We’re at the end of our inaugural B.I.G. Summit—and it was big! I want to thank everyone for coming, for making it as wonderful, powerful, and insightful as it was.
I can’t even find all of the words to explain how grateful I am for what we were able to do.
KIMBERLY LEE MINOR | WOC Retail Alliance CEO
Huge thanks to the incredible team behind the scenes, for making it a truly unforgettable inaugural event!
EXCLUSIVE MEMBER SAVINGS
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$500
Our exclusive members only pricing is available for a limited time only. Secure your tickets today before prices go up on July 1!
annual conference
WE ARE EVERY WOMAN
Beyond retail. Across industries. Built for YOU.
Growth leadership and connection are for everyone.
OCTOBER 1-2, 2026 | atlanta ga, hotel colee
TICKETS AVAILABLE NOW
3377 Peachtree Road NE Atlanta, Georgia, USA, 30326
PREMIERE
SPONSORS
PREMIERE
DIAMOND
featuring
SPECIAL GUEST
EGYPT SHERROD
Emmy Nominated TV Host and Author, Real Estate Entrepreneur
SPONSOR THE
B.I.G. SUMMIT!
Join us as a partner and sponsor to connect with 300+ retail decision-makers.
FOUNDER MARKETPLACE
Amplify your brand through prime event exposure and thought leadership, and fuel lasting impact for leadership, access, and representation in retail.
Vendors have the opportunity to share their products, showcase their services, and build meaningful connections with women who are shaping what comes next in retail.
ANNUAL CONFERENCE
WE ARE EVERY WOMAN
OCTOBER 1-2, 2026 | atlanta ga, hotel colee
Beyond retail. Across industries. Built for YOU.
Growth leadership and connection are for everyone.
TICKETS AVAILABLE NOW
$150
Standard
$300
VIP Experience
WE NEED YOU!
HOTEL COLEE
AUTOGRAPH COLLECTION
3377 Peachtree Road NE Atlanta, Georgia, USA, 30326
PREMIERE
SPONSORS
PREMIERE
DIAMOND
featuring
SPECIAL GUEST
EGYPT SHERROD
Emmy Nominated TV Host and Author, Real Estate Entrepreneur
2025 SPONSORS
SPEAKERS
SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT
Inizio Evoke
Beyond the Corporate Ladder: What Does Growth Look Like When You Stop Just Climbing?
CANT ACCESS BIO
PRINCIPAL
Retail Strategy Group
Beyond the Corporate Ladder: What Does Growth Look Like When You Stop Just Climbing?
CANT ACCESS BIO
Executive vice president
D&A Communications
Beyond the Corporate Ladder: What Does Growth Look Like When You Stop Just Climbing?
CANT ACCESS BIO
FOUNDER & BUSINESS COACH
Luminary Leadership Partners
Micro-coaching Sessions
CANT ACCESS BIO
CEO
Blue Moss Group
The Imposter Problem: The language, labels, and lies that keep you bought into the system
Anna Blue’s career is built on one belief: doing good is good for business. She is the CEO of Blue Moss Group - a consultancy that sits at the intersection of business, people, and purpose - and Founder of the Hospitality Creator Group, which brings together hospitality's most influential storytellers, brands, and industry leaders to shape the future of the travel business.With more than two decades of leadership experience, Anna has worked with global brands including Disney, Apple, Google, P&G, and WWE, and today advises organizations across the hospitality ecosystem on leadership, brand and event strategy, and workforce equity.Anna has spoken on more than 50 stages around the world, including SXSW, Cannes Lions, the Aspen Ideas Festival, the World Economic Forum, hospitality's premier conferences, and even WWE's WrestleMania. She was named a Historic Feminist of our Time by the Feminist Institute, for her work on global gender equity.
Founder and CEO
CAS Strategies
Plot Twist: What AI Can't Replace: Future of Retail, AI and Innovation
Anna Blue’s career is built on one belief: doing good is good for business. She is the CEO of Blue Moss Group - a consultancy that sits at the intersection of business, people, and purpose - and Founder of the Hospitality Creator Group, which brings together hospitality's most influential storytellers, brands, and industry leaders to shape the future of the travel business.With more than two decades of leadership experience, Anna has worked with global brands including Disney, Apple, Google, P&G, and WWE, and today advises organizations across the hospitality ecosystem on leadership, brand and event strategy, and workforce equity.Anna has spoken on more than 50 stages around the world, including SXSW, Cannes Lions, the Aspen Ideas Festival, the World Economic Forum, hospitality's premier conferences, and even WWE's WrestleMania. She was named a Historic Feminist of our Time by the Feminist Institute, for her work on global gender equity.
