Celebrating 25 Years! Recapping the 2026 WBL Summit
We had an incredible time at the WBL Summit last month in Orlando, celebrating WBL’s 25th anniversary! There is truly something special about over 300 WBL members being in the room together.
From inspiring conversations about leadership and caregiving to candid discussions on AI, wealth, influence, innovation, and the future of healthcare, the Summit was a one-of-a-kind gathering for women leaders who are shaping what comes next.
We’re excited to share a few highlights and takeaways from the 2026 Summit below! Visit the WBL LinkedIn page for more snapshots.
Sunday, April 19
Our time in Orlando kicked off with an optional board service workshop focused on defining your value proposition and finding your path to the boardroom. Attendees explored how best to communicate their expertise and build a strong, opportunity-rich network.
Others enjoyed a relaxing time networking at the spa before everyone came together for a welcome reception and curated dine-around dinners.
Top Takeaways
- Focus on the experiences and perspectives that differentiate you when creating your board value proposition
- There are many paths to board roles, but an informed and engaged network that knows your goals is your most valuable asset
Monday, April 20
The Summit officially began with a warm welcome from emcee and WBL’s CIE Committee Chair Priya Bathija, who introduced #Hopescroll: a way for attendees to share their accomplishments, memories, and connections throughout the event.
Alexandra Drane’s opening keynote offered a powerful look at the national caregiving crisis and the importance of leading with compassion and flexibility. Throughout the day, attendees explored trust and transparency in healthcare AI, the coming $50T wealth transfer to women, investing in women-led healthcare companies, and the impact of the WBL Fellows Program.
Structured networking and breakout discussions allowed attendees to connect on both personal and professional goals — a hallmark of the WBL Summit experience!
Top Takeaways
- Authentic leadership starts with empathy and vulnerability
- Rapid AI adoption in healthcare is outpacing governance. To build trust, there needs to be strong communication focused on strategic and operational readiness
- Women-led startups need our support: despite underfunding, they exit faster with a higher ROI
Tuesday, April 21
Day 2 focused on financial power, strengthening your leadership during change, and how to innovate during challenging times. Peer discussion groups brought attendees together around topics like women’s health, digital health, AI, and policy, creating thoughtful dialogue and connections that are tough to replicate anywhere else.
The day concluded with a special gala celebrating WBL’s 25th Anniversary, followed by our favorite tradition: the DJ dance party!
Top Takeaways
- Diversifying wealth-building strategies is key to financial freedom and influence
- “Hard networking” — making intentional asks and pursuing wealth creation opportunities strategically — matters
- Great leaders stay focused on what they can control during times of change
- Health policy is a major driver of success and failure in the industry, making it critical for leaders to stay actively involved
Tuesday, April 21
Our final day featured an eye-opening workshop from Julie Zuraw on how women lead differently and how intentional communication can strengthen credibility and influence.
To wrap up the Summit experience, some attendees headed out for an eco-kayaking adventure through Orlando’s Shingle Creek. Before we knew it, everyone was saying goodbye and heading home energized, inspired, and more connected than ever.
Top Takeaways
- Men and women often communicate differently, which can significantly influence leadership styles and effectiveness
- Collaboration and empathy are critical leadership skills
- Evolving beyond the traditional corporate ladder model can help better reflect diverse communication styles
