Massachusetts Conference for Women

Ever feel guilty for setting boundaries? We learned at the National Conference for Women that boundary guilt isn’t your moral compass. Instead, let the wisdom of Pooja Lakshmin, MD, Israa Nasir, Sheela Subramanian, and Nedra Tawwab guide you. ?? Making space for what truly matters is a power move. Saying no isn’t career-limiting. It’s personally expanding. ?? Boundaries are conversations, not barriers. Think of them as guidelines for respect, not walls to keep people out. ?? That guilt you feel? It comes from the outside. Turn the volume down inside your head. Guilt might show up, but it doesn’t get to drive. Setting boundaries isn’t about shutting people out. It’s about making room for what fuels you. What’s one boundary you’re committing to this week?

You are already good enough ?? Denise Soler Cox, Cyndie Spiegel, and Elise Loehnen delivered powerful insights on what it truly means to belong at last week’s National Conference for Women. Think of a space where you feel completely seen and valued. What makes it different? #WomenSupportingWomen

"Together you are going to make one hell of a symphony.” Isn’t it incredible what happens when women come together? At the 2010 Massachusetts Conference for Women, Gloria Steinem reminded us to learn from other women and to find our voice. We can be unique, yet united. Just days ago, at the National Conference for Women, Gloria told us “We each have something unique to teach, but we could not be wholly human without each other.” Years go by, but the message remains. There is #PowerInUnity. On this International Women’s Day, we celebrate the trailblazers like Gloria who have paved the way for progress and continue to champion equality for future generations.

For too long, leadership has been narrowly defined by hustle, hierarchy, and hard power. But the world of work has changed—and so must our definition of what it means to lead. At the National Conferences for Women, Christie Smith Ph.D, Sheela Subramanian, and Vernā Myers offered a powerful vision of leadership that is more human, more inclusive, and more sustainable. What's one takeaway you had from this year's Conference?

We Just Unveiled Our Rebrand! Yesterday we shared the Conferences for Women’s new brand with our community and the response was electric. Today we are thrilled to share it with you and the rest of the world. For over 25 years, CFW has brought women, and the people who champion them, together to learn, grow, and inspire each other. Our community is fresh, modern, and powerful. Our new brand reflects this and prepares us for an even brighter future. This is more than a new aesthetic - it’s a celebration of our shared commitment to progress, connection, and the power of collaboration. We can’t wait for what’s ahead. Stay tuned for more exciting announcements. We are so grateful that you’re a part of this new chapter. Learn more: https://bit.ly/43rj7dI #Leadership #CareerGrowth

What does success really look like? According to Julia Louis-Dreyfus, it’s not just about talent or hard work—it's about joy. At the National Conference for Women, Julia shared how she’s navigated an extraordinary career by following what excites her. From "Seinfeld" to "Veep," she sought out projects that sparked curiosity and energy. And when something didn’t bring her joy? She pivoted. It’s a reminder to all of us: If something isn't fulfilling, it's okay to change course. What’s one professional pivot you’ve made that brought you more joy?

Ready for your ?HELL YES ? moment? You can’t be if you’re bogging yourself down in the work projects that drain you. The social plans you dread. The obligations that make you question, “why did I agree to this?” At the National Conference for Women, Robin Arzón compelled us to say no to the things that do not serve us, so we can have space for the things that truly light us up. Because here’s the truth: Your energy isn’t infinite. And every “yes” that doesn’t excite you is taking away from something that could. So, what’s something you’re done saying yes to? And what’s your next hell yes? Let’s talk about it.

Sara Blakely could have been a lawyer. Or Goofy. But life had other plans. She bombed the LSAT. Twice. When went to Disney World and auditioned to be Goofy—only to find out she was the perfect height for…a chipmunk. What felt like failure was actually a redirection. A nudge. A push toward something greater. To innovation. To changing the way women dress by inventing Spanx. So if you’re in the middle of a “this is not the plan” moment, maybe it’s not the end of the plan. Maybe it’s just the beginning. ?? Tell us: what’s a left turn in your life that turned out better than you expected?

Courage isn’t the absence of fear—it’s showing up anyway. Leaving “Top Chef” after 17 years? Terrifying. Stepping into new roles—advocate, author, creator, mom—without a roadmap? Just as daunting. At the National Conference for Women, Padma Lakshmi reminded us that reinvention never stops feeling scary. She put it simply: What’s scarier than taking a risk?? “Not giving yourself the benefit of trying.” Women have been rewriting the rules forever, working outside of systems that weren’t built for us—and thriving anyway. If you’re standing at the edge of something new, take the leap. You’ve been here before. You *know* how to do hard things. What’s your next bold move? Tell us in the comments!

Talk about a game changer! At the National Conference for Women, Caitlin Clark sat down with Robin Roberts to talk about what drives her, from backyard battles with her brothers to breaking records on the national stage. Her message? Believe in yourself, push the limits, and trust that you’re capable of more than you ever imagined. ?? On confidence: "I failed a lot because people were older or better, and I couldn’t stand that…that’s what gave me that competitive fire." ?? On closing the gender gap: "We weren't even allowed to call it March Madness. So it's crazy to think about my freshman year and what it was like...Three years later, we outdrew the men in the National Championship game.” ? On being a role-model: “You look into the stands and you see the young girls and the young boys, and what makes you want to work harder than that? You're trying to put on a show and give them something to smile about, and believe in.” Caitlin isn’t just making history—she’s inspiring the next generation to believe in their own potential. And that might just be the most powerful play of all. #ConferencesForWomen