Founder & Chief PRGirl
Haley Communications Group, LLC.
Podcast, Big X Speaker
CANT ACCESS BIO
VP, AI Practice Lead
Sophelle
Putting AI to Work: Five Practical Ways to Get More from AI
Maya Hamilton is VP, AI Practice Lead at Sophelle, where she helps retail leaders turn AI opportunity into measurable business value. With more than 20 years inside retail — spanning merchandising and planning, P&L and digital leadership, and enterprise transformation at brands including Kipling, VF Corp, Ann Taylor, LOFT, and Banana Republic — Maya brings an operator’s perspective to AI transformation.Her work spans AI strategy and opportunity prioritization, workforce enablement and adoption, technology selection, practical governance, and scaling successful initiatives into repeatable business capabilities. Maya helps organizations identify where AI can create meaningful financial and operational impact, build a practical path from opportunity to execution, and establish the organizational capabilities and guardrails needed to adopt AI responsibly and at scale.
Founder & Leadership + Business Coach
The Accelerant Strategy Group
UnMuted: Speak Up, Advocate and Advance
Micro Coaching Sessions
Anna Blue’s career is built on one belief: doing good is good for business. She is the CEO of Blue Moss Group - a consultancy that sits at the intersection of business, people, and purpose - and Founder of the Hospitality Creator Group, which brings together hospitality's most influential storytellers, brands, and industry leaders to shape the future of the travel business.With more than two decades of leadership experience, Anna has worked with global brands including Disney, Apple, Google, P&G, and WWE, and today advises organizations across the hospitality ecosystem on leadership, brand and event strategy, and workforce equity.Anna has spoken on more than 50 stages around the world, including SXSW, Cannes Lions, the Aspen Ideas Festival, the World Economic Forum, hospitality's premier conferences, and even WWE's WrestleMania. She was named a Historic Feminist of our Time by the Feminist Institute, for her work on global gender equity.
Vice President Strategic Partnerships and HBCU Programs
Getty Images
Culture Sells: The Business of Cultural Relevance
CANT ACCESS BIO
Global Vice President, IDEA, Employee Relations, OHE, and Employment Policy & Compliance
Lululemon
When Everything Around You Shifts
CANT ACCESS BIO
Founding Partner and Head of Brand Consulting
BrandSavor Media & Marketing
Culture Sells: The Business of Cultural Relevance
CANT ACCESS BIO
Director of Private Sector Strategy
Moms First
The Business of Care: Investing in Childcare to Strengthen Retail’s Workforce
CANT ACCESS BIO
Brand Architect / Design Executive
Kara Allen Lacayo Studio
BIG X TALK
CANT ACCESS BIO
Founder & Chief Strategist
Marshall Matters, LLC
When Everything Around You Shifts
CANT ACCESS BIO
CEO and Founder
First, Not Only Network and each+every collective
Bold Moves, Resilience and Lasting Industry Impact
CANT ACCESS BIO
CFO
Shipt, a wholly owned subsidiary of Target Corporation
Beyond the Corporate Ladder: What Does Growth Look Like When You Stop Just Climbing?
CANT ACCESS BIO
CEO & Founder
Vertical Activewear
Bold Moves, Resilience and Lasting Industry Impact
CANT ACCESS BIO
MENTAL HEALTH EDUCATOR
NHS CONSULTING
Creating a Culture of Mental Health: Awareness, Advocacy, Action
CANT ACCESS BIO
Sr. Director, Head of Culture & Inclusive Marketing
Pernod Ricard USA
Culture Sells: The Business of Cultural Relevance
CANT ACCESS BIO
VP, Diversity & Inclusion
LVMH North America
Culture Sells: The Business of Cultural Relevance
CANT ACCESS BIO
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Executive Vice President, Content Engagement, Partnerships & Strategy, TV Media
Paramount, a Skydance Corporation
BIG X Speaker
CANT ACCESS BIO
Founder & CEO
Niki Taylor PR
Bold Moves, Resilience and Lasting Industry Impact
CANT ACCESS BIO
STRATEGY LEAD
Public School, A Creative Studio
UnMuted: Speak Up, Advocate and Advance
CANT ACCESS BIO
VP Accounting
Mastermind, Inc.
