About this Event
Welcome to the Women's Equality Summit!
Come join us at the World's Fair Park for a day dedicated to empowering women and promoting gender equality. This in-person event will feature inspiring speakers, interactive workshops, and networking opportunities.
Don't miss this chance to connect with like-minded individuals, learn from industry leaders, and be part of the movement towards a more inclusive society. Together, we can make a difference!
Agenda
🕑: 05:00 PM - 08:30 PM
Friday October 24, 2025
🕑: 09:00 AM - 04:45 PM
Saturday October 25, 2025
🕑: 12:00 PM - 05:00 PM
Sunday October 26, 2025
Friday October 24, 2025
🕑: 05:00 PM - 05:15 PM
Welcome
Host: Indya Kincannon, Mayor, City of Knoxville
🕑: 05:15 PM - 05:30 PM
Keynote TBD
🕑: 05:30 PM - 06:00 PM
Women who Lead: Stories of success, resilience, and impact
Host: Indya Kincannon, Mayor, City of Knoxville
Info: Success is not a linear path. This intimate panel discussion brings together influential women from various fields to share their personal stories of perseverance, growth, and achievement. Designed for emerging leaders, executives, and anyone committed to advancing gender equality in the workplace.
🕑: 06:00 PM - 06:15 PM
Q & A
🕑: 06:15 PM - 06:20 PM
Sustainable Development Goals Overview
Host: Joe Stabb, PhD, APR
Info: The GIRL Institute believes that global cooperation is key to effective change. We will review how this aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations.
🕑: 06:20 PM - 07:00 PM
Feminist Jurisprudence: Women, Gender, and the Legal System
Host: Ursala Bailey
Info: A contemporary discussion on reproductive justice, gender-based violence, intersectionality in legal practice, and the future of gender identity and the law.
🕑: 07:00 PM - 07:15 PM
Q & A
🕑: 07:15 PM - 07:25 PM
2 - 7 Minute Speakers
Host: Tamara Fye
🕑: 07:25 PM - 08:00 PM
The Unspoken Burden: A Caregiving Reckoning
Host: DoMonica Bryan
Info: A data-driven discussion about the repercussions of unequal care. Listen as our panel speaks to the intergenerational nature of caregiving and suggests a need for a new, systematic solution.
🕑: 08:00 PM - 08:15 PM
Q and A
🕑: 08:15 PM - 08:30 PM
Keynote TBD
🕑: 08:30 PM - 09:00 PM
Announcements and Good Nights
Host: Michelle Silva
Saturday October 25, 2025
🕑: 09:00 AM - 09:45 AM
Registration & Networking
🕑: 09:45 AM - 10:00 AM
Welcome
Host: Michelle Silva
Info: Speaker
🕑: 10:00 AM - 10:30 AM
STEM
Host: Misty Mayes
Info: Panel
🕑: 10:30 AM - 10:45 AM
Q and A
Info: Q&A
🕑: 10:45 AM - 11:00 AM
Keynote
Info: Keynote
🕑: 11:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Women in Media: Shaping Stories, Shifting Power
Host: Joe Stabb, PhD, APR
Info: This panel brings together dynamic voices from journalism, public relations, entertainment, and digital media to explore the challenges and opportunities facing women in the industry today. Panelists will discuss representation, leadership, and the evolving influence of women in shaping narratives, driving innovation, and breaking barriers in media.
🕑: 11:30 AM - 11:45 AM
Q and A
Info: Q&A
🕑: 11:45 AM - 12:00 PM
2-7 Minute Speakers
🕑: 12:00 PM - 12:30 PM
Lunch
Info: N/A
🕑: 12:30 PM - 01:00 PM
Entrepreneurship
Host: Misty Mayes
Info: Panel
🕑: 01:00 PM - 01:15 PM
Q and A
Info: Q&A
🕑: 01:15 PM - 01:30 PM
Keynote
Host: Lady Tee Thompson
Info: Keynote
🕑: 01:30 PM - 02:00 PM
Amplify and Ascend: From Mentee to Mentor
Info: A topic-focused conversation around the full mentorship journey. Prepare to be inspired by a sisterhood to success pathway.
