2026 CNY Women's Summit
Hosted by CNY Women’s Network, the 2026 CNY Women’s Summit marks five years of impact, connection, and momentum. This year, we’re going deeper — with high-level programming led by industry experts, designed to sharpen your skills, expand your influence, and reignite your purpose.
What to Expect at the CNY Women’s Summit
The CNY Women’s Summit brings together hundreds of women leaders, professionals, entrepreneurs, and changemakers from across Central New York for a full day of conversation, connection, and career growth.
All attendees will experience our main stage conversations, featuring powerful panels on leadership, career advancement, personal success, and the power of relationships in today’s professional world.
VIP and Executive ticket holders unlock an expanded experience, with access to interactive workshops and smaller breakout sessions designed for deeper learning, real strategy, and meaningful conversation with industry leaders.
Executive attendees will also participate in an exclusive Leadership Lunch & Learn, where a curated group of leaders gather for intimate roundtable discussions on the realities of leadership, decision-making, and success.
Whether you're joining us to learn, connect, or be inspired, the Summit is designed to leave you with new ideas, new relationships, and a renewed vision for what’s possible in your career and life.
🎤 Keynote Speaker: Shamina Taylor
We are honored to welcome Shamina Taylor as the keynote speaker for the 2026 CNY Women’s Summit.
Shamina is a Wealth Consciousness Mentor, bestselling author, and host of the globally recognized podcast The Unapologetically Rich Show. Through her work, she helps high-achieving women expand their financial capacity, shift their relationship with money, and step into greater visibility, influence, and leadership.
At the Summit, Shamina will deliver a powerful keynote conversation on wealth, value, and stepping fully into your potential as a woman leader.
✨ VIP & Executive ticket holders will also have access to a special workshop with Shamina on her High Ticket Sales Method, along with interactive discussions designed to help women elevate their income, influence, and opportunities.
Executive ticket holders will have front-row access and opportunities for live hot seat coaching during the workshop.
Summit Itinerary
8:00 AM: Registration Begins
9:00 AM-12:30 PM: Panels, Workshops, and Breakouts
12:30 PM-1:30 PM: Lunch
1:30 PM-5:30 PM: Panels, Workshops, and Breakouts
5:30 PM-6:30 PM: Happy Hour Sponsored by Nave Law Firm
Summit Content & Sessions
The CNY Women’s Summit brings together leaders, founders, and professionals from across Central New York for a full day of conversation, connection, and career growth.
Our programming includes main stage panels open to all attendees, as well as interactive workshops and breakouts reserved for VIP and Executive ticket holders.
Main Stage Conversations
Open to All Attendees
Future-Proofing Your Career
The professional world is evolving faster than ever. In this forward-looking panel, our speakers explore how to stay relevant and adaptable in a rapidly changing landscape. From artificial intelligence and emerging technologies to personal branding and new ways of working, this conversation will help you think strategically about how to position yourself for the opportunities of the future.
The Modern Woman’s Career Playbook
What does it really take to grow, pivot, and thrive in today’s professional landscape?
In this candid panel, accomplished women share the strategies that helped them advance their careers and navigate pivotal moments along the way. From negotiating raises and recognizing when it’s time for a shift, to building confidence and advocating for yourself, this conversation offers real stories and practical insight from women who have learned the plays and are ready to share the playbook.
Know Your Worth
Sponsored by Crouse Health
Success looks different for every woman. This inspiring panel features women who have built powerful careers and lives on their own terms.
Through honest conversation and personal stories, our panelists will explore what it means to define success for yourself, claim your value, and create a life and career that align with your goals, priorities, and vision.
The Relationship Economy
At the CNY Women’s Network, we believe relationships are everything.
This panel explores the power of meaningful connection and how strong networks can transform careers and lives. Our panelists have built thriving professional communities and know how to turn simple networking into authentic, lasting relationships that support collaboration, opportunity, and growth.
VIP & Executive Level Programming
Workshops + Breakout Sessions
VIP and Executive ticket holders gain access to smaller, interactive sessions designed for deeper learning, conversation, and skill-building.
Navigating Company Culture
VIP & Executive Access
Company culture can shape everything from career satisfaction to long-term success.
This interactive workshop begins with a short panel discussion exploring topics such as measuring and improving workplace culture, navigating male-dominated industries, and how organizations can evolve to support professionals more effectively.
