See What Happened at Our All Virtual 2020 Event
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Sessions at a Glance

See all 17 Women’s Summit EXPERIENCE sessions in one place.

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Click here for our Code of Conduct

$25 - All inclusive

Sessions

Sat. June 20

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12 – 1pm EDT

Opening Rally

The Women’s Summit EXPERIENCE will kick off on Saturday, June 20th at 12 noon with an energizing Opening Rally that will get you out of your Zoom chair and on your feet celebrating what we accomplished in 2019 and inspiring us for the work ahead in getting Democrats to the polls in November.

Here’s what to expect in this *ALL STAR* celebration: Senator Elizabeth Warren, Senator Tammy Duckworth, Speaker Del. Eileen Filler-Corn, Majority Leader Del. Charneile Herring, our 2020 candidates including Rep. Don Beyer, Rep. Gerry Connelly, Rep. Elaine Luria, Rep. Abigail Spanberger, Rep. Jennifer Wexton, and Senator Mark Warner, musical performances by Crys Matthews and Ali Handal & Patricia Bahia, spoken word poem by Tammarrah Addison, and, of course, our own grassroots activists champions.

Sun. June 21

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12 – 2 pm EDT

LEADERSHIP BOOTCAMP – Owning Chaos 1:2

Chaos dominates our daily lives through our politics, and now even our public health. Join Delegate Sam Rasoul and the team at the The Impact Center for a Women's Summit exclusive 2-part leadership bootcamp we're calling Owning Chaos. These sessions build on The Impact Center's extremely popular "Winning with New Power" training, with updated and expanded material to address our current time of chaos. Part 1 is Sun, June 21 and Part 2 is Sun, June 28.
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7 – 8 pm EDT

BADASS Women Organizers Flipping the Nation Blue

Women have a unique way of organizing and have been an incredible force behind the blue wave. This empowering session will start off exploring how women were the agents of change in Loudoun County, VA in 2019 by running for office and creating an incredible ground game. Their work (our work and yours!) resulted in historic Democratic wins up and down the ballot. Then organizers, from Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, and North Carolina will join the conversation as they compare and share strategies on how women are going to get out the vote in 2020.

FEATURED ORGANIZERS
Loudoun County, VA 

Outside of Virginia

Mon. June 22

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5 – 6 pm EDT

Coalition Conversation Part 1: 2020 Legislative Unpack

Come learn what worked and what didn’t over the course of this year’s legislative session from members of the Virginia Grassroots Coalition.
Luisa Boyarski  (Virginia Grassroots Coalition Coordinator) will moderate this conversation with Sharon Shutler (Co-Chair, Clean Energy and Climate Working Group), Michelle Wooley (Leader, Coalition to Repeal Right to Work), Brad Haywood, (Leader, Justice Forward Virginia) and Gary Broderick (Legislative Strategist, Rise for Youth). They will discuss what worked well and what major barriers were faced in advocacy, as well as how to prepare for the 2021 legislative session.
After the panel discussion you’ll have the opportunity to network with other summit participants in breakout rooms and discuss your personal experiences and goals with advocacy. Take a front row seat, from the comfort of your couch, and join us for this special and engaging conversation.
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7 – 8 pm EDT

Coalition Conversation Part 2: Focus on Climate & Clean Energy

Did you know that in 2020 the General Assembly passed the largest slate of clean energy bills ever in Virginia? This panel will discuss how climate change and clean energy were legislated during the 2020 session.
Join Senator Jennifer McClellan, Delegate Rip Sullivan, Ivy Main (Renewable Energy Chair, Virginia Chapter of the Sierra Club), Dana Wiggins (Director of Outreach & Consumer Advocacy, Virginia Poverty Law Center), Cliona Robb (Director, Thompson McMullan, P.C.) and moderator Sharon Shutler (Co-Chair of Climate & Clean Energy Working Group, Virginia Grassroots Coalition) as they explore the important role that grassroots voices played in the process, and their hopes for 2021.

Tues. June 23

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12 – 1 pm EDT

PRIMARY DAY POWER LUNCH: Politics of Voting

Join us for an incredible power lunch discussion on new ideas on how to approach getting out the vote this primary and election season. In the age of COVID-19, we need to be prepared for changes in ways in which progressive candidates will be elected. Neera Tanden (Center for American Progress) will provide a national perspective and Gaby Goldstein (Sister District) will share her state level recommendations as they discuss new approaches to getting out the vote while social distancing.