🕑: 02:00 PM - 02:15 PM
Q and A
Info: Q&A
🕑: 02:15 PM - 02:30 PM
2-7 Minute Speakers
Info: Speaker (2)
🕑: 02:30 PM - 03:00 PM
Beyond the Summit: Turning Equality into Action
Host: Kim Spoon
Info: As global crises and anti-gender narratives challenge decades of progress, this panel will explore how to build resilient and inclusive feminist movements that can withstand the backlash. Our panelists will discuss strategies for strengthening feminist alliances, fostering collaboration between different advocacy groups, and countering regressive trends with solidarity and innovation.
🕑: 03:00 PM - 03:15 PM
Q and A
Info: Q&A
🕑: 03:15 PM - 03:30 PM
2-7 Minute Speakers
Info: Speaker (2)
🕑: 03:30 PM - 04:00 PM
Building a Just Future: Women at the Forefront of Climate Justice
Host: Justin Pearson
Info: This discussion will explore how traditionally masculine norms, which emphasize dominance and control, have driven unsustainable practices and excluded women's perspectives from key climate policy decisions. This panel will begin by acknowledging the evidence that women and girls are disproportionately affected by climate fueled events.
🕑: 04:00 PM - 04:15 PM
Q and A
Info: Q&A
🕑: 04:15 PM - 04:45 PM
Uncaged Voice: a Rallying Cry for the Voice of Women in Song
Host: Gloria Johnson
Info: A unique and intimate discussion led by the voices of our allies in music. A powerful and evocative panel told by our sisters in the music industry. Hear as they share their personal journeys through an industry which reflects a masculine voice and a patriarchal system to radio success.
Sunday October 26, 2025
🕑: 12:00 PM - 12:30 PM
Beyond the Scoreboard: Empowering Women Through Sport
Info: This panel will examine the critical role of sports in achieving gender parity. The conversation will focus on actionable strategies for change, highlighting the power of sports to build confidence, build leadership skills and contribute to team building and mentoring among girls of all ages.
🕑: 12:30 PM - 12:45 PM
Q & A
Info: Q&A
🕑: 12:45 PM - 01:00 PM
2-7 minute speakers
Info: Speaker
🕑: 01:00 PM - 01:30 PM
Decoding Your Body: A Woman's Guide to Every Decade
Host: Paula Millsaps
Info: This vital discussion will explore the systematic factors that impact women's health, and the actionable steps for healthcare access and the importance for advocating for equitable care. The conversation will cover a range of topics from experts to examine policy and options to better understand your body. This panel will greatly rely on audience feedback and participation through questions and discussion.
🕑: 01:30 PM - 01:45 PM
Q & A
🕑: 01:45 PM - 02:00 PM
TBD
Info: Speaker
🕑: 02:00 PM - 02:30 PM
The Weight of Unseen Burdens: Trauma, Intersectionality, and Fight for Equalit
Host: Seema Singh
Info: This discussion will explore the often compounding experiences of trauma among women from different backgrounds. This panel will discuss factors such as race, class, sexuality, and how they influence access to healing. By exploring topics such as gender-based violence, historical trauma, and the mental health burden on women, this discussion will highlight the crucial need to integrate trauma-informed approaches into our efforts for equality.
🕑: 02:30 PM - 02:45 PM
Q & A
🕑: 02:45 PM - 03:00 PM
TBD
Info: Speaker
🕑: 03:00 PM - 03:30 PM
The Confidence Code: Reclaiming Your Financial Future
Host: Kim Henry
Info: For too long women have been taught to save but not to own their financial future. This dynamic panel will discuss the steps you can take to gain financial power in your life immediately. A lively discussion from powerful women on amplifying your financial voice in your own life. Join us to discuss the emotional and practical barriers women face with money and leave with approachable frameworks and insights to view money as a powerful tool for creating the life you want.
🕑: 03:30 PM - 03:45 PM
Q & A
🕑: 03:45 PM - 04:00 PM
2026 Goals and AI
Host: Robin Brown
Info: Keynote
🕑: 04:00 PM - 04:15 PM
2-7 minute speakers
Info: Speaker (2)
🕑: 04:15 PM - 05:00 PM
Final Thank you and Wrap
Host: Lisa Smith
Event Venue & Nearby Stays
World's Fair Park, 525 Henley Street, Knoxville, United States
USD 41.86 to USD 81.88
