9th Annual Santa Clara County Women’s Leadership and Policy Summit

Supervisor Betty Duong, in partnership with the Valley Health Foundation, invites you to the 9th Annual Santa Clara County Women’s Leadership and Policy Summit—a powerful gathering of women, leaders, advocates, students, professionals, and community members committed to creating meaningful change throughout Santa Clara County.

Join us on Saturday, October 10, 2026, at the San José State University for a full day of learning, connection, inspiration, and action.

Help us recognize the individuals, organizations, and groups making a meaningful difference in Santa Clara County.

Nominations are now open for the 2026 Women’s Leadership & Policy Summit Awards, which will honor community members whose leadership, courage, service, and collaboration are helping create positive change.

Award categories include:

1. Luminary Award
2. Courage to Act Award
3. Unsung (S)hero Award
4. Collaborative Spirit Award
5. Women’s Champion Award
6. Emerging Leaders Award

Nomination Deadline: Monday, September 14, 2026, by midnight

Submit a Nomination:

You may submit more than one nomination. Please submit a separate nomination form for each nominee and award category.

Supporting materials may also be submitted to [email protected].

The Summit will feature inspiring keynote speakers, community leaders, interactive workshops, professional development opportunities, youth and intergenerational programming, career and community resources, networking, awards, and practical tools attendees can take with them beyond the Summit.

This year’s sessions will explore leadership, advocacy, career advancement, health, policy, community action, emerging technology, and more.

1. Organizing for Change: Turning Community Power into Action
2. Women’s Health: From Data to Action
3. Next Generation Leaders: Youth Voice in Action
4. Take Charge of Your Personal Brand and Your Career
5. AI Fluency for Career Builders: Tools, Prompts & Practical Use Cases
6. The Power We Hold: LGBTQ Women Leading Change
7. Training: De-escalation Training
8. Training: Rapid Response Network Training

1. Women Who Lead: Building Influence, Advancing Policy, and Creating Change
2. Women Who Shape Policy: From Voice to Influence
3. From Burnout to Balance: Leading Without Losing Yourself
4. Disability Leadership: Beyond Access to Power
5. Cross Generations: Women, Girls & Families in Conversation
6. Philanthropy in Action: Catalyzing Change
7. Training: Legal Observer Training
8. Training: We Keep Us Safe: Community Care & Mutual Aid in Practice

Additional session details and panelists will be announced as they are confirmed.

Attendees will also have opportunities to connect with employers, recruiters, career professionals, and community partners through our Career Hub.

Activities may include:

• Professional headshots
• Resume reviews
• LinkedIn profile reviews
• Career coaching and mentorship
• Job and internship opportunities
• Entrepreneurship and small business resources
• Connections to employers and community organizations

Whether you are entering the workforce, advancing your career, changing fields, returning to work, or exploring entrepreneurship, the Career Hub is designed to help you take your next step.

Throughout the day, attendees can also explore:

• Community Resource Fair
• Art and creative activation stations
• Medi-Cal enrollment and re-enrollment assistance
• Health and wellness resources
• Networking opportunities
• Raffle prizes and special activities

Date: Saturday, October 10, 2026

Program Begins: 9:30 a.m. (Registration opens at 8:30 a.m.)

Location: San José State University | Student Union

Registration is encouraged. Additional information about the program schedule, speakers, workshops, parking, accessibility, and registration will be shared with registered attendees as it becomes available.

Come ready to learn, connect, share your strengths, and take action.

Every strength. Every role. Everyone.

Childcare Sign-Up: If you need childcare assistance, please contact Ly Vo directly at . Please RSVP by Monday, October 5, 2026.

If you are interested in volunteering for the event, you can sign up here ()

For more information about sponsoring the event or making a donation to support the 2026 Women’s Leadership & Policy Summit, please visit:

We look forward to your participation in this important and inspiring event.

The Santa Clara County Women’s Leadership and Policy Summit brings together people from across generations, communities, professions, and lived experiences to learn from one another and build stronger connections.

This full-day event will feature engaging workshops, thoughtful discussions, inspiring speakers, professional development opportunities, community resources, and interactive activities designed to equip participants with practical knowledge, tools, and networks.

Through conversations focused on leadership, policy, advocacy, career development, health, wellness, civic engagement, and community action, participants will explore how they can use their individual strengths to create meaningful and lasting change.

The Summit is more than a one-day event - it's a movement. It is a space to build relationships, exchange ideas, strengthen community, and inspire action beyond the Summit.

Info: • Coffee and Breakfast Pastries
• Resource Fair
• Activation Stations

Info: • Land Acknowledgement • Welcome remarks

Info: 1. Courage to Act Award
2. Unsung (S)hero Award
3. Collaborative Spirit Award

Info: Topic: Preparing Women and Girls to Succeed in an AI-driven World

Info: 1. Luminary Award
2. Women’s Champion Award

Event venue & nearby stays

North Parking Garage, South 10th Street, San Jose, United States

Concerts, fests, parties, meetups — all the happenings, one place.

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