MOST AWAITED

CONFERENCE

OF THE YEAR

ELEVATE | Redefining Women of Power

This Inaugural Conference marks 10 Years of Impact, elevation, and transformation. A decade of igniting women to lead, excel, and redefine power on their terms. Whether you are just stepping into your power or have been leading from the frontlines for years, ELEVATE is where you sharpen your edge, fortify your foundation, and walk away with a game plan for your next level.

July 18, 2025 | 7:00AM - 4:00PM

4:00 PM | "Party with a Purpose”

VEA Newport Beach, A Marriott Resort & Spa

900 Newport Center Drive

Newport Beach, CA 92660, USA

What is ELEVATE?

It’s a full-circle collision with your highest self. You’re not just attending, you’re STEPPING into POWER.

ELEVATE is a one-day, five-star leadership experience designed for those who lead hard, live big, and love deep, but need space to refocus, recharge, and reignite.

Born from a decade of impact through Leadership in Heels, this inaugural conference brings together powerful minds, bold voices, and change-agents across every industry.

Expect to experience:

  • Unfiltered conversations from dynamic leaders and experts.

  • Breakthrough strategies for life, leadership, and legacy

  • Space to breathe, connect, and align with your next level.

  • A community of elevation—where power isn’t just recognized, it’s honored.

ELEVATE is more than a conference. It’s the culmination of 10 years of service, transformation, and leadership through the nonprofit Leadership in Heels (LIH), a 501(c)(3) organization committed to developing high-performing leaders from every walk of life.

Here’s what the net proceeds of your ticket, sponsorship, or support helps power:


• Leadership training and scholarships for underserved women and emerging leaders
• Entrepreneurial and financial literacy programs
• Empowerment for survivors of abuse, human trafficking, and injustice
• Mental resilience workshops for youth and adults
• Holistic coaching and mentorship for leaders rebuilding their lives

Real Impact. Real People. Real Transformation. Over 10,000 lives reached. And we’re just getting started.

  • CHAMPAGNE BREAKFAST ON THE LAWN with trailblazing women and influential leaders from across the country for intentional networking, inspiration, and clarity.

  • Transformational Sessions that Shift lives. Every session is designed to meet you where you’re and take you where you’re destined to go.

  • Queens & Capital | Building Wealth, Power and Freedom without apology.

  • Hustle and Harmony | Breaking Up with Burnout and Falling in Love with Boundaries.

  • The Perfect Stride | Owning Your Voice in the Age of AI. AI isn’t replacing leadership it’s reshaping it.

  • THE SHIFT | Unmuted & Untamed: Reclaiming the Whole Woman. A panel of experts will guide a radical wellness conversation that will reclaim your mind, body, and spirit as leadership essentials, not afterthoughts.

  • THE UNSTOPPABLE WOMAN | Scharrell Jackson Unleashes her brand new Keynote. This is not inspiration. It’s a full-blown activation of the woman who refuses to shrink, settle, or stand still. Raw. Bold. Unfiltered. This keynote will shake foundations, shift mindsets, and call every woman to rise in power, own her presence, and build a legacy that cannot be erased. History doesn’t remember the silent. It remembers the Unstoppable.

  • The Victoria Collins Woman of Impact Awards: Power & Profit, Heart & Hustle, Love & Legacy.

  • Party with a Purpose | Where Purpose Meets Celebration!

    After the fire of the day…. we dance. This exclusive ELEVATE afterparty is where mission meets music, connection meets cause , and celebration is elevated. 100% of Party with a Purpose sponsorship proceeds supports LIH’s leadership programs and scholarship funds.

What to expect on the day?

THIS WILL SELL OUT ⎼ BRING A GUEST

Inaugural Victoria Collins

Women of Impact Awards

She doesn’t just show up, she SHIFTS rooms

The Woman of Impact Awards honors extraordinary women who are redefining power in leadership, service, business, advocacy, and community. Nominate the woman who leads with strength, walks with vision, and inspires legacy.

Nomination Deadline: All nominations must be submitted by June 15, 2025 at midnight Pacific Time. Nomination form must be submitted by the deadline.

Selection Announcement: Award recipients will be honored at ELEVATE | Redefining Women of Power on July 18, 2025 at VEA Newport Beach. Nominees must be present to win and receive the award.

Award Categories:

POWER & PROFIT: Impact Through Business

Celebrating a woman who has redefined leadership, shattered ceilings, and created extraordinary impact through business and entrepreneurship.

HEART & HUSTLE: Impact through Community

Recognizing a woman whose devotion to service has ignited change, uplifted communities, and left an undeniable mark on the lives of others.

LOVE & LEGACY: Impact through Family

Honoring a woman who has selflessly shaped lives, nurtured futures, and created a lasting legacy through the power of love, influence, and family.

Every name submitted is more than a candidate—it’s a reflection of the impact we believe in, the leadership we celebrate, and the future we’re building through Leadership in Heels. We are deeply grateful for your voice in this process. Thank you for helping us honor the women who are changing the world—one bold step at a time.


Become an ELEVATE Sponsor

Promote your company's name, obtain valuable market exposure through multiple media platforms, and gain powerful insight on how to grow as a leader.

Annual Sponsor

Thank you to our Platinum Sponsor, Niagra Care

Nonprofits We support

Girls Inc., Human Options, Big Brothers Big Sisters, United Way, NAWBO, Hope International, Thurgood Marshall Bar Association

WE SOLD OUT IN MARCH 2025

Celebrate | We are Women’s HIstory

We Are Women’s History.