BIG X TALK
Maya Hamilton is VP, AI Practice Lead at Sophelle, where she helps retail leaders turn AI opportunity into measurable business value. With more than 20 years inside retail — spanning merchandising and planning, P&L and digital leadership, and enterprise transformation at brands including Kipling, VF Corp, Ann Taylor, LOFT, and Banana Republic — Maya brings an operator’s perspective to AI transformation.Her work spans AI strategy and opportunity prioritization, workforce enablement and adoption, technology selection, practical governance, and scaling successful initiatives into repeatable business capabilities. Maya helps organizations identify where AI can create meaningful financial and operational impact, build a practical path from opportunity to execution, and establish the organizational capabilities and guardrails needed to adopt AI responsibly and at scale.
CEO
Black Paper Party
Future of Retail, AI and Innovation
Micro Coaching Sessions
Maya Hamilton is VP, AI Practice Lead at Sophelle, where she helps retail leaders turn AI opportunity into measurable business value. With more than 20 years inside retail — spanning merchandising and planning, P&L and digital leadership, and enterprise transformation at brands including Kipling, VF Corp, Ann Taylor, LOFT, and Banana Republic — Maya brings an operator’s perspective to AI transformation.Her work spans AI strategy and opportunity prioritization, workforce enablement and adoption, technology selection, practical governance, and scaling successful initiatives into repeatable business capabilities. Maya helps organizations identify where AI can create meaningful financial and operational impact, build a practical path from opportunity to execution, and establish the organizational capabilities and guardrails needed to adopt AI responsibly and at scale.
DAY ONE
THE B.I.G. AWARDS
BLAZE AWARD
Celebrates trailblazers who build pathways for others.
These honorees demonstrate exceptional leadership through their ability to overcome challenges, make bold moves, and create lasting change. Recipients of this award have also extended their influence to build pathways for others, connecting fellow professionals and serving as beacons for those ready to rise in their careers.
INNOVATE AWARD
Recognizes visionaries embracing cutting edge technology.
These forward-thinking leaders have demonstrated the power of creative thinking and driven meaningful change within their organizations or the broader industry.
GROW AWARD
Honors those who transform potential into momentum.
These recipients have cultivated the leaderships skills, strategic mindset, and industry expertise for exceptional career growth while simultaneously lifting others.
B.I.G. AWARD
Honors those who break barriers and drive transformative change.
Recipients of this prestigious award have made transformative contributions that advance WOCRA's vision to elevate women of color, diversify the C-suite, and transform the industry.
PERSONAL BRAND
ELEVATE YOUR PROFESSIONAL PRESENCE
Transform your professional image and make a lasting impression with our comprehensive Personal Brand Experience. We guide you through discovering your unique personal style, refining your presence, and showing up authentically and confidently in every room you enter.
WHAT YOU'LL RECIEVE
Professional Headshot Session
Pro-Artist Makeup Refresh
LinkedIn Profile Audit
DAY ONE | THURSDAY, OCT 1
RESILIENCE,
AI & AWARDS
Opening Keynote
State of the Industry
The Truth About Imposter Syndrome Anna Blue
Resilience & Motivation
Breakouts A /B/ C
Founder Marketplace
+ B.I.G.X moments
Sessions
Overview
Prompt-a-thon
Functional Application
DAY TWO | FRIDAY, OCT 2
LEADERSHIP & TECH
High-Energy Motivation
Main Stage
Main Stage Conversation
Moms First / McKinsey
Breakout Sessions
Tracks A/B/ C
Fireside Chat + Founder Spotlight
Finale
Curated Networking Lunch
Closing Statements
Sessions
Overview
Prompt-a-thon
Functional Application
DAY ONE & TWO
BREAKOUT TRACKS
A. Future of Retail & AI
Emerging tech and the disruptors reshaping retail.
B. Leadership & Career
Mentorship & pathways to the boardroom.
C. Wellness & Resilience
Prevent burnout. Lead with clarity.
