Closing Keynote
Donald Thompson
CEO + Founder, The Diversity Movement
Summit for Women in Tech (Wilmington)
September 17, 2025 - September 18, 2025
#NCTECHwomen / #NCWIT2025
Join NC TECH, presenting sponsor Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina, and 400+ women from across North Carolina for the 6th annual Summit for Women in Tech being held in a new location, Wilmington, NC.
This women-only summit will feature candid conversations with tech leaders where we explore gender bias, share our unique journeys, discuss how to shift the paradigm, and provide insights on how to advocate for change both now and for the next generation.
The agenda for the event will feature a welcome reception, social activities for guests to participate in, inspiring keynote speakers, interactive panel discussions, and thought-provoking motivational moments.
Featured Speakers
When + Where
Wednesday, September 17 + Thursday, September 18
Hotel Ballast Wilmington
301 N Water St, Wilmington, NC 28401
NC TECH has a room block for this event. Attendees can start making reservations by using this Direct Booking link
If you decide to call in to make a reservation (1-800-HILTONS), please mention group code: WTH
Group Rates are available until the room block is full or until the cutoff date: Sunday, August 17, 2025, whichever comes first.
Sponsorship
Are you interested in sponsoring this event? View the Sponsorship Menu below and contact Tracy Sternberg.
Sponsorship MenuAgenda
Wednesday, September 17
2:30 – 4:30 pm
Various Networking Activities
5:30 – 7:00 pm
Welcome Reception – Ballast Hotel
7:00 – 9:00 pm
Dinner – Multiple Locations Available for Selection (Dutch Treat)
9:00 pm – until
After Dinner Meet-up
Thursday, September 18
8:00 – 8:45 am
Breakfast
8:45 - 9:00 am
Welcome Remarks
9:00 – 9:35 am
Opening Keynote – Empowered to Lead: Breaking Through the Glass Ceiling – The Path to Leadership Roles
Stacy Ledesma Whitenight – Executive, Entrepreneur, Author, Speaker
9:35 – 9:50 am
Motivational Moment #1 – The Power of Visibility
9:50 – 10:05 am
BREAK
10:05 -11:00 am
BREAKOUT Discussions – Session #1
Panel Discussion – The Future of Work in AI
Panel Discussion – Well-being + Work/Life Harmony
11:00 – 11:15 am
BREAK
11:15 am – 12:10 pm
BREAKOUT Discussions – Session #2
Panel Discussion – Agentic AI sponsored by Accenture
Panel Discussion – Executive Stories: What I Wish I Had Known Earlier sponsored by Brighthouse Financial
12:10 – 12:45 pm
Lunch – sponsored by MetLife
12:45 – 1:00 pm
Motivational Moment #2 – Women in Tech: Adaptability + Resilience
Jenny Krystofiak, Chief of Staff, North American Infrastructure
Solutions Group - Lenovo
1:00 – 1:15 pm
Lean In Circles Insights + Kick-Off
1:15 – 2:00 pm
Addressing and Avoiding Burnout
Elsa Arend, Career + Leadership Coach, Paradigm Wellness
2:00 – 2:15 pm
Motivational Moment #3 – Women in Tech: Finding the Positives of AI: Enhancing Your Value through AI Tools
2:15 – 2:45 pm
Closing Keynote – Allyship
Donald Thompson, CEO + Co-Founder, The Diversity Movement
2:45 pm
Wrap-Up/Adjourn
Thank You Sponsors
Presenting Sponsor
Welcome Reception
Luncheon Sponsor
Panel Discussion
Panel Discussion
Panel Discussion
Closing Keynote
Motivational Moments
Breakfast
Name Badge
Wi-Fi
Lanyard Sponsor
Photo Booth
Champion
Champion
Java
Advocate
Advocate
Advocate
