Leading Ladies Of…
Industry
Virtual | July 16th 2025 | #leadingladiesof
Main Stage Content: 9:00am-1:00pm PST / 11:00-3:00pm CT / 12:00pm-4:00pm EST/ 5:00pm-9pm GMT
Optional Networking and Careers Workshops before and after the main event
Are you looking to up-level your leadership skills while getting supported by women and allies in industry, but struggling with budget? Then take advantage of our new VIRTUAL summit Leading Ladies Of… Industry!
Building on 5 successful years of Summits for the Aerospace, Defense & Space industries, connecting 1000s of women and allies, we’ve finally answered the call to EXPAND our network to include other industries. Through our work we’ve seen promotions & career pivots, expanded networks, friendships, mentorships, and – most importantly – a sense of belonging in an unsettling world, and we can’t wait to bring that to more people!
Join us from your desk or WFH office for a day to remember – but expect the impact to continue for years to come.
Useful Links:
Hours of Learning & Networking
Amazing Speakers
Attendees
Companies
Why Sponsor
Attract Future Talent
Leadership & Education
Delivered by Industry role models
Speaking Opportunities
Position yourself as an Industry thought leader
Global Brand Recognition
In front of professionals from many continents
Commitment to Inclusivity
Make a statement to your employees and future talent
A Word From Our Founder About Our Pivot
For the last 4 years we have hosted our Defense & Space Summit in the spring, enabling leaders in our industry to share their advice with the women and allies coming up behind them. The actionable advice and connections made have positively impacted 1000s of people and our virtual format has provided an opportunity for everyone to be involved, with growing support year over year from many leading space and defense companies.
The changing landscape in the US with Executive Orders and Tariffs has had a significant impact on Military and Defense companies, who have been key to producing past summits. At Leading Ladies Of… we wanted to ensure we are being sensitive and considerate of the challenges they are facing and give them the space to navigate their new normal. Our April 24th Leading Ladies Of… Defense & Space Summit was postponed for 2025 only. HOWEVER, recognizing that community is essential to weathering challenging times, we will be forging ahead with an alternative event….
LEADING LADIES OF… presents THE INDUSTRY LEADERSHIP SUMMIT
For years people have been requesting we expand our scope at Leading Ladies to include other industries, and now is the perfect time for us to do that. Our supportive community needs each other more than ever, and it’s time that we expand our networks beyond aerospace, defense and space to include other sectors, such as tech, construction, healthcare, scientific research, and more. As with all of our events from day 1 of our launch in 2020, EVERYONE is invited!
Why do this? Workforce challenges are common across all industries, and by expanding our reach we will be able to ensure our community accesses even more diverse perspectives and experiences. Even more importantly, you can never have too many people rooting for you and supporting you, so it’s time to turbo-charge our networks and access to leadership knowledge!
WE NEED YOUR HELP!
While we are excited about our new chapter, we know this is a bold move and the Leading Ladies Of… team would appreciate your support in helping us bring this to life! The Industry Leadership Summit will be more successful if it’s built by our community, so we are asking for your support in building it. How can you help?
- Recommend role models in that you think would make great SPEAKERS for our event.
- Connect us with companies that would be interested in SPONSORING this Summit, so we can keep it affordable and accessible to everyone.
- Spread the word to your peers in other industries – especially HR leaders – and help CONNECT US to them through introductions.
If you can help, or even want to play a role in helping us shape this summit, please reach out to us here, or at leadingladies@mckayunlimited.com
Event Pricing
For one year only we’re going back to our COVID era pricing but welcome any and all support to fund our important mission in these challenging times!
- Early Career: $15
- Mid Career & Junior Management: $25
- Experienced Management & Executives: $35
Help us connect with women & allies who need to be involved in the upcoming Industry Summit!

Event Logistics
Our summits are designed to be affordable & accessible for everyone. The virtual Zoom Events platform allows us to attract attendees from all across the globe.
Networking rooms and exhibit booths will be open from 8am-2pm PST, while the main content will be delivered from 9am-1pm PST. Structured networking opportunities will be available before & after the main content.
2025 LLOI Speakers Coming Soon!
Examples of Past Event Speakers

Jessica Cox
World's First & Only Armless Pilot

Kristin Houston
President, Space Propulsion and Power Systems
L3 Harris Technologies

Col. Taona A. Enriquez
Commander, 66th Air Base Group, Hanscom Air Force Base
United States Air Force

Dr. Kyla Tennin
Global Ambassador for Peace
United Nations

Joe McClain
Director, Supply Chain
EATON

Jillian Brazier
Director of Sales
Tektronix Component Solutions

Joe McDermott
Vice President Cabin Operations & Services
Delta Air Lines

SMSgt Crystal Ebert
Senior Enlisted Leader, 4th Electromagnetic Warfare Squadron (4 EWS)
US Space Force

Mariana Perez- Mora
VP Equity Research
Bank of America

Nikki Bell
Director of Program Finance
Tyonek Native Corp

Gitika Gorthi
Founder & CEO
IgnitedThinkers

Cheryl Paradis
Vice President & General Manager, FAST Labs
BAE Systems, Inc.

Jill Albertelli
President, Military Engines
Pratt & Whitney

Amanda Stapleton
Vice President of Software & Digital Engineering
Belcan

Cari Ossenfort
Sr. Vice President & General Manager
Leonardo DRS
DRAFT AGENDA


Speaker Highlights from past Summits
Don’t Hold Yourself Back
Like Father, Like Daughter: Why allyship Needs to Start at Home
Making Global Uncertainty Work for Your Business
From Failure to Thriving