This is your time to pause, stand tall in your accomplishments, and celebrate the legacy you are creating. CELEBRATE | We Are Women’s History will light a fire within you, empowering you to embrace your power, elevate others, and rise higher than ever before. You’ve made history, and together, we’ll create a future that honors every woman’s journey. Your impact is undeniable. Your legacy is unstoppable.

Join us March 14, 2025 at 11:00 am sharp. Get Your Tickets

Sincerely, Scharrell

International Keynote Speaker & Leadership Coach

AUTHENTIC • INTIMATE • POWERFUL

EVENT HIGHLIGHTS

10 Years of Impact

2025

CELEBRATE: We are

Women’s History

We Are Women’s History is a bold recognition of the legacy leader you are. It’s a call to lead with the legacy you want to leave, live the experience you want to remember, and shape the story you want others to tell.

2024

The Power of Decision

The power of decision-making is the key to bridging the gap between where you are and where you want to be. By facing your fears, taking action, and leading with respect and consistency, you can transform your leadership and your life. "The risk of a wrong decision is preferable to the terror of indecision." — Maimonides

2023

High Performing Leader

The Impact on the Bottom Line

In today's dynamic business world, being a high-performing leader isn't just an advantage; it's an absolute necessity. An exclusive journey into the profound impact of effective leadership on your organization's bottom line.

Effective Leadership:

What Keeps You Up At Night

Lead with confidence and purpose. By confronting the concerns that keep you up at night, you'll be better equipped to tackle the challenges that lie ahead and guide your organization to greater success.

2022

The Leadership Culture

Putting People First Because People Matter

An impactful conversation at our virtual event, Leadership Culture | Putting People First Because People Matter, about selfless leadership that positively influences culture, performance, and profit.

2021

2019

The Courage to Lead 

The Time is Now

Samantha Dunn and Scharrell Jackson in an intimate and authentic conversation about Courageous Leadership. During this powerful interview, Scharrell will expose the highs and lows of what it takes to become a courageous leader.

Bold Leadership

Going Where Others Are Afraid To Go

How Bold Leaders blaze the trail as a result of change and specifically discuss how to chart the path and go where others are afraid to go as a result of COVID-19 and Black Lives Matter.

2020

2018

Breaking the Glass Ceiling

What Happens When the Heels Get Too High

This event delves into the challenges women face in corporate environments, particularly the metaphorical 'glass ceiling' that hinders their advancement into leadership roles.

2017

Leadership is Not a Dress Rehearsal | The Show Starts Now!

Founder and CEO of Leadership in Heels, Scharrell Jackson likes to surround herself with superheroes. These are exceptional people who do exceptional things. Scharrell regularly speaks on leadership topics with a motivational, impactful and authentic style. So be prepared to be inspired and gain tangible tools for your Leadership toolbox on asking for what you want, addressing the gender gap and work life balance.

He Said She Said , The Living Room Experience | Part 2

An intimate conversation with dynamic men who are willing to share their vulnerable secrets about how to better communicate with women. This gives you more time to network and ask your burning questions. Come prepared to learn how to become a better communicator with the opposite sex at home, work and in your community. As men & women we are truly better together.

He Said She Said, Bridging the Communication Gap from a Man's Point of View!  | Part 1

He Said, She Said is the first all - male panel and Man in Business . If you are like me, then one of your top goals to improve communication at home and at work is specifically, communication between men and women. Let’s get to the root of the communication gap and unveil the secret to how to improve gender communication.

TESTIMONIALS

  • I absolutely loved Leadership in Heels this week! You should honestly be a famous television talk show host because your message is so impactful, and I love your style! You are a change maker and your voice needs to be elevated. I actually got teary eyed when you were describing your outspoken demeanor and you said, “why can’t I just be me!”? The information that your panelists shared was so insightful. It’s not OK to simply have empathy for the racism and the struggles of the African American community. All of us, regardless of the color of our skin, need to feel the urgency, lean in, and come up with an action plan. As a Jewish woman in Orange County, I have experienced antisemitism when others did not know I was Jewish. However I realize the severity of racism in our society doesn’t compare. What saddens me the most is that our society is not all united in this call for action. The hatred, ignorance, and lack of empathy that continues to be exposed in our communities makes my heart ache. I had so many favorite parts of Leadership in Heels, but I think my absolute favorite was watching your face beam on steroids when you talk about your sons. They are so lucky to have you as their mom and their role model. It was a privilege to listen to your program. I already signed up for September and I can’t wait to continue this conversation and find out how we can all be change makers. I already talked to Sloane about including more diversity in our BBBS video. Thank you for helping to make the world a better place! Have a wonderful weekend!

    Laurie Peterson, CPA Vice President of Finance, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Orange County & The Inland Empire

  • Thank you again for allowing me to be a part of the Leadership in Heels panel, yesterday. It was such an honor to be on a panel with such amazing company. You, Vicki and Patty are all remarkable humans. On a personal note, I am so truly excited about the opportunity to work with you in our efforts together at the Pacific Symphony. This experience was such a gift, as it allowed me to get to better know you and to learn from you. I am so struck by your intelligence, self-awareness and strength. The past few weeks of our preparation have made me even more grateful to know that we will have the chance to continue to work together, Scharrell. I know there are many more conversations to be had between us and I can’t wait to continue to learn from and with you. I send you my deep admiration and appreciation for ALL that you are.

    Jessica Schmidt, Principal Consultant at Orchestrate Inclusion