Women's Empowerment
The Women’s Empowerment Symposium is an annual program for high school juniors, seniors, and college students.
OVERVIEW
Since its launch, the program has featured renowned voices including Madeleine Albright, Sophia Bush, Simone Biles, Julie Foudy, Brandi Chastain, Ali Riley, Bonnie Bernstein, Ginger Zee, Alyssa Milano, and many other influential women leaders. The Institute's annual luncheon has also become a signature event, bringing together hundreds of students and professionals for meaningful conversations, mentorship, and networking opportunities at the iconic Rose Bowl Stadium.
While women remain the primary focus, the Institute believes empowering future leaders requires everyone to be part of the conversation. By fostering confidence, collaboration, and respect, these programs help young people develop the skills and character needed to lead in their communities and beyond.
Since 2019, the Rose Bowl Institute's Women's Empowerment programs have reached participants across 47 states and 33 countries, generating a global audience of more than 100,000 individuals and continuing to inspire the next generation to lead with purpose, integrity, and confidence.
KEY IMPACT & GOALS
To instill leadership, ethics, confidence, and character-based skills in the mindsets of young females and males by providing inspirational and empowering programming over three days.
The Symposium provides insight and working knowledge of societal and cultural topics, health, and more presented by female experts, business leaders, and former college and professional athletes.
5th Annual
Women’s Empowerment Networking Luncheon - April 28th
On April 28, 2026, the Rose Bowl Institute proudly hosted its 5th Annual Women's Empowerment Networking Luncheon at the iconic Rose Bowl Stadium, bringing together nearly 400 attendees for an afternoon dedicated to leadership, empowerment, and connection. This annual event celebrated the power of women in sport, business, and community leadership through inspiring conversations and meaningful networking opportunities.
The program featured an engaging one-on-one conversation between internationally acclaimed soccer champion and Olympic gold medalist Ali Riley and award-winning broadcaster Jaime Maggio, who explored themes of leadership, resilience, confidence, and purpose both on and off the field.
Attendees also enjoyed an incredible fireside chat featuring Bonnie Bernstein, host and executive producer of The Champion's Edge, and Vanessa Wallace, entrepreneur, investor, and former collegiate basketball player. Together, they shared powerful insights on translating lessons learned through sport into success in business, leadership, and life.
The luncheon also included networking opportunities, professional development resources, and meaningful conversations designed to inspire the next generation of female leaders. As the Rose Bowl Institute continues its commitment to advancing sportsmanship, leadership, and citizenship through the power of sport, the Women's Empowerment Networking Luncheon remains a cornerstone program that celebrates the achievements of women while fostering connection, mentorship, and opportunity.
Watch The Recap
November 4, 5, 6, 2025
Women's Empowerment Symposium
This Fall, our 2025 annual three-day virtual Women’s Empowerment Symposium returned, continuing our tradition of offering inspiring, free programming led by exceptional female leaders. Each day featured two hours of engaging sessions centered around the core themes of sportsmanship, leadership, and citizenship.
This year’s lineup included standout voices in the world of sports and media, such as two-time Olympian Lauren Doyle, ESPN+ sideline reporter Alana Morgan, and Susie Piotrokowski, Vice President of Women’s Sports Programming. Their insights and experiences brought powerful perspectives to the conversation.
Watch the Sessions
April 30, 2025
Empowering Tomorrow, Today
Through their combined youth empowerment programs, the Tournament of Roses® and the Rose Bowl Institute are creating a meaningful impact. The summit will feature a keynote speaker, panel discussion, and workshops on financial literacy, life skills, and resilience. Resource Row will connect students with local organizations offering mental health support, job opportunities, internships, mentorship, and more, ensuring every young leader leaves prepared for the future.
Watch Recap
October 1, 2, 3, 2024
Women's Empowerment Symposium
This Fall, our annual three-day virtual Women’s Empowerment Symposium once again took place, offering two hours of free programming led by exceptional female leaders each day. Just as in previous years, admission was free for all attendees, and participants had the chance to submit for scholarship opportunities.