Following the panel, attendees will break into small groups to continue the conversation, sharing experiences and strategies for navigating culture within corporations, teams, and professional communities.
The Wealth Consciousness High Ticket Sales Method
VIP & Executive Access
High-ticket sales are not just about strategy — they are about the mindset and identity you bring into the room.
In this session, Wealth Mentor, bestselling author, and podcast host Shamina Taylor shares insights on how the way women see their value influences the opportunities they attract and the way they communicate their work.
Drawing from her experience helping high-achieving women expand their financial capacity and break through income ceilings, Shamina explores how shifting your relationship with money, success, and visibility can open the door to greater income, influence, and impact.
Social That Sells
VIP & Executive Access
After years of pouring her dedication, leadership, and problem-solving skills into the corporate world, Tamara Zantellmade a bold decision to bet on her family instead.
What began as supporting her daughter’s passion quickly grew into a booming venture. Today, Zandra Beauty, founded by Zandra when she was just nine years old, is thriving, and Zandra has been recognized by Entrepreneur Magazine as one of the youngest millionaires in America.
In this workshop, Tamara and Zandra share how they leveraged social media to create visibility, build a loyal audience, and turn authentic connection into real sales.
You’ll walk away with real strategies to turn your social platforms into powerful tools for both impact and income.
Executive Level Experience
Exclusive Leadership Conversation
Lunch & Learn: Leadership, Sacrifice & Success
Executive Ticket Holders Only
This intimate Lunch & Learn is designed exclusively for Executive-level attendees.
During this curated lunch experience, participants will engage in guided roundtable conversations about the realities of leadership. From difficult decisions and personal sacrifice to the loneliness that can sometimes accompany success, these facilitated discussions create a safe space for leaders to speak openly with peers who truly understand the responsibility of leading.
Why Attend?
Because being in the right room can change everything.
The CNY Women's Summit is where growth-minded women across Upstate New York come to challenge themselves, connect authentically, and create the kind of legacy that lasts.
You Can Expect:
Mainstage Conversations — Honest, high-impact dialogue with women shaping the future of business, leadership, and community.
Professional Development Workshops — Learn from experts across finance, branding, communications, and wellness.
Interactive Breakouts & Coaching Labs — Small-group sessions where you’ll connect, collaborate, and leave with actionable takeaways.
Real Connections — Build relationships that go beyond the day and open doors for years to come.
Celebrating Her: The Inspiring Woman Award — Join us as we honor the 2026 recipient of the Inspiring Woman Award presented by The CNY Women's Network.
Happy Hour Celebration — Close the day in good company with a glass raised to your next chapter.
Tickets
Summit Experience: $197
The essentials—powerful programming and meaningful connection.
Includes: Full-day access to all main stage sessions and panels, grab-and-go light lunch, journal & pen, complimentary coffee hour, access to networking activities
VIP Experience: $337
For women who want more than a seat—presence, polish, and premium access.
Includes everything in Summit Experience, plus: Priority seating (front section), VIP welcome & early access, premium tote with curated gifts ($75+ value), sit-down lunch (private room), one drink ticket for Happy Hour, priority line for headshots
Executive Access: $597
For women ready to lead from the front—all-access, high-touch, highly visible.
Includes everything in VIP, plus: Access to the Welcome Reception (exclusive networking, night before), front-row reserved seating with nameplate, concierge check-in + custom name badge (separate line), complimentary headshot session (priority line), private content creation + strategy session with the CNYWN team (at the summit), 15-minute strategy session with the CNYWN team with recommended next steps (scheduled after the summit), one featured post on CNYWN social media after the summit.
Refund policy: Tickets are non-refundable, however, we suggest you give your ticket to a friend if you can no longer make it. Just send us the name and email of the person taking your place, and someone from our team will update your registration.
Registration questions: [email protected]
Where
📍 The Oncenter
800 State Street, Syracuse, NY 13202
Our “Why”
For five years, the CNY Women’s Summit has elevated the visibility, voices, and value of women across Central New York.
Because when women lead with depth and purpose — communities rise with them.
Sponsorship Opportunities
Put your brand in front of an audience of women professionals, leaders, and entrepreneurs shaping Central New York’s future.
To learn more about sponsorship, vendor, or media opportunities, contact [email protected].
All other inquiries should be sent to [email protected].
Thank You To Our Sponsors
Marriott Syracuse Downtown | BHG Financial | Full Swing PR | Project LeanNation