Early Pathways Breakfast
Early Pathways Breakfast | New York
The Early Pathways Breakfast is a curated leadership gathering bringing early-career women into direct conversation with senior leaders across technology, governance, finance, communications, venture capital, public affairs, entrepreneurship, AI, and emerging industries.
Taking place in New York on September 10, 2026, the morning is designed around meaningful access, small-group conversations, and relationship-driven networking rather than traditional conference programming.
Who will be in the room
Senior leaders joining us include:
Henk-Jan Brinkman — Director-General, IDLO
Bo Young Lee — CEO, AI4ALL
Irina Soriano — Global VP, Strategic Enablement Consulting, Seismic
Eric Adolphe — CEO, Forward Edge AI
Keta Bag — VaynerMedia
Leah Frazier — Founder & CEO, Think Three Media
Amore Philip — Founder, Apples & Oranges Public Relations
Sneha Saigal — Founder, Geeks & Experts
Lily Dash — Founder, Future Caribbean & Co-Founder, ACTAI Advisors
Shannon Widdekamp — CEO, Unbridled Air / Equus Flight Academy
Dr. Hesaman — Plastic Surgeon
Christine McNerney — Periscope Capital
Ritha Johnson — The Resolution Project
Ume Habiba — Microsoft
Scott Doyne — Executive Coach, Doyne Career Services
We’ll also be joined by three representatives from the NYC Commission on Gender Equity, alongside additional leaders across finance, technology, AI, investment, entrepreneurship, media, international development, and public policy.
The morning
The breakfast is intentionally intimate.
Conversations will explore leadership, career pathways, decision-making, navigating complex industries, and the relationships and opportunities that shape a career.
There are no traditional panels or lengthy presentations. The focus is on direct conversation between the people in the room, giving early-career attendees access to leaders whose careers span very different sectors and pathways.
Event Partners
Presenting Partner — NexaStrategic
NexaStrategic is a strategic advisory firm working across technology, AI, communications, and emerging industries.
New York Partner — Geeks & Experts
Geeks & Experts is a story-driven PR and marketing partner helping founders and growing companies build credible narratives, visibility, and media momentum.
Community Ally — iGA Academy
iGA Academy is the education and development platform of iGA Istanbul Airport, supporting aviation learning, professional development, and industry knowledge.
Thursday, September 10, 2026
9:30 AM–11:45 AM
Arrivals from 9:15 AM
Festivál Café Bar
1155 2nd Ave, New York, NY 10065
Limited capacity. 20+ senior leaders. One room.
Attendance is intentionally limited to preserve the small-group format and quality of conversation.