Watch the Sessions Apply Now
APRIL 24, 2024
3RD ANNUAL WOMEN’S EMPOWERMENT NETWORKING LUNCHEON
The Rose Bowl Institute hosted its 3rd Annual Women’s Empowerment Networking Luncheon on April 24, 2024, on Spieker Field at the Rose Bowl Stadium. The Women's Empowerment Networking Luncheon, continued to showcase female leadership, confidence, and character with keynote comments from Hillary Ash of LA 2028. The Olympic theme continued with a sit down conversation hosted by RBi Advisory Board member and KCAL / CBS sports anchor, Jaime Maggio with Olympians April Ross and Brookyn Moors.
Watch The Recap
OCTOBER 10, 11, 12, 2023
2023 WOMEN'S EMPOWERMENT SYMPOSIUM
This past Fall, we hosted our annual three-day virtual Women’s Empowerment Symposium, featuring two hours each day of free programming with incredible female leaders – each year it was FREE to all viewers, and participants were eligible for financial aid/scholarship awards.
Watch The Sessions Apply Now
Rose Bowl Institute
Women’s Empowerment Mentorship Program
At the Rose Bowl Institute, we believe that mentorship is a crucial part of developing successful and capable professionals. Our 2nd Annual Women's Empowerment Symposium is the perfect place to find such mentors. In addition to providing headshots, we are introducing the mentoring program as an added benefit that will continue after the networking luncheon. This is a great new opportunity for all of the female leaders joining us to become a mentor and for all of the RBI students, we offer this opportunity to participate and be matched up with a mentor.
Mentorship Program
APRIL 20, 2023
2nd Annual Women’s Empowerment Networking Luncheon
The Rose Bowl Institute hosted its 2nd Annual Women’s Empowerment Networking Luncheon on April 20, 2023, 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM on Spieker Field at the Rose Bowl Stadium. The Women's Empowerment Networking Luncheon, showcased female leadership, confidence, and character headlined by Julie Foudy, Paige Nielsen and Simone Charley. They were empowering and inspiring along with welcome keynote speaker, Supervisor Kathryn Barger.
Watch The Recap
OCTOBER 11, 12, 13, 2022
2022 WOMEN'S EMPOWERMENT SYMPOSIUM
In the Fall of 2022, we hosted a three-day virtual program featuring two hours each day of free programming with incredible female leaders – each year it is FREE to all viewers and participants are eligible for financial aid / scholarship awards. Through our customized interactive digital platform we hosted not only three days of incredible panelists, but also featured speakers, including Olympian Simone Biles, UCLA Gymnastics legends Coach Valorie Kondos-Field and Katelyn Ohashi and the youngest Mayor in CA history, Tara Campbell.
Watch the Sessions
APRIL 29, 2022
2022 Women's Empowerment Networking Luncheon
On April 29, 2022, the Institute held an in-person networking luncheon on the field. The Spring Luncheon featured speakers former UCLA Gymnastics Coach Valorie Kondos Field and former UCLA student-athlete and star gymnast, Katelyn Ohashi, who inspired over 200 young women (and men) with their messages of confidence and self-awareness.
Watch the Recap
September 29, 30 & October 1, 2021
2021 Women’s Empowerment Symposium
We hosted three days of amazing speakers, discussions and networking opportunities through our customized interactive digital platform with featured speakers, Misty May -Treanor 3x Olympic Gold medalist, Alyssa Milano, Actress, Producer, Singer, Author and Activist and Supervisor Barger, 5th District Los Angeles County Supervisor.
Watch the Sessions
September 16, 17 & 18th, 2020
2020 Women’s Empowerment Symposium
We were able to host three days of amazing speakers, discussions and networking opportunities through our customized interactive digital platform with featured speakers, Brandi Chastain, 2x FIFA WWC Champion, 2x Olympics Gold Medalist and Broadcaster, Sophia Bush Advocate and Actress and Madeleine Albright, Former Secretary of State.
Watch the Sessions
July 9th, 2019
2019 Women’s Empowerment Symposium
On July 9th, 2019 the Rose Bowl Institute hosted its Inaugural Women’s EmpowermentSymposium at the Rose Bowl Stadium. It was the precursor of dedicating the new 1999 Team USA Women’s World Cup Statue at the Rose Bowl on July 10th on the 20th Anniversary of the historic soccer match that changed the prism of female athletics forever.
We hosted 99 young females from high school and colleges, honoring the ’99 WWC team. These young women were exposed to key female industry leaders with a day full of panel programming and a networking lunch hosted by the legendary Ann Meyers Drysdale.
Watch the Sessions
When people tell you, No. Just smile and tell them. Yes. I can.