2026 BBB Industrious Women's Summit (IWS) Phoenix
About this Event
This year's theme is: Powering the Next Era
Women are no longer waiting for a seat at the table. They are building the table.
Yet intentional spaces designed to fuel their leadership, sharpen their strategy, and expand their networks remain limited. BBB Industrious Women’s Summit (IWS) was created to change that—bringing together powerhouse speakers, hands-on workshops, and real-world strategies tailored for women making bold moves in their careers and communities.
For eight years, BBB Industrious Women’s Summit has championed women in the trades and beyond, bringing together industry leaders, content experts, and visionary sponsors to support and elevate women across industries.
We are currently accepting sponsors, business booth applications, and in-kind donations and services. To learn more, visit iws.bbbcommunity.org.
View sponsorship packet and company booth opportunities. Contact us today for more information!
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2026 IWS Keynote Speaker
Jessica Cox is a Hall of Fame pilot, bestselling author, and internationally recognized motivational speaker who has inspired audiences in 28 countries, including organizations such as AT&T, NASA, Cisco, and the Smithsonian. Born without arms, Jessica uses her feet to accomplish everyday tasks, flies airplanes, drives, holds a Fourth Degree Black Belt in Taekwondo, and continues to challenge what's possible through her inspiring message of resilience, determination, and overcoming limitations.
Sessions That Inspire
Diverse Voices
Connection
IWS CONTACT
IWS General Inquiries and Sponsorship Contact
- IWS Committee
- Email: [email protected]
Media Inquiries
- BBB Public Relations and Media
- Email: [email protected]
Follow Better Business Bureau Serving the Pacific Southwest, Central and Inland California on Socials!
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bbbpacswcic
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bbbpacswcic
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bbbpacsw/
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Limited edition 2026 BBB IWS Shirts are also available for purchase.
Breakout Session 1
🕑: 08:00 AM - 08:30 AM
Breakfast, Networking, Booths
Info: Join us for the perfect opportunity to connect with fellow attendees before you kick off the day! Registration begins at 7:30 a.m., giving you ample time to beat the traffic, enjoy a light breakfast, and network.
🕑: 08:35 AM
BBB Welcome & Summit Introduction
Host: Christel Bell | ABC 15 Reporter
🕑: 08:40 AM
A Welcome from Desert Financial Credit Union
Host: Cathy Graham | COO of Desert Financial Credit Union
🕑: 08:45 AM
A Welcome from Salt River Project
Host: Jacque Keenan | IT Director of Salt River Project (SRP)
🕑: 08:55 AM
From Vision to Action: Build Your Strategy in 7 Steps
Host: Cathy Graham | COO of Desert Financial Credit Union
Info: Creating a strategic plan does not need to take months, cost a ton of money or require you to hire a consultant. In just 7 simple and practical steps, you will have the components of a personalized strategy that will help you to make big strides towards your goals. Best of all, you can begin to implement your plan right away.
🕑: 09:30 AM
Leading from the Inside Out
Host: Jodi Low | CEO of U & Improved
Info: The most effective leaders understand their strengths, lead with purpose, and inspire those around them. In this interactive workshop, attendees will gain actionable tools to strengthen their leadership, communicate with confidence, and make a lasting impact in their careers and communities.
🕑: 10:30 AM
Beyond the Game: Women Leaders in Sports
Host: Sarah Krahenbuhl, Executive Dir Phx Suns/Mercury Fdn
Info: From the front office to the foundation, the sidelines to the boardroom, women are redefining what leadership looks like across the sports industry. Join leaders from professional sports organizations, athletics, and nonprofit foundations as they share their career journeys, discuss the importance of representation, and offer practical insights on building meaningful careers, overcoming challenges, and creating opportunities for the next generation of women in sports.
🕑: 11:20 AM
Engage & Explore: Exhibitor Booths + Networking Powered by SRP
Info: Attendees will connect with a variety of exhibitors showcasing products, services, and opportunities aligned with women in business and leadership. It's a dynamic time to build meaningful relationships, exchange ideas, discover local resources, and spark new collaborations.
🕑: 01:05 PM
Think Outside the Shoe | Keynote Speaker
Host: Jessica Cox | CEO of Jessica Cox Motivational Services
Info: In a world of constant change, adaptability is one of today's most valuable leadership skills. Jessica will challenge attendees to embrace an adaptability mindset, overcome obstacles with confidence, and create meaningful change by leading with resilience, authenticity, and purpose.
🕑: 01:30 PM
The New Era of Business: How Women-Owned Businesses Are Smashing the Glass Box
Host: Dr. Sharon Lamm-Hartman | CEO of Inside-Out Learning
Info: Women-owned businesses are no longer simply breaking through barriers; they are redefining the systems, expectations, and power structures that once limited their growth. This dynamic panel will explore how today’s women entrepreneurs and executives are moving beyond the traditional “glass ceiling” and smashing the “glass box” — the invisible boundaries that limit access to capital, contracts, influence, and opportunity.
Panelists will share real-world insights on building resilient companies, securing strategic partnerships, navigating supplier diversity, scaling in competitive industries, and using certification, innovation, and community as tools for growth. The conversation will highlight how women-owned businesses are leading with purpose, challenging outdated business norms, and creating new pathways for the next generation of leaders.
🕑: 02:20 PM
There's More Than One Way In: Building a Career in the Trades
Host: Jacinta Wachira | HVAC Service Tech at Parker & Sons
Info: There's no single path into the skilled trades. Four women whose careers began in very different
places will share what drew them to the trades, what the work is really like, how they've
navigated challenges, and why they believe these careers offer purpose, stability, and
opportunity. Whether you're exploring the trades yourself or encouraging someone else to, this
conversation will challenge assumptions and expand what's possible.
🕑: 02:50 PM
Closing Remarks
Host: Tierra Terry | BBB Dir of Program Engagement & Culture
🕑: 03:00 PM
Happy Hour
Where is it happening?
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
USD 33.85 to USD 65.87
