As you drive into the Northampton, MA, downtown parking garage, you are greeted by a sign with the line: “Welcome to Northampton, where the coffee is strong and so are the women.”
The same thing can be said for women across Western MA. For two decades, the Women in Business (WIB) Summit has been a key part of fueling that strength; bringing together female entrepreneurs and professionals to share knowledge, build networks, and push for equity in business.
A mission built on equity
Founded in 2005 by Kisha Zullo of Events of Joy, the Women in Business Summit began as an alternative to traditional workplace gatherings, a space designed to educate, encourage, and inspire.
Today, it remains true to its mission: “to develop a strong community of women entrepreneurs and women leaders by providing quality programming and resources that inspire and elevate opportunities for equity.”
What started with about 60 attendees has grown into a cross-state draw, pulling in hundreds of women from Massachusetts, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, and as far afield as Vermont, Florida, and Colorado.
A Women in Business milestone
The 20th Annual Women in Business Summit will be held September 24–25, 2025, at the Marriott Springfield Downtown. Approximately 300 women are expected to attend, representing industries ranging from technology and finance to wellness and media.
Programming now spans three tracks: leadership development, wellness, and entrepreneurship, reflecting the summit’s holistic approach to growth. Topics on this year’s agenda include burnout, AI and the future of work, leadership strategies, entrepreneurial mindset, negotiation skills, and purpose-driven business practices.
Speakers who inspire
The 2025 speaker roster reflects the breadth and diversity of women’s leadership today:
- Maria Elena Gavilan, MSc, MBA (Keynote – MathWorks) – Tech leader in AI and strategic growth
- Tiffany Joy Murchison (Emcee – TJM & Co. Media Boutique) – Multicultural media strategist
- Sonia Alvelo (CEO – Latin Financial) – Advocate for small business funding access
- Mary Carangelo (Fashion Therapist & Entrepreneur) – Focus on empowerment through style
- Ramona Cedeño, CPA, CGMA, CFP® (CEO – FiBrick) – Finance and tax strategist
- Shawniel Chamanlal (Founder – Healing Springs Wellness Center) – Blends clinical practice with holistic transformation
- Orlena Cowan-Bailey (Chief Elevation Officer – HR Zoom Consulting & HR Swag Shop) – HR and DEIB expert
- Krystle George (CEO – The Mindful Vibe Wellness) – Mental health advocate
- Angie Montalvo (Massachusetts LGBT Chamber of Commerce) – Master connector promoting inclusivity
- Talyn Rahman-Figueroa (Boss Diplomat) – Branding for solopreneurs
- Meghan Rothschild (President – Chikmedia) – PR and communications strategist
- Latonia Y. Tabb, MSOL (CEO – Cooke Consulting Management) – Leadership trainer
- Chris Ward Jr. (The Storytelling Entrepreneur) – Specialist in narrative building
- Nikki Taylor White (Global Director of Ergonomics – Amazon) – Leadership and scalability strategist
- Kirsten Zeigler (Founder – KDZ HR Consulting) – HR solutions for small business growth
- Kisha Zullo (Founder – WIB Summit & Events of Joy) – Visionary behind the summit’s growth
A legacy of powerhouse voices
Over the years, the WIB Summit has hosted some of the most compelling voices in women’s leadership, including motivational speaker Lisa Nichols, whose journey from public assistance to global business success continues to inspire entrepreneurs worldwide, and Dr. Gloria Mayfield Banks, who overcame early adversity to become one of the fastest-rising leaders in Mary Kay history and an international success strategist.
Their stories of resilience, empowerment, and unapologetic ambition set the tone for a summit that thrives on authenticity and impact.
Get involved
To learn more about partnering with Women In Business or attending the summit, visit their website.
MAIN PHOTO: Gloria Mayfield Banks giving the keynote at the 2018 Women in Business Summit. Courtesy of Women in Business
CONTRIBUTOR
Inc413 News Team
The Inc413 news team compiles business stories from across Western Massachusetts and beyond. Our primary focus is on stories that have an impact on small businesses, entrepreneurs, and the people they employ.
