Linder Labs: Women at the Helm of Change + Impact
November 18, 2024
The Pendry Washington DC - The Wharf
The Event
Linder Labs: Women at the Helm of Change + Impact
November 18
9:30 - 12:00 pm
Join an exclusive group of trailblazing professionals as we explore the transformative role women play now, and will continue to play over the next 100 years. Our "Leading with Legacy" Linder Lab is an intimate, invite-only experience designed for executive-level peers to collectively engage in strategic discussions about women's immense and evolving impact in leadership and innovation across all industries. Together, we'll examine how these shifts will influence the global landscape, shape the future of business, culture, and society and how we can build future generational success.
Keynote Speaker
Dr. Elizabeth Babcock, founding director of Smithsonian American Women’s History Museum, will share her inspiring journey in shaping a museum dedicated to preserving and amplifying the stories of women who have influenced history. This keynote will explore the groundbreaking efforts behind the museum’s creation, the legacy it seeks to honor, and the powerful lessons these narratives bring to future generations, highlighting the museum’s mission to serve as a catalyst for dialogue, empowerment, and progress for women, igniting a shared commitment among today’s leaders to carry forward the momentum of women’s empowerment.
Elizabeth C. Babcock is the founding director of the Smithsonian American Women’s History Museum. She leads efforts to define the museum’s curatorial priorities and develop collaborations recognizing women’s contributions to U.S. history. With a background in anthropology and public engagement, she has previously served as the CEO of Forever Balboa Park and held leadership roles at the California Academy of Sciences. Babcock has an extensive career in education, public engagement, and museum leadership.
For more details, visit Elizabeth Babcock's bio.
Featured Panelists
Linder Labs presents a powerful panel of leading women entrepreneurs who are making a profound impact across industries. In a candid conversation, they’ll explore the realities, challenges, and triumphs of women in leadership, highlighting the essential roles of community, mentorship, and collaboration in achieving lasting success. The discussion will also delve into how these trailblazers are fostering inclusivity and creating legacies that inspire the next generation of female leaders. Attendees will gain valuable insights on resilience, growth, and driving meaningful change in their own fields and communities.
Asima Ahmad, MD, MPH, FACOG, is the Co-founder and Chief Medical Officer (CMO) of Carrot Fertility, the leading global fertility and family-building platform providing care for everyone, everywhere. As Carrot’s CMO, Dr. Ahmad leads clinical strategy, overseeing the company’s expansive network and telehealth program, which offers access to more than 10,000 reproductive endocrinologists, urologists, adoption experts, mental health experts, OB/GYNs, doulas, and midwives.
Pia Carusone is a managing director at SKDK, overseeing the day-to-day management of the firm’s political department. She brings over 15 years of campaign, communications, media, and brand development work to her clients at SKDK. After years of winning tough campaigns, Pia met U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords and they quickly bonded over growing up in Republican families. Pia became the youngest female chief of staff in the House when she joined Gabby’s team. After the stunning and horrific Tucson shooting, Pia was recognized on the floor of Congress for her leadership role in the aftermath.
An award-winning entrepreneur, philanthropist, political appointee, and economic activist, Natalie has provided some of the nation's most prominent CEOs of billion-dollar organizations, executives of global brands, senior advisors to the White House, mayors of leading national cities, and community activists and leaders with inspiration, insight and advisement.
Her efforts have been responsible for supporting the deployment of more than $200 million in funding to eco-systems and entrepreneurs throughout the country.
Rebecca, a leader, entrepreneur, and innovator, stands as a beacon of inspiration not only in the global event industry but across the broader landscape of consulting, leadership, and entrepreneurship. With over thirty years of visionary leadership, her passion for strategic convening, cutting-edge design, and seamless production has propelled her to the forefront of the field and beyond. At the helm of Linder Global Enterprises—which encompasses Linder Global Events, Linder Consulting, and Linder Live with more to come—Rebecca leads with a focus on creating experiences that transcend traditional boundaries.
Jodie W. McLean is a visionary business leader who believes in the power of retail to connect people and shape places that are the center of community life. As CEO of EDENS, she leads the strategic evolution of the company’s platform capabilities and high-quality portfolio. Overall, she has been responsible for the development, redevelopment, acquisition and disposition of more than $20 billion in retail and mixed-use real estate assets. A graduate of USC’s Moore School of Business, Jodie is Chairman of the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond and serves on various boards, including Cushman & Wakefield, Wofford College and Milhaus.
Nicole Lynn Lewis is the founder and Chief Executive Officer of Generation Hope, a nonprofit organization that surrounds motivated teen parents and their children with the mentors, emotional support, and financial resources that they need to thrive in college and kindergarten, thereby driving a two-generation solution to poverty. A former teen mother who put herself through the College of William & Mary with her three-month-old daughter in tow, Nicole now works every day to change the statistic that less than 2% of teen mothers will earn their degrees before age 30.
Barbara Polk is the chief operating officer at JFF. She is responsible for setting the vision for the strategic use of JFF’s resources and leading the change management efforts necessary to position the organization to continue to scale and evolve. She oversees and ensures that business operations provide effective support and collaboration, contributing to the achievement of JFF’s North Star.
lisa wise is an entrepreneur, activist, author and all around bird lady. Social justice defines her work. As an entrepreneur, lisa founded Nest DC in 2008, a residential property management company that tends to two billion dollars in assets. As an activist, lisa recognized real estate policy and practice has diminished BIPOC access to homeownership. In 2020, she founded birdSEED, a no-strings attached, down payment grant program that brings equity and equity to grantees.
What are Linder Labs?
Linder Labs are unique, strategic engagements that bring seasoned professionals together to delve into current trends and innovative solutions affecting both professional and personal spheres. Our goal is to foster productive, safe conversations that spark new insights and provide networking opportunities among thought leaders. Each Lab's carefully designed format encourages dynamic, solution-oriented dialogue and meaningful connections.
Why attend Linder Labs?
Linder Labs convenes a thoughtfully curated group of industry leaders, each invited for their exceptional influence and innovation across various fields. Our participants are changemakers and forward-thinkers who enrich the collaborative environment with fresh perspectives and actionable insights. Dedicated to fostering open and candid dialogue, Linder Labs creates a one-of-a-kind forum where leaders dive into trends shaping the future of their industries and careers.
1. Strategic Dialogues on Influential Topics - Our discussions delve into critical trends and challenges, equipping participants with insights they can immediately apply to elevate their professional and personal lives.
2. Engagement with Influential Peers - Each Lab session connects participants with some of the region's most impactful leaders, sparking networking opportunities and potential collaborations that can drive meaningful partnerships and innovation.
Every Linder Lab is uniquely crafted, with tailored formats, inspiring locations, and expert speakers, designed to fuel insightful and action-driven discussions.