Las Vegas Hosts Women of Power Summit, Uniting Black Women Leaders

In a powerful testament to ambition and community strength, thousands of Black women leaders from the United States and beyond are gathering in Las Vegas this week for the 20th annual Black Enterprise Women of Power Summit. This event is one of the most significant gatherings of Black women in leadership, business, and culture.

Now in its third decade, the Summit takes place from March 11 to 15 at the iconic Bellagio Hotel & Casino. It has evolved far beyond a typical professional conference. It started in 2006. However, it has become a defining moment for Black women to uplift each other, build strategic partnerships, and create a shared vision for their industries. The submit serves as a place for black women to connect and develop their careers.

A Legacy of Power, Purpose, and Progress

“Here we have women who are incredibly accomplished, who are well compensated, and we want to make sure that, you know.” Alisa Gumbs says. She is the Vice President and Deputy Chief Content Officer at BLACK ENTERPRISE, the event’s host. “We’re speaking to the whole person, and that you know we’re tending to their financial health, their physical health, as well as their mental and emotional health.”

With over 2,000 attendees, including executives, founders, creatives, technologists, and rising leaders, the 2026 Summit celebrates past achievements and drives future change. Its packed agenda includes workshops on artificial intelligence, board readiness, and career growth, along with wellness sessions that promote mind-body balance and group discussions on global opportunities.

Honoring Trailblazers, Inspiring New Generations

This year’s Summit honors leaders whose work has redefined excellence across various fields. Among the Legacy Award honorees is Emmy-winning actress and Honorary Oscar recipient Angela Bassett. Many at the Summit view her as a symbol of Black women’s strength in the arts and culture. She is joined by finance expert Carla Harris, corporate board veteran Shellye Archambeau, educator and leader Rosalind “Roz” Brewer, and board director Benaree “Bennie” Pratt Wiley.

Alongside the Legacy honorees, recipients of the Luminary Awards, including attorney and strategist Angela Rye, sports executive Shelly Cayette-West, and visionary Jotaka Eaddy, represent the new generation of Black women reshaping business, sports, and civic life.

Sessions Designed for Real Impact

From “Passport to Power,” a panel on building global careers, to “AI Practical Playbook: Build Your Roadmap to Impact,” the Summit’s programs emphasize one main theme: equipping Black women with tools for real success in a fast-changing world. Workshops on strategic rest and wellness show a growing recognition of leadership that values personal well-being as much as professional success.

Participants describe an atmosphere that is electric, reflective, and generous. It’s a place where shared stories of struggle become blueprints for collective progress. “We always say that the woman sitting next to you in this seat probably has as much to offer you as the woman on the stage,” reflecting the Summit’s spirit of mutual empowerment.

A Moment in Time and Beyond

As ongoing discussions about workplace equity and representation continue, the Summit comes at a crucial time. Both participants and speakers highlight that while personal success is important, community-focused leadership is what truly transforms corporate and cultural norms.

As the Summit enters its fourth decade, its legacy and mission are clear. This is to bring together, equip, and uplift Black women across industries so they can shape not only their own futures but also the future of leadership as a whole.