, 2026

San Tan Ford Club at ASU Sun Devil Stadium - 500 East Veterans Ways, Tempe, AZ 85287

Join Us on June 27th, 2026

If you are ready to invest in your growth, expand your network, and take meaningful steps toward closing the wage gap — the Empow[her] Conference is for you!

Hosted by Young & Empowered Women, the 6th Annual Empow[her] Conference brings together emerging leaders from across the Valley for a full day of professional and personal development, connection, and inspiration. This one-of-a-kind experience is designed for rising women leaders seeking practical tools, new perspectives, and authentic community.

Attendees will hear from speakers spanning higher education, finance, health, politics, law, and more — and gain direct access to 1:1 mentorship with founders, CEOs, innovators, and board leaders representing a wide range of industries. Whether you are navigating career transitions, building leadership skills, or strengthening your professional presence, Empow[her] creates space for meaningful advancement.

Speaker Lineup

Veronica Aguilar, MBA

FOUNDER & CHAIR
Young & Empowered Women

Meet Veronica
Dr. Judy Robles

CEO, VICE PRESIDENT & CO-FOUNDER
Robles Unstoppable Foundation

Meet Judy
Kristen Keogh

HOST OF TRAIL MIX’D
Arizona PBS

Meet Kristen
Christina Spicer

CO-CEO
Girl Scouts—Arizona Cactus-Pine Council

Meet Christina

Meet the Conference Mentors

We are grateful to the leaders serving as table facilitators for this year’s event.

Alicia Haygood

Community Connector, Michelle Media
Allison Otu

Executive Director, Marketing, Communications & Events, ASU Law
Alyson Smith

Sr. Vice President, Engagement, Arizona Science Center
Amber Cordoba

Executive Director, Relational Life Foundation
Ashley M. Anderson

Associate Director, People and Talent, Arizona State University
Bhavi A. Shah

EVP, Chief Administrative and Legal Officer & Corp. Secretary, Vitalant
Charlinda Haudley

Stakeholder Outreach Coordinator, Central Arizona Project
Chelsie Bruggeman

CEO and Founder, MOMentum for Working Moms
Christine Coughlan

VP of Project Management, Arizona Financial Credit Union
Danielle Downs

Executive Director, Miracle League of Arizona
DeAnna Mangum

President and Co-Founder, CoupleyFit™
Elvy Barton

Water and Forest Sustainability Senior Manager, Salt River Project
Fran Mallace

President/CEO, Make-A-Wish Arizona
Jess Berger

Founder & CEO, Bundle x Joy
Katie Hurst

CEO, Arizona Association for Economic Development
Kristin Priscella

Executive Director, State Forty Eight Foundation
Laura Terech

Executive Director, Arizona America250 Commission, Arizona Department of State
Lauren Smith

Director of Community Engagement, Southwest Autism Research & Resource Center
Lorraine Tallman

Founder and CEO, Amanda Hope Rainbow Angels
Mara Lopez

University of Arizona
Marisol Isaula

Life & Business Coach, Marisol Isaula Coaching
Michelle Newman, ACC

Executive Coach & Advisor, Michelle P. Newman, Coaching & Consulting
Monique Lopez

Chief Executive Officer, UMOM New Day Centers
Nicole Eisenbarth

COO & Executive Director, The Family Foundry & Humble Roots Foundation
Reyna E. Montoya

Founder & CEO, Aliento
Shareé Hurts

Storyteller, Community and Culture Advocate, Arizona Public Service
Stephanie Vasquez

CEO, Fair Trade Cafe
Tami Bohannon

President & CEO, AllThrive 365
Teniqua Broughton

Founder & CEO, VerveSimone Consulting
Vanessa Garcia

Founder & CEO, Performant Scout
Zaida Dedolph Piecoro, MPH

Health Policy Advisor, Office of Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs