Women's Emerging Leadership Forum (WELF) 2026

This annual event is a lively and engaging forum designed to help women achieve their full potential in the workplace.
About this Event

This year's theme explores a simple yet profound question: What does it truly mean to give back?

In today's world - where communities, organizations, and individuals face unprecedented social, economic, and global challenges - leadership extends well beyond formal roles and job descriptions. Giving back is no longer confined to philanthropy or volunteering. It can mean mentoring others, creating opportunities, advocating for change, building inclusive workplaces, strengthening institutions, sharing knowledge, or investing time and expertise in ways that leave people and communities better than we found them.

Through this lens, WELF 2026’s theme is: Beyond Success: Give Back and Create Impact.

• Personally: How do our individual choices, values, and actions create meaningful impact?
• Professionally: How can leaders use their expertise, influence, and networks to elevate others and shape healthier organizations?
• Institutionally: What responsibilities do corporations, nonprofits, educational institutions, and other organizations have in creating long-term value for society?

Our conversations will span industries and sectors because giving back is not defined by where we work - it is defined by how we choose to lead. By bringing together voices from the corporate, nonprofit, educational, and public sectors, we aim to explore diverse perspectives, practical examples, and inspiring stories that demonstrate the many ways leaders and everyday individuals alike create lasting impact.

Please visit our and to read about our wonderful line-up of speakers.

Looking forward to seeing you soon!

Agenda

8:15 - 9:00 a.m.: Registration, Complimentary Continental Breakfast, Coffee/Tea, Networking

9:00 - 9:15 a.m.: Welcome Remarks

• Gulnur Tumbat, Lam Family College of Business, SFSU

9:15 - 10:00 a.m.: VISAside Chat

• Maggie Shepard, Visa
• Katie Moazed, Visa
• Moderator: Amila Tiric, Visa

10:00 - 10:15 a.m.: Coffee/Tea Break & Networking

10:15 - 11:00 a.m.: Keynote Speaker

• Megan Schoettmer, PNC Bank

11:00 - 11:15 a.m.: Short Break - Stretch, Refresh, Hydrate

11:15 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.: Gratitude Chat

• Taylor Deaton, Birdeye
• Erica Jeffries, Gratitude Network

12:15 - 12:45 p.m.: Lunch Break

12:45 - 1:15 p.m.: Afternoon Address

• Rehana Abbas, San Francisco Foundation

1:15 - 1:45 p.m.: Open Invitation

• Nara Jeong, Lam Family College of Business, SFSU

1:45 - 2:00 p.m. : Closing Remarks

• Gulnur Tumbat, Lam Family College of Business, SFSU

Please note all ticket sales are final and no refunds will be issued.