Wed. June 24

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12 – 1 pm EDT

POWER LUNCH: 2020 Predictions

Curious what current predictions are for 2020 races? This Power Lunch is hosted by two powerful women who have the answers. Rachel Bitecofer (Christopher Newport University) will give her predictions based on her Bitecofer Election Model, and Swing Left Political Director Ashlei Blue will follow with a Senate Forecast. Get excited for a data-driven, down and dirty Power Lunch with these brilliant women!
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7 – 8 pm EDT

Winning Essential Rights for Essential and “Nonessential” Workers

In this time of Covid-19, the absence of paid leave in this country has deepened the effect of this personal and public health catastrophe, leaving no one untouched. It is time to honor honest, hard work and put Virginia’s families first. Join the Virginia Campaign for a Family Friendly Economy, Senators Jennifer Boysko and Jennifer McClellan, Delegate Jennifer Carroll Foy, Paige D’A. Perriello, MD, and Shilpa Phadke from the Center for American Progress to discuss how to win essential economic rights to better protect workers, families, and especially women.

Thurs. June 25

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12 – 1 pm EDT

POWER LUNCH: Getting Real on Race 

In order to eliminate racism, we must dismantle the systems which cause it. Join us as we "Get Real" about racism and discuss how we can all play a part in destroying these and other "isms".
This session, based on the NAACP’s program, will convene a powerhouse group of women leaders (Karen Boykin Towns, NAACP; Marjorie Velazquez, Community Leader; Dr. Melvena Wilson, Center for Advocacy and Research on Health Equity; and Wendy Fields, Democracy Initiative, and moderator Krysta Jones, Vote, Run Lead) who will explore concepts such allyship, trust, and finding common ground. Participants will leave with action steps to help them dismantle racism in their own communities.
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7 – 8 pm EDT

Raising Rural Voices

It's time for us to stop and listen to rural voices.

Join an honest and meaningful discussion about the challenges and opportunities Democrats have in our rural  communities. The first part of the session features former candidates Jennifer Woofter and Christian Worth along with rural activists Lynlee Thomas and Ian McNally who all have on-the-ground experience in running for office, managing campaigns and organizing in rural areas.The second part of the hour, we hear from elected officials Delegates Chris Hurst  and Wendy Gooditis, advocates Vee Fry (Rural Caucus) and Sister Simone Campbell (Network Lobby), grassroots activists, and moderator Lindsey Davis Stover (Edwards, Davis, Stover & Assoc.) on what it will take to win in rural Virginia. The purpose of this conversation is to raise the profile of Democratic voices in rural communities and come together to make Democrats competitive in every race throughout Virginia.

 

Fri. June 26

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5 – 6 pm EDT

Cocktails & Conversation with Women Senators

Curious about the inside scoop on what it’s like to be a woman in the Virginia State Senate? Join Senators Jennifer Boysko, Barbara Favola, Ghazala Hashmi, Janet Howell, Mamie Locke, Louise Lucas, and Jennifer McClellan as they share their insights into how women are affecting power in Richmond while still putting up with…well, you know.
This entertaining happy hour with all seven of the Democratic women of the Virginia State Senate * will be a fun way to relate and get inspired!
*Did you know the Virginia Senate has the highest proportion of women occupying seats in its history (11 of 40 seats).

Sat. June 27

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12 – 1 pm EDT

POWER LUNCH: BFFs + Unlikely Partners – How Women Build Community

Rather than competing with others, why not harness the collective energy through collaboration instead? This is exactly the approach taken by Kate Viggiano-Janich and Amy Dagliano, co-founders of Rowan Tree, a women-focused co-workspace.
In this Power Lunch, Kate and Amy will show how women are incredible community builders and how we can build each other up and bridge differences in business, politics, and life. 

Sun. June 28

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12 – 2 pm EDT

LEADERSHIP BOOTCAMP – Owning Chaos 2:2

Chaos dominates our daily lives through our politics, and now even our public health. Join Del. Sam Rasoul and the team at the The Impact Center for Part 2 of this Women's Summit exclusive leadership bootcamp: Owning Chaos. This leadership bootcamp builds n The Impact Center's extremely popular "Winning with New Power" training, with updated and expanded material to address our current time of chaos.
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7 – 8 pm EDT

Let’s Talk ERA – What’s Next?

What's next in achieving ratification of the ERA in the wake of the Trump administration's lawsuits? Come learn how we are fighting back, and what you can do to help.

