Women investing in a better world

Women and Power alumnae organization


You invested in Harvard Kennedy School's Women and Power program. You gained insight from the faculty and guest speakers. And you gained guidance from your classmates. But the learning and growing doesn’t end there. You’re just getting started. Join online conversations and in-person reunions. You’ll find it to be a worthwhile investment in yourself, in your classmates, and in a better world. Each alumnae-led reunion continues to speak to the multidimensional issues faced by women in positions of power. Programs are intentionally crafted to start conversations, to allow attendees to question the status quo, and to provoke thoughtful exploration of our positions of power.

Registration is open for the next Women and Power Alumnae Summit. Scheduled for August 18-22, our 2026 Summit will be hosted by Cardiff University in Wales.

The theme: Authentic Leadership in a Changing World. The agenda: Lectures and learning; exploration and fun.

Register Now

Agenda at a glance

  • 18 August 2026

    Per tradition, we open the Summit with an evening welcome reception where attendees get to meet new alumnae and reconnect with old friends.

  • 19 August 2026

    Enjoy a full day of programming — keynote talks and panels — at Cardiff University followed by a Cardiff Bay boat ride to small group dinners.

  • 20 August 2026

    Our day starts with talks at Cardiff University followed by experiential learning in the community — including a vineyard. The days ends with an elegant dinner at nearby Cardiff Castle.

  • 21 August 2026

    At Cardiff University, expect more inspirational sessions and networking around the topic of authentic leadership. The day closes with a group dinner.

  • 22 August 2026

    In this closing half-day program, we’ll enjoy a couple of additional talks and we’ll have wrap-up discussions which end at lunchtime.

  • Before and after

    If you have extra time in Cardiff before or after the official program, we have a list of activity options you’ll want to consider. There’s something for everyone.

 Alumnae summit frequently asked questions

  • Alumnae of the Harvard Kennedy School Women and Power program and the 2021 virtual version of the class called Women Leading Change are eligible to attend the summits.

  • Alumnae are from the first HKS Women and Power program, the most recent class, and many classes in between. The conversations are enriched by the various perspectives — retired women leaning toward community engagement and senior-level professionals focused on career.

  • Programming and activities are limited to alumnae. However, if any alumna needs a helper in order to attend, arrangements can be made. Otherwise, travel companions will have to enjoy Cardiff on their own.

  • We start at 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, 18 August. And we adjourn around noon on Saturday, 22 August.

  • We’ll be spending most of our time at Cardiff University.

  • Early Bird Registration Fee is £669.00 per person, available until 15 July 2026. After Early Bird, the standard registration fee is £750.00 per person. Registration for all delegates closes on 3 August 2026.

  • This year’s registration includes a welcome reception; access to all sessions; lunches and day catering; two formal dinners in very exciting venues to be announced; a castle tour; a Welsh vineyard visit; and a boat ride to Cardiff Bay. Please note the registration fee does not include accommodation, therefore you must book and pay for this separately.

  • All UK visitors must apply for electronic visa (UK ETA). The process is quite straightforward, but please allow sufficient time to apply before you travel. Avoid websites that mimic official government sites. Start your journey here: https://www.gov.uk/eta

  • The registration fee does NOT include accommodation, and you must book and pay for this separately. Cardiff offers a wide range of local hotels available in the city centre, which is within walking distance to the conference venue. You can explore availability directly with the hotel of your choice.

  • Yes — all alumna attendees register and pay for the event. Even organizers and alumnae presenters pay the full fees.

  • Registration fees are set to cover the cost of the event.

  • From time to time, alumnae and/or sponsors have provided scholarships for attendance. This is one of those times. Send email to enquire: hwpalumnisummit@gmail.com

  • 2002 – Aspen, Colorado, USA

    2003 – Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA

    2004 – Washington, D.C., USA

    2005 – New York, New York, USA

    2006 – Los Angeles, California, USA

    2007 – Miami, Florida, USA

    2008 – New Orleans, Louisiana, USA

    2010 – Cairo, El Gouna & Luxor, Egypt

    2011 – Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA

    2012 –  Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA

    2013 – Chicago, Illinois, USA

    2015 –  Denver, Colorado, USA

    2016 – Brisbane & Sydney, Australia

    2019 – Newport, Rhode Island, USA

    2023 – Raleigh, North Carolina, USA

    2024 – Nairobi & Amboseli National Park, Kenya, Africa

    2025 – Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA

  • That is up to alumnae, as these events are self organized. If you have interest in hosting a summit in your part of the world, send email to hwpalumnisummit@gmail.com <hwpalumnisummit@gmail.com>

  • These events are planned and run by alumnae. There is a core group happy to share historical knowledge and best practices. Their availability to help will vary from person to person and event to event. But each summit needs a point person (ideally multiple people) who can manage logistic arrangements and get speaker commitments.

  • Only alumnae of the Harvard Kennedy School Women and Power program and the 2021 virtual version of the class called Women Leading Change are eligible to attend most aspects of most summits. Plus-ones are always welcome to travel with you, but their ability to participate in programming will depend upon the destination. If an upcoming summit lends itself to guest participation, details will be provided.

  • Yes! We love capturing our time together. Plan on at least one group photo and candid photos taken throughout the event. Expect that your image will be published on this website and on alumnae social media.

  • Business casual is recommended, for most summits. However, all are welcome to wear whatever they are most comfortable in. Consider this an opportunity to wear clothes that represent your personal brand.

  • We try to incorporate meals into the registration cost. But look at the agenda for meal specifics.

  • Some organizations sponsor summits year after year, either by providing services or making donations. Other organizations sponsor the summits that are local to their areas only. Support from donations and sponsorships can be very helpful. Interested in learning more? Send email to: hwpalumnisummit@gmail.com

  • We always do our best to accommodate any special. Please let the event planners know about any food-related restrictions or travel concerns you have. Email: hwpalumnisummit@gmail.com

  • We recognize that alumnae are curious and seek to make the most of their travels. Therefore we usually arrange pre- and post-event activities. And we always have recommendations for museums, libraries, university tours, parks, and more. See recommended activities here: https://www.eventsforce.net/cbs/frontend/reg/tOtherPage.csp?pageID=179100&ef_sel_menu=3269&eventID=728

  • Send email: hwpalumnisummit@gmail.com And be patient, please, as it is monitored by volunteers.

A message from our Wales-based alumnae

Dr. Paula Sanderson (left) is Chief Operating Officer and University Secretary at Cardiff University. Helen Lentle OBE is an Executive Coach, Independent Health Board Member; and now retired Director of Legal Services at Llywodraeth Cymru/Welsh Government. “We are working on a programme that reflects Welsh identity, independence, and strength — and takes you to some of the beautiful historic places and spaces that embody the Welsh spirit.”