The Influence and Impact Salon for Women Leaders | Panel Discussion and High-Level Facilitated Connections
In 17th century France, women began hosting rooms of philosophers, artists, intellectuals, and writers for deep and meaningful discussions that changed the fabric of culture and society.
The women in these rooms didn't hold traditional positions of power, but they created influence and shifted the culture of society through these private gatherings, called Salons.
This February, you're invited to a modern salon on Influence and Impact.
Much has shifted since the 17th century but one thing that will continue to be true is the power of cultivating influence without force or faking, and the great impact we can make when we leverage that impact in the direction of our passions.
WHAT YOU'LL EXPERIENCE
The Morning
Settle In Dive into our Brunch spread and pour yourself a cup of hot coffee or tea before settling into one of the comfy sofas.
Soak it in Each of our panelists have been thoughtfully chosen because of their specific abilities to lead with authentic authority that moves rooms and the way they act on their visions to create meaningful change in the world. Expect open and vulnerable conversations - no gatekeeping.
Go Deeper The panel opens into salon-style conversation and Q&A with the panelists. The whole room, thinking together.
Connect You'll break into small groups for facilitated conversation. I have years of hands-on experience of connecting people deeply and quickly - the women in this room are incredible, you're going to love getting to know them.
Leave Inspired We have many surprises woven throughout the morning to make this experience something that creates a shift for you before you walk out of the room.
Our Panel
Amanda Todd — Senior Director, Temporal
Amanda Todd is the Senior Director of Strategic Communications at Temporal Technologies, where she leads brand, PR, executive voice, internal, and social communications. She’s known for making complex messages clear and meaningful and building systems that turn communications into a true strategic function. Amanda has helped shape how brands like Cisco, Tonal, and Expel communicate through change, growth, and high-pressure moments. Whether guiding executives or mentoring teams, she brings a calm, candid approach that helps people find clarity when it matters most.
Mariane Bekker — Head of Developer Relations, You.com, Investor, Founder of Women Founders Bay
Mariane Bekker is the Head of Developer Relations at You.com, leading global developer adoption and community strategy for the company’s AI platform. A former tech executive and Director of Engineering, she brings deep technical expertise to scaling APIs, documentation, and developer ecosystems. She also founded Founders Bay, a 150,000-member community for founders, executives and investors.
Aytakin Aliyeva — Founder, Femigrants Foundation
AYTAKIN ALIYEVA, Forbes and Business Insider Featured Community Builder and Founder of the Femigrants Foundation. Aytakin is a Forbes Nonprofit Council member, host of the "Verso Talk with Aytakin" Podcast, and a LinkedIn Influencer with 30K+ followers.
Tara Zachariah — Head of Public Policy Communications, Corning
Tara Zachariah is Head of Public Policy Communications at Corning, where she drives strategic communications to elevate the company's policy priorities and influence with government, industry, and media stakeholders. She previously led communications for Hemlock Semiconductor and Corning's Solar business, directing high-profile events including CHIPS Act celebrations with President Biden and Vice President Harris. Zachariah holds a master's degree from Georgetown University and brings deep expertise in executive communications, narrative strategy, and public affairs campaigns.
WHO THIS IS FOR
Senior leaders and founders in tech, finance, media, and beyond. Women done performing confidence — ready to embody it.
If you've been looking for a room that actually feels like yours, this is it.
YOUR HOST
Sara Anderson Founder, Lead Out Loud | Moderator
I love what happens when powerful women get in the same room together.
Don't take our word for it, here's what others are saying:
Community Partners
We're so excited to introduce you to our community partners.
Eve Wellness
A New Way to Screen For Breast Cancer
Eve's,FDA-Approved ultrasound technology coupled with FDA-Approved Artificial Intelligence lets you screen earlier and more frequently to stay on top of your breast health. It’s more comfortable than a mammogram, and there is no risk of radiation exposure.
Whether you have a family history of breast cancer, have dense breast tissue, or simply want to be proactive about your breast health, Eve Wellness provides you with the screening and education you need to stay healthy, all in a comfortable spa-like environment.
All attendees will recieve $50 off of screenings.
Ritual Hot Yoga
From the moment you enter the studio doors, let the experience surprise you. Students are welcomed by a concierge, a comfortable seating area, and complimentary water and tea. The studio is all-inclusive; premium mats and mat towels, showers, essential-oil bath products and shower towels, and all those sweet touches you might crave before or after practice have been considered and provided.
We have something special for all attendees who join!
FAQs
What is the Influence Salon? A morning gathering for women leaders featuring one panel, salon-style conversation, and facilitated connection circles. It's not a conference. It's not networking. It's a room full of women redefining what influence looks like.
Who is this for? Women leaders—whether that's a formal title or just how you show up. If you're hungry for a different way to build influence and want to be in a room with women doing the same, you belong here.
Who is this NOT for? Women looking for tactical business advice or a traditional networking event. This is about presence, influence, and a different way of leading—not a pitch fest or business card swap.
I'm not sure I'm "senior" enough for this. If you're leading anything—people, projects, a business, a vision—and you're ready for a different approach, you belong here. What matters is that you're hungry, not your title.
I don't know anyone going. Perfect. Neither did most of our past attendees. The connection circles are designed so you leave knowing people—not just having exchanged LinkedIn URLs.
I'm introverted / networking events drain me. This isn't networking. There's no small talk, no working the room, no forced mingling. The facilitated circles do the heavy lifting so you can just show up and be yourself.
I have a lot going on—I'm not sure I can take a few hours. We get it. But when was the last time you invested a few hours in being around women who think like you? This isn't a time suck—it's a reset. Most attendees say they leave more energized than when they arrived.
I've been to women's leadership events before and they felt fluffy. Same. That's why we built this one differently. A panel with women who are walking the talk - and willing to share all about it.
What's with the Valentine's Day timing? We believe embracing your influence and claiming your power is the most loving thing you can do—for yourself, for the people you lead, and for the world. Why not celebrate that on Valentine's Day?
What should I wear? Red. It's Valentine's Day—we're leaning in. Beyond that, whatever makes you feel like yourself. The vibe is elevated but not stuffy—think powerful, not performative.
Will there be food? Yes. Light bites and beverages will be provided.
Can I bring a friend or colleague? Yes! We'd love that.
What's the refund policy? Tickets are non-refundable, but they are transferable. Can't make it? Send another powerful woman in your place.
I have another question. Email us at [email protected] and we'll get back to you.