California Women Lead Conference
The California Women Lead Conference is a statewide leadership gathering organized by California Women Lead, a nonpartisan organization focused on strengthening women’s leadership in California’s public and private sectors. The conference brings together women in policy, politics, business, government, and nonprofits for professional development, networking, and discussion of leadership and representation.
2027 conference
The next conference is scheduled for March 8, 2027—International Women’s Day—from 8:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. at the Kimpton Sawyer Hotel in Sacramento. Organizers describe it as a full day of learning, connection, and inspiration; as of November 2026, the detailed agenda, speakers, and registration information have not yet been announced.
What happens at the conference
Programming traditionally combines leadership development, policy and business discussions, career guidance, and networking with prominent women leaders. California Women Lead says its conference features leaders from California policy, politics, and business, with perspectives from the public, private, and nonprofit sectors; the 2022 “LEVEL UP” conference, for example, drew hundreds of women and included sessions on leadership, careers, networking, and women’s economic equity.
Why it stands out
The conference is closely tied to California Women Lead’s broader mission of preparing women for elected, appointed, professional, and civic leadership rather than being solely a general business conference. The organization traces its roots to 1974, remains nonpartisan, and emphasizes training, education, networking, and pathways into boards, commissions, government, and other leadership positions.
Broader community
The conference sits within a year-round network that also offers appointments training, webinars, Coffee Conversations, and networking receptions. That makes the event particularly relevant to women interested in California government and public policy, board or commission service, elected office, nonprofit leadership, or building connections across California’s public and private sectors.