Even though Virginia was the 38th state to ratify the Equal Rights Amendment, the Trump administration and ERA opponents are actively constructing roadblocks to ratification. Founders of the newly formed Virginia chapter of National Women’s Political Caucus (represented by Andrea Miller, Kati Hornung, and Eileen Davis), along with Attorney General Mark Herring and Deputy Solicitor General Michelle Kallen will review where we are today, the future of the ERA, and how women can use their power to finish what we started nearly 100 years ago. 

Mon. June 29

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7 – 8 pm EDT

Media & Disinformation

We all know how important it is to be able to distinguish fact from fiction and to identify conspiracy led rumors.Get excited for a session and a live Q&A with some of the people helping to shine a light on truth in the media. Lilly Strieder from New Blue Interactive, Lori Coleman from DemCast and Mindy Burrell of the Woman’s National Democratic Club are experts in countering mistruths and incorporating grassroots messaging.
In 2020 the greatest threat to our democracy is the propagation of disinformation in social media and in the news.

Tues. June 30

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5 – 6:15 pm EDT

Black Women Lead

Who runs the world? Girls! Join Senator Mamie Locke, Senator Jennifer McClellan, Delegate Jennifer Carroll Foy, and young women of color for a conversation on ladies and leadership. Moderating this conversation on public policies that impact women are Girls for Change members Genisus Holland and Joi Coleman, and student representative from the Fairfax County Commission for Women, Kayla Rothstein. Hosted by Krysta Jones (Vote Lead Impact) and Lisa Sales (Chair, Fairfax County Commission for Women), this lively conversation will also touch on the importance of messaging, mentoring, and encouraging young women to take leadership roles.
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7 – 8 pm EDT

Finale Rally with 2020 Candidates

After an incredible Summit, let’s celebrate by hearing from our 2020 candidates and campaigns as we begin the big push to Get Out the Vote for the November election.

Join us for a final Power Rally with Senator Mark Warner, many of our Congressional Delegation–Don Beyer, Abigail Spanberger, Elaine Luria, Jennifer Wexton, and Gerry Connolley–Coordinated Campaign leaders Lauren Reyes and Tonya James and Andrew Whitley from the Democratic Party of Virginia. We’ll close, as we do every Women’s Summit, with Jill Caiazzo of the Arlington Democrats reflecting on the Summit and how BADASS women organizers are getting it done in Virginia!

Code of Conduct

The Women’s Summit organizers want to provide a friendly and informative event for all participants that creates a community of mutual respect and open-mindedness. We will not tolerate harassment, in any form, at any event sponsored by Network NoVA. LLC, this includes all Sessions during the 10-days as well as all Pre and Post Summit workshops.

All participants are expected to observe these rules and behaviors in all online venues, and Summit social events. Summit participants seek to learn, network and have fun. Please do so responsibly and with respect for the right of others to do likewise. Participants asked to stop a hostile or harassing behavior are expected to comply immediately. Summit participants violating these rules may be sanctioned or expelled from the conference without a refund at the discretion of the Network NoVA team.

 

Read the Full Code of Conduct

Winning is the ONLY option in 2020

Join the Women’s Summit Experience – June 20 -30, 2020 – as we continue the momentum to clean out the White House, flip the Senate and hold the Congressional seats we won in 2018! 
$25 - One flat fee for everything

Thank You

A big Thank You to all our Sponsors, Partners and Supporters. We couldn’t put on this event without you!

