Be part of the IMPACT! JOIN US

 This Is Your Moment to Make an IMPACT!

What is Generation W
For the past 15 years, Generation W has brought people together to spark meaningful conversation, elevate diverse voices, and strengthen community through leadership and connection. What began as an idea has grown into a nationally recognized experience rooted in curiosity, purpose, and the belief that when people come together with intention, real change happens. Generation W is not about a single moment. It is about ideas that stay with you and connections that continue long after the day ends.
Celebrating 15 Years of Generation W
This year marks the 15th anniversary of Generation W. For 15 years, we have created space for conversations that matter, relationships that make a difference, and experiences that move people forward. This milestone year is both a celebration of how far we have come and a moment to look ahead to what is next. As Generation W continues to grow, our focus remains the same. Bringing people together to learn from one another, build community, and lead with purpose.
Why This Year’s Theme Is IMPACT
IMPACT is about turning ideas into action. It is about leadership that reaches beyond titles, connection that goes deeper than networking, and conversations that lead to meaningful change, personally, professionally, and within our communities.
Generation W IMPACT is a one day experience designed to inspire, connect, and create momentum. Attendees leave with new perspectives, stronger relationships, and a renewed sense of what is possible.
IMPACT reflects the heart of Generation W and the work we have been doing for 15 years. Bringing people together to learn, connect, and make a difference.
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Featured Speakers

Agenda

7:00 AM
7:00 AM
Registration / Pre-Show Party
Make an IMPACT - Please bring a food donation for the UNF'S Lend-A-Wing Pantry, a gently used t-shirt donation for Rethreaded, and/or magazines for our Generation Wow Vision Board Party.
8:30 AM
8:30 AM
Doors Open
Tina Wilson | Creative Director, GenerationW
Donna Orender | Founder & CEO, GenerationW; Commissioner, The UPSHOT League
9:05 AM
9:05 AM
Dr. Olenda Johnson
Professor, U.S Naval War College
9:35 AM
9:35 AM
Impact Panel
Patti McElroy | President, Vystar Foundation; Senior Vice President, Vystar Credit Union
Mari Kuraishi | President, Jessie Ball duPont Fund
Patrick J. Geraghty | Former President & CEO, Guidewell Mutual Holdings
Aida Seeraj | Founder & CEO, Inspire to Rise
Karen Feagins | VP, Client & Community Relations Director, PNC North Florida
10:30 AM
10:30 AM
Networking Connection Break
11:00 AM
11:00 AM
AI Panel
Dr. Betty Mbom | Vice President of Strategic Partnerships, Paradigm
Izu Emeagwali | Managing Director & Associate General Counsel, JPMorgan Chase & Co.
Dr. Elizabeth Adams | CEO & Advisor, EMA Advisory
Diya Winn | Principal, Responsible AI, Public Policy, Amazon Web Services
11:40 AM
11:40 AM
Keia Clarke
CEO, New York Liberty
12:00 PM
12:00 PM
Nazanin Afshin-Jam Mackay
Human Rights & Democracy Advocate
12:45 PM
12:45 PM
Workshops
Unlock Your 2026, From Overwhelmed to Unstoppable
with Parul Patel, Managing Partner & CEO, Avesa Partners and IvyTek
Telling the Truth in a Post-Truth World
with Anna Dougan, Senior Client Officer, IPSOS
Dance is Medicine - From Burnout to Alignment
with Blakely Stein, Movement Dance Facilitator, Holistic Intuitive Coach
2:15 PM
2:15 PM
Musical Performance
Adelya Nartadjieva | Concert Master, Jacksonville Symphony
2:30 PM
2:30 PM
Women’s Health and Longevity
Dr. Laurie Marbas
3:00 PM
3:00 PM
The Impact of WOW
3:15 PM
3:15 PM
Donna Deegan
Mayor, City of Jacksonville
3:45 PM
3:45 PM
Connection Reception

Additional Information

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Where Women-Owned Brands Take the Stage

LauncHER is Generation W’s platform for elevating emerging, women-owned businesses and introducing them to a powerful, engaged audience.
Selected LauncHER brands will:
• Showcase their business on-site at IMPACT
• Connect directly with thousands of attendees
• Receive organic social media promotion before and after the event
• Gain visibility alongside national leaders, changemakers, and decision-makers
LauncHER is designed to spotlight bold ideas, early-stage innovation, and the women building what’s next. This is more than a vendor experience — it’s a launch moment.
Space is limited. Sign up today.
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We Are Thankful

Generation W IMPACT is made possible through the support of partners who believe in leadership, community, and the power of connection. These organizations share our commitment to creating meaningful experiences and investing in ideas that move people and communities forward.

Foundation Partners

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Inspirer Partners

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Believer Partners

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Generation W in the Spotlight

First Coast Living

New4Jax

River City Live

Agenda:

  • Registration, Coffee and Conversations: 7-8am
  • Welcome and Special Performance: 8-8:30am
  • Morning Sessions: 8:30am-12pm
  • Lunch, Conversations, and Workshops: 12-2pm
  • Afternoon Sessions: 2-3:30pm
  • Connection Reception: 3:30pm

Parking

Parking for the event is available in Lots 1 and 2, (both located by the Fine Arts Center Garage), as well as the Fine Arts Center Garage itself.

Guests will NOT need to enter an event code to park within these lots. If guests choose to park in different lots, they will need to pay for parking.

Hosted With 

UNF

Address: 1 UNF Dr., Jacksonville, FL 32224

Join the Generation W: EXPLORE Volunteer Team

Generation W: EXPLORE is just around the corner and we would love for you to be part of it! Our event would not be possible without community members like YOU leading our volunteer force!

Whether you can join us for a few hours or the whole day on March 28th, your time and participation will make all the difference. By joining the W Volunteer Team, you will help set the tone for the inspiration and connections for this year’s event.

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