Women’s Global Impact Forum: Empowering Female Leaders

The Women’s Global Impact Forum, held on March 25, 2026, in Los Angeles, gathered over 200 women from diverse industries to discuss the transformative role of women in business. Notable speakers included beauty mogul Anastasia Soare, UCLA Health President Johnese Spisso, and Los Angeles Rams Chief Marketing Officer Kat Frederick. The event emphasized themes of strategic collaboration, innovation, and authentic storytelling, with a focus on how women can navigate their careers through sponsorship and visibility.

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Lisa Rinna, a prominent figure in entertainment, shared her career philosophy, stating, “I just say yes more than I say no.” This sentiment resonated with attendees, highlighting the importance of adaptability in career trajectories. Elyse Cohen, Chief Impact Officer at Rare Beauty, stressed the necessity of making employees visible across organizations to foster growth. Networking opportunities were also a significant aspect of the forum, with attendees sharing experiences and forming connections that could lead to future collaborations.

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Sponsorship emerged as a critical topic during the forum, with Camille Applin-Jones of Kaiser Foundation Hospitals emphasizing that access to opportunities is vital for advancing women in leadership roles. The discussions underscored the need for women to advocate for each other, particularly in environments where they may not be adequately represented.

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Kerry Washington, actress and producer, participated in a closing conversation with her producing partner Pilar Savone. Washington reflected on her journey in the entertainment industry, expressing a desire to create her own opportunities rather than waiting for invitations. She stated, “I want to throw my own parties,” indicating her commitment to shaping her career and the narratives she wishes to tell.

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While the forum celebrated women's achievements, it also acknowledged the challenges they face in the workplace, particularly in remote or hybrid environments. The difficulty of building relationships in such settings was a point of concern among attendees, highlighting the ongoing need for supportive networks.

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The Women’s Global Impact Forum concluded with a call to action for attendees to leverage the insights gained to foster environments that support women in leadership. The event not only provided a platform for sharing experiences but also inspired participants to drive meaningful change within their respective industries. As Washington noted, the goal is to create cultures that empower women to lead and address the challenges they encounter.

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• “I think the thing is, I just say yes more than I say no,” — Lisa Rinna, Actress

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• “And so to me, sponsorship is really about advancing your colleagues in rooms where they're not present.” — Camille Applin-Jones, Senior Vice President, Kaiser Foundation Hospitals

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• “And I was like, I want to throw my own parties.” — Kerry Washington, Actress and Producer

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This event exemplified the collective effort to uplift women and create pathways for future leaders, reinforcing the importance of collaboration and support in achieving professional success.

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