Rose Bowl Institute To Host 8th Annual Women’s Empowerment Symposium
Sep 24, 2026
PASADENA, Calif. (September 22, 2026) The Rose Bowl Institute is excited to announce the 8th Annual Women’s Empowerment Symposium, taking place virtually November 3–5, 2026, on the Rose Bowl Institute’s virtual platform and available on the RBI website following the event. This free, three-day event will bring together inspiring women and young leaders from around the world to celebrate leadership, sportsmanship, citizenship, and the power of pursuing your goals.
Built around the Rose Bowl Institute’s core values of sportsmanship, leadership, and citizenship, the Fall 2026 Symposium will bring together women from sport, business, media, education, and public service for conversations about the experiences that shape how they lead and contribute to the world around us. Past Women’s Empowerment Symposium speakers have included Olympic gold medalists, Hollywood activists, global policymakers, and pioneers in women’s sports, including Simone Biles, Brandi Chastain, Madeleine Albright, and Coach Valorie Kondos-Field. Over the past seven years, the symposium has reached thousands of participants in more than 44 U.S. states and 29 countries, expanding its mission to inspire and empower young leaders around the world.
This year’s symposium hosts are Jenny Taft, Emmy Award-winning sports broadcaster and FOX Sports host; Jessica Mendoza, two-time Olympic medalist, formal professional softball player and sports analyst; and Scarlen Martinez, sports broadcaster and journalist. The hosts will guide conversations throughout the three-day program and bring their unique perspectives and experiences in sports, media, broadcasting and storytelling to the program. Their leadership will help connect the experiences of featured speakers with the next generation of women leaders while highlighting the diver paths that individuals can take to make an impact.
Day One will focus on Sportsmanship and the lessons learned through competition that carry far beyond the field of play. Day Two will turn to Leadership, with conversations about navigating pressure, change, setbacks, and opportunity. The symposium will close with Citizenship, examining how women are using their experiences, influence, and talents in service of others and their communities.
Featured speakers include Michelle Curran, former fighter pilot and USAF Thunderbird pilot and bestselling author, and Cori Close, national champion and Head Coach of UCLA Women’s Basketball. Through conversations and keynote presentations, the speakers will share their experiences overcoming challenges, leading with purpose, and creating opportunities for the next generation of women leaders.
“Year after year, the Women’s Empowerment Symposium continues to remind us of the incredible impact that can happen when women come together to share their stories, experiences, and lessons learned,” said Lauren Hall, Programs Director for the Rose Bowl Institute. “What makes this program so meaningful is the lasting inspiration it creates, not only for the young leaders and students who participate, but for everyone who has the opportunity to hear these stories and see what is possible. As we enter our eighth year, we are proud to continue building a platform that celebrates women, encourages meaningful connections, and inspires the next generation to lead with purpose.”
To register for this event, please click here.