On August 5, 2025, some of the most influential women in business convened at Newsweek’s inaugural Women’s Global Impact Forum held at One World Trade Center, New York City. The event commenced with a breakfast gathering, followed by opening remarks from Editor-in-Chief Jennifer Cunningham, who outlined key themes for the day, including entrepreneurship, gender equity, and leadership in the context of evolving customer engagement and artificial intelligence. Over 300 attendees participated in 12 panels and three fireside chats, hearing insights from prominent figures affiliated with brands like Mercedes-Benz, American Heart Association, and SoulCycle. One attendee remarked that the discussions felt "actionable and relatable," which encapsulated the event’s atmosphere.
The forum was not only a series of educational dialogues but also an opportunity for attendees to network and share experiences. Health and wellness emerged as a critical topic, with SoulCycle CEO Evelyn Webster discussing the significance of a balanced exercise regimen, emphasizing that physical health is essential for women. She highlighted heart disease as a leading health concern for women in the U.S. and encouraged attendees to incorporate movement into their daily lives. Webster underscored the connection between personal well-being and effective leadership, quoting Elle Woods from Legally Blonde about the value of exercise in fostering happy and capable leaders.
As the day progressed, Kelly Fanning, General Manager of Clinique, unveiled her company’s reverse mentorship program, designed to empower junior employees by allowing them to mentor senior executives. This innovative approach has facilitated knowledge sharing across generations and helped leaders adapt to new trends such as TikTok and artificial intelligence. Fanning’s experience illustrated the program’s role in bridging knowledge gaps, enhancing both corporate culture and business acumen. The reverse mentorship model demonstrated a tangible commitment to inclusivity and mutual growth in the workplace.
During a themed lunch break, attendees were re-energized before diving back into discussions. Daniella Pierson, CEO of The Newsette, articulated that achieving gender equality is rooted in cultivating a new wave of female entrepreneurs. Her call to action resonated with the audience, emphasizing that fostering entrepreneurial spirit among women can drive systemic change in workplaces. Adding to this sentiment, KaLeigh Long of Westwin Elements encouraged young women to prioritize action over image in their entrepreneurial paths, framing the conversation in a way that inspires empowerment and pragmatism.
The forum culminated with an engaging one-on-one interview featuring Indra Nooyi, former CEO of PepsiCo, conducted by Cunningham. Their conversation shed light on leadership, the challenges women face, and the vital role of ambition in achieving one’s goals. This closing discussion served not only to reflect on the day’s insights but also to inspire attendees to pursue their aspirations unapologetically. Following the interview, a cocktail reception allowed participants to further connect and celebrate the collective achievements of women across various industries.
As the day came to a close, Allyson Witherspoon, chief marketing officer of Nissan U.S., remarked on the significance of purpose-driven leadership and the power of collaboration among women in various sectors. Her statement encapsulated the spirit of the event—recognizing that genuine progress is born from a commitment to listening, learning, and boldly leading. With such a strong lineup of speakers and topics, the Women’s Global Impact Forum positioned itself as a vital platform for advancing discussions on women’s impact in leadership, innovation, and health, paving the way for future gatherings focused on progress and empowerment.