Fireside Chat + Founder Spotlight
Finale
Sessions
Overview
Prompt-a-thon
Functional Application
THE B.I.G. AWARDS
BLAZE AWARD
Celebrates trailblazers who build pathways for others.
These honorees demonstrate exceptional leadership through their ability to overcome challenges, make bold moves, and create lasting change. Recipients of this award have also extended their influence to build pathways for others, connecting fellow professionals and serving as beacons for those ready to rise in their careers.
INNOVATE AWARD
Recognizes visionaries embracing cutting-edge technology.
These forward-thinking leaders have demonstrated the power of creative thinking and driven meaningful change within their organizations or the broader industry.
GROW AWARD
Honors those who transform potential into momentum.
These recipients have cultivated the leaderships skills, strategic mindset, and industry expertise for exceptional career growth while simultaneously lifting others.
B.I.G. AWARD
Honors those who break barriers and drive transformative change.
Recipients of this prestigious award have made transformative contributions that advance WOCRA's vision to elevate women of color, diversify the C-suite, and transform the industry.
DAY ONE
RECIPIENTS
B.I.G. AWARD
BRANDICE DANIEL
HARLEM'S FASHION ROW
PERSONAL BRAND
ELEVATE YOUR PROFESSIONAL PRESENCE
Transform your professional image and make a lasting impression with our comprehensive Personal Brand Experience. We guide you through discovering your unique personal style, refining your presence, and showing up authentically and confidently in every room you enter.
WHAT YOU'LL RECIEVE
Professional Headshot Session
Pro-Artist Makeup Refresh
LinkedIn Profile Audit
SIGNATURE B.I.G. MOMENTS
01
B.I.G. X STAGE
Rising voices. 8 powerful minutes. Every word, a spark.
Sessions
Overview
Prompt-a-thon
Functional Application
02
VENDOR MARKETPLACE
Shop with women and minority owned businesses. Collect stamps from all marketplace vendors to enter to win a chance for a free 2027 summit registration.
Sessions
Overview
Prompt-a-thon
Functional Application
03
LEADERSHIP & TECH
A community ritual creating emotional continuity between Summits.
Sessions
Overview
Prompt-a-thon
Functional Application
BIG X SPEAKERS
CEO
Women of Color Retail Alliance
In Conversation with Sunny Hostin: Resilience, Representation & the Power of Your Story
Co-Host & Bestselling Author
The View
In Conversation with Sunny Hostin: Resilience, Representation & the Power of Your Story
Timicka Anderson
Global Industry Head Consumer & Retail Commercial Banking
Citi
Success, Redefined: Winning on Our Own Terms
Global Head of Private Capital Practice
Egon Zehnder
The Shift: Power Moves & Career Pivots
CO-FOUNDER
LumiNicole Beauty
Retail Reimagined: Building the Future of Immersive, Location-Driven Retail
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featuring
SPECIAL GUEST
SUNNY HOSTIN
CO-HOST OF THE VIEW & BESTSELLING AUTHOR
September 25, 2025
8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Microsoft HQ, 11 Times Square, NYC
Join us for a day of learning and meaningful connection as we bring together industry leaders, changemakers, and rising talent.
Together, we'll share tools, forge connections, and drive the industrywide change we all seek.
Elevate your brand, connect with a passionate audience, and support a powerful cause.
Stay tuned for 2026 B.I.G. Summit Program
subscribe below to stay up-to-date
Subscribe below to stay up-to-date
CREDITS
Co-Producer: Lydia Smith, A New Thing Coaching & Consulting, LLC
Consulting Producer: Gabrielle Gayagoy Gonzalez, 3G Collaborative LLC
Digital Marketing: Rina Malonzo, Tink Tank Studio
PR & Marketing: Arionne Nettles, Bea & Baby Media
Social Media Specialist: Alexis Robinson
DJ: Jonathan Minor
Logistics Team: Bernardine Wu, Raquel Wall, Lisa R. Bannister
WOCRA Volunteers: Alice Kim, Aly Lee, Amrita Dutta-Gupta, Amy Schecter, Anita Smith, Grace Correy, Dr. Ilka Jordan-Whitaker, Jennifer Peterson, Karen Cho, Kristina Lopez, Melanie Lau, Michelle Toledo
