USC Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism
3630 Watt Way
Los Angeles, CA

Lead On! 2025 Women in communication leadership conference.png

October 16–17, 2025

About

CONNECT. ACHIEVE. LEAD.

Lead On! 2025 is our 5th annual Women in Communication leadership conference.

Ready to take your career to new heights? Join us October 16-17 as the USC Annenberg Center for Public Relations presents our fifth Lead On! Women in Leadership Forum.

Designed by and for women, this career-defining summit equips future public relations and communications leaders with real-world skills, insights and practical tools for success.

World-class speakers, interactive workshops, and valuable networking sessions will enhance leadership and communication skills, hone negotiation strategies, and build confidence.

Featured guest speakers at Lead On! V:

Tobin Heath and Christen Press, co-founders, RE-Inc; US Women's National Team stars & FIFA World Cup Champions
Shelley Zalis, CEO, The Female Quotient
Samara Bay, author, Permission to Speak

And learn from fellow communication experts and C-suite leaders who have forged their own paths and laid the groundwork for the next generation of women leaders.

With only 40 participants, Lead On! offers a uniquely intimate setting for learning, networking, and mentorship designed to help future women leaders find their voices ... and use them to lead.

Registration includes meals, snack and beverage service throughout the conference. Discounted hotel accommodations are available at the USC Hotel. Contact usccpr@usc.edu for codes and additional information.

Learn from USC Annenberg faculty, fellow communication experts and C-suite leaders who have forged their own paths and laid the groundwork for the next generation of women leaders.

Faculty presenters and Center for Public Relations speakers currently scheduled include:

Willow Bay, dean, USC Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism
Bonnie McCracken, Senior Director of Innovation Communications, Microsoft
Barby K. Siegel, Global CEO, Zeno Group
Catherine Frymark, EVP and Chief Corporate Communications Officer, Mattel
Cristal Downing, EVP, Merck
Kirstin Eggers, professor, USC School of Dramatic Arts
Kristina Schake, chief communications officer, The Walt Disney Company
Melanie Cherry, associate director, PR and Advertising Studies, USC Annenberg
Melissa Robinson, adjunct professor, USC Annenberg; Vice President, Marketing and Communications, Boingo
Paige Adams-Gellar, Director of @PAIGE
Tina Vennegaard, academic program director, USC Annenberg
Fred Cook, director, USC Center for Public Relations
And other senior PR leaders from corporations and agencies

WHAT PEOPLE SAY

“This is one of the best women’s events I’ve been to. I found nearly every session highly valuable and I hope to be back next year. Plus, love the small size-feel. I made great connections.”