Sponsors

Partners

Workshop Sponsor

Senator Barbara Favola

Supporters

Cynthia H. Akuetteh, Lala Fatima Alaoui, Amy Angel, Margaret Athey, Amy Bauer, Clare Bawden, Joanne Bebel, Bonnie Beckett, Kate Bird, Nancy Bleeker, Uva Branham, Judy Branting, Lisa Bridges, Erica Brouillette, Carrie Bruns, Mary-Nell Bryant, Marianne Burke, Melinda Burrell, Susan Byrd Lubert, Jill Caiazzo, Stair Calhoun, Jan Callaway, sharon canner, Giselle Caruso, Freeda Cathcart, Carol Catron, Nutan Chada, Surekha Cohen, Joanne Collins, Becky Conner , Joyce Connery, Laura Cowell, Aisha Bonner Cozad, Ralph Craft, Greg Cranston, Jan Cranston, Ruth Crocker, Donna Cywinski, Carolyn D. Woodard, Eileen  Davis, Lynn Davis, Mary de la Fe, Chris DeRosa, Urvi Desai, Jessica Dheere, Diane Dresdner, Leslie Emery, Scott Emery, Elizabeth Engel, Louise Evans, Mary Farrell, Sara Finn, karen flann, Lisa Fleming, Kathy Freise, Eryn Gable, Julie Galdo (Writing to Win), Charlotte Gibson, Frankie Gibson, Maggie Godbold, Synnove Granholm, Emily Haines, Susan Harford, Beverly Harrison, Kimberly Haun, Dana Hawkins, Holly Hazard, Lee Helfrich, Nancy Hoadley, Kathie Hoekstra, Katherine Hoffman, Karen Hoskins, Shirley Hottot, Elizabeth Hull, Annette Hyde, Brenda Jackson-Sewell, Yvonne Jefferson, Barbara Jones, Krysta Jones, Deborah Joyce, Herschel Kanter, Shakta Khalsa, Nancy Kliewer, Melissa Knutson, Amy Kossoff, Bridget Kraft, Bridget Kraft, Nancy Kredel, Janice Kuch, Annette Lang, Lara Larson, Renise Leresche, Ronnie Levin, Kim Lewis Gibson, Marie Ann Leyko, Jacqui Lieberman, Janis Linkov-Johnson, Millie Lyons, Laurie MacNamara, linda mann, Kathleen Marmet, Andrea Martens, Laura Martinez, Jane Materna, Cassandra Matt, Sally Mattson, Pam McCoach, Charlotte McConnell, Genie McCreery, Darlene McGiveron, Martha Mickens, Douglas Miller, Vicki Moffitt, Michelle Moore, Ann More, Nancy Morgan, Monica Morris, Kathleen Mullen, Illana Naylor, Allison Niedbala, Carol Olson, Allena Opper, Denis Orsinger, Natalia Parmly, Kat Patterson, Christine Payne, Patricia Perkins-Auguste, Theresa Peters, Natalie Pien, Marni Pilafian, Marni Pilafian, Tracy Pless, Dana Pratt, Ilene Price, Peggy Pridemore, Cathy Rhodes, Daniel Richard, Rachel Rifkind, Lynn Riggs,  Emily Satterwhite, Allie Saunier, Rose Savino, Janet Scaffido, Irene Schubert, Stan Scott, Briana Sewell, Laura Sharon, Julie Shepard, Laurie Sherman, Stacy Shorter, Sharon Shutler, Barbara Silversmith, diana smith, Angela Smith-Mackey, Miriam Smolen, Stacy Snyder, Michael L Sternad, Michael L Sternad, Susan Stillman, Julie Strandlie, Gabriele Strauch, Catherine Sullivan, Cindy Sussan, Joanne Sweeney, Shelley Tamres, Kendy Taylor, Shannon Taylor, Elaine Tholen, Kathryn Thomas, Lanita Thweatt, Mary Tondreau, Mary Tondreau, Martha Trunk, Pilar Uelmen, Ann Unitas, Janna Unterzuber, Kim Van Buren, Yvette Van Hise, Maria J Vorel, Jennifer Wainright, E.B. Webster, Diane Weeks, Ann Wheeler, Terese White, Kathryn Whitener, Sallie Williams, Christian Worth, Sharon Wunder, Ann Wyborski, Kim Wyman, and Louise Ziebell

In the News

Making Change Radio

1-17-2020

Stair Calhoun and Katherine White of Network NoVA talk about the 2020 Women’s Summit with host Catherine Read.

Listen Now

When We Vote, We Win

1-16-2020

Article in Blue Virginia about the upcoming Women’s Summit for Political Engagement.

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Network NoVA Talks Women’s Summit

5-6-2019

This episode of Inside Scoop focuses on Network NoVA and its powerhouse Women’s Summit.

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Invest in the Grassroots

3-19-2019

Article in Blue Virginia about the importance of investing and supporting the work of grassroots activists in Virginia.

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NETWORK NOVA

Our mission is to connect with others in Virginia and beyond for the purpose of promoting the democratic values of equality, justice, and human rights by creating opportunities for political engagement and civic participation to educate, engage, and empower voters, candidates, and elected officials. We strive to strengthen partnerships and build broad coalitions to continues the progress of winning back electoral power. We do not endorse candidates in the primary process unless the candidate is unopposed. We produce the annual Women’s Summit, the weekly Friday Power Lunches, and more

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